I've noticed a lot of arguments back and forth today about whether or not Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholics, etc. are Christians. Saying what a thing is not, however, implies something that it is. So, what is the definition of a Christian that enables one to make judgments about whether or not someone else is actually a Christian? Obviously the line gets drawn somewhere - a Buddhist is not a Christian, for example - but where, and how?
2007-11-09 20:28:38 · 18 answers · asked by harlomcspears 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Though not a Christian I have had extensive past involvememnt with Christianity and I would say that it is anybody who strives to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and that there is in actuality no tight definiton of who a Christian is they in my opnious can be Catholic, Orthodox,Fundamentlist , Coptic, Mormon or most others, however I would not considoer those little cults like "The Moonies" or "The Family" "Children of God" to be so. For more discussionon those, I will leave that up to you to research some more on your own.
2007-11-10 16:25:40 · answer #1 · answered by chinavagabond94122 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The definition of a Christian is somebody who follows the ways of Jesus Christ.
Actually, the word ''christian" was first given as a nickname about a few years or so in A.D to a bunch of people in Antioch who at that time were telling everyone the News that they heard about Jesus. They got that name because of how those people saw them acting. Obviously, they acted just like Christ to receive such a name.
2007-11-09 20:42:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is anyone who believes in the divinity of Christ and that salvation comes through Him. The LDS (Mormon) Church is an example of a Christian Church.
To learn more about the Mormons, visit my site at http://www.allaboutmormons.com
2007-11-09 21:13:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is a believer / follower of Jesus Christ.
Others are confused and classify Christianity as a religion. Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP with God.
2007-11-09 20:42:22 · answer #4 · answered by momsi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus and who has accepted Him as Savior.
2007-11-09 20:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chris·tian (krÄs'chÉn)
adj.
1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
n.
1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
If you believe in Christ, you're Christian. If you don't, you aren't. Simple. If you want to get nit-picky, throw traditionalist or fundamentalist in front. I'm tired of people telling me that I'm not Christian. I believe in Christ. Isn't that enough?
2007-11-09 20:32:49 · answer #6 · answered by Lacey 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
christian means "little Christ"...so all believers are "little Christ"!
When you open your mouth and confessed Jesus Christ is your Saviour & God and believed it in your heart...You are a Christian...coz confession is made unto salvation! Thus the spirit of God(Holy Spirit) resides in your spirit man.
Buddhism is following the teachings of a mortal man. Christianity is following Jesus Christ, His Person!..geess..i guess that is the difference.
2007-11-11 16:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by dofsarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is someone who claims to be one.
That's really about the only definition that actually makes sense.
As for why we don't call Buddhists Christian, it is because they don't think of themselves as being Christians.
2007-11-09 20:41:11 · answer #8 · answered by bestonnet_00 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Christian is a follower of Christ.
2007-11-09 20:31:59 · answer #9 · answered by Spoken4 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.
2007-11-09 20:31:54 · answer #10 · answered by Noelle M 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋