What is Christianity? That's a difficult question to answer, but it is also an important question. There are obvious implications for Christians themselves: unless they have some sort of definition in mind, how can they discern who is and is not an adherent of their religious faith? But it is also crucial for those who would offer critiques of Christianity because without some sort of definition in mind, how can they tell what and whom they are criticizing?
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Based on the Bible, I believe that Christianity defines God and his creation. It spells out that mankind was made in His image, and that we are the gods of this world. Initially, we were perfect, without sin, and we were created with a job…to maintain God’s creation, learn from God, reproduce, and populate the earth (Genesis 1 and 2). There didn’t need to be any laws. God was the law, and there was perfect communication between Adam and God. Eve was made to be a helpmate…so, really that means that Adam was in charge, and was to do God’s will, maintain the earth. In a perfect world (then), it was Eve’s job to follow. So the story goes…she did not. Adam ended up not doing the right thing…and as usual, took responsibility. Well…anywho…Since then, the entrance of what we call “sin”, God saw it necessary for a Savior, Jesus Christ. He made Eve the carrier for the Christ child, her genes combined with the genes of the first born children of Adam. In due time, Christ was born, and when He turned 30, it became His job to correctly interpret teachings of the Old Testament and to teach people the real meaning of the Kingdom of God and how to be saved. Jesus Christ is the only living Savior of all the religions, being crucified, and three days later, rising from the dead to reign over the Universe from heaven at the right hand side of God. It then became His job to build the kingdom of heaven for those who accept Him as Savior, His teachings, His Father who sent Him, and those who will turn from their sinful ways to follow His teachings, which are just and true, compassionate and loving, as well as stern with a warning attached…that heaven is not for those who don’t. He teaches that both heaven and hell are in the heart, and you live in whichever one you choose from the moment you choose it. Eternal life and eternal punishment does not start at death, as some erroneously believe. It starts in the ever present now, from the time you are able to make a decision, knowing right from wrong. And only YOU know. It really is a heart thing, it is between you and God, though in Galations 5, it specifically lists obvious things that tell us whether we are living as God would have us live or not. It tells us what ungodly things are as well as the Godly things. The Bible is clear, and when read thoroughly and correctly, there can be NO mistake. It is only if…YOU choose to follow.
Austine Cline,
“I employ a very inclusivist definition of Christian according to which anyone who sincerely and devoutly considers him- or herself a Christian is, as far as I am concerned, a Christian.”
While this is something I have always said, a question occurs to me, where does one draw the line as far as allowing people to define them selves? For example, would this apply to an unapologetic and active rapist who claims to be a great humanitarian?
” I am not in any position and have no interest in trying to convince someone that they aren’t really a “True Christian” ™. That is ultimately a pointless and silly debate that I leave to some Christians themselves as they try to define each other out of existence – an argument that I find alternately amusing and depressing. ”
agreed, but what do find depressing about this?
Add to my last post: I understand that a person can define his or her self any way they want, but it doesn’t make it true, but many don’t understand this.
bill,
“Based on the Bible, I believe that Christianity defines God and his creation.”
The question asked here is not what defines god and his creation, but what what defines christianity. Sorry you wasted your tine on that lengthy sermon, did you even read the article?
The difference here is that “humanitarian” is a general English term, not a label for an old, diverse religious movement. Such general concepts have very limited malleability but the label “Christian” is much more malleable because of how much it has already been used to encompass.
Terms like “humanitarian” or “male” are defined by culture generally, not by those trying to apply it to themselves, whereas labels like “Christian” are ultimately defined by how Christians themselves live. There is no such thing as “Christianity” outside of Christians, and thus “Christianity” is in effect what “Christians” themselves think, say, and do.
It’s depressing because it’s yet another example of how humans keep trying to separate each other into “insiders” and “outsiders.” Christians who are trying to define others as not being “real” Christians are thus trying to kick those others “outside the walls,” so to speak.
“It’s depressing because it’s yet another example of how humans keep trying to separate each other into “insiders” and “outsiders.” Christians who are trying to define others as not being “real” Christians are thus trying to kick those others “outside the walls,” so to speak.”
Apparently, this is one reason some are trying to distance themselves from the “christian” label.