Is there a "sliding scale" of Christian-ness?

Question

A recent post asking about the difference between christian and "born again" christian garnered this reply, among others:

"A So called Christian can be anyone that claims a believeth, But they have not the spirit of God or the Spirit of Truth which is the same thing. But a True Born Again Christian will possess the spirit of truth that will not leave that person Confussed. The fake one will have a thought, the real one will have a Experince."

Now---after you stop ROTFL at the whack job typing and grammar skills, notice that this post seems to lay out at least FOUR specific levels of christianity:

1. "So called" Christian.
2. Christian.
3. "born again" Christian.
4. TRUE "born again" Christian.

Is there a secret handshake? Separate churchs? Different heavens? What gives?

Why can't y'all just get along? :-)

Answer 1

It is very observant of you to notice this stratification of "Christian-ness" put forth by those who like to throw around the "born again" business.
From my experience with Fundamentalists/American Evangelicals/Pentecostals/etc they really do have a post-modern way of separating themeselves from those who are not saved (post-modern in the sense the standards are self-defined).
I am a Lutheran Christian and for me there is no degree system like the Masons. If one is baptized (as baptism is the work of God) one is a Christian regardless of one's self-definition - not perfect just Christian.
As to why we can't just get along - it's all about human sinfulness even within the church.

Answer 2

It goes like this. With 1 being the "best" and the higher the number the less of a Xian you are.

1. True born again Christian.
2. Born again Christian.
3. Republican Christian.
4. Christian.
5. So-called Christian.
6. Democratic Christian.
7. Liberal Christian.
8. Gay Christian.
9. Gay.
10. Devil.

Of course they will argue that 7 and 8 don't exist anyway.

Answer 3

I think I'm "confussed" at the "experince" of trying to wade through all that. Insofar as I knew, there is only one type of Christian: someone who has accepted Jesus' atoning Sacrifice for sin. Everything else is pretty much just details, after that.

Then again, I'm Catholic, and I'd probably be doing good if that person consigned me to the first category. A lot of fundies wouldn't even give me that much of a break.

In that case, I suspect the secret handshake consists of extending the middle finger of both hands to the "so-called Christian."

Answer 4

No secret handshakes and no separate churches. We are all indiviuals, seeking our truth on individual basis. Think of it like school. We start out in preschool and end up in high school. It's a learning process that takes quizzes, exams, studying and more studying. We all learn at our own pace. Once thing you did say was absolutely true. Possession of the spirit of the truth will not leave you confused. It's a growing process and I wish well to all as they learn. God Bless

Answer 5

A Christian is someone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That's it. When that happens they are considered to be baptised by the spirit.

There are a lot of people who consider themselves Christians but who do not follow these princples. They go to church, and practice some of their religion's guidelines. But in the end they really don't beleive in Jesus.

I don't see it as being different levels of Christianity - instead it is either being a Christian or not being one. No matter what you claim.

If you sketch doodles on your ink blotter at work you can claim to be a professional artist - but that doesn't make it true. Just like claiming to be a Christian without the hard work of belief.

Answer 6

Sure. I think the hierarchy is something like this:


1. I had christian parents and consider myself xtian, but don't ever go to church or practice.

2. I enjoy going to church and celebrating the holidays. Nice traditions that add to my life.

3. I feel obligated to go to church, because god is judging me.

4. I read the bible and honestly believe it is the word of god, but understand that there are allegories and message hidden within.

5. I take the bible literally. I believe that the earth is about 6,000 years old and god hears our thoughts and prayers.

6. I believe whatever the preacher says. I'm looking forward to the Armageddon where I get the rapture because I have accepted Jesus as my savior.

7. I will take pleasure in the fact that all others will burn in hell for all eternity, and I'll get to sit next to god with my mommie and my dead dog.

Answer 7

hmm interesting...

In their walk with Christ, Christians will go through several stages of development almost like a child growing up. The devil is at work in the church and causes a giant Christian pissing match over who is the greater Christian. It can tear churches apart. I wish we could all just get along too.

Answer 8

I guess the good ones get to go to the front of the line! LOL!

" Yeah, I'm a true Born Again Christians with a loud mouth and I never shut up. So Jesus gave me a VIP No Waiting pass!Now move outta MY WAY!!!!" : )

Answer 9

I get so tired of Christians using the "true" Christian argument.

I am not a "true" Christian. I am a Christian, plain and simple. Either a person is a Christian, or they're not.

Answer 10

"Why can't y'all just get along? :-) "

The same reason no one else in this world can get along. We don't agree when we get caught up in the details. It makes no difference however, many are called and few are chosen of God and will be with Him from everlasting to everlasting. These quibbles on earth will determine nothing!