Is there a difference between "Christian" and "christ-like"?

Question

In addition to Rachel's question
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070918070122AAToeIs&r=w#E59RO0fKLzfuBHCRaMaQ

People are totally misunderstand the point. No one is saying pagans are CHRISTIANS. Some think we act CHRISTLIKE. So do some people think that no one but Christians can be "christ like"? No one else can be loving? Yeah, that Ghandi was a real jerk!!

Answer 1

Ohhh I just asked this question. Let me go delete it and star this one instead...

Okay, I agree with you. To be a Christian means one thing, but to be Christ-like means to strive to display the characteristics we feel that Jesus had (whether you believe he existed or not). In my opinion, these characteristics include love, humility, compassion, understanding, and tolerance. ANYONE can have these, despite their religious faith, or even lack thereof.

My point was simply that if we're going to take R&S as the only example, the Pagans meet these standards a whole lot better than the Christians as a whole.

Individual evaluations are different. I don't like being grouped in with CJ, that's for sure.

EDIT: Even look at the "fruit of the spirit" listed in the Bible. On whole, who do you think displays these better: a Christian like Chosen by God/God's Elect, or a non-Christian (I know she's not a Pagan) like Pangel?

Answer 2

Of course there's a difference. Acting like Christ doesn't mean we're even trying to become Christians (member of an organized, Mainstream religion - I don't care if they claim it is a personal relationship, it's still a religion). Meanwhile I've seen some Christians act in such a way that would probably make Atilla the Hun run for the hills.

Just because someone takes the title "Christian" doesn't mean they act Christ Like and sure as hell don't mean they have everything Right....

Answer 3

Interesting question. A Christian is a person who follows the church's teachings and dogma, and believes the tenets it preaches. What is it to be "like Christ?" Our general impression of him in history is that he was a person who sought truth and love. And peace. Pagans seek these things as well.

So, if a person is referred to as "Christ like" it is a compliment. Is it also considered a compliment if a person is referred to as being like a Witch or a pagan? This is just a side note, but let's examine the power or language here. Christ like is a compliment, yes? But if someone calls you a Witch, would you consider it a compliment? If a fellow Witch called me a Witch, I would know that it would be meant as a compliment. Not so of most people. It is time to transform that word, and the word pagan, into their original meanings, which were not related to being evil.

I think you are Witch like, and I mean that sincerely. :D

Blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(
Witch, and perhaps Christ like too

Answer 4

I definately agree with you. as most others who have posted do. There have been a great deal of people who were "christ-like", or who are so, and are not christians. The things that we deem "christ-like" seem really to be more a matter of have morals and treating others how you yourself would like to be treated. And there is not a need for any religion for one to have morals. morals are just something that people who were raised to know right from wrong have.

Blessed Be

Answer 5

Well, linguistically, the word "Christian' literally does not mean "follower of Christ" (which is what it is commonly taken to mean today) it actually means "Christ-like, or one who is like (as) Christ." A better descriptive term would be "Christist" meaning "one who worships Christ."

Your point is well made however, as many who call themselves Christian stop at worshiping Christ, and do not behave like Christ. I think there are far to many Christists in this world, and not enough Christians (regardless of what these Christ-like people believe.)

Answer 6

Of course those not Christian can be "christ-like."

But remember, there's "Good Jesus" and "Bad Jesus."

There's the one who wants you to turn the other cheek, to check out the rafter in your eye before you gripe about the splinter in your fellow's and to forgive your brother 77 times and stop counting.

But there's also the one who plans to kill everyone just like in the days of Noah, and who will ride a fiery horse from the heavens to send anyone who doesn't believe in him into the fiery second death.

I'd vote for the first guy.

Answer 7

to be a christan is to be a disciple only... a disciple is one who is learned or learning of it teacher and Christ is the teacher by the holy spirit. the bible tells us that it take about a year to learn of the kingdom of God Acts 11:26 and after the training the disciple were called Christian for they were learn of Christ not Christ like. First John 3: 2, says now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. we try to be like him but fall every time... but their is coming a time that we will be like him in all ways not some of them.

Answer 8

Oh you made me smile today.

Kindness, compassion, generosity, hospitality, humility and treating others as you would like to be treated yourself are not "Christian ONLY" qualities but universal good qualities found among people of all races, cultures and religions or non-religions.

Trying to paint the picture that somehow Christians monopolize these qualities is just a sales technique. There are ******* in EVERY faith including mine and there are angels in EVERY faith as well. No one is perfect 100% and some people try harder to improve themselves and relate to the world in a more positive way, better than others. Religion has NOTHING to do with it!

But that reality is not as glamorous as, 'We Christians are automatically better people than the rest of the world!"

Keep up the intelligent questions.

Answer 9

being a Christian does not mean that you automatically show Christ like attributes
so right away we have to seperate the religion from the title
they are attributes .... attributes have no religion

it is kindness , compassion , altruism

Answer 10

Christains should behave and act like Jesus wants us to! Anyone can be nice-but it doesn't cut it! You don't have to be nice all the time! Sticking up for God and doing what he wants us to is more important than a pretty little box, per say!
Christ- like people are nice and kind and want world peace. Doing so doesn't include God!