Or at least all the stories written about him.
2007-03-28 01:09:44 · 18 answers · asked by smiler 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I actually believe in some off the stories but not all.
2007-03-28 01:18:18 · update #1
A lot of stories about Jesus are allegorical, not literal. You don't need to believe he was literally the Son of God to follow him... many christians believe he was a prophet
2007-03-28 03:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Jerusalem Delivered 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
You may be a very good person, but if you are not willing to take the leap of faith required to not only believe the stories but believe totally in Jesus Christ, you are not a Christian.
But remember that sometimes people have doubts about things or don't fully understand. Don't confuse your doubts with not believing in Jesus Christ.
Anytime I have had questions about the things I have read in the scriptures, I read all of the footnotes and do as much research on the questions and then I pray about what I am confused about.
Invariably, I either have been led directly to an answer or in the due course of time, someone has given me the answer that I needed to shore up my sagging faith.
Search, ponder and pray!
2007-03-28 08:18:13 · answer #2 · answered by stonechic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most modern Christians believe first and foremost that Jesus of Nazareth was born to fulfill the prophecies of a national messiah for the Jewish people and then added the concept that his execution by the Romans was actually a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, abolition of the Torah and the beginning of a new religion focusing on an interpretation of G-D as a triune entity (three separate and distinct persons) and Jesus as the interceder for sinful mankind before his father god.
For Christianity, entry into the presence of G-D requires belief in the validity of Jesus's sacrifice of his life for the forgiveness of sins. This is an absolute within that faith.
I do not think one may say they are a "christian" without acceptance of this doctrine.
If you do not believe Jesus's death was that sacrifice for mankind's sins, is there any reason to call yourself a "christian"?
The bulk of Jesus' reported teachings were traditional Jewish teachings (they only seem extraordinary and revolutionary to the world because the world isn't familiar with traditional Jewish teachings) but any claim to be the literal offspring of G-D would have been considered absurd and heretical within the Jewish community, but not the pagan (Roman) world. Such a claim therein was commonplace.
If you feel a connection to the ethics of Jesus' teachings, you might wish to explore the ethics of Judaism.
2007-03-28 09:32:12 · answer #3 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, ask yourself what a Christian is, a Christian is a follower of Christ and his Holy teachings.
Now, ask yourself, how can you follow something you don't really believe in.
I'll never understand those who call themselves Christians when they openly profess that they don't believe in the author and finisher of the faith. It's a complete oxymoron.
2007-03-28 08:22:22 · answer #4 · answered by ViolationsRus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well since Christian means follower of Christ I guess it would be difficult to be a Christian and not believe in Him.
2007-03-28 08:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by kaehya2003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I dont think it is.
If your starting to question things about Christ, then it means you are losing faith in the Lord. Christianity is all about believing, about having faith....
Maybe you should talk to a priest , but only if you want that, it would be best though......
2007-03-28 08:19:22 · answer #6 · answered by Lynne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many of the stories about jesus were borrowed from stories of other sages. siddharta gotama was said to have healed people and walked on water 500 years before jesus ever lived. the followers ascribed these powers to many holy men in these times. it gave their beliefs credence and attracted more followers.
yes, you can be a christian, and not feel that jesus was the living god on earth. after all he told us god was his father. many people will try to speak of a trinity, but that's just a mental gerbil wheel even they don't truly understand.
2007-03-28 08:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you Got to believe in Jesus Christ to be a christian
2007-03-28 08:14:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, everything that Christianity has everything to do with Jesus. Look up the word Christian at dictionary.com
2007-03-28 08:16:50 · answer #9 · answered by elcaballosrock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the name implies.... christian..... Christ followers .... If you join......you might be Christian by name but not by belief.
there are religions which don't acknowledge Christ.
2007-03-28 08:17:04 · answer #10 · answered by drake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋