Who decides who is a christian and who isn't?

Answer 1

Who does? Most other christians
Who should? God

Answer 2

i can answer they all are real christians if they say they are christian.

Real Christians

One of the most frustrating aspects of conversing with Christians has to do with the definition of the term Christian itself. It's easy for anyone to point the finger at the history of Christianity and show its atrocities…the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Nazis… But it is equally easy for someone else to say, "They weren't True Christians."

Now just what do you say to that? (If you're smart, you say nothing and walk away. But I'm not always smart.)

It seems that every Christian has their own definition of what it means to be a Christian. Silly me, I always thought a Christian was one who worshipped Jesus Christ as his/her savior. But to listen to some people, there's far more to it than that. Now, they can't come to an agreement on what those things might be, but they all insist that anyone who doesn't fit their special little definition isn't a Christian. The bible itself isn't clear on the subject, either. But then, the bible is full of contradictory passages, so this should be no surprise.

Some examples of the modern Christian's perspectives... I know of no Christian who accepts that Hitler and the Nazis could possibly have been Christian, despite Hitler's many speeches and writings, despite his words to friends, and despite the vocal beliefs of many of his followers. Similarly, groups like the KKK "aren't Christian," either, even though they constantly refer to Jesus. Catholics? No, they're not True Christians, according to many Protestants. And vice versa.

I've been told that the behaviors of some "supposed" Christians aren't in keeping with the Scriptures, which teach forgiveness, love, and kindness, blah blah blah…

Well, the thing is, some biblical writings do teach such behavior. However, the "good book" is also full of actual examples of the opposite, and from "godly" men, too. Overall, it's a situation of "do as I say, not as I do." And we all know how well that works.

If one were to approach someone described as not being a "real" Christian, they'd insist that they are as "real" as they come. And in their minds, they probably are. So what point is really made by saying they aren't? It's simply a way to dismiss them, to write them off as being pretenders. But that doesn't change the fact that they are, whether one likes it or not, a representative of their professed beliefs. They may not be representative of the best aspects of said belief, but few people are, no matter the beliefs.

To my way of thinking, if you call yourself a Christian, and believe yourself to be a Christian, then it doesn't matter a bit if others think you're Christian or not. It's just a situation of some Christians not wanting to accept that Christians can be scum, just like anyone else.

Answer 3

It depends on what you mean by Christian. There is an historic Christian Church founded by the Apostles and continues to this day. People are either within the Church of Christ, or they are not. Many may claim to be Christians, but do not behave as such. As St. John the Theologian wrote in his Epistle: 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Answer 4

YOU decide. If you think you're following Christian principles and you think that it's the right way to live, you're a Christian. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Who are THEY to judge??

Answer 5

We all decide for ourselves. To be a Christian you have to believe that Jesus is God's Son, He died for our sins and rose again. Anyone who believes that is a Christian. It is then there choice what denomination (or non-denominational) church they choose. I think a personal relationship is more important that corporate prayer but it is good to be grounded in a church also.

Answer 6

Christian:

n.

1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.


It's pretty simple.

Answer 7

The person who is or isnt a christian and what they beleive them selves to be in addition to random bits of nonsense

Answer 8

Jesus Christ. Anyone who has FAITH that he is Lord and Saviour. People only see on the surface, Christ can see what's in your heart, so he's the only one who decides who is truly Christian.

Answer 9

Fundamentalists

Answer 10

that's actually a good question. God decides. Read John 3:16 and if u wanna talk more email me

Answer 11

True Christianity is in the eye of the beholder.