ironmonk Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 What is a Christian? Some might say that it is anyone who believes that the Son of God was Jesus Christ. Some might say that it is someone who lives the way Jesus wants us to. Some might say a number of things.... but... When it comes down to it... I believe that a Christian is someone who follows Christ's teachings as set forth by the Apostles. A lutherean follows Luther's teachings, for the very church bares the name of luther. All protestant church teachings are those of men and doctrines of men. Can they technically be called Christian? I have to say no when we get down to what a Christan is. Granted, if they think they are following the truth, then they are by desire, but I'm talking basic true and full Christianity. I understand that most protestants today have been prots for generations and believe that they are living the way God intended so they're covered by desire to be a True Christian (I know this was redundant but I want to make sure everyone understands what I'm saying). What I can't fathom, is why the original disenters (Luther, Knox, Calvin, etc...) would want to be counted with Acts 20:30 The only Basic Christianity there is, is that of the Catholic Church... the Church passes on the Teachings of Christ, not the teachings of men. Christianity is One Faith, because that is what Christ and the Apostles taught... how can true Christianity be more than One Faith... it cannot according to the Scriptures. After seeing the Passion, the Stations of the Cross, and the Sorrowful Mysteries, hit harder than ever.... Jesus suffered so much for us, why would we want to follow the teachings of men, instead of Christ. In Christ, ironmonk
IXpenguin21 Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Mother Teresa Quote: "What is a Christian? someone asked a Hindu man. He responded: "a Christian is someone who gives" :lol:
phatcatholic Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 isn't the technical definition of a Christian anyone who is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit? that has always been my impression....
Dave Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 isn't the technical definition of a Christian anyone who is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit? that has always been my impression.... Yes, you're correct, phatcatholic.
Brother Adam Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Anyone who has been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
MrsFrozen Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 I agree with Ironmonk. Someone may be baptized, but be an athiest. They're not Christian. God bless. :)
ironmonk Posted March 1, 2004 Author Posted March 1, 2004 isn't the technical definition of a Christian anyone who is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit? that has always been my impression.... Depends on who you ask. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia: In the following article an account is given of Christianity as a religion, describing its origin, its relation to other religions, its essential nature and chief characteristics, but not dealing with its doctrines in detail nor its history as a visible organization. These and other aspects of this great subject will receive treatment under separate titles. Moreover, the Christianity of which we speak is that which we find realized in the Catholic Church alone; hence, we are not concerned here with those forms which are embodied in the various non-Catholic Christian sects, whether schismatical or heretical. .... Christianity is the name given to that definite system of religious belief and practice which was taught by Jesus Christ in the country of Palestine, during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius, and was promulgated, after its Founder's death, for the acceptance of the whole world, by certain chosen men among His followers. According to the accepted chronology, these began their mission on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 29, which day is regarded, accordingly, as the birthday of the Christian Church. A non-Catholic Christian is not totally Christian because they reject at least one fundemental Christan teaching. Therefore a Christian is a believer and one who practices the religion taught by Jesus Christ. This religion is also known as Catholicism... the One Faith established by Christ. God Bless, ironmonk
IXpenguin21 Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Anyone who has been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit. define "regenerated" please.
Brother Adam Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 lol, hard word to define. Regenerated as in, their soul is in a state of saving grace.
cmotherofpirl Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 And for that you need ordinarily need baptism.
dairygirl4u2c Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 You can be a christian and not even realize it. In the lowest sense a Christian is someone who "does unto others as they'd have them do unto them". In the most divine sense of that phrase I agree with Mother Teresa: "What is a Christian? someone asked a Hindu man. He responded: "a Christian is someone who gives" I would add "gives with a charitable and honest heart" just to be clear. Other aspects of christianity fall only secondary.
mulls Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Somebody's faith . that's what i don't get. my godmother and my priest can't get me into heaven, can they?
foundsheep Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Actually , that would be gives with the Love of Christ in thier hearts. Maybe you need to pick up a bible and read some of Jesus 's parables.
dairygirl4u2c Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Actually , that would be gives with the Love of Christ in thier hearts Sure. But that would be someone who is Christian and realizes it. There's more to those who are christian and realize it. But these also fall only secondary.
Brother Adam Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 that's what i don't get. my godmother and my priest can't get me into heaven, can they? Remember the man who was healed because his friends brought him to Jesus? It was because of their faith that he lives.
Aloysius Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 dairy, you're down a dangerous slope of moral relativism... Christ's teachings were more than just giving, loving other's. His first commandment is to LOVE GOD with all your heart, mind, and soul. someone who loves and gives to their neighbor and is athiest is not Christian and doesn't realize it, they're plain non-Christian. Christ taught "He who rejects you (my apostles) rejects me"... i don't see anyone outside the Church being Christian in the fullest sense of the word. but they are Christian if they are baptized in the name of the Trinity and seek to love God above all things and love their neighbor as themselves. a full Christian accepts the Authority of the Apostles and thus more fully accepts Christ, in other words the universal Christianity that has gone to all nations since they were commisioned by Christ Preaching Holy Apostolic Truth and presenting the holy sacrifice of the MASS as they were commanded.
dairygirl4u2c Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 (edited) His first commandment is to LOVE GOD with all your heart, mind, and soul. someone who loves and gives to their neighbor and is athiest is not Christian and doesn't realize it, they're plain non-Christian. I think what Jesus meant by God is at the least believing in something greater than yourself. So I'm not sure if I agree that the atheist who loves his neighbor doesn't love God as well because the term atheist here must mean someone who doesn't love the secular percieved concepts of God. He must be thankful for and therefore love some form of "God".. be it existence, life, love, etc... if he truly loves his neighbor. Also note that the bible says that "and the next one is like it" or something to that effect. That implys that if you truly love live/existence etc you'd love your neighbor too. It's like clarification man. Edited March 1, 2004 by dairygirl4u2c
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