I see so many others judging who is and is not a Christian
but please enlighten me to what a Christian is
is it someone who follows the whole bible ?
parts of it ?
goes to church each week ?
or simply someone that loves and follows the words of Jesus ?
2007-03-17 08:29:54 · 39 answers · asked by Peace 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I will put this question to the vote guys
so an answer can be picked fairly
so many different views here
2007-03-18 00:53:54 · update #1
A Christian is usually defined as someone who is "Christ like." Meaning they follow his teachings.
Christian:
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
2007-03-17 08:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
1. "what makes a Christian?" - a person that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.
2./3. "is it someone who follows the whole bible? parts of it ?" - No.
3."goes to church each week ?" - No.
4. " simply someone that loves and follows the words of Jesus." - Yes, the hardest truth. Jesus made life both easy and difficult for us. He removed a lot of the garbage laws that had built up by human leaderships through time - while at the same time giving us 2 commandments that are difficult for many to live by: Love GOD totally, and Love each other as we Love GOD.
(Sorry, I only remember so much, ask me about sinning, I can help more.)
2007-03-17 15:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A christian is one who has accepted Jesus death on the cross as payment for their personal sins.
The love and follow the teaching of Jesus.
Many confuse Christianity with following the teachings of a church, or church leaders in the 2000 years since Jesus' time.
It is not up to any person to decide whether or not someone else is a christian. Some people may appear to be more christian, some less - some activities definitely seem to go against Jesus' teaching, others deny Jesus outright. Even in these cases, it is not our place to judge another. It is our place to act as Jesus would act.
2007-03-17 14:39:58 · answer #3 · answered by awayforabit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is someone who has accepted that Jesus was God made flesh, came to Earth to show us how to live a perfect life (so far, He's the only one who's ever managed it) and then died a painful and humiliating death in order to be the perfect sacrifice.
You can't earn a ticket to Heaven, the price has already been paid, I don't go to church (it is reccommended though) because of a social phobia.
Christians are flawed human beings just like everyone else. We are told not to judge others and I try not to but it's human nature to make a snap judgement on first meeting someone and then hold them against your own ideals and see how they measure up.
Athiests may think I am a superficial, gullible, judgemental, religious twerp who spouts glib phrases and idley believes in a supernatural being in order to hide from life's realities.
To me and millions of other evangelicals, it seems absurd to say you believe the bible and yet discount parts of it so I would say a Christian is someone who believes the whole Bible.
My faith encourages me to explore my life and the world about me, I'm a bit of an armchair scientist and am always getting wrong off my colleagues for imparting knowledge to them; it was about the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica this morning.
It tells me to respect other people and put their feelings and interests before my own. This is not optional, A Christian should never disrespect other people, even if they do 'diss' you.
2007-03-17 08:47:43 · answer #4 · answered by elflaeda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, simply someone that loves and follows the words of Jesus. The word Christian means believer in Christ. I had an answer to one of my questions the other in which a person claimed to be a "true" Christian. Apparently he must have meant that I was an "untrue" Christian. But then he has no clue who I am. Go figure.
2007-03-17 08:39:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is, by definition, a follower of Yeshua Messiah, the Christ, who is the messiah promised to the Children of Israel.
That's the textbook definition. In my experience, there are two types of Christians. The first are the stereotypical churchgoers who truly believe that their's is the only True Faith and that if you don't believe like they believe, then you're going to burn in hell. And they have no problem judging you and telling you that. These people are no better than racists or bigots of any type.
The other kind of Christian, a real Christian understands that Jesus was a Jew and that to be Christlike means to follow the teachings of Yeshua Messiah and try to be like him. That means being non-judgemental, non-violent and taking the attitude of the servant rather than the master.
2007-03-17 08:46:49 · answer #6 · answered by Appollyon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Follower of Jesus and his teachings. Someone who believes that God sent is only son to die for our sins and that we are made right with god through faith in his son. Going to church is important, to have fellowship with other christians but just going to church once a week does not make you a christian. Yes the WHOLE bible has to be followed and the whole bible is true. You can not just pick out parts of the bible to follow and others not to follow. You have to obey every single thing that the bible tells us to do and not to do. Its is not for us to judge each other only god is the judge.
Hope this helped!!! =D
2007-03-17 08:37:37 · answer #7 · answered by Kenny 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is a person who follows Jesus -- who attempts to live her life (or his life) following the example and teachings of Christ. If you find a good community of faith -- other people also trying to follow Christ -- it should make this life as a Christian easier. It's like singing in a choir -- you are part of the chorus and although your own voice may not be all that great, when you're singing with others, you can perform magnificent works.
2007-03-17 08:36:00 · answer #8 · answered by Corinnique 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The definition I found was this: A Christian is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, referred to as the Christ. This doesn't just mean that we believe in Christ, we have to follow his example too. To me, that means following His commandments, doing good to others and believing in not just His grace, but also what I do in this life that shows I follow Christ. I have accepted Christ as my savior, and know that he atoned for my sins and died so I can live again. To me, that is the definition of a christian.
I feel I need to add something here. If the definition of a christian is someone who believes in the trinity, then the people who followed Christ while he was alive, and shortly after his death and resurrection wouldn't be chrisitans by that definition. The Trinity didn't come into play until between the 3rd and 4th century. There was a creed put together by a group of MEN who were trying to define GOD!!!! so to say that only people who believe in the trinity are christian is to say that anyone who didn't believe that BEFORE the creeds came out aren't. Also, Mormons DO believe Christ is the true begotten Son of the Father. We believe that Chirst atoned for our sins and died on the cross so we may live again. Just so everyone knows.
2007-03-17 08:51:13 · answer #9 · answered by odd duck 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Christian is usually defined as somebody who believes in the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit - three Divine Persons in one Godhead. This is why Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians. They do not believe that Jesus was the Divine Son of God, with two natures - a divine and a human nature.
But, to become a Christian it is necessary to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mormon's use these words, but do not believe what it actually means. Therefore, Mormon baptism is not valid.
I know that I'm going to get a lot of thumbs-down for this answer. Let me assure everyone that I am not a bigot, I do not hate anyone's religion. I am simply stating fact. I apologize in advance if I have offended anyone.
2007-03-17 08:41:09 · answer #10 · answered by infinity 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Someone that loves and follows the words of Jesus.
As far as the judging part, real Christians leave that to God. However Jesus did tell us to preach the Gospel to all the world. Sometimes the Gospel makes people feel uncomfortable with their lifestyle.
2007-03-17 08:38:55 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋