2007-07-12 04:48:08 · 11 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
LOL...well, gosh, define a TRUE Christian!
Therein lies the controversy.
See also "How do I know I'm interpreting the Bible correctly?"
The bedrock fact is that every "Christian" recreates the religion for himself. There is no consensus and there never has been. Every individual's interpretation is based upon his own unique experience and point-of-view, and no two people's experiences coincide. A's hallucinated "Relationship with Jesus Christ" is not the same as B's.
2007-07-12 04:51:47 · answer #1 · answered by jonjon418 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Depends upon your theology. However, most denominations will give the technical term of Christian as a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Some people would add that a "true" Christian is a person who has asked Jesus Christ to come into their life as their Lord and Savior.
Only the person who is Christian can tell you if s/he is a "true" Christian. But it is all a question of faith, isn't it? How can one person dictate what a true believer truly is? My version of what a true believer is may differ than yours, so who's right?
And yes, I am a Christian, proud of it.
2007-07-12 04:56:06 · answer #2 · answered by whimwinkle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people who claim to be Christian are either selectively observant semi-Jews, or Paulists.
They pay more attention to the OT and Paul's letters than they do to the message of love, inclusiveness and acceptance that is Jesus'.
You see that all the time here. When asked what Jesus said about something, they'll cite the OT or Paul.
They should get themselves a "red-letter" edition of their holy book, and ignore everything not in red. AND read the gnostic gospels. AND read the Gospel of Thomas.
Oh, and maybe look up the definitions of "metaphor" and "parable".
2007-07-12 04:56:04 · answer #3 · answered by Raven's Voice 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yea, I am. By Baptism. Romans 6: 3-4: "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
God makes the Christian. It is nothing we can do on our own. That is the thrust of Ephesians 2:8-9. Even the "faith" we have is a gift from God. And that gift is of His Grace, given in the waters of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We cannot earn it. To say that you are a "true" Christian (I would never use that term...you're either a Christian by virtue of what God did for you in the waters of the Font of Baptism, or you are not....there is no middle ground...no "true" or "false" Christians...only "Christians" - we leave it up to God to determine who is a "good" or "bad" Christian) based on how you act or what you do or "how you believe" (remember, St. Paul says that it's all Grace!) - is just bad theology!
2007-07-12 04:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
A TRUE Christian:
1. Confesses the Apostles Creed as their belief
2. Gives their life to Jesus
3. Lives a life of Love towards God and Towards man
4. Will not EXCUSE sin.
This is the acid test for all to use to decide for themselves.
Am I....Yes Thank God
2007-07-12 04:54:17 · answer #5 · answered by williamzo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My belief is you are a true Christian if You have Jesus in your life and try your best to act like Him. After all, Christian means.."Christ like". I fail miserably each day to be like Him, but I give it my best effort. And I know I am saved. Unfortunately, a lot of "Christians" give our Faith a bad name by not acting at all like Jesus would. Thanks for the question and have a great day!
2007-07-12 04:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no the test in bible for being a true chirstian is that if they drink poison they will remain alive and also they will know many language ( i dont know the exact number may be 9,19 or 17)
so u cant find a single person in this world which can fulfill this these r the changing which the chirstians made
2007-07-12 04:58:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, unfortunately, a lot of people claim to be Christians but really aren't. They just like to play church. I am a true Christian. I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk.
2007-07-12 04:52:10 · answer #8 · answered by Prayer Warrior 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I am. Why : Because I have faith outside of the Bible. I don't need a book to tell me what to do or what not to do (especially if it was written by humans). I take "Love thy neighbor" to heart - most days - and am tolerant to all but the intolerant. That is what it's about. Going out and helping someone because they need help, not because they believe what you believe.
2007-07-12 04:53:15 · answer #9 · answered by The Pope 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes and working on it every day! But, being human still, I know that I will never be perfect.
2007-07-12 04:54:12 · answer #10 · answered by SDC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋