Having been a fairly steady contributor to the Religion thread for a few months now - I've noticed that there seems to be an extremely wide "definition/understanding/misunderstanding" of what is meant when one refers to a "Christian" or "Christianity".

On one hand, we have the "Christianity" of Spider, Feralcat, Myself, others - which seems to be in great contrast to that of Abra, Redy, Lizard, many others.

Whether you see "Christianity", as a fairytale, or "The Way"
What is your understanding of "Christianity"? What are the basic "qualifications" - tenents - call it what you will, of what Christianity means when it is being referenced?

Anyone?

That's an incredibly complex question - would you mind breaking down the two subcategories you mentioned at the start, at least as you perceive them?

IMO - A Christian should love God, believe in Jesus as the Son of God (hard to be a Christian without that one), not judge others, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, spread a little kindness, and try to live a life that leads by example. That's my broad description.

Isn't the basics of Christianity the fact that you believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God? I didn't think identifying yourself as a "Christian" is that complicated. You either believe in JC and the resurrection or you don't.

I think how you express and follow your faith is where all the complexities and debate comes into play.

i was raised in the church and i do not understand it whatsoever...my theory is that i've not done anything bad enough to burn in hell for eternity for...when i told this to my son he wouldn't speak to me for 3 day because his mother wasn't a "christian"...

dang it i hate when i have typos and bad grammar from not proofreading...

The term "Christian", according to my understanding, was originally used in a derogatory sense and aimed toward the early followers of Jesus Christ. It literally is translated "little Christ" or "Christ imitator.

I personally do not prefer to be called this term for the exact reason you're questioning its meaning: it's too broad of a term. Each person has their own relationship with God, even if it's a non-existent relationship, right? If you are targeting your life and actions and heart and soul after Christ, then you're trying to follow in His shadow. In the authentic sense of the term "Christian", that is who a Christian is: one who patters his or her life after Christ. We do not possess all that Christ did on earth, but it is very possible to have the Mind of Christ: to know him; to know God. We're all on our own journeys through life, and we're all always learning.

You mentioned "The Way", and that is what Jesus Christ said that He was: the Truth, the Way, and the Life.

Christianity itself should ideally be the state of following Christ. To me, it isn't a religion; it's a relationship with God Himself and a way of life and love. It means so many things now; you're right!

Its belief in Jesus Christ and following the way He lived His life. It actually is a great way to live. Non-judgemental and free from having to hold the world on your own shoulders.
Its a beautiful thing.

- D

Well-put, Deb! :)

I would tend to agree with Little Miss Blue Eyes, Christianity as we know it has absolutely nothing to do with what it initially was intended to signify.

Interesting question though, but me, "I am a Human Being". Three things are important. God, the universe and me. As we are all rather similar by nature, I guess the same counts for each and every one of you too

beyondblueeyes....loved your answer.

For me......this is actually the first site that I have been called to that have others with the same beliefs as I. This is how I describe being a Christian for myself. I know the path I walk is a narrow one.....one that I sometimes get a lil off the path. But I Love the Lord God, and his only begotten son more than anything on earth...And I do mean everything. I always ask myself before anything I do WWJD...and I try to follow that to my best ability. I don't always succeed....but as a Christian you know it...and you ask for forgiveness. Now again, I am this way because of a lot of circumstances that happen to me...and the way that Christ was reveiled to me. I have no doubts at all that the Lord & Savior is real.......

And that since I have turned my life over to him.....I have been truly blessed, and in turn, have been able to bless others. My passion is ministering to 3rd world countries with people who have never heard of God, or Christ.....I will be going to India in February for this very reason, and I am so excited to do it.

I also truly believe that I don't care what people are as far as their religion......if you believe that Christ came to earth, lived among us....and died for our salvation....well thats good enough for me.

Odlam;

Though I agree the question is complex - the responses usually are pretty basic. It's that "basic" understanding I guess I'm calling for.

By example - a lot of people consider Christianity to be defined by "religions". Others say they are Christian - and not religious. Others think you become a Christian because of the way they live their life - doing good deeds, being non-judgemental, yet others say they do those things because they are a Christian, rather than it being the requirements to make them one. The point I'm trying to make is a broad one - agreed, but is it true that a Christian is what someone describes themselves as being, or are there basics that must be folowed in order to legitimize that Label.

In otherwords - is Christianity "subjective" - I call myself one, therefore I am one, or "objective" - Here are the basic beliefs which have to be adhered to in order to be considered a Christian. And if so, what are those facts.

That's what I'm sort of heading towards.

BayAreaGirl said:

"Isn't the basics of Christianity the fact that you believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God? I didn't think identifying yourself as a "Christian" is that complicated. You either believe in JC and the resurrection or you don't."

I certainly agree that it is hard to claim being a Christian and disagreeing with the purpose of the Cross, and the fact of the resurrection. However, does the infalibility of the bible come into play? The fact of the virgin birth? Can one be a Christian and disagree with any statement of the Apostles Creed?

Those are some of the questions I hope would be adressed, and moderatley agreed upon.

Eljay:


I don't look at it as a label at all.....Im a christian because of the people I want to associate with and fellowship with. Also for me doing good works automatically comes with the faith.......

Although hard I always tell people they can believe whatever they want....it's there right....as it is mine to belive that God gave his son......in order for us to have everlasting life.

A Christian or a lebel here of....is just that.....It's as personal as the relationship you have with God and Christ.....You can have a million people give you their impression or what they believe a christian is and you will have a million different answers.

For me I live as a Christian because I love the Lord and want to please HIM......and I don't have to legitimize anything to anyone.


And there are alot of so called Christians out there that don't live as they should.......not religion speaking but just not trying to live as God and Christ showed us how to live.

I also think that being a Christian does hold you a little more accountable.....then some that say are wiccan.

Eljay wrote:
“On one hand, we have the "Christianity" of Spider, Feralcat, Myself, others - which seems to be in great contrast to that of Abra, Redy, Lizard, many others.”

I see great contrasts between your posts, Feral’s posts, and those of Spider. Personally if I were a Christian I would denounce the posts of Spider as being un-Christian-like. His posts reek of anger and hate. He’s more interested in telling people who God hates and who God rejects rather than conveying the love of God. I have never seen Spider post anything about love. Except perhaps when he’s emphasizing the conditions that God places on it.

Spider’s posts are all about how people must behave. Period. He’s the epitome of what most people dislike about the religion. He clearly represents fanatical fundamentalism. I wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot pole if I were a Christian. I would just tell other people that just because someone calls themselves a “Christian” doesn’t make it so.

But of course, if you agree with what he preaches that’s your choice.

As to your quote about ‘contrasts’ I don’t see how you can contrast my version of Christianity since I never post how I would perceiving the story if I were to accept it. I’ve clearly recognized that it can’t be true so that’s all I post. Why should I bother posting potential interpretations like as if they could be true?

Just because I don’t post them doesn’t mean that I’m not aware of them. I’ve heard all of the things that you and Feral have posted many times before. You guys just sound like broken records to me. It’s not that I don’t know the versions you recite, it’s just that I’ve recognized why they make no sense.

By the way, Christianity has been highly ‘romanticized’ in the USA (as well as other places). This was vividly brought to my attention today whilst I was eating in a restaurant. They were playing Christmas music already! Anyway, it just reminded me that I need to get off the religion forums for the holidays and let the romanticists have their holidays. It’s seriously not my desire to be bursting bubbles. I only post for those intellectuals out there who are interested in hearing alternatives to mythology.

It actually upsets me that the religion forums are constantly about Christianity, like as if nothing else is even worthy of consideration.

Feral wrote:
"I also think that being a Christian does hold you a little more accountable.....then some that say are wiccan."

And that's the kind of arrogant attitude that drives it. Christians have a tendency to think that they are somehow above everyone else and that people of other faiths are 'lost' and need help. It's this kind of arrogance from Christians that upset other people and make them angry. Who wouldn't be angry when someone looks down their nose at you?

Now you might say that this is what I do with Christianity by claiming that it's just mythology. But that’s not the case at all. I’m not saying that I’m any better than a Christian. In fact, I’m not even saying that there is anything wrong in believing in mythology. I don’t believe god cares what a person believes. All that matters is how a person behaves and that has NOTHING to do with what they believe.

It’s fact of life that we have seen examples of great people who were non-Christians. People of other religions faiths, as well as atheists, who were very accountable. So the idea that being a Christians holds a person a little more ‘accountable’ is a bogus idea. It simply has no merit.

Honestly, I think that the bigger issue is the great divide between those that see the Bible as a document that "grew up" in a particular time and evolved into the sacred text that it became, and those who take it as the literal "Word of God." A lot of the differences between Christians lie in how you see and use the biblical texts. That being said, there are also differences based on how people see the relationship between Christianity and the academy/reason.
I believe it was Anselm of Cantebury who said that "theology is faith seeking understanding." Today, I fear that many are afraid to embark on such a journey into dialogue with the sciences, history, and other academic disciplines which should inform us rather than cause us to simply shun the ideas as the church and some Christians have done for centuries.
As a short definition of Christianity as I see it, I believe that Christianity is a religion based on the central idea of self-emptying, giving love. The teachings of Christ were predominately centered on social justice because of his profound love of the "neighbor" and his deep connection to God, who is intrinsic to all creation and in every creature. In a way, Christ shows us how to live as authentic human beings by choosing to live our lives out of love rather than to choose the demise and isolation of self-centeredness.
Thus, I think that Christianity is far more open to world religions and ideas than some would have it b/c love demands inclusiveness and invitation. Least we forget, Jesus said that others would know we were Christians by our love, not our faith claims.

Abra;

My mention of Spider, Feral, you, Kerry - were merely to site examples of people on both sides of the fence, not point out similarities. I certainly don't consider you, Voil, and KerryO to have the same beliefs - I would say you definitely don't. But that doesn't negate that you have an idea of just what Christianity is. I'm not an evolutionist, but I have an idea what an evolutionist should believe, but it certainly is not as detailed as what you do. And since you have stated numerous times in the past that you were once a "Christian" - I woould then ask you - what made you one? Thus - my OP.

Christianity

A body of believers and followers of Christ, that He is fully God and fully man.


Authority of the Bible Inspired word of God
The Gospel John 1:1, 14; 10:30-33, 20:28
Deity of Christ John 1.1, 8:58
Salvation by Grace Eph 2:8-9
Resurrection of Christ 1 Cor. 15:14

As a Christian, I believe that the above are essential Christian beliefs.

I do feel that the peripheral issues such as timing of the tribulation, method of baptism,Church governance should not be a matter of great concern. The relationship with God is unique to each individual and we are all in different stages of our walk in Christ.

To me Christianity is simply the fellowship of Christ. To be a Christian, is to follow Christ. Christianity is the foundation of various religions.

To be a Christian, one must accept that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and he died (a physical death) on the cross so that we may live (a spiritual life). As a follower of Christ, reading The Holy Bible, beleiving, understanding, and accepting the words of God are essential.

Anyone who chooses can be a Christian, you don't have to go to church, or anything, but as one grows in Christianity, they will understand the importance of church fellowship, scripture, etc.

to me Christianity is defined as ones personal relationship with God

Eljay wrote:
“I'm not an evolutionist, but I have an idea what an evolutionist should believe”

I’m not an ‘evolutionist’ either. I have no clue what that even means. Evolution is not a religion. It’s a scientific observation based on evidence (although some people erroneously believe that it’s “just a theory”). If I’m anything at all I’m a ‘scientist’, but even that is not a religion.

Eljay wrote:
“And since you have stated numerous times in the past that you were once a "Christian" - I woould then ask you - what made you one? Thus - my OP.”

I was born into the religion. My parents were Christians and most of my aunts, uncles and cousins were also Christians. Several of my uncles (and later some cousins) were also preachers. However, some of my uncles (actually the ones who were considered to be the most intelligent) were not religious. All of my uncles were highly moral men. In fact, the entire family I came from were all very clean-living people. Believes and non-believers. They were very peaceful Christians, not pushy or fanatical in any way. They believed in live and let live. They were strong Christians though, they used to sit around the campfires and sing religious songs.

I don’t think I would have ever been drawn to Christianity had I not been born into it. I did give it an honest go though. In fact, I embraced it and was prepared to become a ‘man of God’. After all, I am a good person and if it’s possible to honor God by spreading the word of God’s religion the why not honor God? However, as I began to embark on that path I had no choice but to ask questions. After all, if I’m going to be telling other people they should believe something I should be prepared to answer their questions right? I’m not one who believes in just believing in things without good reason. My original reason for believing in Christianity was quite simply because my family did. I just assumed that they had asked all the hard questions and were satisfied with the answer.

However, to my disappointment, it soon became apparent that they did not know the answers. They just believed on faith because they had been born into the religion, and so on. It wasn’t long before I realized that there isn’t any good reason to believe it. Moreover, once a began to look at it with an open mind it became clear to me that it was indeed just the writings of men. I could never preach the religion because I couldn’t even convince myself of it’s truth, how could I ever convince anyone else?

I had no choice but to abandon it. But for me, that didn’t result in a turn toward atheism (although I did look into that possibility as well). I don’t believe in ‘pure’ atheism for a number of reasons. I just don’t believe that a universe could ‘accidentally’ come into existence out of nowhere and be so sophisticated to create consciousness, all but pure ‘chance’. In fact, the very notion that anything can come from nothing is a totally illogical notion, so the universe is illogical no matter how we look at it.

Of course, inventing the concept of a god doesn’t fix anything because all that’s doing is passing the irrationality onto the god. Why should it stick there any better?

I think the bottom line is that the universe is mystical. Period. That can’t be denied. However that doesn’t meant that the Bible is true. Not by a long shot. Just because the universe is mystical doesn’t mean that God is an self-centered ego with an agenda who’s only desire is to be worshiped and served by lowly imperfect pathetic humans.

That’s an absurd picture no matter how you look at it. The universe is far more magnificent of a stage to have been created solely for the petty little plots of men. The idea that God is growing human spirits and is only going to harvest the ones who will bow down and worship a particular picture of him in one version of Middle Eastern mythology is absurd beyond comprehension. Such a God would be nothing more than an all-powerful self-centered spoil brat. No one will ever convince me that the creator of this universe would be so pathetic.

In fact, I think the idea that it was just a freak accident would be more feasible than that.