There are over 40,000 Christian denominations globally. That's over 40,000 groups of people identifying themselves as Christians with their own different interpretation of what Christianity actually is. To say one is true and the others are false is an example of the "No true Scotsman" fallacy. So, how is a real Christian defined?
Based upon the definition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Christian As well as my conversation with various preachers and pastors, there seem to be but two major qualifications to consider oneself a Christian:
1. Believe Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins.
2. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
It's quite easy to go to step 1, that's just simple faith. That's as easy as asking to believe in Santa Clause to get infinite toys every Christmas for life. Step 2? Let's see how that follows up:
What are the basic teachings of Jesus Christ? I think it's safe to say the following:
1. Give your belongings to the poor. Less gain on Earth means more gain in Heaven. Being rich draws you away from God and towards materialism.
2. Love your enemy, turn the other cheek, if your property is stolen do not ask for it back, and if someone asks you for something grant it to them.
3. Be humble, do not carry pride.
4. Have not thought for tomorrow, simply follow and believe in Christ.
There is a bit more to list, but these are the foundations that are backed by scripture, and the ones I would think every Christian I've met would say are good values to teach.. But how many Christians actually follow them?
Forget Pat Robertson and the other mega-rich millionaire Christians, it's easy to pick on them for their obvious greed and hypocrisy. What about your average Christian? Maybe they have a flat screen TV, drive an SUV, and carry around an iPhone. Riches unheard of in the time Jesus was around. Why doesn't your average Christian give those to the poor?
What about loving your enemy? Can you truly love someone who has wronged you, especially someone you love? If your things are stolen, can you honestly say you wouldn't want them back? What about accepting verbal or physical abuse without some degree of retaliation? More than that, what about pride? Pride in your work, pride in your family, pride in your hobby, or pride in the everyday things that bring you joy? Giving thought for tomorrow. Do you have a bank account? Do you save for a 'rainy day'? Do you concern yourself with appointments, or payments, or disaster whether it be man-made or natural?
I fully wager that no Christian is immune to at least one of these prospects, it's simply impossible given human nature. These are extreme views, yes. But to label yourself a person who identifies by these views, views which if not upheld allegedly result in the worst punishment imaginable, is disingenuous. It would be like calling yourself a vegan and actively snacking on a steak dinner every night. It's not ok when another group breaks from its teachings, why is it ok to break from yours and excuse it as being "too hard"?
This brings me back to my original point and the theme of this thread: There are no true Christians. Christianity, as with all religions, is about convenience. It's bad enough that you can't get a Christian to follow their own Bible, but to not even follow the teachings of Christ, whom is the namesake of their own belief and the foundation of their morals, to me awards them no credit. It's one thing to slip up and 'sin', it's another to disregard completely.
/endrantoflogic.
Based upon the definition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Christian As well as my conversation with various preachers and pastors, there seem to be but two major qualifications to consider oneself a Christian:
1. Believe Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins.
2. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
It's quite easy to go to step 1, that's just simple faith. That's as easy as asking to believe in Santa Clause to get infinite toys every Christmas for life. Step 2? Let's see how that follows up:
What are the basic teachings of Jesus Christ? I think it's safe to say the following:
1. Give your belongings to the poor. Less gain on Earth means more gain in Heaven. Being rich draws you away from God and towards materialism.
2. Love your enemy, turn the other cheek, if your property is stolen do not ask for it back, and if someone asks you for something grant it to them.
3. Be humble, do not carry pride.
4. Have not thought for tomorrow, simply follow and believe in Christ.
There is a bit more to list, but these are the foundations that are backed by scripture, and the ones I would think every Christian I've met would say are good values to teach.. But how many Christians actually follow them?
Forget Pat Robertson and the other mega-rich millionaire Christians, it's easy to pick on them for their obvious greed and hypocrisy. What about your average Christian? Maybe they have a flat screen TV, drive an SUV, and carry around an iPhone. Riches unheard of in the time Jesus was around. Why doesn't your average Christian give those to the poor?
What about loving your enemy? Can you truly love someone who has wronged you, especially someone you love? If your things are stolen, can you honestly say you wouldn't want them back? What about accepting verbal or physical abuse without some degree of retaliation? More than that, what about pride? Pride in your work, pride in your family, pride in your hobby, or pride in the everyday things that bring you joy? Giving thought for tomorrow. Do you have a bank account? Do you save for a 'rainy day'? Do you concern yourself with appointments, or payments, or disaster whether it be man-made or natural?
I fully wager that no Christian is immune to at least one of these prospects, it's simply impossible given human nature. These are extreme views, yes. But to label yourself a person who identifies by these views, views which if not upheld allegedly result in the worst punishment imaginable, is disingenuous. It would be like calling yourself a vegan and actively snacking on a steak dinner every night. It's not ok when another group breaks from its teachings, why is it ok to break from yours and excuse it as being "too hard"?
This brings me back to my original point and the theme of this thread: There are no true Christians. Christianity, as with all religions, is about convenience. It's bad enough that you can't get a Christian to follow their own Bible, but to not even follow the teachings of Christ, whom is the namesake of their own belief and the foundation of their morals, to me awards them no credit. It's one thing to slip up and 'sin', it's another to disregard completely.
/endrantoflogic.
