What is Your Idea of a "Real" Christian

[Sangria]

I think the only “real” Christian is the Pope.
Even the new batch of saints don’t seem as classy as him. They all seem to have disputed pasts. Not him though. I think he’ll be a saint one day himself. (He may be considered one already in the ex-communist countries.)

[MrMcPlad]

**My point was not that all people who live lives according to principles that also happen to be Christian, are therefore “Christian” by name. However, they will achieve the same reward as those who do.

I believe anyone who lives their daily lives according to the principles espoused by Christ (whether or not they have ever heard of the man) will achieve greater salvation than those whose only concern is the hereafter and their place in it.

Those who feel they must point out the differences between religions rather than the similarities just don’t get it. They get hung up on the “only through me” words, and miss the point that Christ meant that to mean that those who live by his example will achieve eternal peace.

I don’t believe that, just because someone says “I believe in Jesus Christ”, that they are a Christian. He also said through your works you shall be known; there are many paths that reach the same destination, the result is the same.

Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Atheist, Mormon; it makes no difference what the motivation is, or what you call yourself. If you live a good life, in service and caring for others, salvation becomes irrelevant; you are already there. If all you do is pray in public, you will get what you deserve. **

Okay, I see your point and I agree. However, I believe that there are some church-initiallized ordinances and principles that are necessary, such as baptism and sacrament. A service-oriented life plus these principles will ensure and increase the degree of salvation.

[Fleejagoob]

This is coming from the point of view of someone who strives to be a “real” Christian…

First of all, I do not see moral living and Christianity are not analogous. While I am a Christian, I will be the first (well, ok, maybe second :p) to admit that there are many who do not call themselves Christians who lead lives that put most people who claim to be Christians to shame.

“Real” Christians DO believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This is what makes them Christians. The Bible makes it clear that actions are not what defines the religion. I do believe, however, that those who truly accept Christ will have change evidenced in their lives, and exhibit the qualities that most of you have cited as evidence of a Christian.

Fleejagoob, who sincerely hopes that he did not just move this into "Great Debates…

[Azargoth]

Christian- Follower of Jesus of Nazareth, a criminal who was crucified by Pilate. (Pilate was a nasty bastard no matter what the bible says, read some of his contemporaries opinions, it’s just early Christian sects didn’t want to get on the Romans bad side, so they blamed the Jewish Sanhedrin) Most followers should actually be called Paulians as Saul of Tarsus did more to codify and establish the religion then anyone (kind of funny considering he never met Jesus in the flesh nor was he one of the apostles)

I extremely dislike Christianity for many reasons but you want to know what a real Christian is…Someone who believes in their faith and doesn’t feel the need to scream at the sky that they are a Christian…If someone is loudly proclaiming their Christianity they either

A. Are about to screw you over
or
B. Want your money

I have met some very nice Christians in my time and I consider them to be what the definition should be, but unfortunately they are usually the minority.