Definitions of Christians (nouns): 1. a person who believes in Jesus Christ; adherent of Christianity. 2. A person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ: He died like a true Christian. 3. A member of any of certain Protestant churches, as the Disciples of Christ and the Plymouth Brethren. 4. The hero of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. 5. A male given name. (courtesy of http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/christian)
Now, which of these is the most 'politically correct'? I was discussing with my roommates the controversy surrounding the company's decision to take out Catholic based product from the Christian Supply Store in Beaverton, Oregon this summer. Catholics do believe in Christ. Latter-day Saints believe in Christ. We share this, and as of the 1st definition of being a Christian, we are. However, the 3rd definition says that a Christian is someone who is a member of a Protestant church. This is where the differing opinions butt heads. Now we must turn to the 2nd definition: 'A person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ'. Any individual who believes in Christ, and is striving to become a better person each day, should be considered a Christian. All this animosity between faiths is not Christlike. We should be accepting and loving of all our brothers and sisters, no matter what they believe. A Christian, I believe, is someone who believes in Christ and strives to exemplify in their life the teachings of Christ. This includes a broad selection of people, and what better a way to become closer to our brothers and sisters than through Christ.
I have to say I agree most with your definition. There's no need to add all these constraints onto the term Christian. It's my belief that what should matter most about religion, regardless of what religion it is, is that you are able to take its teachings and make yourself and better person. Someone who is kind, generous and open. If you're working to improve yourself you should be considered, to some extent, Christian, or at least containing Christian ideals. Also, people named Christian (definition 5)have it a little too easy compared to the other definitions.
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ReplyDeleteThe Greek word Χριστιανός (christianos)—meaning "follower of Christ"—comes from Χριστός (christos)—meaning "anointed one"
so to break that down, follower of the anointed one. so in this sense Christian is not something that is purely related to Christ but really to any religion that has a God. in this aspect i really like to bring in the idea of the second definition given before "A person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ" again taking into account that Christ means anointed one it is really just the people who believe and follow a god. We can often see that some of the best 'Christians' are in fact Buddhist or something similar, and more often than not the people who have the most trouble accepting and living like Christ are the people who are self proclaimed 'Christians'.
you asked for this mel :P
Christopher
Thank you! i did ask, and i love that you guys commented. I want to learn, and this is wonderful! thank you two! plus i love to hear people's opinions.
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