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Am I a Christian?
During a thoroughly enjoyable discussion the other day I was told that I should not call myself a Christian unless I 'belong to a recognised, properly organised church'. Interesting!
My response was two-fold: first, that simple churches are properly organised and recognised by God, if not be some men; and second, that I don't care whether I am called a Christian or not. He could vaguely understand my first point, but was stunned by the second. But I meant it. The term 'Christian' has become tainted. It is no longer used in the biblical sense to identify people who are like little Christs.
I would rather be known as a 'Jesus loony', 'a God botherer', or whatever other silly phrases people choose to use of avowed followers of The Way. In other words, I want people to be challenged by Jesus when they meet me, not accept me as 'one of that lot who go to church'. When I am asked about my religion I have stopped replying, 'Christian,' and say something like, 'I don't have a religion. I'm a follower of Jesus.'
Part of me thinks that I'm just being picky about the language and that it sounds rather pompous and pious. (I hope that my accompanying smile tells people that I'm not really being pompous.) I'd be very interested to know other people's thoughts on this subject.
Blessings to one and all!
John
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nathan Lambshead on -
I would have told them in the discussion that Paul did not call himself a christian either. Neither did Peter, James, John, etc. Christianity was invented long after they were dead and gone. The 'organized church' idea was not Jesus' idea. it was prophecied about by Daniel however.
I guess if the early believers HAD to have a label it would be 'Messianic Jew/Gentile', but they did not have one. They were at one point called 'Messianites', but that was a derogatory term in fact.
All these things come to light when you dig into the roots of your beliefs. Interesting.
SO, I do not call myself a christian, and I am in good company.
Just my take.
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Permalink Reply by David Peacock on -
I say to people most of the time I am a follower of Christ, which I believe is the meaning behind saying your a Christian. I too feel the name Christian has lost its salt, in what it once was. I don't even look upon Christianity as a religion either, I don't think it ever was and religion is a man made word. I believe The Christ like life is the ultimate living breathing culture and we are citizens of God, or Gods people the Church. Not the institutionalised church as we see to day, but like you have in the USA with the Organic Church and for the growing number of the home Church here in Australia. its all one Church yes I know that :) But yes I agree and understand where you coming from as to do with the name Christian. Your not alone in this
Peace be with you Bro
David
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Permalink Reply by Patricia Campbell on -
I was talking with a Muslim neighbor recently, and found myself saying, "I'm a follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth," instead of saying, "I'm a Christian." She listened speechlessly (perhaps she hadn't heard this type of thing before), and so I added, "You call Him Issa," just to be sure that we were on the same page.
Yes, the term, "Christian" has absolutely become tainted. While I recognize that we are all united by one God and Father, one Lord, one baptism, one faith etc., I do not go by the "Christian" title anymore. The "church" isn't a building like in the Old Testament. The "church" is blood-bought sons and daughters. God has left the building, and now dwells in living, moving temples!
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