What is a Christian?

[Agnostic75]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

 

[blackout]

There is no biblical "perspective".

There are only the (varied) perspectives of people
'using' the bible.
(for whatever purpose/s)

 

[tarasan]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

No not at all infact love Christian fathers like origien and Augustine, wouldnt have, Like Ultraviolet says the bibles primary design is to show Gods relationship to man and how he gave the ability to come back to relationship with him, for the more part the rest is open to discussion.

 

[blackout]

No not at all infact love Christian fathers like origien and Augustine, wouldnt have, Like Ultraviolet says the bibles primary design is to show Gods relationship to man and how he gave the ability to come back to relationship with him, for the more part the rest is open to discussion.

I'm pretty sure that's not what I said.

nope.
It isn't.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

From a Biblical perspective? Nope. The Bible says to "rightly divide" it.

 

[dogsgod]

Christians are people that want to play a role in the big story.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

Depends on your biblical perspective. Many have the biblical perspective you describe. For them, it is necessary to believe those things in order to be a Christian.

 

[tarasan]

I'm pretty sure that's not what I said.

nope.
It isn't.

shakes head i fail......

 

[Perfect Circle]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

I don't know what a biblical perspective would be... considering there are so many perspectives on what a biblical perspective is...

 

[AxisMundi]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

IMHO...

There are over a thousand different Christian sects and denominations in North America alone, some with subtle differences in dogma and doctrine, other differences that are quite gross. Somtimes these major differences can be found among differing churches within the same denomination.

Therefore, the only possible definition of a Christian is one who believes in and actively worships Jesus Christ.

 

[Green Kepi]

From a biblical perspective, does a Christian have to believe that a global flood occurred, that the earth is young, that theistic evolution is false, and that homosexuality is a sin?

One who follows the Steps in Jesus' Plan of Salvation as outlined in the New Testament...then follows the Law of Christ (which is the love He outlines) and His principles. All that other stuff, one can still be a Christian and have differences of opinions. That's what makes one a Christian....

 

[swillia9]

Plain and simple, a Christian is one who has realized their need for God's forgiveness of sin and has asked Christ to come into their life and be Lord. This is very simple and involves confession of ones sinful nature and the need for forgiveness, asking for that forgiveness, and changing from a lifestyle which you are currently living to one that is based on the Bible and the teachings of Christ. A Christian life has no room for the desires of our flesh, our way of doing or seeing things, a demands a Holy, set-apart life that is repentant and growing in the likeness of Christ.

 

[Boethiah]

I would define a Christian as someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christs and worships Him and draws from the Bible for supplemental teachings. One doesn't have to believe in all of the wild stories to believe that Christ was a manifestation of God that had a truly powerful message.

 

[fallingblood]

I have to say that it is actually quite hard to define a Christian. There are so many different sects that I think the only definition that can really follow is one who believes in Jesus Christ and follows his supposed message as defined by their personal opinions or beliefs.

 

[swillia9]

The more literal definition of the actual word "Christian" means "Christ-follower" and carries the meaning of one who follows the teachings of Christ as He instructs.

 

[fallingblood]

The more literal definition of the actual word "Christian" means "Christ-follower" and carries the meaning of one who follows the teachings of Christ as He instructs.

And what does that entail? A personal interpretation of what Jesus supposedly meant.

 

[Boethiah]

And what does that entail? A personal interpretation of what Jesus supposedly meant.

I suppose that the word is so diverse that the basic definition would be the only valid one.

Also, not only does a Christian follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, he or she must also worship Jesus/God and declare that Jesus is their lord and savior. A "Christ-Follower" is ambiguous enough to mean anyone who thinks Jesus was spot on and tries to live their life by him is a Christian, which isn't necessarily true. Maybe a Christian philosophically, but not theistically.

 

[swillia9]

Not a personal interpretation, no. There actually exist a very strict set of guidelines and required reading for interpreting scripture.

 

[Boethiah]

Not a personal interpretation, no. There actually exist a very strict set of guidelines and required reading for interpreting scripture.

Who sets these guidelines and required reading?

 

[McBell]

Not a personal interpretation, no. There actually exist a very strict set of guidelines and required reading for interpreting scripture.

Please give a non-personal interpretation and the source of said interpretation.