Who is a Christian?

Question

The vast majority of people in North America identify themselves as Christians. Do you? Perhaps you are not sure. Perhaps you are very sure and wonder about others who do. For example, even the majority of criminals in the U.S. prison system identify themselves as "Christians."

Just how far back in time can "Christians" be identified? The name "Christian" was coined in the First Century A.D.-about five years after Pentecost. "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." In the "church at Antioch" these Christians were also called "disciples." Acts 11:26; 13:1, "Church" means "called out ones" while "disciple" means "learner or pupil" and/or "adherent and follower of a teacher." Therefore, "Christians" are defined as ones "called out" from the world to be followers and pupils of Jesus Christ.

Can 200 million people in North America all be true Christians? Jesus said, "I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:19). He identified the quantity of his followers as a "little flock" (Luke 12:32). Jesus placed very restrictive terms for discipleship.

Thoughts?

*H*

Answer 1

Another provocative question from you. Read my answer to your last question. That is my answer to this one except I'll add, Jesus said,"the way is narrow and few will find it." I agree with you.

Answer 2

It's very true and only some of the people who call themselves Christians are actually true Christians who not only believe in the Christian doctrines but also practive them (or at least try to). The term small flock could still mean millions of people when compared to all of the people that ever lived since Christ was resurrected.

Answer 3

Oh yes there are many who claim to be Christians but are no where near what they should be or what the name Christian means. Christian means Christ like and if we are Christians then we are to be doing what Christ did, or things even greater. It is true that the true remnant church is very small and scattered and I am sorry to say that many people will be disappointed when the second coming comes and they are still here.

In Jesus Name

Answer 4

Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Such love reaches across racial, social, and national boundaries, drawing people together in genuine brotherhood. So strong is this love that it sets them apart as being truly different. When the nations go to war, who have enough love for their Christian brothers in other lands that they refuse to take up arms and kill them? That is what early Christians did.

Jesus said that his true followers would be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19) To worship God in a manner that he approves requires that we keep ourselves “without spot from the world.” (Jas. 1:27) Can that be said of those whose clergy and other members are involved in politics, or whose lives are largely built around materialistic and fleshly desires?—1 John 2:15-17.

Answer 5

The word Christian means imitators of Christ.The Catholic church defines those people who accept the Divinity of Christ as Christians.The Catholic Church therefore recognises for example, the Church of England.
If people in jails accept the Divinity of Christ and are sincere ;they are no less Christian.

Answer 6

I'm a Catholic which means i'm a Christian (some people forget this) but i'm seriously contemplating Atheism because Christians are making me mad!!!! Take the whole evolution V creationism debate for example, why do most Christians dispute scientific fact and empirical evidence, i don't know!!!

Answer 7

I figure anyone is a Christian who identifies himself as one. It does not have to do with joining a church, going to services on Sunday, or anything like that. It has to do with what you commit yourself to.

No, I'm not one.

Answer 8

I am a Catholic Christian.