I see questions on here all the time declaring various litmus tests for "true" christians. This is an honest question mainly directed to those who claim to be christians answer as much of it, or as little of it as you like.
What is a true christian in your opinion?
What are the core issues that must be believed?
What are areas you can disagree on?
I often see this related to issues of social concern or various doctrinal points, usually prefaced by "How can you consider yourself a true christian if you believe _________
So in your opinion can a true christian vary in their views on:
1. The creation account in genesis
2. Abortion
3. Homosexuality
4. Baptism (infant versus believer)
Of course, there are other issues. I'm just interested in the temperature of the forum--nothing more.
2007-11-21 00:35:40 · 32 answers · asked by Todd 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A "true" Christian is one who strives, to the best of one's ability, to follow the example and teachings of Jesus the Christ, and who believes completely in Jesus as the Son of God and redeemer of the world.
All the rest is opinion, and as Paul said to the Romans, "Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions." If you read chapter 14 of the Epistle to the Romans, you'll see that Christians can and do have different opinions about various matters, and that those who are "weak" in faith often have the more strict interpretation of scripture. But that does not mean they are not Christians.
Taking your list, I would say that Christians most definitely have varying viewpoints on creation, abortion, homosexuality, and baptism, along with any number of other issues. A "true" Christians understands this, and is open to other ideas and opinions; a Christian who is "strong" in faith isn't afraid of contrary thoughts. Louis L'Amour once wrote, "A just man always has doubts." Interesting, no?
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2007-11-21 01:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by Stranger In The Night 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hey Todd,
I've been a Christian most of my life. I hate to say this but I've had trouble with my faith lately. I'm not even sure if there is a God any longer. But I'm still going to church. They know I'm having problems with it. (I say that for two reason. One, because I want you to know that I am in no way wearing a mask around them. Two, to show that these people are true Christians, because if they can still treat me with kindness and still want me at church. That has to say something.)
1. In my opinion, a Christian is someone that show anyone and everyone the love of God. Claims Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. And above all is not judgmental toward anyone for any reason whatsoever.
2. The core issues that must be believed is that Jesus Christ did come down for All to save everyone from Hell. To know that we can have a personal relation with him, because of all he has done. And not what we can do.
3. Every one has their own opinion on things. That's what makes us who we are. If we disagree. Than that should be it. I know that is not always the case. I know there are quite a few things people don't understand and therefore must be "debated". But I don't think there is any "right answer". Things are not always if ever just black and white.
1. Well honestly I think it can be. As I just said there is Not always (if ever) a black and white situation.
For number one, in my opinion, I think that if there is a God than it's true. I can't think of any other logical way to put it. But if someone had a better way than I'd definitely consider the possibility.
2. Abortion in my eyes is murder. But at the same time if you have a mother in danger of her own life than I say go for it.
3. I don't think that it's any ones business what people do behind doors. I'm not a homosexual, but I also don't think it's something that should be judged. I mean if it is a sin than fine. What about people that steal. Or lie. Everything is as bad as the next. So if you lie you're a horrible person. No that's not the way it works. People should not be judged for things they do if one is forgiven than so is the next.
4. If people are baptized than it should be there choice, but if the parent want to do it than it's just there way of showing devotion. I mean I think the person should be baptized a second time when they are old enough if they do, but again that's just my opinion.
2007-11-21 06:32:41 · answer #2 · answered by casey p 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've actually given that question much thought over the last several weeks. Since I'm not a believer, I don't feel that I'm bound by the dogma associated with the "Christian" religion as a whole.
My personal belief is that a Christian is someone who follows the teachings if Christ - and Christ alone.
I believe that much of the confusion and controversy surrounding Christianity comes from doctrine purported to come from the disciples of Christ. I submit that if you're a follower of the New Testament that you're actually Catholic or Protestent since those are the origins of the New Testament. I submit that a follower of Christ follows his teachings and only his teachings.
The obvious rebuttal here is that the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were inspired to further Christ's doctrine. I tend to reject that notion since the Apostles were notorious for doubting Christ during his ministry. I find it more plausible that we've just been told through the generations, starting with the Catholic church, that they were inspired. Since it fit in with the New Testament, it has just been widely accepted by the believers.
So - What areas can true Christians disagree on based on my personal definition of a Christian? Most of them except how you treat others.
2007-11-21 01:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Mickey P 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
What is a true christian in your opinion? A true Christian is one who is Saved by the blood of Christ and tries to emulate Him. Christian actually means little Christ.
What are the core issues that must be believed?
There are 3: 1. God is. 2. Jesus died for sin. 3. Redemption comes through Christ's blood and God's grace.
What are areas you can disagree on?
I'm willing to allow disagreement on anything that is not explicitly stated in The Bible.
I often see this related to issues of social concern or various doctrinal points, usually prefaced by "How can you consider yourself a true christian if you believe _________
So in your opinion can a true christian vary in their views on:
1. The creation account in genesis
Yes, whether you believe it took God 7 days or 7 million years, so long as you say God created everything, I'll let you slide. (c:
2. Abortion
I think it's okay for Christians to allow abortion only in cases where the mother would die if she gave birth to the child.
3. Homosexuality
You know, I've always been taught that all sins are equal in the eyes of God, so I think a Christian should understand that homosexuality is a sin but not treat it any different from lying or stealing.
4. Baptism (infant versus believer)
No. In this I don't think Christians should disagree. Baptism follows the footsteps of Christ, literally and figuratively. Christ was baptized as an adult, by submersion in water and Christians should follow in His steps.
2007-11-21 01:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by Cinnibuns 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
A wise pastor once said that to be a Christian one had to believe in that Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, that he died on a cross and was raised on the third day, that belief in Him would grant eternal life, and that He would one day return. All the rest was merely theological argument.
A true Christian is one who really believes with their heart, not just their head. Someone who, despite constantly falling short, really tries to follow Christ's example.
2007-11-21 00:46:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The only litmus test offered in the Bible is Rom. 10:9. There is no comma at the end of that verse, so there are no "requirements" other than an confession that Jesus is Lord of your life (meaning, literally ruling your life) and a belief in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
2007-11-21 00:46:32 · answer #6 · answered by capitalctu 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First i'll start with the verse John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in himshould not perish, but have everlasting life.
reflecting on this words,
A true christian is a follower of christ. not just a follower in word but in deed, thought and words. so you can come to a conclusion a person who shares the love, blessings, the salvation he /she recived.
the foundations of christianity are that jesus is the son of god, and the Trinity of god, Jesus died for our sins and he rose up the third day and now he is in heaven until when he comes to take us back with him in the tribulation. And the most important There is no salvation other than from Jesus Christ.
you can have different views of cretion, the preadamite world, the ways of worshiping god (thats in church), different views of heaven, hell. But finaly it is not on those belifes but in christ we have our belief is in common Which is important.
A person who says he is a follower of christ will not approve abortion and homosexuality. for god forbids them and has clearly told in the bible what happened to sodom and gomorah because of this same sins.
as for batism it is only an occasion where we tell to the people that i'm going to follow jesus and accept him as my personal saviour. Baptism is purely a sign so no problem in having different views on it.
2007-11-21 14:33:41 · answer #7 · answered by illuminate 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All True Christian will see the scriptures Eye to Eye, Isa. 52:8 & Eph.4:11-17 Till we ALL come into the UNITY of the faith, Acts 2:38-47 And they continued stedfast in the Apostles Doctrine. Apostle Paul also said study thyself to see if you are in THE FAITH, There is ONE Faith(Eph. 4:4-5 A true Christian will not disagree one bit on the scriptures, Now that does not mean that every christian will like apple pie or ice cream, but when it comes to God's word, There is a perfection period going on now. Eph. 4:11-17
2007-11-21 00:45:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
the bible says you know a follower by their works. As a Christian we must follow and believe in Jesus Christ. Although we know all are sinners we can never condone sin or justify it. When we commit a sin we must recognize we did wrong prayer for foregiveness and try not to do it again. One personal example was before I was a Christian, I use to take the Lords name in vain I use to say "oh they are just words I am hurting no one" This was condoning and justifying sin. Now when I do make that mistake I stop and realize it is wrong and I prayer for foregiveness. People who say they are Christian's but condone sins and say they are ok really do not have the Holy Spirit in them. They are not real Christian's.
2007-11-21 00:47:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus Christ is God, that he resurrected from the dead (and is therefore alive today) and was born of a virgin (indicating his sinless nature). '... however, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.’(Romans 8:9). So a true Christian has the indwelling Holy Spirit.
2007-11-21 00:42:47 · answer #10 · answered by cheir 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋