Got a two part question...
First part -
What do you define as a Christian?
I know people (the spouse for one) that never attend church, reads bible only occasionally (opens it up and reads less than 10 times a year) but claim they are Christian because believe in Jesus and accept him as a lord and savior.
Others say you aren't Christian unless you been baptised.
And still others believe you have to receive the holy ghost... which I think includes dancing around in a trance and speaking in tongues.
And others believe ritual and practice is highly regarded as Christian, and you aren't practicing Christianity through ritual (such as church going and communion), then lack the tenets and faith to be a Christian.
Some people claim that certain religions aren't Christians - like Catholics & JW's... but Catholics and JW's accept other Christian denominations as Christian.
I am asking for your personal opinion, not the 'they are a christian if they feel and think they are a Christian' - unless you truly feel that. That means you don't have to do or say anything to be a Christian but claim it.
2nd question... What gives you the strength to adhere to your faith under scrutiny? Many people resist acute scrutiny of their faith because it produces doubt in their mind, and that threatens to upset their mental state. I think some must have something to hold onto religious and spiritual wise, and Christianity is what they chose.
Have you ever had or developed doubt about your religion from the intense scrutiny of it or over things you find to be out of sync (with regards to your holy book or how people act and react while claiming to be Christians). So how do maintain, stay strong, and grow in your religious faith, especially if you have developed doubts? What part of the religion has been the most helpful in keeping you focused and staying apart of it?
If you use scripture, please explain how that particular passage has provided strength in staying in your faith, sticking with it, and staying focused on it.
ETA: I wasn't sure if this question should be here or in general spirituality. I put it here because this question was directed to Christians in particular,
but after reading the subtitle of this subforum, it may be in the wrong place. Feel free to remove to the appropriate forum.
First part -
What do you define as a Christian?
I know people (the spouse for one) that never attend church, reads bible only occasionally (opens it up and reads less than 10 times a year) but claim they are Christian because believe in Jesus and accept him as a lord and savior.
Others say you aren't Christian unless you been baptised.
And still others believe you have to receive the holy ghost... which I think includes dancing around in a trance and speaking in tongues.
And others believe ritual and practice is highly regarded as Christian, and you aren't practicing Christianity through ritual (such as church going and communion), then lack the tenets and faith to be a Christian.
Some people claim that certain religions aren't Christians - like Catholics & JW's... but Catholics and JW's accept other Christian denominations as Christian.
I am asking for your personal opinion, not the 'they are a christian if they feel and think they are a Christian' - unless you truly feel that. That means you don't have to do or say anything to be a Christian but claim it.
2nd question... What gives you the strength to adhere to your faith under scrutiny? Many people resist acute scrutiny of their faith because it produces doubt in their mind, and that threatens to upset their mental state. I think some must have something to hold onto religious and spiritual wise, and Christianity is what they chose.
Have you ever had or developed doubt about your religion from the intense scrutiny of it or over things you find to be out of sync (with regards to your holy book or how people act and react while claiming to be Christians). So how do maintain, stay strong, and grow in your religious faith, especially if you have developed doubts? What part of the religion has been the most helpful in keeping you focused and staying apart of it?
If you use scripture, please explain how that particular passage has provided strength in staying in your faith, sticking with it, and staying focused on it.
ETA: I wasn't sure if this question should be here or in general spirituality. I put it here because this question was directed to Christians in particular,
but after reading the subtitle of this subforum, it may be in the wrong place. Feel free to remove to the appropriate forum.