My understanding is that it was Paul that started christianity for the sake of his Gentile followers. I'm asking the question seriously because the Bible doesn't mention anywhere, where Jesus told his followers that Christianity is the religion to follow.
I do try and study and understand all religions (NOT FOLLOW, lol, just study). I consider myself to be much spiritual but I don't follow a particular religion.
(I'm paroled from religion, due to good behavior). lol *just joking
But, if anyone can provide me an answer to my question or just your honest views, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
2007-10-30 10:07:33 · 15 answers · asked by klm 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't think the word religion is even in the bible. Religion is a man made phenomenon. Jesus was not about "religion" he taught that He was the truth and life. He told people to follow Him, not a religion. Sorry if that doesn't really make sense, most people just view Christianity as a religion, but hopefully you understand what I'm saying.
2007-10-30 10:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by melissa 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The name Christianity doesn't come from the Bible. It's the sect of Judaism that came from the followers of Christ, hence Christ-ians. Jesus told his followers to follow His teachings, not to follow some abstract concept. Christianity proper grew out of those teachings.
Also, Paul didn't create it, although he was instrumental in laying down the foundations of the church (as were the other apostles), and spreading it to the Gentiles. He was not alone in this, however his efforts were invaluable in spreading the Gospel initially.
The "Christianity" we know really began with Constantine I, who formalized the Bible and the Church, and spread it to the Roman Empire by making it the Empire's official religion. Before Constantine, Christians were a very loose organization preaching a hundred different gospels and scripts, bearing very little resemblance to what we have now.
2007-10-30 17:35:22 · answer #2 · answered by agharo_jager 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus wasn't a Christian, he was a Jew. His followers weren't called Christians until Acts 11:26. Christ is the Greek term for "annointed one", the same as the Hebrew Messiah. Because Antioch was formerly part of the Greek Empire and Greek was still the main trade language of the area, Jesus' followers were called Christians there. The name spread.
Jesus didn't come to form a new religion, but to fulfill the Mosaic Law of Judaism. He was an observant Jew, lived and taught in Israel, and identified himself as a Jew. Hence, his being sentenced for calling himself "King of the Jews".
As for not advocating what Paul did...Jesus himself (on the road to Damascus) sent Paul to do it.
2007-10-30 17:23:35 · answer #3 · answered by hsmomlovinit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Friend,
To answer your first question, there can't be a Bible verse that says that the religion of Jesus Christ was "Christian." The reason being...the definition of a Christian is ...to be "Christ-like." Therefore, Jesus would have to be "like-Himself." Does that make sense? Jesus is our role model to be "like Him"...Christians.
Secondly, Christianity is not a religion...it is a "relationship" with our Creator...God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Three in One.
There are "many" religions in the world, but only ONE offers mankind a personal relationship... with Him. When I asked Jesus "into" my life there's no way...I'd want to live my life..."my" way. God's way is so MUCH...better. Thank you Lord!
Matthew 11:29, 30 says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
John 3:16 says, "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The word believeth here means surrender yourself to Him and trust Him.
Why is the God's Word the Bible the infallible word of God? Because God's Word is "alive." That's why it's called the "Living Word."
May you come to KNOW... the living person of Jesus Christ.
Blessings in Jesus,
Dorene...
2007-10-30 23:50:50 · answer #4 · answered by lostnsavd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
None. Jesus told people to follow him. The original meaning of the term "Christian" is "follower of Christ". It has certainly evolved into a religion (or, more accurately, several religions), but I don't believe Jesus told his followers to practice a particular religion. In fact, I'd argue that Jesus spoke to them about the dangers of "religion".
Religion is a man-made concept...it involves prescribing a set of rules and guidelines for people to follow to bring themselves closer to God. Jesus told his followers that all the man-made rules in the world wouldn't achieve the desired result. That only by following his example and seeking (and doing) the will of the Father directly, could we achieve the goal of bridging the gap between man and God. Jesus set the example that we should all follow...religion allows other men to set the example.
Was Jesus a Christian...no...if he practiced any religion, it was Judaism. However, he broke some of the "rules" of that religion, it seems, quite deliberately...to show us that the path to righteousness involved seeking God's will for ourselves not blindly following the directions of other people.
2007-10-30 17:29:14 · answer #5 · answered by KAL 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was the Christ (anointed one), and to follow Christ is to follow Jesus.
The term Christian was applied in a negative manner by the unbelievers in regards to the believers at Antioch. Followers of Jesus were called ...'those Christians'...
You might remember that Paul was a persecutor of the church until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
grace2u
2007-10-30 17:19:46 · answer #6 · answered by Theophilus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jesus told his apostles to "teach all nations..." The apostles began teaching. The followers of Christ were called Christians. The apostolic Church is the Catholic Church which is based on the teachings of the apostles not the Bible. Although we believe that the Bible is written under the inspired guidence of the Holy Spirit.
2007-10-30 17:13:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
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Jesus did not give his followers the name Christian. People came to call believers Christian.
2007-10-30 17:25:06 · answer #8 · answered by urallnutballs 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There isn't a verse that says the religion of Jesus is Christian. There is a verse which says something like "those who follow me and and called by my name" I'm not sure where it is, though. It's been interpreted to mean both Christians and Jehovah's Wintnesses, so it's pretty vague.
2007-10-30 17:13:02 · answer #9 · answered by Rebeckah 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christianity was born when Christ roles and the disciples preached his word. You want find religion or Christianity in the bible because we follow Christ itself.
2007-10-30 21:09:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋