What actually defines a "Christian"?

Question

It seems like a "Christian" basically is considered to be one who Loves Christ, accepts Him as their Savior, lives for Him, and lives by their own or their pastors interpretation of the Bible, which means a Christain can be a member of any (of course Christian) church...what have I missed?
I am not bashing anyone, I just want to know.

Answer 1

A Christian is one whose spirit has been quickened by the Spirit (born again, circumcision of the heart, etc.). They can have various beliefs on peripheral issues, but if they have the Spirit in them then yes, they will love Christ, accept Him as their savior, live for Him and live by their own interpretation of the Bible. So you are correct to say a Christian can be a member of a whole plethora of churches.

Answer 2

You kind of missed that the message Jesus brought wasn't really all that complex. There isn't much in the interpretation. His parables could be interpreted, but He often broke it down in simpler form. If thousands of people "interpret" the basic message in an almost identical way, how can you say we're living by someone else's interpretation? Like anything, we each have the ability to take in other's opinons and then do research on our own. It's easy to think that Christians are all dumb as rocks, but there's tons of proof to the contrary.

Try reading one of the gospels yourself. See what your own interpretations are. You won't regret it.

Answer 3

Christians take on the name of Jesus Christ. Every Christian believes that Jesus Christ is part of the Divine. The visible Divine Human is of course not all of the Divine because God is infinite. Nobody can see God an live (because God is infinite) but they can see God in the Divine Human form.

Answer 4

I agree with you, people get confused. I read one answer were a person said he was a Christian first, First Baptist second...and they are the same thing. All the Christian denominations differ with certain beliefs, but I think if you believe in Jesus, you are a Christian regardless of the small details.

Answer 5

Dear Pinkadot1:

A Christian is a Messenger. From the Greek word, Christos, Messenger (basically).

The message need not be given verbally. It can be simple demonstration. You demonstrate in all things what you believe by your actions. A good Christian works toward becoming CONSISTENT in their thoughts, words and actions. Each being consistent with the other! You words follow your thoughts and your actions follow your words - perfectly. They don't conflict.

Interpretations by our pastors and ministers is not the only route to learning. I recommend using church for Fellowship, but learning directly from Jesus and the Holy Spirit as you read the material of your own choosing. Let them sit with you - through your invitation. Ask Them questions and listen to Their answers. This is available to each one of us.

"A messenger is not the one who writes the message he delivers. It is enough that he accepts. . .[the message he is given], give it to the ones for whom it is intended, and fulfill his role in its delivery. If he determines what the messages should be. . .[interpretation], or what their purpose is, or where they should be carried, he is failing to perform his proper part as bringer of the Word."

"He . . .[The Holy Spirit] needs our voice that He may speak through us. He needs our hands to hold His messages and carry them to those whom He appoints. . . .He needs our Will united with His Own."

The church or community or group you select for Fellowship matters not - in your role as a Messenger. People of Eastern religious teachings are messengers, and as vital in this role as is anyone else.

The message should never contain hate or violence, or it is a false message.

Answer 6

that is basically it. just someone who believes in Christ thats why that word is in CHRISTian. like an American (has ian) but Christian. We follow Christ and are part of his people. We have accepted to him and believe in him. You have got the right idea!!! If you ever want to talk, feel free to e-mail me!!! God bless you!

Answer 7

Following Jesus.
Putting Him first, or trying to. Living the way He led in the Bible. Putting others first, loving God.

Answer 8

A Christian is someone who follows Christ's example.

One who has been forgiven of their sin, repented, and turned their life and will over to Him.

Answer 9

A Christian is a Believer not a Thinker.

Answer 10

Just logged on and saw your question
I think a Christian is anyone who subscribes to a culture of love and that being guided by love is the same as being guided by Jesus Christ and accepting him as your Savior.
But I also firmly believe in the usefulness of the sacraments and of the sacramental church - I'm a Roma Catholic, myself.
However I don't get too freaked out about Rome and think people need to bear in mind that the Church itself is historical and largely fallible in terms of the mystery of love....because it is a mystery afterall, that keeps catching us on the hop, just after the last time we've told it to feck-off.
Christ once said that 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath' (Mark 2:27). I'd apply that today to mean 'Religion was made for man, not man for religion'. That is: it's an aid, a guide, a helping hand, but if it becomes a stick to beat each other up with forget it - that's man's thought not God's.
Our focus today shouldn't be on converting each other it should be on understanding each other and growing in love under the light of the manifold revelation of God.
If I could close the gap between the Abrahamic faiths by two degrees I'd be very happy, far happier than if I converted one million Muslims and one million Jews. Although strangely I don't think being a Jew or a Muslim means you can't also accept the risen Christ as your Savior (correct me if I'm wrong).
Personally I'm strongly convinced that Jesus Christ needs to be translated culturally as in the Hindu tradition and just appreciated for his sublime characteristics; the attributes which St. Paul went on and on about. Muslims do this so well in terms of the qualities of the Prophet Mohammad but Christians just think ‘Hey what the hell I’m a Christian I get to go to Heaven anyway’….methinks not.

Two question Re. the Risen Jesus:
Question 1: Who did St. Paul meet, that effected him so much, if not the Risen Jesus? (.he was hardly just looking for a new gig)
Question 2: Who - if not the Risen Jesus - convinced St. Peter, a coward in the first instance, to face death on the cross himself when it came to his turn?

(Which reminds me my favorite scene in the Gospel is Jesus Christ forgiving St. Peter by offering him an opportunity to affirm his love three times in place of his three denials. He literally asks him three times, ‘…do you love me’, and Peter replies ever more desperately ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you’; and to each reply comes the answers, ‘Feed my lambs…Tend my sheep…Follow me’ (John 21:15-19).
And of course he did, for the guts of three decades, requesting to be crucified upside down, when it came to his turn, as he felt unworthy to suffer the same faith as his beloved friend and Savior Jesus Christ.
St. Peter was martyred A.D 67 by Nero in Rome; the same year St. Paul was martyred by beheading – some say they died on the same day. So were talking over thirty year’s voluntary service followed by gruesome deaths which they both could have easily avoided had they chosen to: for the sake of maintaining a fraud?
I DON’T THINK SO!

Lord teach us the virtues of, Tenderness, Kindness, Forgiveness and Understanding. Teach us to be as you were and not as we are….AND GET GEORGE BUSH OFF OUR BACKS. And bring us together in a culture of loving kindness....even social retards like myself.