So Christians, are there any statistics on who are Real Christians and who aren't?

Question

I'm trying to combine two silly statements:

1. "This planet has 2 billion Christians, that is such a large number, it has to be true"

And, whenever some Christian does something bad:
2. "That's not a really a Christian"

So, out of those 2 billion Christians, what's the percentage of real ones?

Answer 1

This is actually a good question.

Personally, the way I look at it, a person is a Christian, or they're not. There's no such thing as a "real" Christian. A person who is a Christian should be Christ-like, or at least TRY to be Christ-like (which is the closest any of us will get). If they're not at least trying, then it's entirely possible that they're only CLAIMING to be a Christian.

Sometimes Christians do sin. I do. None of us are perfect. BUT we should definitely not only repent to God when we sin, we should apologize to those our sin hurt, and those who witnessed it (if we can). THAT is the mark of a Christian.

I know you don't believe in the Bible, but just humor me for one moment, and read Galatians 5:22 (if you don't have a Bible, read it at www.biblegateway.com). THAT is how a Christian is supposed to be. If they're not...either they need to reevaluate what they really believe, or they need to do some changing.

I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

I try to not define any one as a true Christian or not. I have always said that Christianity is a journey, some people are further along than others. Just like with anything in life the longer you practice something the better you get at it. Hopefully 10 years from now I will be representing Christ better than I am today, each day one must learn and grow. And, as Christians we should not beat each other down.

I know there have been many evil things done by people who call themselves Christian and it does make it confusing. My only answer is that even Christians are tempted with sin and can be led to do the wrong things and depending on how long or how closely you walk with the Lord, will quite likely determine your strength to withstand and to do right.
Now I am rambling so I will stop. :)

Answer 3

I would be frustrated, too, if I heard the same person making the same two arguments.

No, there are no statistics on Real Christians, if by "Real Christians" we mean "people who successfully and truly follow Christ."

I've heard that first argument, too, and it seems pretty dumb to me. If the number of people who believe something is an indication that it's true, then at what point did Christianity become true? When it had 1,000 adherents? 2,000? Was a million enough?

Besides, just about everyone used to think the earth was flat, but that turned out to be dead wrong.

Answer 4

There are more irrational people than 2 billion on this planet, and I do believe there are 2 billion Christians.

As for the 2nd point, this is known as the True Scotsmen fallacy. Whenever a Christian does something other Christians no longer approve (like Hitler or witch-burners) they are not True Scotsmen (aka true Christians).

Answer 5

Number one is based on what people say of themselves when asked.

Number two is an incorrect statement. Only God can judge whether someone is "really a Christian." I think what people mean, and should say on the subject, is that that particular behavior is not Christ-like. Or that it's sinful. Or out of character.

We're students. Disciples. It's like taking all the people who have ever taken a Judo class and comparing them. Who is the real Judo student? Well, they all have been. How good they are at it doesn't determine whether they are students or not. If you find some have dropped out and haven't been to class in 20 years, I guess you could stay they're not "current students." But someone's success or failure or aptitude doesn't make them a student. Their willingness to try does. Their willingness to be taught and to show up and to do what they're shown to the best of their ability.

There are going to be variations in skills and weaknesses in Christians and in Judo students. It's not fair for the expert to judge the newbie. Or for the star student to judge the student with the handicap. In fact, it's not really Christ-like behavior to judge how your brother is doing.

It is Christ-like, and brotherly, to help your fellow student learn good form, to tutor, or to help encourage growth in someone experiencing challenges or set-backs.

There's a difference between judging in order to condemn and assessing in order to offer specific help or instruction.

Answer 6

I have heard a lot of people on here say the "They are not a real Christian" thing. I think what they really mean is that, when they are acting in a violent, disrespectful etc. manner, that they are not "acting" like a Christian at that time.
They are not displaying what Christ showed us and so they are not acting in a manner that is Christ-like.

I do not believe that shear numbers means that a religion is right.

Answer 7

Being a real christian could additionally mean having to settle for the god's cruelty and his call for for sacrifice and blood. Church would not stick to this anymore because of the fact it may mean it incredibly is exposure and being expelled from the society.Christian church has a history of acomodating to the time it exists in, so it may prelong its existence. form of like a pandemic or a maximum cancers tissue. of direction it did no longer have a concern with it for the period of dark a while and the inquisition whilst it had unobstructed potential. Milions of harmless people which contain scientists and loose philosopher have been slaughtered and killed en masse because of the fact they dared to oppose this ill application of christianity. despite in the event that they attempt to conceal it it incredibly is a historic reality. look it up- it incredibly is genuine.

Answer 8

A real Christian is a sinner, someone who does make mistakes and knows it. Who confesses it to God and knows that God has forigven him because of his Son on the cross. You have to accept Christ on the cross for it to work though. You have to know him and have a relationship with him. Then he can forgive you. Think about it. All those who know God is a relationship and not a religion is truly christian, those who know he camee from heaven is truly christian.

Answer 9

God only knows.

Sometimes we do incredibly stupid things that Christians shouldn't do, but God has more grace than our fellow Christians. Sometimes we're like kittens born in the oven in cold weather -- being born in a Christian home doesn't make you a Christian any more than the kittens are cookies when they come out of the oven.

Answer 10

1. okay if you say so.
2. the person who judges another Christian or puts him down for sinning in some way to me.... isn't real ... we're not to judge other Christians.
3. The person that forgives and forgets and allows that person to walk on in faith and remembering the Christ died for his/her sin too and says so... that's a true Christian.
"Anyone who is without sin, cast the first stone".