What is the single most important concept that defines a Christian?

[Martin]

There's many different Christian sects, and they all have their own definition of what a Christian is, but what would you consider to be the paramount one?

 

[AreaCode707]

Belief that all have sinned and fallen short of perfection, but that each individual can choose to be forgiven through the mercy provided by God through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ.

A Christian is somebody who has chosen to ask and accept that forgiveness.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The belief that Jesus is the son of God.

 

[Parasitic]

There exists a God.

 

[Martin]

Originally posted by: Parasitic
There exists a God.

Don't you think you're casting the net a bit too widely? By that definition, ~90+% of humans are Christians, including Muslims, Jew, Wicans, Deists etc.

 

[RichUK]

Someone that celebrates Xmas.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Martin

Originally posted by: Parasitic
There exists a God.

Don't you think you're casting the net a bit too widely? By that definition, ~90+% of humans are Christians, including Muslims, Jew, Wicans, Deists etc.

Agreed. However, I do think a lot of people who self-identify as Christian in the US, if pressed for details, would say, "well, I believe there's a God..." That's one of the reasons I don't consider the US to truly be a "Christian Nation"

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: RichUK
Someone that celebrates Xmas.

lolz, nope

 

[spidey07]

Should be pretty easy - a love for Jesus.

 

[meltdown75]

You should start more religious threads.

 

[JS80]

Belief that Jesus is son of God and died for our sins.

/thread

 

[IronWing]

Self loathing.

 

[Fenixgoon]

christians? take a look at the word.. christians - a belief in jesus christ as the savior

 

[nageov3t]

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01629a.htm , more or less.

 

[MX2]

From what I have seen...hypocrisy.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: JS80
Belief that Jesus is son of God and died for our sins.

/thread

"Even the demons believe that, and tremble."

 

[Zolty]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
The belief that Jesus is the son of God.

bingo

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: HotChic
Belief that all have sinned and fallen short of perfection, but that each individual can choose to be forgiven through the mercy provided by God through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ.

A Christian is somebody who has chosen to ask and accept that forgiveness.

That about says it all.

<-- not christian

 

[scttgrd]

The ability to swallow a big load of hoo-haa, believe in the boogey man.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Zolty

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
The belief that Jesus is the son of God.

bingo

It's not *quite* that simple, since you can believe that and still not be a Christian. The book of James specifically refutes it, in fact.

James 2:19: "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that?and shudder."


In context:
18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that?and shudder.

 

[Shame]

Originally posted by: MX2
From what I have seen...hypocrisy.

Nice broad statement, twit.

 

[scttgrd]

Originally posted by: Shame

Originally posted by: MX2
From what I have seen...hypocrisy.

Nice broad statement, twit.

How very christian of you.

 

[jjones]

Never wear white shoes before Easter?

 

[GotGoose]

The god of every other religion requires that you do a qualifying work to be forgiven of your sins.

In Christianity, God doesn't require anything from you to accept Christ and be forgiven of sins.

Cliffs:
Christianity = what God does for you (then you act out of love/gratitude, not desperation)
Everything else = what you do for god

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: scttgrd

Originally posted by: Shame

Originally posted by: MX2
From what I have seen...hypocrisy.

Nice broad statement, twit.

How very christian of you.

:laugh: