What is the standard for whether or not you call yourself a Christian?

Question

It seems like even within those who call themselves Christian there is a huge difference in doctrines and beliefs. I think that it is very confusing to those who ask questions when we all say "I am a Christian" and yet there is so many different theological things we hold to. Even right down to is Jesus the only way or not?

I am not trying to start a flaming/bashing session, I am just curious at to what is your definition of what a Christian is.

If you only want to insult Christians, please save it for another post, becuase I am not trying to put anyone down, just trying to understand.

Answer 1

A Christian is basically someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and believes that he is the son of God and died for the sins of the world. If you are a Christian then Jesus is the way. If you do not accept Christ as Lord than you are following a doctrine different from Christianity. That's kinda of the bare bones idea.

Personally I view Christianity as love. Plain and simple. Even if I don't understand a person's reasoning or motivation, I still try to love them. I believe that we are all in this together. I'm a Christian and I'm definitely not perfect so I cannot expect anyone else to be. I am capable of sin but I regret those things and try to repent.
God hates sin but he loves sinners. Christians should do the same. I try not to be judgemental of others or jump to conclusions about people. When I became a Christian I made a promise to God that he would judge be kindly for my past then I would judge others kindly for the rest of my life. I stand by that, I live by that. And that is why I call myself a Christian.

Answer 2

A Christian is someone striving to be Christ-like... as he is portrayed in the Bible. That is what a Christian is to me. Now I am a Christian... but my beliefs are Non-Denominational, Trinitarian, Pentecostal. I know it's a mouthfull... but you were right when you said that there are a lot of Christians out there.. or people that call themselves Christians.. but just being a Christian isn't all of what most believe... there are other things under Christianity.. Baptist, Protestant, Catholics etc...
Anybody can call themselves a Christian.. But I think, for me, in order to be a true Christian you have to strive to be Christ-like... in all it's fulness and meaning. If you don't... you aren't a Christian... you are RELIGIOUS... Which is all about going through the motions..

Anyone who says that this isn't the true definition is guaranteed an Athiest or Christian basher...

You'll see.... just wait for the other responses...

Answer 3

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 4

Many who call themselves Christians are actually just bigots. They give the rest of us a bad name. I no longer refer to my self as a Christian. I simply say I am a follower of Jesus. Many of those who call themselves Christians seem to do the exact opposite of what Jesus asked us to do. Maybe that is what they mean when they talk about the antichrist.

Answer 5

I'm Christian and and i believe that a christian is basically someone who believes in God and that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died for our sins. There may be different versions to the specifics, but thats the main point. I also believe to be Christian is to be kind to thy neighbor and all that stuff, like being forgiving and understanding, much like Jesus was.

Answer 6

According to the Bible, a true Christian is one who lives by God's word, applying it in their everyday lives, their beliefs are all in harmony with the Bbile. Once one knows what the will of God is and have read the Bible all Christian qualities will fall into place because you know whatthe truth is.

Answer 7

A Christian is one who has accepted salvation through Christ's sacrifice for us. Nothing more, nothing less. How you worship, what music you sing, what day you worship on, what denomination you claim to be, going to confession, none of that counts. It relies entirely upon whether or not you have accepted that you cannot ever be perfect no matter how hard you try and have accepted Christ's perfect sacrifice for you.

Answer 8

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Confess it, and model you life by his teaching. Truly easier than many might think. It has nothing to do with judging others or being perfect. It has everything to do with the relationship, with faith.

Being able to believe in something not seen and trust in it.

Answer 9

If you define it by the book which created the word "Christian" it is one who believes Jesus Christ is the savior of mankind, accepted as such on an individual basis.

The rest is just details.

Answer 10

There are literally tens of thousands of unique Christian cults, not counting the individual cults.

It is quite obvious that "Christian" is whatever a person claims it to be. There is no official body that licenses people to be Christians. They are self appointed.