Does Christianity transform the Christian, or do they continue to remain the same?

Question

If it transforms the Christian, why are there so many inter-nicene feuds and Christians in prison?

If they stay the same, why become Christian?

Answer 1

That is such the good question.
First, let me inform that i am answering as a christian who asks this question of myself ALL the time.

1. i must change the question to, "does God transform the christian, or do they continue to remain the same?", because to answer it as stated is merely to respond to whether or not religion, in this case christianity, is transformative. if think the answer to that is clearly- sometimes. but this applies to all systems where there is some form of indoctrination. Consider: "do political science classes transform the citizen, or do they remain the same?" see what i mean?

2. the main thrust of the question, as i interpret it, is thus: if there is a god and the christian understanding is true, than why are 'christians' seemingly no more or less F#$%ed up than everyone else? there are two answers:
A. there are people who call themselves christian but they are not. this is easy to understand. compare a convert to catholicism after a 'life-changing experience' to someone who is a catholic because "my family has been catholic for generations". there are many reasons for claiming to be a christian, but many people who merely claim the title do not actually live as if they believed a word of it.
B. assuming its all true, one can perceive the 'transformative' aspect of 'being' a christian, from a temporal perspective- which is how i actually perceive it. in this way, one sees ones life as embodying the continuous act of transformation (called 'sanctification' in biblical terms.) Thus, while I may (and do) continually make desicions based on the 'old way' of life, I also find myself less and less satisfied with the results, and make constant efforts to kick this habit, and instead life a life according to the 'new way', which is only accomplished through the inner-working of the Holy Spirit. I hate the 'old life' and desire to become fully 'transformed'; but this is a proccess that will take my whole life............

Answer 2

Christianity doesn't transform the christian. Jesus transforms the sinner. Pertaining to feuds in the church, Jesus said this would happen. Luke 12: 49-53. Jesus also said that many will seek heaven saying that they preached in his name and Jesus will tell them that "I don't know you." A true follower of Christ lives by what the bible teaches. The bible doesn't teach fighting or feuding, it teaches love. Please read the New Testament and you will understand who Jesus is and what being a Christian means. Don't rely on defining Christianity by people who claim to be Christian but act far different then what Jesus intended them to. Do you believe all Muslims are terrorists and evil because of a few fanatic Muslims? Probably not so don't stereotype all Christians by what a few that claim to be Christian do.


believe

Answer 3

Christianity doesn't change a person. A person who is a Christian can be transformed only by the power of the Holy Spirit being allowed to do the work necessary to bring change. This can be through situations, loss, sickness--the things of life that are designed to bring us to God so He can work in our lives. The problem is that most people resist change because it brings pain both from the inside and outside and pain is one thing we try to avoid.

Answer 4

I think you are under the misconception that becoming a Christian means that one becomes sinless. Nothing about becoming a Christian shields you from temptations from satan. If you will, read the book of Romans, especially about Chapter five through chapter 9. Paul talks about the constant ongoing battle the Christian must fight against fleshly sinful desires. He says he is frustrated with his battle. I think he puts it like this (paraphrased) " the very thing that I should do I do not do, and the things I know I shouldn't do, that is what I find myself doing."

Christianity does not make one sinless. The book of Romans also talks about the difference between a person with their mind set on the fleshly world and the person with their mind set on the spirit. Can one with their mind set on the flesh (having no desire to submit to God) do good things? Surely, but without the saving grace of God through Christ there is no salvation. Can one with their mind set on the spirit stumble and succumb to temptation? Surely, but because they get back up, repent of their imperfection, and maintain a desire to submit to God then the grace of God continually cleanses this person of their sin and they are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Not because they are righteous but because Jesus was righteous and His righteousness saves those who are His followers.

So yeah. There are Christians in prison who have stumbled in their battle against sin. But if they maintain are heart of submission they will achieve an eternal reward. And their will be "good" men who never go to prison who because they do not claim Jesus as their savior will spend an eternity separated from God.

Answer 5

The one who becomes a Christian decides to live a life that is pleasing to God therefore obedient to the Bible.

1 Corinthians 3:2-4
2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

A Christian has to make correct choices every day some don't and are now paying the consequences

Answer 6

Christianity COULD transform one, but it appears most who call themselves christians have not accepted Christ dispite the avowal of being christian, i say this because so many say after years of "Being Christians" that they are sinners, thus dening Christ in themselves. Read 1st John 3-6 whosoever abideth in him (Jesus)sinneth not: whoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. & 3-9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed (christ's seed) remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. I say this in love, I speak of appearance only,God knows their heart.

Answer 7

It changes you.

2nd question - they are not really Christian.

~ Eric Putkonen