S/O Ask a REAL Christian

[Χά�ων]

It has been brought up many many times that this thread was needed. So often posters hop in to a a thread and post along the lines of "That is not a real Christian" or something close to it. It seems to be happening more and more but no one has started a thread for this so I am going to. I am not a Christian but I have questions. I request the thread be kept respectful. Please do not assume. Ask questions to clarify. Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

To begin 

 

What is a Real Christian?

 

How can one tell if someone is a Real Christian vs just a person claiming the be a Christian? 

 

If one lives the teachings of Christ but never claims to be a Real Christian, or any other faith is that person a Real Christian?

 

If one claims to be a Real Christian and their actions appear to be that of a Real Christian, how does one know if they really are a Real Christian? 

 

 

 

 

 

[milovany]

Unfortunately (for this thread! But fortunately for us all), only God can answer that question. We're not supposed to concern ourselves with the hearts of others , only our own. It's a grave concern for us to judge the standing of another before God. I have enough on my plate working out my own salvation. I can only pray others will grow closer to Him.

[Kathryn]

I'll bite.

 

What is a Real Christian?

 

Someone who tries to live as Christ instructed and believes in His divinity.

 

How can one tell if someone is a Real Christian vs just a person claiming the be a Christian?

 

I can't. Not my business.

 

If one lives the teachings of Christ but never claims to be a Real Christian, or any other faith is that person a Real Christian?

 

If they live the teachings AND believe in Christ's divinity, then yes, regardless of whether it's publicly announced. If they're just a good person, I'd say no, not a "Christian," though without making any sort of assumption about the condition or whereabouts of their soul after death.

 

If one claims to be a Real Christian and their actions appear to be that of a Real Christian, how does one know if they really are a Real Christian?

 

Not my business.

[Cindy in FL.]

I don't claim to be a scholar or to know all the answers, but to the best of my ability here are my answers:

 

A real Christian is someone who has acknowledged that they are a sinner and fall short of the perfection required to get in to heaven (the wages of sin is death, any sin, no matter how small, is enough to disqualify us from eternal life in heaven); they have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ who lived a sinless life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of those who accept His payment.

 

The Bible says that you will know them by their fruit. This doesn't mean that the person won't sin. Everyone sins. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were able not to sin, but they chose to. Because of that act all of mankind is fallen and is unable to choose not to sin. When we accept Jesus Christ and His Spirit comes to dwell within us, we are able to choose not to sin (but we very often sin). Once we are in heaven, we will be in a state of being unable to sin. I hope that makes sense.

 

One other thing about sin is that a Christian should feel bad about their sin and want/strive not to commit that sin again. In other words, there should not be a practicing of a particular sin or an attitude of a right to a particular sin. So someone could struggle with something even their whole life and it would be their attitude toward that sin that would make the difference. Either they know it is something they shouldn't do and they wish they didn't or they think it's no big deal.

 

I think there are many examples throughout history of people who live upright lives, caring for others, fighting injustice, etc. and while they do good works if they are not naming the name of Jesus Christ, they are not Christians.

 

If someone claims to be a real Christian and their actions line up with that, then I would not think differently. However, no one can know for sure whether someone else is a Christian. That is between them and Jesus Christ. You can objectively say that things people do or say don't line up with Scripture, but you cannot know someone else's heart. The Bible does say that if someone who claims to be a Christian is unrepentantly sinning, they should be treated as an unbeliever, though.

 

I don't know if any of that helps or not, but I appreciate you asking respectfully!

[Night Elf]

I make it out to be too simple I think. I've always thought a real Chrisian is one who believes that the Jesus in the Bible was the true son of God and has accpted Him to be their savior. I suppose they are supposed to act like Jesus, but I think that differs among doctrines, doesn't it?

[LibraryLover]

nm

[Cindy in FL.]

Jesus said, "Don't call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say." The Bible also says that our works don't save us, but that a faith without works is dead.

 

I make it out to be too simple I think. I've always thought a real Chrisian is one who believes that the Jesus in the Bible was the true son of God and has accpted Him to be their savior. I suppose they are supposed to act like Jesus, but I think that differs among doctrines, doesn't it?

[DesertBlossom]

I'm LDS so there are plenty who would say I'm not a "Real Christian." But I consider myself a Christian. So here's my answer anyway... 

It has been brought up many many times that this thread was needed. So often posters hop in to a a thread and post along the lines of "That is not a real Christian" or something close to it. It seems to be happening more and more but no one has started a thread for this so I am going to. I am not a Christian but I have questions. I request the thread be kept respectful. Please do not assume. Ask questions to clarify. Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

To begin 

 

What is a Real Christian? Someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and patterns their life after Him, following His example and serving others.

 

How can one tell if someone is a Real Christian vs just a person claiming the be a Christian? I don't think anyone but God can know that. The scripture "by their fruits ye shall know them" is applicable though.

 

If one lives the teachings of Christ but never claims to be a Real Christian, or any other faith is that person a Real Christian?  I think there are a lot of really good people in the world, doing wonderful things. But accepting Christ as your Savior is so much more than just doing good. (if that's what you mean by living the teachings of Christ)  It's accepting that He died for us and that through Him we can be cleansed of our sins and forgiven. I've been baptized and I've made covenants with God. I regularly go to my Heavenly Father in prayer, and ask for guidance and help and forgiveness for the many mistakes I've made (and continue to make on a regular basis).  I believe that conversion isn't an event, it's a process. The more we humble ourselves and repent and follow Christ's example, the more we can be like Him. And the closer we are to God, the more He can use us to bless the lives of those around us. 

 

If one claims to be a Real Christian and their actions appear to be that of a Real Christian, how does one know if they really are a Real Christian?  Only God can really know our hearts. But again, "by their fruits ye shall know them." I like to assume that everyone is inherently good and doing the best they can. We all make mistakes and falter and I think we have the responsibility to help lift each other up during our times of need. There's just no time for judging and finger pointing and criticism.

 

[Ipsey]

I have a question about how a person can know if they THEMSELVES are a real Christian.

 

I thought for years that I was a Real Christian. I believed in Biblical Inerrancy. I believed that repentance and trusting in Jesus Christ and his death was the only way to be saved. I believed that other "Christians" who didn't really believe the Bible and believed in other way to Heaven were false Christians. I believed I was born again. I evangelized in several countries, believing I was led by the Spirit of God to share His gospel with those who didn't believe. I was born again when I was 14. I was not from a Christian family, and I believed and followed Christ for 20 years.

 

For those years, I was certain I was one of the Real Christians. I bore the fruit. I saw many of my friends turn to Christ!  I also didn't believe that anyone who was a true Christian--like me--could ever truly fall away, and I believed that anyone who fell away was never a True Christian.

 

So, now, I'm an atheist.

 

Here's my question, if I wasn't a True Christian, can anyone know if they are a True Christian?  How was I supposed to know that? Only now that I don't believe anymore?

 

If that's the case, how can never know that they are a True Christian, until they are on their death bed, and you can see whether you still believe or not at the final moment of earthly life?

 

Any Real Christians who want to answer this, I really want to hear your answers.

 

 

[Carol in Cal.]

I have a question about how a person can know if they THEMSELVES are a real Christian.

 

I thought for years that I was a Real Christian. I believed in Biblical Inerrancy. I believed that repentance and trusting in Jesus Christ and his death was the only way to be saved. I believed that other "Christians" who didn't really believe the Bible and believed in other way to Heaven were false Christians. I believed I was born again. I evangelized in several countries, believing I was led by the Spirit of God to share His gospel with those who didn't believe. I was born again when I was 14. I was not from a Christian family, and I believed and followed Christ for 20 years.

 

For those years, I was certain I was one of the Real Christians. I bore the fruit. I saw many of my friends turn to Christ!  I also didn't believe that anyone who was a true Christian--like me--could ever truly fall away, and I believed that anyone who fell away was never a True Christian.

 

So, now, I'm an atheist.

 

Here's my question, if I wasn't a True Christian, can anyone know if they are a True Christian?  How was I supposed to know that? Only now that I don't believe anymore?

 

If that's the case, how can never know that they are a True Christian, until they are on their death bed, and you can see whether you still believe or not at the final moment of earthly life?

 

Any Real Christians who want to answer this, I really want to hear your answers.

 

It sounds to me like you might have been a True Christian and then fallen away.

There is support for that possibility in the parable of the Sower.

[Χά�ων]

nm

:(

[Kathryn]

I have a question about how a person can know if they THEMSELVES are a real Christian.

 

I thought for years that I was a Real Christian. I believed in Biblical Inerrancy. I believed that repentance and trusting in Jesus Christ and his death was the only way to be saved. I believed that other "Christians" who didn't really believe the Bible and believed in other way to Heaven were false Christians. I believed I was born again. I evangelized in several countries, believing I was led by the Spirit of God to share His gospel with those who didn't believe. I was born again when I was 14. I was not from a Christian family, and I believed and followed Christ for 20 years.

 

For those years, I was certain I was one of the Real Christians. I bore the fruit. I saw many of my friends turn to Christ! I also didn't believe that anyone who was a true Christian--like me--could ever truly fall away, and I believed that anyone who fell away was never a True Christian.

 

So, now, I'm an atheist.

 

Here's my question, if I wasn't a True Christian, can anyone know if they are a True Christian? How was I supposed to know that? Only now that I don't believe anymore?

 

If that's the case, how can never know that they are a True Christian, until they are on their death bed, and you can see whether you still believe or not at the final moment of earthly life?

 

Any Real Christians who want to answer this, I really want to hear your answers.

I can't answer because I don't believe the bolded.

[Χά�ων]

I can't answer because I don't believe the bolded.

Could you please expand on this? I am a bit confused.

[Cindy in FL.]

The parable of the sower and the seed is what comes to my mind as well, Ipsey. I know that scripture says the the Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are sons of God, and if sons, heirs. What I do know with absolute certainty is that if you truly belong to Jesus then nothing can snatch you from His hand. So, maybe on your deathbed (or even before) you'll find that you were a true Christian and that doubts caused you to disbelieve for a season.

[Kathryn]

Could you please expand on this? I am a bit confused.

I don't believe salvation is a moment in time. I believe in free will. I believe that we make a choice, conscious or not, every day to continue being Christian.

 

Without giving it a whole lot of thought, I'd compare it to my marriage in that I choose (present tense, not just past) to unite myself to DH and be married to him. Should I wake up tomorrow and choose to no longer be married to him, that changes my future, but not my past. It doesn't mean that I wasn't a married woman for the last fourteen years.

[Cindy in FL.]

I believe that justification is a one time event, sanctification is an ongoing process whereby we are made more like Jesus Christ, and glorification is when we are made perfect in heaven.

 

I would not liken salvation to the marriage/divorce analogy, because Jesus said that He would lose none of the ones that were given to Him. So, as far as Ipsey and others who were Christians/living a Christian life, they were either never truly Christians or they are currently straying and will come back to Christ.

[Hunter's Moon]

I see Christianity as a constant striving towards Christ.

 

I don't believe there is a moment in time when someone is Saved. I was Saved yesterday, I am Saved today, and I will be Saved tomorrow.

[Susan in TX]

Historically, the definition of a "real" Christian was someone who has been baptised with water in the name of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This baptism made one a Christian but did not guarantee salvation, nor was salvation impossible without it, but it is baptism that made one a Christian.

 

Modern day Evangelicals would not say that baptism makes you a Christian but that all that is necessary is to "confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead" (Romans 10:9). Some would say that you have to "ask Jesus into your heart". They would also say that anyone who truly believes at any one point in time is saved,  and that salvation cannot be lost no matter what. That person is a "real" Christian and remains a "real" Christian even if they fall away, although many will question the sincerity of that person's belief and say they were never really a Christian in the first place because they never REALLY believed. By this definition no one can really know who is a "real" Christian and who isn't, only God knows people's hearts. However, the Bible says, "by their fruits you shall know them" (Matthew 7:16).

 

Susan in TX

[Alexigail]

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I'm a Christian and conversations like this drive me a bit batty.  All I can think of is the No True Scotsman fallacy.

 

It's straight up none of my business whether anyone is a "real Christian" or not.  It's like those phrases "real women have curves"  and "real men don't cheat".  I guess that means something to someone but it's way above my pay grade to speak on whether someone's faith is "real" enough. 

[Erin]

Occasionally I will see people who aren't behaving in a particularly Christ-like manner, but that doesn't really have anything to do with whether they are or aren't a believer.  It just means this is one of those times when they're being more human than exemplary.   ;)  

It happens to everyone, near as I can tell.  I'm not exemplary nearly as often as I'm fallible.   :o

[Momof3]

I believe a Christian is anyone who truly believes the gospel - that Jesus (who is the God-man) died, was buried, and rose again for my sin (in my place, taking upon Himself the wrath of God that I deserved to face) - and places her/his faith in Jesus for salvation. A lot of people claim to be 'Christian', but are still trying to earn their salvation - whereas I believe the Bible teaches that salvation is only by grace through faith - it's Christ's work, not mine.

 

I don't believe anyone who has been 'saved' can ever lose their salvation. But I know there's a lot of debate about that. :)

[NicAnn]

I don't believe salvation is a moment in time. I believe in free will. I believe that we make a choice, conscious or not, every day to continue being Christian.

 

Without giving it a whole lot of thought, I'd compare it to my marriage in that I choose (present tense, not just past) to unite myself to DH and be married to him. Should I wake up tomorrow and choose to no longer be married to him, that changes my future, but not my past. It doesn't mean that I wasn't a married woman for the last fourteen years.

Totally.

A "true Christian" can question their faith at times, or even fall away. God grants us all grace, He allows for sin, mistakes, life changes.

 

Anyway, to answer the question in the OP- Differences in doctrine aside, being a Christian means living your best life following Jesus example. You will sin, you will judge, you will be imperfect. But you strive for a deep relationship with God, and you strive for the perfection (-I can't think of the appropriate word here) that Jesus displayed.

I've not thought it was a difficult concept personally.

[Momof3]

If I may add (to stir the pot :)), the 'by their fruits you shall know them' passage is actually dealing with false prophets, not determining a person's salvation. You can judge a false prophet by whether their prophecies come true or not, etc. 

[Cindy in FL.]

I just wanted to add that I think that there are only a few doctrines that are salvific (necessary for being a Christian) and a great many that are not. Christians can differ on a lot more things than they agree on and still be saved. No wonder we have so many denominations!

[NicAnn]

I just wanted to add that I think that there are only a few doctrines that are salvific (necessary for being a Christian) and a great many that are not. Christians can differ on a lot more things than they agree on and still be saved. No wonder we have so many denominations!

Agreed. And so much of ones decision on churches and denomination (to some extent) is based on personal preference.

[Momof3]

I just wanted to add that I think that there are only a few doctrines that are salvific (necessary for being a Christian) and a great many that are not. Christians can differ on a lot more things than they agree on and still be saved. No wonder we have so many denominations!

Absolutely. 

 

Even within denominations...! I'm Baptist - and there are sooo many kinds of those. :) I think all of the non-salvific doctrines really do matter (to varying degrees). I think we'll stand responsible before the Lord for how we responded to Bible Truth. But in the end, we'll be spending eternity together in heaven. :)

[Catwoman]

In my opinion, if someone claims to be a Christian, I'm going to take him or her at her word for it.

 

It's not up to me to judge what constitutes a "real" Christian, and I always find it incredibly arrogant when anyone acts like their own personal definition is the only "real truth."

[Susan in TN]

Here's what I would call the very basic definition - a person whose heart (soul, if you prefer) has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. "What once was dead and is now alive" i.e. Eph 2:1-10.

 

What that will look like outwardly in any particular individual is nearly impossible to say.

[Momof3]

In my opinion, if someone claims to be a Christian, I'm going to take him or her at her word for it.

 

It's not up to me to judge what constitutes a "real" Christian, and I always find it incredibly arrogant when anyone acts like their own personal definition is the only "real truth."

 

That's totally fair. Everyone is entitled to her own opinion. :) I did just want to say that, for me at least (and I think a lot of Christians), we get our 'truth' from the Bible. So it's not our personal definition at all. When we stand before God someday, it won't matter diddly squat what I or anyone else thought a real Christian was or wasn't - but it will matter what God has said. So I make it a personal goal to study the Bible regularly. I really want to know what God says about anything. I'm totally open to hearing people's opinions about things, but ultimately, I want to compare anything to the Bible. Not asking you to agree with me. Just adding to the discussion. :)

[Momof3]

The title "Christian" was a demeaning term given to the early believers referring to the way that they copied Jesus' life and ministry in so many ways. Christian just means "little Christ." So there's nothing magical about the term. Plenty of people can call themselves Christians without actually being one. 

 

Only God knows our hearts, so only He can say who His children are. The Bible even indicates that there will be plenty of surprises when we all stand before God. Some who thought they were Christians will be turned into hell - because they didn't actually have a relationship with God after all. They busied themselves 'doing' a lot, but missed the point. But (correct me if I'm wrong) I don't think the Bible tells us to determine whether anyone is really a Christian or not. It does say to examine yourself, whether or not you are truly a believer. 

[PeacefulChaos]

I'll bite.  :)

 

What is a Real Christian?

IMO, a real Christian is someone who follows Christ.  Someone who lives according to the two main 'rules' - loving God and loving others.  I think that everything else falls into place if one is always focused on those things.  I think these people can span over several denominational lines and that there can be several other things that they don't agree on.  I think there are 'salvation issues', which are the important ones - believing that Jesus is the way, the truth, yada yada.  (not trying to make light)  Then I believe there are other doctrinal issues which don't really affect salvation.  

 

How can one tell if someone is a Real Christian vs just a person claiming the be a Christian? 

You can't.  It's not my business to know the state of the hearts of others.  I will say that most of the time, those who are really living out the teachings of Jesus are showing it through their daily lives.  BUT there are also some really angry Christians, and I can't claim one way or another whether they are truly 'saved' - I can only say that I don't think being an angry Christian is the best way to show our faith to others.  Nor do I think it would be very fun to live an angry life. :)

 

If one lives the teachings of Christ but never claims to be a Real Christian, or any other faith is that person a Real Christian?

I don't know.  

 

If one claims to be a Real Christian and their actions appear to be that of a Real Christian, how does one know if they really are a Real Christian? 

You can't.  Again, the states of others' hearts are impossible to read.  

 

 

I haven't read the other replies yet.  I'll go through and read them and possibly say more.  :)

[aggieamy]

In my opinion, if someone claims to be a Christian, I'm going to take him or her at her word for it.

 

It's not up to me to judge what constitutes a "real" Christian, and I always find it incredibly arrogant when anyone acts like their own personal definition is the only "real truth."

 

I think this is one of those days when I'm just going to be following Cat around and applauding.  

[poppy]

I think a true Christian is someone who believes in the divinity of JC. No more, no less.

 

I do accept people at their word about faith except for one thing. I do not think you can be a Christian without believing in Jesus as God. I wish there was an acceptable denomination for the many Americans who believe in God but not necessarily some form of Christ.

[PeacefulChaos]

I have a question about how a person can know if they THEMSELVES are a real Christian.

 

I thought for years that I was a Real Christian. I believed in Biblical Inerrancy. I believed that repentance and trusting in Jesus Christ and his death was the only way to be saved. I believed that other "Christians" who didn't really believe the Bible and believed in other way to Heaven were false Christians. I believed I was born again. I evangelized in several countries, believing I was led by the Spirit of God to share His gospel with those who didn't believe. I was born again when I was 14. I was not from a Christian family, and I believed and followed Christ for 20 years.

 

For those years, I was certain I was one of the Real Christians. I bore the fruit. I saw many of my friends turn to Christ!  I also didn't believe that anyone who was a true Christian--like me--could ever truly fall away, and I believed that anyone who fell away was never a True Christian.

I will agree with the poster above and say that I don't believe this is the truth.  I think anyone can fall away.  Since one of the biggest parts of Christianity and of mankind in general is free will, we can, over time, stop being Christians for one reason or another.  

So, now, I'm an atheist.

 

Here's my question, if I wasn't a True Christian, can anyone know if they are a True Christian?  How was I supposed to know that? Only now that I don't believe anymore?

Following the above, just because you are an atheist now doesn't mean you weren't a 'true Christian' in the first place.  :)

If that's the case, how can never know that they are a True Christian, until they are on their death bed, and you can see whether you still believe or not at the final moment of earthly life?

 

Any Real Christians who want to answer this, I really want to hear your answers.

 

That's the best answer I have.  

 

 

 

 

 

Ps - why 'true Christian' and 'real Christian' talk?  It makes me feel kind of squicky.  :leaving:  :o  :001_unsure:

[MFG]

To be meaningful, this question needs to be asked in a context. Is the definition sociological? Historical? Experiential? Theological? Each of those conditions could yield a different answer.

[milovany]

Ps - why 'true Christian' and 'real Christian' talk?  It makes me feel kind of squicky.   :leaving:  :o  :001_unsure:

 

It came up -- most recently -- on the thread about why people turn away from Christianity. 

 

[PeacefulChaos]

It came up -- most recently -- on the thread about why people turn away from Christianity. 

 

 

Ah.  Yes, I didn't read that thread.  Thanks.  :)

[Dory]

I believe that justification is a one time event, sanctification is an ongoing process whereby we are made more like Jesus Christ, and glorification is when we are made perfect in heaven.

 

I would not liken salvation to the marriage/divorce analogy, because Jesus said that He would lose none of the ones that were given to Him. So, as far as Ipsey and others who were Christians/living a Christian life, they were either never truly Christians or they are currently straying and will come back to Christ.

So then if I was the first and never really a Christian in the first place, are there some people that simply can't be saved? Or if I'm the latter, does that mean I can't leave if I want to?

[Cindy in FL.]

I admit it sometimes seems like trying to nail jello to a tree and I don't know or understand everything by a long shot. I'll just reiterate that Jesus stated that He would not lose any of the ones that were His, and I believe that to be true. How He brings that about is not something I know or can explain with certainty.

 

Also, I believe that man has free will. So, Jesus would not hold on to someone against their will.

 

These threads are great because they get you to think through things and be able to articulate what you believe better. Sorry that I am as clear as mud at times!

 

So then if I was the first and never really a Christian in the first place, are there some people that simply can't be saved? Or if I'm the latter, does that mean I can't leave if I want to?

[Ipsey]

It sounds to me like you might have been a True Christian and then fallen away.

There is support for that possibility in the parable of the Sower.

 

You know, I can accept that. :)

 

I much prefer that to a total denial of my experience then (as a Christian) and now (as a non-believer).

 

Generally, people insist I wasn't a Christian or that I'm actually still one.   I much prefer it when people just take me at my word.

 

I forget that there are non-Calvinists in the world. ;)  

[Aura]

I haven't had the chance to read all the replies...I plan to go back and do that. But, I wanted to say what I thought.

 

(1) By simple definition, a Christian is one who follows Christ.

 

(2) How do you know if someone is following Christ? By Christ's (Jesus) words in the Bible (can't remember the exact reference, but it's at least twice in the Gospels), you know by their fruit. Fruit is what you get AFTER what you plant comes into fruition. So while many people may APPEAR or SOUND like they're doing something good, you really need to look at where that path is leading, or has led, to get a good idea of what kind of fruit you're going to get.

 

IMO, this (#2) is how so many people are led astray. On the surface, some person or teaching seems logical and sounds right, but but they really haven't looked down the path to see what kind of fruit is coming. That, again IMO, is how we get so many problems with legalism, patriarchy, modesty issues, etc. They lack discernment, and this, too is warned against in the Bible.

[Aura]

One other thing, many so-called Christians want to say that someone else is NOT a Christian because of what they believe, BUT the "non"-Christian's works bear the right fruit. While the one making the judgment is often NOT bearing the right fruit. Makes me really wonder about some things.

[Cindy in FL.]

I didn't mean to deny your experience with my previous posts. You know what happened in your life story, not me. Please forgive any offense.

 

You know, I can accept that. :)

 

I much prefer that to a total denial of my experience then (as a Christian) and now (as a non-believer).

 

Generally, people insist I wasn't a Christian or that I'm actually still one. I much prefer it when people just take me at my word.

 

I forget that there are non-Calvinists in the world. ;)

[73349]

I wish there was an acceptable denomination for the many Americans who believe in God but not necessarily some form of Christ.

 

Unitarian?

 

 

 

Re: taking people at their word... Is there a line where it becomes an incredible claim? I mean, if I said I was vegetarian and then ate meat in front of you, you would not believe I was vegetarian, right?

If someone claims to be Christian and then, for instance, denies any responsibility to the poor, I'd find that problematic.(I don't claim the Christian label myself.)

[MinivanMom]

Unitarian?

 

 

 

Re: taking people at their word... Is there a line where it becomes an incredible claim? I mean, if I said I was vegetarian and then ate meat in front of you, you would not believe I was vegetarian, right?

If someone claims to be Christian and then, for instance, denies any responsibility to the poor, I'd find that problematic.(I don't claim the Christian label myself.)

 

I don't know. You have your standard "I don't eat meat" vegetarians, but then you also have lacto-ovo vegetarians (who eat dairy & eggs, but not meat), your really intense vegans, and even the sort who don't eat beef or pork while eating some poultry and fish. If they all want to call themselves "vegetarians" then that's cool; aren't they all avoiding meat in some way? I don't know that I need to be the food police who decides which of them are "real" vegetarians.

 

Let's be real, folks. All the talk about "real" Christians is just an ugly way to put others down. It's mean-spirited and it pushes people away from the message of the gospel. If someone self-identifies as "Christian" then I take them at their word, because I do not have the knowledge and authority to judge. Wasn't Christ all about welcoming people in?

[FaithManor]

Unfortunately (for this thread! But fortunately for us all), only God can answer that question. We're not supposed to concern ourselves with the hearts of others , only our own. It's a grave concern for us to judge the standing of another before God. I have enough on my plate working out my own salvation. I can only pray others will grow closer to Him.

Hip Hip Hurray! I feel the same way. And if I love my neighbor as myself and do unto others as you would have them do unto you, then there just isn't any room in that for playing God in everyone else's life. My job is to be a light to the people  around me. I fail absolutely miserably more often than not, but that is the goal.

 

Everything else is up to them and it's intensely personal as far as I am concerned.

[DesertBlossom]

This may be unique to LDS doctrine, but I believe that every person that has lived or will live on this earth will have an opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior, even if it's not in this life. That means that all those good people that died without ever having heard of Jesus will still have an opportunity to accept Him. 

 

I also believe that we are ALL children of God and that He wants us all to accept Christ. I don't remember where I first heard it put this way, but I liked it.....imagine when the time comes and we are all standing before God to be judged. It's not so much that we will be there begging for entrance into heaven. Instead, it will be our Savior, asking us to please accept his atoning sacrifice, that we might be made whole, that our hearts might be changed so that we will WANT to return to God's presence.   I don't think we can even comprehend the love that God has for each of us. 

 

 

[Ipsey]

I didn't mean to deny your experience with my previous posts. You know what happened in your life story, not me. Please forgive any offense.

 

 

No hurt feelings at all, Cindy. I didn't even notice. :)  I'd have taken it personally only if it was meant to be.

 

There are some who really like to shove it in your though. Not so much here on this thread.

[Carol in Cal.]

 

 

Let's be real, folks. All the talk about "real" Christians is just an ugly way to put others down. It's mean-spirited and it pushes people away from the message of the gospel.

 

I disagree with this.  I think that sometimes it's out of genuine concern for the state of someone's soul--a matter of life and death.  Not always, but sometimes.

[Χά�ων]

I disagree with this.  I think that sometimes it's out of genuine concern for the state of someone's soul--a matter of life and death.  Not always, but sometimes.

Sooo, they are acting on behalf of God, and KNOW the state of another's soul?