A definition

[ScioVeritas]

The word " Christian" is thrown around a lot and I'm wondering how people here define it?

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian? Also where/what does your definition come from?

[JoeyKnothead]

From the OP:

The word " Christian" is thrown around a lot and I'm wondering how people here define it?

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian?

Best I can tell, it's an inability to accept the homosexuals as human beings.

[bluethread]

The word " Christian" is thrown around a lot and I'm wondering how people here define it?

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian?

I have come to view it as derivative sects of Roman Catholicism, since most who use that name appear to hold to many core RCC doctrines. The exception being the non-European converts of the Russian orthodox, who's missionaries tended to comingle the cultural beliefs of the peoples they visited with their own.

[FarWanderer]

The word " Christian" is thrown around a lot and I'm wondering how people here define it?

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian?

Holding a belief that Jesus is the absolute ideal human being.

[OnceConvinced]

A Christian is any believer/follower/worshiper of Jesus Christ except any that you deem to be false Christians.

[ScioVeritas]

Oops I forgot to add the second part of my question: where/what does your definition stem from?

[Haven]

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian?

My definition: anyone that identifies as a Christian is a Christian. Any other definition, in my opinion, is bound to have bigoted and discriminatory effects.

where/what does your definition stem from?

Respect for people.

[Wootah]

A Christian calls Jesus Lord and Saviour.

[ScioVeritas]

Specifically, the question for debate is : what makes someone a Christian?

My definition: anyone that identifies as a Christian is a Christian. Any other definition, in my opinion, is bound to have bigoted and discriminatory effects.

where/what does your definition stem from?

Respect for people.

Could you be a little more specific when you say "identifies as ". Do you mean making a claim?

There is actually a debate going on right now surrounding Rachel Dolezal - a caucasian woman who stated that she "identifies as" black and that's why she joined the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). - Is it always the case that someone who identifies as X should automatically be classified as X? Wouldn't it be easier to identify someone from category X if there was a definition of said category?

[Zzyzx]

.

I would not hazard an attempt to define "Christian" because Christians themselves cannot agree on a definition. Most seem to set themselves and their belief as central to being Christian and accept (to some extent at least) other individuals and groups that don't deviate very far from theirs.

Those who do not meet the opinionated "definition" are labeled Not-REAL-Christians or Christians in name only, or False Christians (which are probably considered as better than "Atheists" – but not much).

Thus, "Christian" is a blanket / umbrella term that covers whatever the speaker wishes to include (or exclude). Of course, the next person includes / excludes differently. I notice, however, that Christians tend to use flexibility in application of the term – including as much as possible to claim to be the largest religion (or "a Christian nation"), but at other times excluding some (or many) sects that differ from theirs OR when some well known Christian is caught doing what they shouldn't. Then it becomes "They aren't one of us" (but they were when you were counting noses).

In debate it is illuminating to watch Bible Belief (unconditional) morph into Bible as Allegorical or Metaphorical – when its tales are shown to be totally unsupported (except by the tales themselves and religious dogma / tradition). This more Liberal form of Christianity avoids (or attempts to avoid) some of the most glaring defects.

In short, I regard the term as so broad as to be nearly useless.