What makes you Christian?

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What is the definition of Christian? Is it belief in the Trinity? Bible? Apostles’ creed? Nicene creed?

The reason I ask is because I am trying to figure out the difference between Protestant Christians and Christ-following denominations.

Perhaps someone can help me find the words for what I am trying to ask. Is it what is Heresy vs. Schism?

Thanks!
 
shelby2014 said:
What is the definition of Christian? Is it belief in the Trinity? Bible? Apostles’ creed? Nicene creed?
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It seems like you’re asking 2 different questions: the objective definition of what is a Christian (which has already been asked at a different thread recently) vs. what makes “me” or “you” or Joe Attender a Christian (i.e. what our motivations were/are to become/remain a Christian). And even the objective definition of what is a Christian would probably differ according to various catechisms (using “catechism” in the broadest sense, because non-denoms and most Baptists don’t have a “chatechism”). Not to belabor the point, but various dictionaries might also define the term differently (for example, ever look at the weird definitions a Marxist dictionary’ll give for “marriage” or “freedom” or “capitalism”?).

If you look at history, again, you’ll note that “Christian” was relative: during the stormy times of the great religious wars in Europe, the RCC didn’t consider the Protestants Christian, and vice versa.
 
It is a belief in the risen Lord Jesus Christ as Savior of the world for all who are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Personally, it means those who deny themselves and take up their cross daily as they struggle after Jesus.

Heresy and schism have similar results, but remain different problems. Heresy is teaching or believing that which has not been revealed to or taught by Christ’s Church. The Lutheran doctrine of bible alone is heresy, as it denies the authority of the Church which Christ founded, and is not consistent with what Christ Himself taught.

Schism is a disagreement within in the Church that leads to a division, but not primarily a difference in beliefs. The Catholic-Orthodox schism is the greatest such example. Our beliefs are essentially identical, but differences exist as to the organizational structure and hierarchy within the Church.
 
Thanks for the reply! Heresy vs. schism helped.

I guess what I am wondering at is the Catholic church’s treatment of different denominations? The RCC recognizes baptism (when done in the proper form) from Protestant denominations, so that feels like they are acknowledging that the denomination is Christian at least.

On the other hand, there were huge heresies back in the early days of Christianity - gnosticism and such - that were considered dangerous. My question is, are these types of heresies not Christian because they do not conform to the creeds established at that time? How are they defined? What about the forms of these heresies around today?
 
shelby2014 said:
Thanks for the reply! Heresy vs. schism helped.

I guess what I am wondering at is the Catholic church’s treatment of different denominations? The RCC recognizes baptism (when done in the proper form) from Protestant denominations, so that feels like they are acknowledging that the denomination is Christian at least.

On the other hand, there were huge heresies back in the early days of Christianity - gnosticism and such - that were considered dangerous. My question is, are these types of heresies not Christian because they do not conform to the creeds established at that time? How are they defined? What about the forms of these heresies around today?
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I tried to give a general answer, but there will be exceptions. Think of heresy as the cause, and schism as the effect.
 
shelby2014 said:
What is the definition of Christian? Is it belief in the Trinity? Bible? Apostles’ creed? Nicene creed?

The reason I ask is because I am trying to figure out the difference between Protestant Christians and Christ-following denominations.

Perhaps someone can help me find the words for what I am trying to ask. Is it what is Heresy vs. Schism?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
First Protestant’s are Christ following. What made me a Christian? It was Christ alone, nothing I could do myself can save me
 
I have two answers for that question, what makes you a Christian:

First, Christ makes me a Christian. It doesn’t really matter what I or other people think, or what any church doctrine says. The one who ultimately has the authority to determine my spiritual condition is Christ. I choose to appeal to Him.

Second, desire makes you a Christian. I asked someone a similar question one time and that was the answer I got back. At the time it annoyed me because I wanted a more systematic, or procedural answer. After a while it started to sink in though and now it is my favorite answer. We usually find that which we desire. Like the internet, some say how it is bad to spend too much time on the internet because of pornography or other vices that are readily available there. On the other hand you can find places like this one where one can spend hours pursuing spiritual enlightenment. It all depends on what it is that you desire. If you truly desire Christ, or to have your name recorded in the book of life then most likely you will find Him.

Acts 11:26 (New International Version): The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
 
shelby2014 said:
I guess what I am wondering at is the Catholic church’s treatment of different denominations? The RCC recognizes baptism (when done in the proper form) from Protestant denominations, so that feels like they are acknowledging that the denomination is Christian at least.
Click to expand...
The Church recognizes all baptisms that are accomplished using the proper form and matter. The proper form is “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” which is word-for-word how Christ commanded baptisms to be accomplished in Matthew 28:19. The proper matter is water, either by immersion, or by pouring.

Thus, the vast majority of Christian Baptisms are valid.
shelby2014 said:
On the other hand, there were huge heresies back in the early days of Christianity - gnosticism and such - that were considered dangerous. My question is, are these types of heresies not Christian because they do not conform to the creeds established at that time? How are they defined? What about the forms of these heresies around today?
Click to expand...
There are almost too many heresies to count. Most were not truly Christian because they denied the divinity of Christ. Some denied His humanity. Since Christ alone possessed a true dual nature, being fully God and fully man, most heresies involve one of these natures.

In our age, the most prominent heresies are the LDS (Mormons) and the JWs (Watchtower Society). The LDS are polytheists, while the JWs are very similar to the heresy of Arianism. newadvent.org/cathen/01718a.htm
 
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