Christians vs Christ-like people?

Question

Would you consider the notion that there are "Christians", then there are "Christ-like people"? Is it possible that there is a difference? What would you say to differentiate between the two? Thanks for all input!

Answer 1

There should be no difference.
The people who followed Jesus when He was on the Earth were called "followers of Christ." Then some said they tried to live Christ-like lives, then I believe Paul coined the word "Christians" and that was one reason he became known as the father of Christianity in modern day theological history.

Christians were/are those who believe and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. They were not part of and did not belong or hold membership in any established religious organization. They came from all walks of life, all races, and nationalities. Jesus did not discriminate or have preferences, He loved all peoples.

Answer 2

if you want to be literal....

"Christian" is not a term God addressed His servants as. it was a name given to Christ's servants by the populous of Antioch. basically, it's a term of secular recognition, and shallow definition. basically, it doesn't imply anything except that the person chooses to be identified or was mistakenly identified with Christ. no morals or relationship necessarily.

"Christ-like" is also not a befitting term of one who follows Christ. one who is "like", is similar, sharing in some of the aspects, usually the more well known or popular qualities. for example a kind person, a sacrificing person, a gentle person, a teacher, a healer or even a man with long hair and a surrounding short beard can be called Christ-like. the soul is rarely considered, only what is seen.


in short, Christian means anyone associated with Christ; Christ-like means they remind you of Christ in a way. however, God's people are supposed to resemble Christ outwardly and inwardly, whether that brings some negative connotations or not. for example, Christ overturned tables in the temple; enough is enough, and the church should learn to know the cut off point. Christ-like is technically a better term, though of course it can come with unflattering possibilities.

Answer 3

Sure, the story of Christ, edited heavily in the forth century, portrays a very kind and generous man who put others before himself. There is no way to tell if a Jesus even lived in a religious sense at all, and if he did, it certainly was quite different than our contemporary conception of him.

Back to the question, there are Christians who portray these qualities, and many who don't, there are also many people of other religions who portray these qualities. More so than any other religion, the largest percentage of Buddhists I have met I would consider Christ-like.

Answer 4

the terms are pretty similar, many use the term "Christian", but "Christ-like" seems more genuine. Although we do live in a world with many temptations where even some people with the most long and pious histories give way to temptations; it's certainly not easy to be Christ like in times of trials, afflictions, hardships, etc; but the good news of the gospel is if He has come into you to do a good work, you can be eternally saved and know it.

Answer 5

There can be Christ-like people who are not Christians. Christians have given their lives to believing in and following Jesus, and to being Christ-like - meaning loving, sacrificial, wise, following the words of the Bible... a person could have those characteristics in their life without following Christ - Gandhi comes to mind.
But the difference is that the believer in Christ receives him, and the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life. The non-believer does not receive the promise of eternal life.
Every human life (other than Jesus) is imperfect and in need of God's forgiveness through Christ - which only he offers and is the only way to heaven. I did not say that, he did.
He is God that died in our place, for our sins - the defining of our life and eternal life is faith in Christ, not just in living a good life.

Answer 6

In my opinion,

A Christian is one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ and follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

A Christlike person on the other hand, is one who professes the qualities of Christ, such as being good to others, neighborly, kind, loving etc. Anyone can be Christlike but not necessarily Christian.

God bless

Answer 7

Well you can't really judge because each Christian is on his own stage of the journey to grow like Christ. Then too there are misconceptions about Christians and "Christ-like" both by believers and non-believers.

Answer 8

There are those who are good at ritual and there are those who are good at Religion. IF The definition of religion is a path that helps one to be more like the Deity you worship. SO there may be 20 people in a church and they may all be at different levels. The best definition I have heard there is spirituality and there is religion/ritual. Spirituality is the level one is on or maybe just compassion. Religion is the ritual. A good Religion/ritual can awaken and improve spirituality.

Answer 9

This I would say is purely a form of perception of the Path you have decided to follow.. be it Christianity, Budist, hindu, crishna and so on.. you see it does not matter what you call yourself as long as you have figured out the commonality that all these Teachings/Readings Preach/Hold (if you like) and you decide to beleive in that and nothing more..

Love Always

Answer 10

Christians profess their belief in a divine Bible and generally view Jesus Christ as God.

Christ-like people identify with the life and teachings of Jesus but eschew some of the divinity of the Bible.