How Christian am I?

[A4B4]

I was raised in a Christian family, but my beliefs have changed form over the years. The reason I ask how Christian I am, is that I would like to start surrounding myself with other Christians. I am just too conservative to fit in with most non-religious people.

The problem is, I don't want to trouble anyone's faith. I figure those of you here on RF are best suited to objectively assess my beliefs and give me cool, honest feedback.

So, here is what I believe:

I believe in God.
I believe that God created life and the universe via evolution.
I believe that God is concerned for us, but that His involvement is mostly passive, and spiritual in nature, rather than physical. That is, I believe in spiritual miracles, but not physical miracles -- at least, not in the world we live in today.
I believe that the Bible contains a lot of good, valuable information that people can use to better themselves. However, I also believe the Bible was written by man, the Old Testament in the fifth century BC, and the new testament between 30 and 200 AD.
I believe that Jesus lived an exemplar life, and that we should try to live our lives accordingly.
I believe that we should place a greater emphasis on Jesus' teachings, rather than his death.
I believe Jesus was the Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament.
I believe that Jesus was spiritually an offspring of God -- just as we are all children of God, although Jesus was an exception -- but that physically he was a man.
I am passionate about studying religion, both from religious and secular perspectives. I have read Genesis, Job, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, and many of the Pauline letters. I have also read a handful of the books from the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon, and I own copies of the Jefferson Bible, and many Gnostic and Apocryphal Books.

Nonetheless, I live my life to Christian standards. In fact, I tend towards even the more conservative lifestyles by Christian standards. I get along very well with Mormons -- so long as we don't discuss religion. I am often mistaken for being Mormon, a Seventh-Day Adventist, a Baptist, or even a Jew, just because of my conservative attitude and demeanor. I am able to discuss religion with people of many different faiths.

For fear of hurting others' faith with my own beliefs, I have shied away from the Christian community for some time now. But, I would really like to become a part of it again. I just want to make sure that I won't be hurting others' faith in-so-doing.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[Mister Emu]

I believe that Jesus was spiritually an offspring of God -- just as we are all children of God, although Jesus was an exception -- but that physically he was a man.

Could you elaborate on what you believe about Jesus?

 

[A4B4]

I believe that Jesus was a man, born of Mary and Joseph. I believe that he lived a life that was at least exemplar, but perhaps perfect. I nonetheless feel we should follow his teachings.

In several accounts of the transfiguration and Jesus' baptism, God introduces Jesus as, "My son, whom I Have chosen." On that premise, and that "begotten" is arguably more accurately translated "one-of-a-kind", I do not believe that Jesus is a biological son of God. (In fact, I do not view God as a man at all, but rather the ethereal Creator -- Albert Einstein's God, or in the words of Thomas Jefferson, "Nature's God.")

However, just as the Bible says we were created in God's image, I believe that Jesus was a living, conscious person like the rest of us. Rather than being spiritually predisposed to living a perfect life, I believe Jesus was a man who lived a perfect life on his own accord, and to whom God smiled upon and claimed as His "chosen" son, whom we should listen to.

I guess my views towards Jesus are held in common with certain Christian Deists such as Thomas Jefferson, or with 1st century Jewish Christian sects such as the Ebionites. In some regards, my views towards Jesus are more Muslim, but in essence I am much more Christian than Muslim (although arguably neither).

Though, to be perfectly honest, I do not claim to know anything. I could very well be wrong, and so this is something I wouldn't argue.

 

[Mister Emu]

Well, that understanding of Jesus places you firmly outside the bounds of Christianity in my understanding.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't go to the Christian community; I would encourage it, I don't think you'll be hurting the faith of others if you do so.

 

[Parzival]

I was raised in a Christian family, but my beliefs have changed form over the years. The reason I ask how Christian I am, is that I would like to start surrounding myself with other Christians. I am just too conservative to fit in with most non-religious people.

The problem is, I don't want to trouble anyone's faith. I figure those of you here on RF are best suited to objectively assess my beliefs and give me cool, honest feedback.

So, here is what I believe:

I believe in God.
I believe that God created life and the universe via evolution.
I believe that God is concerned for us, but that His involvement is mostly passive, and spiritual in nature, rather than physical. That is, I believe in spiritual miracles, but not physical miracles -- at least, not in the world we live in today.
I believe that the Bible contains a lot of good, valuable information that people can use to better themselves. However, I also believe the Bible was written by man, the Old Testament in the fifth century BC, and the new testament between 30 and 200 AD.
I believe that Jesus lived an exemplar life, and that we should try to live our lives accordingly.
I believe that we should place a greater emphasis on Jesus' teachings, rather than his death.
I believe Jesus was the Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament.
I believe that Jesus was spiritually an offspring of God -- just as we are all children of God, although Jesus was an exception -- but that physically he was a man.
I am passionate about studying religion, both from religious and secular perspectives. I have read Genesis, Job, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, and many of the Pauline letters. I have also read a handful of the books from the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon, and I own copies of the Jefferson Bible, and many Gnostic and Apocryphal Books.

Nonetheless, I live my life to Christian standards. In fact, I tend towards even the more conservative lifestyles by Christian standards. I get along very well with Mormons -- so long as we don't discuss religion. I am often mistaken for being Mormon, a Seventh-Day Adventist, a Baptist, or even a Jew, just because of my conservative attitude and demeanor. I am able to discuss religion with people of many different faiths.

For fear of hurting others' faith with my own beliefs, I have shied away from the Christian community for some time now. But, I would really like to become a part of it again. I just want to make sure that I won't be hurting others' faith in-so-doing.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

I'm not a Christian, but based on what you've written, you seem to have a level head and a firm foundation for your beliefs. Some of the points you made (Jesus being fully human especially) would definitely not fit into any of the traditional Christian theologies that I'm aware of. I would suggest exploring some of the more liberal Christian traditions (liberal in the religious sense, not the political sense. I only emphasize this because you did mention being conservative). I know quite a few people who would identify themselves as Christian and who share beliefs similar to yours, often with an interest in the more mystical and esoteric sides of their faith. Some of them attend church regularly and are members of various communities, a handfull of them practice some more mystical thread of Gnostic Christianity, and others still keep their faith between themselves and God. I would experiment with visiting local churches and meeting people, it's possible that you could meet some people who believe exactly as you do, but who you don't feel comfortable being part of a community with, and it is also possible that you may find some people who you agree with most points on but you get along with them so well you can overcome your minor theological differences.

 

[fahrenheit]

I'm not a Christian, but based on what you've written, you seem to have a level head and a firm foundation for your beliefs. Some of the points you made (Jesus being fully human especially) would definitely not fit into any of the traditional Christian theologies that I'm aware of.

Actually Christianity defines Jesus as fully man and fully God. To say he was in fact human is no way blasphemous or heretical, in fact if you were to denounce his humanity then you would be going against traditional Christian theology.

That said it seems like the OP does not believe Jesus was the human form of God, nor maybe that he lived a perfect life (if I am wrong of your opinion then sorry, but thats how I viewed your opinion). I would probably not call that Christian, but I would still recommend that you get involved in a Christian community if you so desire.
I think that you could expect people trying to convince you that Jesus is our Lord but I don't think you would hurt anyones faith. Like you said you would be viewed more of as a Mormon or JW and they don't hurt anyone's faith.

Then again I've never understood the fear of hurting other people's faith, if they were so weak in their conscious that the mere presence of something different alters their convictions then there are much larger issues afoot.

If your looking for a definition I'm not quite sure, you could say agnostic with Christian values? The fact that you identify Jesus as the Messiah would link you the closest with Christian ideals, but without believing that he is God you would not be a Christian. Like I said though I am sure any open minded community would be glad to welcome you, and I would not be worried about your presence challenging other people's faith.

 

[Vinayaka]

Being a Christian or of any belief is really in actions, not words. I once knew a man who would say all of the things you said. he was a colleague on a one year contract. At the end of the year, he came to me and asked, "Do you think I'm a good Christian." I think he expected some kind of praise, but since I'm an honest person, I just let him have it.

That year he had stolen money from the secretary's desk, made several inappropriate comments to young girls, been a sponge off other people, was basically lazy, and more. Yet all through this his smug attitude was "It's okay because I've been saved."

So my answer would be not to ask us this question, but to go have a very honest look in a mirror.

 

[Katzpur]

I think that you could expect people trying to convince you that Jesus is our Lord but I don't think you would hurt anyones faith. Like you said you would be viewed more of as a Mormon or JW and they don't hurt anyone's faith.

Just for your information, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is every bit as divine as His Father. Maybe you weren't saying we don't, but that's how it came across. He is part of a Godhead comprised of a Father, a Son, and a Holy Ghost, any and all of whom can correctly be addressed as "God."

 

[CatholicCrusader]

Well, that understanding of Jesus places you firmly outside the bounds of Christianity in my understanding............

Agreed.

 

[Songbird]

Interesting, A4B4 - I was thinking of starting a thread asking how people feel about non Christians attending their churches, or serving in churches in various capacities. I'm keen on hearing what you decide and how it works out.

 

[CatholicCrusader]

Interesting, A4B4 - I was thinking of starting a thread asking how people feel about non Christians attending their churches, or serving in churches in various capacities. I'm keen on hearing what you decide and how it works out.

That depends: Are they going to teach our kids filthy habits?

Well, I'm off to teach my kids the F word.

 

[Songbird]

That depends: Are they going to teach our kids filthy habits?

Originally Posted by Songbird
Well, I'm off to teach my kids the F word.

Yes, I hope to teach children everywhere the joy of the F word.

 

[ChristineES]

Since I personally believe that a Christian is someone who follows the words and teachings of Jesus, son of God and son of Joseph (He is both, you know, as even Matthew described as son of Joseph, who raised Him and probably treated Him the same as his other sons and daughters)then I believe you to be a Christians. I may not agree with some of the things you say, but that is just an difference in interpretation. I have learned to live with those kinds of differences (although, I don't think I was like that 25 years ago, I was much more rigid back then).

 

[Jensen]

Read Romans 10:9.....where does it says that one must believe that Jesus is God to be a Christian?

 

[Mister Emu]

Read Romans 10:9.....where does it says that one must believe that Jesus is God to be a Christian?

Says to be saved, not to be Christian

The Christian Church formally rejected, in 325, all belief that has Jesus as not God.

 

[Pegg]

Well, that understanding of Jesus places you firmly outside the bounds of Christianity in my understanding.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't go to the Christian community; I would encourage it, I don't think you'll be hurting the faith of others if you do so.

although, in many christian circles he will likely be identified as a blasphemer for not believing that Jesus is God.

 

[Jensen]

Says to be saved, not to be Christian

The Christian Church formally rejected, in 325, all belief that has Jesus as not God.

Yes, it says that you will be saved. Not that one has to believe in the trinity, or that Jesus is God to be saved. (most Christians believe that only Christians will be saved)

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Jensen

 

[WedGirl]

To the OP...I do agree w/much of what you say. I am also a Christian. This by the definition which is belief in both God and Christ, have asked forgiveness of my sins, and asked Jesus into my heart. In addition...as as Christian beleive that Christ lived so that we might follow His example and died to wash away our sins. It's important to note that not only does the Bible tell us that He died but that he arose from the dead.

As far as perfection goes...I do believe he was completely flawless and the only completely pure man that ever walked the Earth. Here's a scripture from the NIV Bible that I like...it is simple but good imho. Hebrews 5: 7-9
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

 

[Pegg]

Yes, it says that you will be saved. Not that one has to believe in the trinity, or that Jesus is God to be saved. (most Christians believe that only Christians will be saved)

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Jensen

and yet its very interesting to read:

John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment

Acts 24:15 and I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous

I dare say these 'unrighteous' ones are those who have not practiced Gods law... and who have not accepted Christ into their lives. Christianity should be highlighting salvation is for all mankind... not just for christians.

 

[Jensen]

and yet its very interesting to read:

John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment

Acts 24:15 and I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous

I dare say these 'unrighteous' ones are those who have not practiced Gods law... and who have not accepted Christ into their lives. Christianity should be highlighting salvation is for all mankind... not just for christians.

Salvation is for all mankind, if they come to Christianity, if they accept the trinity.........according to most Christians.

One does not have to accept the trinity to be a Christian. Which is why I posted Romans 10:9, as it shows what must do, and doesn't ask acceptance of the doctrine of the trinity.

Jensen