Is this the definition of a Christian:?

Question

Someone who believes in the facts that Jesus was the "Son of God" and died on the cross for all of humankind's sins, and also believes in the word of the Bible.

If this is true, then aren't all Catholics and Protestants and all other "sects" considered Christian?

If not, then why not?

Answer 1

yes that is the definition of a Christian and yes all those that follow Christ are Christians

Answer 2

Well for one thing, I know some catholics don't like to be called christians. Real christians believe Jesus is THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, no one gets to the father but through me. Christians pray to and through Jesus to get to the father, but I was taught that Jesus is the father in human form. While lots of Catholics ask the Virgin Mary or other saints to pray to Jesus for them.

Answer 3

No, that is not the definition of a Christian. In fact, your definition excludes some 25% of modern Christians, including some of the world's oldest denominations.

The truth is, there is no single characteristic that all Christians hold in common, so you really can't define Christianity in terms of doctrine. You could possibly define Christianity in terms of its origins and sub-groups, but even that would require some caveats.

Answer 4

the definition of a "christian" is not what they believe more than what they do because of that belief. If you want to honestly be a "christian" you must accept Christ into your heart. Then and only then do you become a "christian". Most people say and even believe that they are christians, but until they do what is commanded for a person to do to become a christian they aren't as christian as they think they6 are.

Answer 5

There is more to it, I think. I think it's important to believe that Jesus not only died, but that He rose again, and also...that He's coming back to the earth to collect His church. The other thing I think is vital, is to have a RELATIONSHIP with Him. To do otherwise, is sorta like having a friend and saying, "Oh yes, we are the best of friends....but we never speak." In answer to your question, yes, I believe that the actual definition of Christian UNITES both Catholic and Protestant. I think it's a shame, that instead of seeing the similarities, churches sometimes choose to dwell on the differences. (Sigh).

If they can't get along here, how do they expect to share heaven?

Answer 6

The Catholics hold their churches books over the Bible, and let them overshadow the Bible. You see, when you do that you are not getting the true word, you are getting the word on your own terms.

Maybe Catholics do leave and become good Christians. Whatever you do, do not support their organization.

Answer 7

You are very correct in your conclusion that they are all Christians. They are all schisms, or splinters of Christianity, in many respect similar to the way that Christianity is a sect of Judaism.

Hope that makes sense.

Answer 8

Christian means Christ like. Anyone who follow the teachings of Christ and His disciples are Christians.

Answer 9

Yes, "Christian" is considered a category and Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran, etc., are all subcategories of Christian, all branches of Christian. That is how I like to look at it.

Answer 10

Well they are Christian if that is what you define is a Christian.

The Bible defines a Christian as a person who is "in Christ". The Bible teaches that to be "in Christ" you must believe that he is the Son of God, Confess Him, Repent, and Be baptized, and then live in obedience to the best of your ability.

The Bible defines what a Christian is. One who loves, one who is patient, one who forgives, one who gives, etc, etc.

***UPDATE***
There is the broad term of "Christian" that is a generic label for anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ. Then there are specific terms that define who is a Christian that is found in the Bible.