How far would you go with the definition of Christianity?

[Futuwwa]

I was going to ask this in the Unorthodox Theology forum, but apparently I wasn't allowed despite it not being a "Christians only" forum. Anyways...

I know that the official doctrine of this site is to define Christianity according to the Nicene Creed. I'm not trying to change that doctrine, I wouldn't be let into the Christian-only discussions anyway

What I'm asking (from Christians in particular) is, how wide is your definition of Christianity? Would you stick with the Nicene Creed, or would you extend the hand of brotherhood in faith to Unitarians? Mormons? Jehovah's Witnesses?

Personally, from an apostate's point of view, I find it a bit absurd that the Nicene Creed is used as a definition of Christianity. After all, it was formulated some 300 years after Christianity started. Whether it accurately reflects the teachings of the Bible or not is a rather moot point, since it doesn't change the fact that Christianity at the time existed in many forms, of which many included teachings beyond and even contrary to the Nicene Creed.

 

[BalaamsAss51]

I know that the official doctrine of this site is to define Christianity according to the Nicene Creed.

What I'm asking (from Christians in particular) is, how wide is your definition of Christianity? Would you stick with the Nicene Creed, or would you extend the hand of brotherhood in faith to Unitarians? Mormons? Jehovah's Witnesses?

Personally, from an apostate's point of view, I find it a bit absurd that the Nicene Creed is used as a definition of Christianity. After all, it was formulated some 300 years after Christianity started. Whether it accurately reflects the teachings of the Bible or not is a rather moot point, since it doesn't change the fact that Christianity at the time existed in many forms, of which many included teachings beyond and even contrary to the Nicene Creed.

I'll take a quick stab at this. First, CF may have some Official policy on this, but that's CF. Christianity does not limit itself to the Nicene Creed. I will not try and lay out the entire Christine way, but the Nicene Creed (and Apostles and Athanasian Creeds) are summary statements that address some (not all) facets of what God has told us in His Word. Ceretainly no Christine would have any reason to object to anything in the Nicene Creed (and yes, I know it was developed over two councils both in Nicea and Constantinople) because there is nothing in there that is contrary to God's Word. It is a valuable shorthand way to remind ourselves of what we are about.

Those who do not agree with the teachings exhibited in this Creed (like the JW's, Mormons, Unitarians you mentioned) are not Christian groups. They make a mockery of Christ and lie to people when they say they are Christian.

To return to the creed, The main reason it was created by Christian teachers/bishops from all over the known world was to try and bring to the people the correct teachings of Christianity which had been perverted by many false teachings and false teachers. The fact that "Christianity" existed in many forms, far from making the creed unnessessary, is the reason why creeds are necessary.

Pax

 

[LilLamb219]

I was going to reply to this, but wow, BalaamsAss51 did a wonderful job

 

[eoe]

After all, it was formulated some 300 years after Christianity started. Whether it accurately reflects the teachings of the Bible or not is a rather moot point, since it doesn't change the fact that Christianity at the time existed in many forms, of which many included teachings beyond and even contrary to the Nicene Creed.

Christainity at that time existed in exactly one form - just as it does today.

Error existed in many forms at that time - just as it does today. That is why the Creed - the symbol of the faith was put together. It is a minimum requirement and the most basic of Christain statements.

 

[Chief117]

I agree with what most people are saying and would back up their statements.

I also would not limit the "definition of Christianity" to the bounds of the Nicene Creed. But I also have no problem with the Nicene Creed. On top of this, anyone who would pervert Christ's image to the world is worthy of the destruction they will bring on themselves.

The Bible prophetically speaks of people who would bring disrepute to the Christians. I believe wholeheartedly that this was a prophecy of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses and many other groups.

 

[Dewi Sant]

Are you referring to Galatians 1:6-9

As I say: Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner.

 

[amberzak]

A christian, in the simplest terms, is someone who beleive that Jesus died for our sins and because of that we are welcomed back into Gods land. It goes deeper than this, but basically you need to believe in Jesus, and accept what he has done for all us sinners.

Basically, that is the creed.

I am not saying that other people cannot disbeleive the creed, its just that those people are another religion.

 

[Jim47]

Indeed BalaamsAss did a fine job. To explain a little more in very clear and simple turns, poeple who are Muslims, Hindues, Mormans or whatever deny Jesus as their Savior, and God has said whoever denies Jesus denies the one who sent Him who is God Himself.

No one comes to God except thru Christ, just as the others have said and as scripture states.

1Jn 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Another thing is that all of these world religions teach salvation thru living a good life and doing good works, but God says that all our works are like filthy rags and that no one is worthy, not one.

Isa 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean,and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

 

[Exist]

I say that the word itself defines itself.

Christian means "follower of Christ" or "little Christ". If you follow Christ, you're a Christian. That doesn't mean that you have to believe what Paul or John believes. That doesn't mean that you have to believe that the Bible is flawless. That doesn't mean that you even really have to know who Christ was (you follow his moral teachings), but that's pretty extreme, and I never seriously use that. That's how far I would go.

But, as a general rule, I say that when it comes to "Christian", it's whoever calls themselves a Christian.

 

[dalej42]

For me, I accept the Nicene Creed. However, I'm not God, I'm not Christ, I'm not John the Baptist. I'm just me.

Therefore, I don't know who is or who isn't a Christian. I won't make that decision.

For me, I'll accept people as they choose to define themselves.

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

I was going to ask this in the Unorthodox Theology forum, but apparently I wasn't allowed despite it not being a "Christians only" forum. Anyways...

I know that the official doctrine of this site is to define Christianity according to the Nicene Creed. I'm not trying to change that doctrine, I wouldn't be let into the Christian-only discussions anyway

What I'm asking (from Christians in particular) is, how wide is your definition of Christianity? Would you stick with the Nicene Creed, or would you extend the hand of brotherhood in faith to Unitarians? Mormons? Jehovah's Witnesses?

Personally, from an apostate's point of view, I find it a bit absurd that the Nicene Creed is used as a definition of Christianity. After all, it was formulated some 300 years after Christianity started. Whether it accurately reflects the teachings of the Bible or not is a rather moot point, since it doesn't change the fact that Christianity at the time existed in many forms, of which many included teachings beyond and even contrary to the Nicene Creed.

Hmm...

Mind if I come back and comment on the last paragraph?

Forgive me....

 

[Sketcher]

Christian means "follower of Christ" or "little Christ". If you follow Christ, you're a Christian. That doesn't mean that you have to believe what Paul or John believes. That doesn't mean that you have to believe that the Bible is flawless.

If a true Christian does fall into this category, he or she will change their beliefs to conform to the Bible in time.

That doesn't mean that you even really have to know who Christ was (you follow his moral teachings), but that's pretty extreme, and I never seriously use that. That's how far I would go.

You can't follow someone unless you know who he is.

But, as a general rule, I say that when it comes to "Christian", it's whoever calls themselves a Christian.

If you do that, you'd have to consider Hitler a Christian. He claimed it to get political support, but he obviously did not believe or practice it. There are many non-Christians who call themselves Christians who damage the reputation of Christianity. Many do so unknowingly.

 

[LilLamb219]

I agree with you, twistedsketch, there are a lot of goats among the sheep and weeds among the wheat. God promised they will be sorted at the second coming

 

[kniht]

But, as a general rule, I say that when it comes to "Christian", it's whoever calls themselves a Christian.

Yup. And I'm a Martian - because I call myself one of course.

 

[foundation]

for those of you making comments about the 'mormons,' the real name which is The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints really need to do some real research.

that whole religion is based on following jesus christ, for example, every sunday they have sacrament to remember him and what he did for every person.

they absolutely never deny jesus christ, at all -- many of you would know this if you read true information, not false propaganda from other faiths.

so, answer me this simply, if following christ can be labelled as the single*, christian-defining standard, why isn't that religion labelled as christians, instead of bashed by people basing their opinions on information from outside sources.

* Christian means "follower of Christ" or "little Christ". If you follow Christ, you're a Christian.

so there you have it, the church of jesus christ of latter day saints are christians, if you try to argue this, i guess you also try to argue that the sun is green and that birds can't fly.

- i know this because i have gone to a few LDS (more appropriate shorthand name then mormons) sunday meetings, to do real research -- as you people should; i mean, if you wanted to see a ford car and get all the specifications and so on, you would go to ford and not mercedes, wouldn't you ?

 

[ElderChiLLze]

Its g

 

[ElderChiLLze]

Its good to see that a Catholic standing up for a denomination not of her own that is indeed a true trait of a Christian who has the empathy to stand up for their fellow man and proclaim the name of Christ no matter what form or shape it is represented in.. I am a 'mormon' and proud of it.. I attended a catholic primary school, was taken care of by Jehovah's Witnesses after school and have friends who follow Christ via many different denominations.. i am about to serve as a missionary for the LORD JESUS CHRIST for the next few years in Japan.. and just to show you that we do encourage the worship and remembrance of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.. heres a statement we live by that embodies are intent on becoming more Christ like.. maybe Christian? - Article of Faith #11 states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

In regards to the scripture quoted out of ISA 64:4 .. it is a good example of how humbling and insignificant our acts and good works can be.. every effort to be a good person is somewhat fruitless according to that specific verse in Isaiah.. HOWEVER, he knew itimately the purpose of the atonement and Resurrection of Christ and what it means for everyone who indeed tries to do good unto all men.... without quoting the entirety of the bible.. we will find that Jesus has made it possible for us to be saved and be worth something in the end.. and not have our good works made worthless...

oh and by the way.. in my view, A good Christian is one who will look upon all faiths and people and judge them not for HOW or through what forms they believe in Christ, but one who will encourage and teach them as much as possible, so that they too can step up the ladder of thruth via His gospel..

We can't bring people up to a higher level without being there first.. be that good example and maybe others will follow.. sounds good yeH? thats why Christians follow Jesus, the ultimate example

ja, mata

 

[Overflow]

I presonally believe that the Nicene Creed is just too long winded, so to speak. Put simply, I believe a Christian is anyone who acknowledges and believes that Jesus is the Messiah [who died for their sins], the Son of the living God, and who makes Him LORD over their lives. In an even shorter phrase: some one who believes that Jesus is LORD and Saviour over their life. There, that simple. I don't know enough about the Mormons and company to answer whether or not they are Christians. Only God, as the sovereign Judge, has the right to know and determine who are 'Christians' and who are not. I can only speculate given what is written in the Bible, and cannot judge with any assurance.

 

[Exist]

If you do that, you'd have to consider Hitler a Christian. He claimed it to get political support, but he obviously did not believe or practice it.

I would consider him a Christian as much as I'd consider the "God Hates ****" group Christian. Do I think they're screwing up what Jesus said? Sure. Are their theological beliefs Christian? Yep.

 

[Exist]

Oh yeah, that word probably would be edited out. Think "Cigarettes".