Lets say this person is as follows:
1. Has a strong belief in 1 God
2. Belief in his son-Jesus who died on the cross for humanities sins
3. Believes in Astral Projection/reincarnation/spirit guides (biblical passages to prove his/her point)
4. uses tarot or believes tarot is a good way of putting things in perspective
5. Leads a good wholesome life, good mother/father, free from drugs/alcohol, healthy diet, giving to people and charities, nonjudgmental, caring and loving of all peoples he/she encounters. All in all an amazing person
Christian or not? and would you respect the persons beliefs or not? Looking for honest answers but prefer to limit hostility, I'm just curious. Thank you.
2007-09-19 09:47:49 · 43 answers · asked by C.C 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Truth in advertising: I'm not a Christian Fundamentalist by any stretch of the imagination, although I do consider myself a Christian. Please keep this in mind as you read my response.
Christianity began as a stream of the Jewish mystical tradition. Paul speaks rather openly of the mystical ascent (which some might think is similar to astral projection). Furthermore, the NT suggests that Jesus and his disciples believed in *gilgul*, which is similar to what is commonly known as reincarnation, but with some very significant differences. So, this is a *qualified* yes that a Christian may with some consistency believe such things. IMO, one's salvation really depends upon points #1 and #2, and really not on what one does or does not believe regarding secondary matters. We can have a lot of mistaken notions about very many things, and still be considered a Christian.
As for Tarot, that largely depends upon how one uses it. Tarot has been used by Christian mystics as a meditative or contemplative aid for a long time. In fact, the book _Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism_ is a philosophical and spiritual classic from this particular approach or tradition. We should keep in mind that Tarot was very likely a development from a series of 50 scenes known as "The Game of Man," which was intended to depict man's journey through life and back into the presence of God, as understood during Renaissance times. That doesn't strike me as inherently evil or wicked. Rather, it was a kind of picture-book version of Dante. We don't say that Dante's Comedy is possessed by demons, or that those who read it are not Christians. My view regarding Tarot meditation/contemplation is similar to my view of those who read Dante.
By contrast, the use of Tarot as a fortunetelling device ala "Mizz Cleo" is expressly forbidden to Christians, as are other similar divinatory devices. Generally speaking, fortunetelling strikes me as incompatible with one's Christian walk, although some Christians may do this.
To the chase: yes, I respect this person, and this person's beliefs, even if we disagree on points. Lack of respect for what folks believe commonly equates to lack of respect for the person, in my experience.
I hope this response is helpful to you.
2007-09-20 12:20:12 · answer #1 · answered by Jamshyd 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Why would a Christian believe in Astral Projection, reincarnation, spirit guides and tarot cards? And what Bible passages prove these things?
The other things would not make him a Christian either; lots of people come from good families and love all people, etc.
What makes a Christian is the belief in the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and one who has followed the formula for salvation: HEARING the Word of God, Romans 10:17; BELIEVING what you've heard, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6; REPENTING of your sins, Luke 13:3; CONFESSING Christ to be the Only Begotten Son of God, Matthew 10:32; Being BAPTIZED in water, Acts 2:38, 8:37-38; Being FAITHFUL unto death, Acts 2:42, Revelation 2:10.
Has your friend done these things? If not, he's not a Christian.
2007-09-19 09:56:39 · answer #2 · answered by kellygirlaj 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I really do not understand how a person can say that if you do not believe in the trinity (invented at the council of Nicea in 325 A.D.) that you are not a christian. Juses was not a trinitarian, it was never coined until 300 years After Jesus (give or take a few years) time. It is a man made doctrine and contrary to the Entire new and old testament. Now, to the question at hand. Mormons have their "own" bible that they think is superior to the Bible. That is what makes them "not christian". At least Islam admits a difference. Their own Book, their own leader, and both take the diety of Jesus and slam him. A Christian is someone who is identified with Christ in death,burial and resurection. To the point. A Follower of christ and confesses that he is LORD , which is equal to GOD. Look up this scripture Genesis 27:20 KJV Who is the Lord? Genesis 27:20 KJVA Exodus 8:10 NAS There are many verses that say the Lord is God. Mormons and J.W.'s deny this, just as islam does
2016-05-18 21:36:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. I respect every ones belief or faith, I may not agree with what others believe or have faith in, but I will always respect a person's beliefs or faith.
2. I do not consider her a christian due to points 3 and 4. God's Word the Bible shows that He detest mediums and the sorts.
Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:11;
Isaiah 8:19; Exodus 22:18; 1Samuel 28:3; 1Samuel 28:7;
1Samuel 28:9
To be a christian you must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and follow the one True God, which is The Creator of all things and is our Heavenly Father. Part of being a christian is learning and applying God's Word the Bible into your daily life, but in this case, number 4 alone shows that at this time she isn't a christian, but she has a chance to be, if she truly wanted to be.
2007-09-19 10:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by Admeta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would I consider the following person Christian?
Well if just #1, #2 and #5 I would say yes, but after consideration of #3 and #4 my answer is that Jesus has not finished the work this person needs. A new believer needs to learn from the Master and accept His direction. As he/she progress in the knowledge of the Word (assisted by the Holy Spirit) he/she will abandon incorrect ideas or teachings like reincarnation and tarot. If he/she rejects God guidance and continue trusting in sinful practices like those at #3 and #4, he/she may consider himself/herself a christian and wise person, but will not be saved and enjoy heaven.
Me respecting the persons beliefs? I respect the person, but do not agree with his/her beliefs. I respectfully will try my best to show him/her the truth or pray God to use another method or person to do it.
2007-09-19 10:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by Darth Eugene Vader 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a Christian I have a serious problem with 3 and 4, how can you believe in the Bible and practice witchcraft, tarot cards and all that Astral projection stuff is not Godly, Jesus never mentioned that in the Bible. Of course I am not the judge and I don't know the persons heart but 3 and 4 are not in the bible.
2007-09-19 10:00:38 · answer #6 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ascent (which some might think is similar to astral projection). Furthermore, the NT suggests that Jesus and his disciples believed in *gilgul*, which is similar to what is commonly known as reincarnation, but with some very significant differences. So, this is a *qualified* yes that a Christian may with some consistency believe such things. IMO, one's salvation really depends upon points #1 and #2, and really not on what one does or does not believe regarding secondary matters.
2014-10-26 23:13:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the person has put their faith in Jesus and has been born-again, then they're a Christian. I'd have some issues with things they believe though: the Bible clearly forbids the occult (astrology, tarot cards etc) and i know of no Bible passages that teach or even suggest reincarnation.
I'd respect their beliefs but try to convince them otherwise on some issues. I'd like to have a good chat with this person =]
God bless
2007-09-19 09:57:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like a new-age/christian combo type of thing.
I would have more respect for a person like that than I would for a christian fundamentalist. I would respect her even more if she dumped 1 & 2 though, or at least was flexible on it.
3-5 sounds like your average, good hearted, new ager. 1 & 2 put her in danger of getting sucked into the world of the judgmental, ignorant, and hypocritical. She would be safer to distance herself from that sort of thing in any way she can.
2007-09-19 10:25:28 · answer #9 · answered by Azure Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It almost sound Christian. The use of tarot cards may throw it off a bit due to it's nature and how it was derived. As to judging her... Lets go to what Jesus said to the Prostitute 'He who is without Sin cast the 1ST stone'. Therefore I can not pass judgment as I am not completely with out sin.
As to re-incarnation... definition is one whom returns from the dead if I am not mistaken. In saying that one might say that the rising of Christ from the dead he was re-incarnated.
You can lead a good life that would resemble a follower of Christ and still not be a Christian. There is only one person you can tell you that. If the person you are talking about is questioning her own salvation then she needs to evaluate herself. I recommend reading the 1st four books of the new testament to answer the questions at hand. Let me know how it goes. Trust in the Lord God with all your heart and all your mind and he will guide you in the right direction.
2007-09-19 10:01:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋