me, i love God. i was raised a christian, but cant i just say i believe in God and follow what he wants me to do? instead of defining myself as a christian, cant i just say God is good all the time all the time God is good and follow his teachings?
2007-10-03 20:07:59 · 25 answers · asked by Nevena G 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes you can believe yet not belong to any one religion.Many people do.
2007-10-03 20:12:24 · answer #1 · answered by ͏҉ ßõhrçmrïñsÿ★ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes.
when people ask me what religion i am, i like to say "im not religious, but i do have a relationship with God."
I am a follower of Christ. I read my Bible and abide in the teachings of it and it alone.
"I believe in God"
-"Which one?"
"There is only one. Jesus is my Lord"
-"So your a Christian?"
"I am a follower of Christ. Nothing more nothing less."
Christian means "little Christ" it was supposed to be a mocking/rude nickname but the Christians loved the name and counted it as a blessing cuz you cant saying anything nicer to me than to say that i resemble Christ.
Did you know that before the name Christian was given to Christ followers we were known as "The Way"
Acts 9:2 is one verse where people are known as "the Way". In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way..." so it is a good reference. Later in Acts 11:26 the word Christian is used.
Acts was written between 60-64 AD so this is about 30 years after the death of Christ. So that means for 30 years they didnt really know what to call the followers of Christ other than just that.
Be a "follower of Christ"
So if anyone asks you, let that person know that you are a follower of Christ, nothing more nothing less.
Blessings upon you.
2007-10-03 20:28:12 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say you love God and then want to treat the whole thing like something that is generic?
Are you just asking a hypothetical question or are you really prepared for that kind of relationship with God, like one where you follow God from far off?
Also consider this serious question: What do you really think God wants from you? Someone saying what you are saying might not have that straight.
2007-10-03 20:37:53 · answer #3 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word "christian" has been so defiled and misused it is better for people who actually believe in the teachings of Jesus and do their best to follow what he taught not to call themselves "christian".
Jesus didn't tell people to call themselves anything special. He just taught the truth and left it at that.
The lable of Christian is way watered down and has NEVER really been about doing what is good and right. It is a poliical playing piece. Has been since the Nicean Council and before.
Just do what you find best and don't worry about what people call you.
2007-10-03 20:18:51 · answer #4 · answered by bahbdorje 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People..
If you are a follower of Christ,...you are a christian whether you label it something else or not.
Abiding by the bible is not necessarily christian.
I am somewhat like Thomas Jefferson (both of not christian, both of us do not believe the bible is word of god).
The bible is a good book when used as a guidebook.
When used litterally, it becomes very harmful.
2007-10-04 09:55:53 · answer #5 · answered by pcreamer2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where is your faith and obedience? IF you do not have , then you do not believe in God. Most people believe with their lips but their heart is far from him.
DO THE WILL OF GOD
You need to find a home church, be obedient, follow his word, be baptized with the holy spirit, show your self approved and do the will of God (Mark 16: 15 - 18)
2007-10-03 20:16:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
to believe in Christ is to be a Christian
I guess I not sure why a person needs to separate the two, as I was raised and as it is taught in the bible they go hand in hand.
And if you read and follow his teaching someday it may come down to, Do you just think you believe? Do you just follow alone and mouth the words?
Or do you proclaim to one and all I believe and I trust, he is my God , Christ the King of all Christian's who choose to follow him
2007-10-03 20:21:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"but cant i just say i believe in God and follow what he wants me to do?"
You most certainly can. In the Dark Ages, people were burned for their beliefs, but nowadays you're perfectly free to have whatever beliefs you want. If a certain religion tells you you're a sinner because your beliefs are different than their dogma, they're just telling you that to maintain psychological control over you...
2007-10-03 20:15:07 · answer #8 · answered by crypto_the_unknown 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian because I believe in Crist, but I don not claim one specific religion. I read the Bible and try to fallow God's word as best as I can.
2007-10-03 20:12:09 · answer #9 · answered by uuummk 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You say you believe in God - how do you know exactly who He is? What His teachings are? What He wants you to do?
Jesus says that HE is God and if you love Him you must keep His commandments.
You can know God ONLY through His word - the Holy Bible
2007-10-03 20:11:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You could certainly do that. You would be a theist. There are many people like that.
But whose teachings are you following? If they're the teachings of Jesus and you accept him as the son of God, then you are a Christian are you not? I don't know if you can separate the two.
2007-10-03 20:11:28 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋