I have seen posters say that this group or that group is not truly christian. So which one is?
2007-01-10 00:43:38 · 32 answers · asked by Black Dragon 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Most denominations are. At least their essential teachings are, whether they follow and practice them, or not.
The Christian church did not begin with the catholic church, although they would like to believe that.
Believers were organized in small independent groups, who practiced a simple faith and worship.
No cathedrals, no fancy rites, no ceremonies that were made up. As the catholics gained power, those believers were seriously persecuted.
We have always existed, and only grew larger after toleration came with the modern age.
On the other side of that, with peace and toleration, some groups split away from Bible believing churches, and taught twisted theology - emphasizing one idea over others, and condemning all others - "We're the only ones who know the truth, everyone else is wrong."
Those groups have moved further, and further from the Christian essential teachings, and really are no longer Christian.
2007-01-10 01:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well my friend...extremely brilliant question...and the answer is a little long whinded, so I kindly beg you to bare with me...
For starters, it would be deficult to label one group as "true Christian" or "not"...because a Christian by definition is one that follows the teachings of Christ, and most denominations strongly hold onto Christ as the Son of God and His journey to be True...but the difference from one Group to another is the 'Purity' and 'completed integrity' of the FULL message that Christ gave in terms of beliefs and practices...etc.
Christ said 2 very interesting things that lead me down the exact journey you are on now...
- "Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but My word shall never perish"
- Go therefore and preach to all Nations, Baptising them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and TEACH THEM TO OBVSERVE ALL THINGS I HAVE TAUGHT YOU."
So when you combine those 2 together, you get that for a church to be the Complete and FULL package that Christ instituted, it has to practice, preach and uphold ALL that Christ taught...
now...this is where it gets tricky...
no doubt, as you have observed, there are many breakaway groups and churches that have their origins anywhere between the 10th Century and and even as late as yesturday...but all these, as I said, have their origins way later than what Christ had taught, thus it is VERY likely that some teachings will have dropped along the way.
Therefore...in order for a church to have the Fulll Package of teachings and practices that are 2000 years old (from the time Christ was here), then such a church would have had to have been there, preached by the Apostles themselves..
(Hense, known as the Apostolic Churches).
As tempted as I am to tell you which churches are truly Apostolic Churches and are unaltered from what Christ has taught, but this request must come from you...You should seek it, and as Christ promised, you WILL find it...Such a Church is still around because He promised that His word shall never pass away.
If you need help, by all means, Let me know and I will be honored to be at your assistance.
God bless you my friend, and may He guide you through your promisingly rewarding journey.
2007-01-10 00:59:32 · answer #2 · answered by copticphoenix 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Anyone who believes that Jesus died for their sins and asks Him into their heart, follows His ways, and follows the Bible and its teachings is a 'true Christian.' Being a Christian is not about a faction, denomination, or sect. It is a way of life.
2007-01-10 00:52:44 · answer #3 · answered by Shadoesmom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They all are according to themselves. Even ones relying on the Bible disagree. The central issue is always the Person of Jesus Christ. If He was God or not determines a true Christian in my view. Mainline Christianity relies on Jesus being God or He does not have the authority to save us like He said. True Christians are a group of people spread through many denominations that live life the way they are supposed to. It is not a denomination.
2007-01-10 00:54:47 · answer #4 · answered by Pilgrim 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A lot of groups say that they are truly christian - and they mean that they follow the bible letter for letter - of course no-one really does. There is always something that is missed, and there are some really weird things in the bible.
I would consider someone truly christian who followed jesus teachings of Faith, Forgiveness, and Love.
Faith: Trust in God, he will look after you. Do what is right. Pray to him, ask for answers, tell him your problems, listen to what he has to tell you.
Forgiveness: There are no bad people, just people who don't know better, or are influenced by their situation, emotions etc. practice forgiveness and understanding.
Love: Open yourself to God's love, and learn to love other people.
I have met individuals who practice this, but no church that lives by it...
2007-01-10 00:52:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is severe lack of self belief. they favor so badly to "be precise" that they are moved to reason conflicts, which they then set out "to win" in any respect expenditures. at the same time as they could't win a conflict with useful conversations, they motel to attempting to belittle or insult others in an attempt to diminish their opponent and make themselves sense like the victor. is fairly I really have considered the very similar habit contained in the Pagan community to boot....it is not basically a christian problem, that's a human problem.
2016-12-02 02:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A true Christian exists in every denomination, or no denomination at all. Anyone that knows we were made by and for God, that Jesus is The Christ, that studies the Bible and lives according to God's will is being true to their faith.
May God Bless you.
2007-01-10 00:55:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No Christian group that follows the Bible rather than the church Jesus personally founded can be authentically Christian.
The Church and the Bible must be taken together, and all their truths properly reconciled.
The only Church on earth that accomplishes that today is the Catholic Church, the original full Gospel church, and the church of Jesus and the apostles.
2007-01-10 01:52:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple: Whichever group tends to deviate from what the bible says, are not true Christians, and true Christians follows Christ's teachings...so, not many people are true Christians.
2007-01-10 01:19:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who follows the principles of Jesus teachings can be called Christians. Even a lot of Atheists who may not believe there is a god live by many of the same principles.
2007-01-10 00:51:30 · answer #10 · answered by crazyhorse19682003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋