The other day I was taking part in a discussion about the resurrection on a forum called h2g2 – this is the discussion thread – and I found my beliefs being, not exactly ridiculed, but I did feel I was being patronised.
I’ve always considered myself to be a Christian simply because that was the religion I was brought up with and because I find Christ’s teachings provide a sound ethical base to live by. I am very aware that what Christ preached was not especially “original” and that you can find similar teachings in other religions and myths, but as Christ is who I am most familiar with it has always felt comfortable to identify myself with this particular religion.
Having said that, I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious. I don’t believe the Bible is meant to be taken literally, I don’t attend church anymore and I feel no need to join any organised Christian group. Does this mean I’m not really a Christian? This was the attitude on the previously mentioned discussion thread. That because I don’t believe in the resurrection as a literal happening then I wasn’t a “true Christian” and thus could consider myself to be “normal”. And I was told that no offence was meant by this.
Is there a clear definition that describes what a Christian is? It seems to me that there are more “flavours” of Christians than Ben & Jerry’s has icecream, with often one faction claiming they are the only true Christians. I have no time for this sort of nonsense and I am actually appalled at what is going on in the world these days (and what has gone on in the past) “in the name of Christianity”.
I only started this blog yesterday and I am still feeling my way around the place. But I’ve found that one good way of finding interesting blogs is to check out the “Today’s Hot Blogs” and “Hot Posts” lists, and this morning I came across this very interesting blog called de-conversion, which addresses issues about religious ideologies, but in a respectful and intelligent manner. I think I’ll be spending a good part of the afternoon browsing through their site.
I thought about that question for a little while – Is there a clear definition that describes what a Christian is? And I could give you my answer, but I can guarantee another Christian could come along and would give you a somewhat different one.
I would love to say something simple like – someone who believes that Jesus died for our sins. But does (mere) belief make you a Christian? Or if I said – a follower of Jesus, what that entails would differ from person to person.
Comment by thebeliever — July 1, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Hi the believer,
I have to admit that all that Jesus Camp stuff pretty much freaks me out. It looks like a total mind-control thing to me.
I agree with you that probably every Christian who came along would give a different definition.
As for Jesus dying for our sins, I think I always die a little bit whenever I’ve “sinned” against my beliefs – though I’m not big on Old Testament original sin stuff.
You consider yourself a follower of Jesus? At age 19? You see, I’ve never thought of myself as a “follower”, more as someone who agrees with those particular teachings.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. You’ve given me something more to think about.
Comment by mia kulpa — July 1, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Personally, I doubt that what is consider “Christianity” will survive the next decade. The free expression of ideas (especially via blogs) is going to bring about many needed changes.
Paul
Comment by roopster — July 1, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
I can quite imagine Christianity surviving for quite a long time.
It’s a shame that things like the Bush Administration and recent Religious Fundamenalism have tainted the concept of Christianity.
Though probably not any more than the Spanish Inquisition did.
I am seriously thinking of not associating myself with the Christian religion anymore, even though I will keep the teachings of Christ close to my heart.
Comment by mia kulpa — July 1, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Absolutely Christianity will survive. However, what it will look like in 10 years will be different than what it looks like today primarily because of folks like you who will help redefine Christianity away from fundamentalism.
Here’s the link to a project I started to pull out the “teachings of Christ” from the Gospels:
http://www.thejesuscult.com
(ignore the word “cult” if you find it offensive)
Paul
Comment by roopster — July 1, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
I do find it difficult to ignore a word like “cult”, but I’ll have a look at the site, Paul. Thanks!
Comment by mia kulpa — July 1, 2007 @ 10:47 pm
Comment by roopster — July 2, 2007 @ 7:49 am
Hi and welcome to the party! I starting blogging a couple of months ago and I find it quite addicting. Not sure how long it will last but so far I writing, reading, or commenting nearly every day. De-conversion was one of the first sites I found as well and is one of my favorites. Paul’s sites are very good as well.
It seems to me that there are more “flavours” of Christians than Ben & Jerry’s has icecream, with often one faction claiming they are the only true Christians
I always found this fascinating about Christian religions. Unlike Buddhism or muslims, there are dozens if not hundreds of flavors.
Comment by cragar — July 2, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Hello cragar and thanks for visiting. I’ve also visited your blog and might swipe that 8 random facts meme for myself, just so I have something else to post here.
The post I read about your wife was very moving.
I wonder why there are so many flavours of Christianity, compared to other religions.
Comment by mia kulpa — July 3, 2007 @ 4:32 pm