After viewing many of these answers, it is obvious that many of you don't have the right definition for the term . . .Christian. Christianity is not a religion as Judaism, Islam, and Buddism, it is a 'way of life'!
2007-02-17 10:08:03 · 27 answers · asked by Old Truth Traveler 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A Christian (to me) is simply someone that trys to live their life according to the example set by Jesus and commanded by Jesus in John 13:34:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
2007-02-17 10:14:20 · answer #1 · answered by mesquitemachine 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Christianity is a religion. A religion is defined as: 1.an institution to express belief in a divine power, 2. a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny, 3. belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices and institutions associated with such belief, 4. A framework of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or forces that transcend the everyday material world, etc etc.
Christianity is an especially violent mythology based on the following of a god displaying hostility surpassing that of Aztec gods. The dangerous cult should be avoided at all costs.
2007-02-17 10:15:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is a person who follows, not only in words but in action, the example and life stile of Jesus Christ, his mentor, model, and hero.
The moral precepts of Jesus were very simple. Be poor. Others come before yourself, even your enemies.
It's a philosophy which glorifies sacrifice. The more you sacrifice the more you practice Christianity. The problem is, it can't be lived to its fullest or one would simply die. And it can't be practiced consistently, or one would always have more than he really needs. In fact, if a person wanted to really practice it, one would have to live in the most primitive conditions, strictly dependent on those who care to give him food and shelter.
Since the less you have, the more moral you are, Christianity is not a philosophy for living in this life. Strictly speaking, it is just a preparation for the next. It serves death and the promises of the afterlife, it doesn't serve life in the here and now.
2007-02-17 10:22:12 · answer #3 · answered by DrEvol 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One who follows the ideals and beliefs of Saul of Tarsus, who is more popularly known as 'Saint' Paul.
'Jesus' whose name was really Yeshua bin Yosef (Joshua son of Joseph) never once proclaimed himself as a Christian.
And no, sorry, but you're wrong. Christianity itself IS a religion. The meaning of the word 'religion' is actually 'fear of the GODS' in which case, would be suitable to the Christian polytheistic 'trinity'.
The father, the son, and the holy spirit... all allegedly co-equal, co-eternal, and co-substantial. All in all, if that were the case, then they would all be equal. However, such is not the case.
For instance, I would be rebuked rather harshly if I said 'in the name of the son, the father, and the holy spirit' or 'in the name of the holy spirit, the father, and the son'.
Forgive me, but I'm a man of logic and faith. And neither of those realms will EVER accept the statement that 1+1+1=1.
2007-02-17 10:15:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does it mean to be a born again Christian? The classic passage from the Bible that answers this question is John 3:1-21. The Lord Jesus Christ is talking to Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (a ruler of the Jews). Nicodemus had come to Jesus at night. Nicodemus had questions to ask Jesus.
As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said "...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again...." (John 3:3-7).
The phrase "born again" literally means "born from above." Nicodemus had a real need. He needed a change of his heart--a spiritual transformation. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18). John 1:12,13 indicates that "born again" also carries the idea "to become children of God" through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.
The question logically comes, "Why does a person need to be born again?" The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins..." To the Romans in Romans 3:23, the Apostle wrote, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." So, a person needs to be born again in order to have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God.
How does that come to be? Ephesians 2:8,9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." When one is "saved," he/she has been born again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God by right of new birth. Trusting in Jesus Christ, the One who paid the penalty of sin when He died on the cross, is what it means to be "born again" spiritually. "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation..." (2 Corinthians 5:17a).
2007-02-18 15:46:38 · answer #5 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a person who, hearing about Christ and the gospel message accepts the Savior into their heart and life. Jesus is their Savior and Lord. He is a daily part of the believer's life. Not just Sunday at Church. The person tries to live each day in ways that are Christ-like and when they fail they go to Christ for forgiveness. Every decision is guided by the Holy Spirit.
2007-02-17 10:15:25 · answer #6 · answered by angel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm going to be completely honest. Yes, it is about following Jesus and the Bible. But the main root of Christianity is having a personal and active relationship with Jesus.
It's not about "religion" it's about relationship.
Anyone can go to church, anyone can quote scripture, anyone can believe in Jesus.
It's about having that relationship with Him, and then living based on that relationship.
2007-02-17 10:14:46 · answer #7 · answered by Antwan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A true Christian is a follower of Christ. Therefore it is not just what someone says he is but it is the way he lives his life - like Jesus did. Or to the best of our abilities.
2007-02-17 10:11:43 · answer #8 · answered by kelly R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a way of life, I am a Christian. Of course, so many hold that it means one believes in the virgin birth and the Resurrection of Christ. In that case, I am not a Christian. That is only a way of thinking your soul is saved while still being crappy to one's brethren.
2007-02-17 10:19:36 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. Bodhisattva 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know any Christians. Are you talking about church people?
Yeah, church people is a way of life, but here's the thing: their religion is nothing like the religion Jesus had... Why do you ask?
2007-02-17 10:15:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋