Can another person decide who is and is not a Christian?

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   EdwardLaneposted 7 years ago

   Only God and Jesus Christ know that, according to passages in the Bible.

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      Gwenneth Leaneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I would like to add that Christianity is a great moral lifestyle but being a Christian is having a relationship with Christ.   Christ in us and we in Christ.  Everyone can be a Christ but not everyone has a personal relationship with Christ

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      That is correct. Choosing to follow a religion is a choice 'christ consciousness' in each of us makes to cause a certain type of soul expansion. It isn't necessarily a 'spiritual' lesson we get cuz we're already OLD spirit-beings JUST like Jesus.

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   Dr Mansoor Memonposted 7 years ago

   Dearest Eric Dierker its pleasure to write answer, but question is , is it really worth importance to get others involved in deciding what we are, what we believe , what we practice.
   i believe the moment we loose self confidence we let others take control of our entire life , then we start believing others . we become so addicted to surrender that we even can not decide what will suit us on any event, what should we eat and so on.
   who cares if someone says you are christian or not, its between you and your lord.
   Thanks Regards Love and Respect for you.
   Dr Mansoor Memon

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      You raise a very important issue here. Your position is clear. But what about the flip side? I got my wife and children and buddies to keep me in check. They step up and speak up if they see error. We may not agree but we have the talk - that is good

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      Gwenneth Leaneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Dr Mansoor Memon, your comment: 'who cares if someone says you are Christian or not, it's between you and your Lord.  This is so true, it is a personal relationship

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      This flies in the face of the light analogy. Our light shining is supposed to attract others if we do not give a damn about what others think, we do not love them.

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      Dr Mansoor Memonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      yes sir i do agree with your point of flip side, but in that situation there should not be hot discussion . one can only express his her love and contentment of belief but must not impose beliefs.i believe family be kept free to choose faith they fit

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      We agree on not imposing. And I think we agree as loving people we should care what others think and feel. But not to the extent in controls us. Maybe influences us? We adapt to be loving but not to be controlled?

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3. 63

   Annette Rousseyposted 7 years ago

   I don't think anyone could make that decision. Being Christian is different for everyone and we don't all follow a certain religion. I believe we should try to teach our children about God, but I think the decision of what to believe or follow should be us to the person.
   I don't think there are rules to belief and I don't like folks showing up on my door step asking me if I know where I'm going when I die.
   We were all born with free will and no one should ever try to take it away from us.

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4. 55

   arfapkposted 7 years ago

   If you've been a Christian more than 5-minutes, you've be tempted ... “So here is my counsel: we should not burden these outsiders who ... in other words, how Jewish does someone need to become in order to be a Christian?

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      What is your thought with your last paragraph?

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      dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I just read this arfapk!  Excellent point.   Christians and non-Christians will view differently.  Viewpoint only matters for professing Christians.  Professors should be growing in God's Word.

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      celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      not Jewish at all, Christlike

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5. 72

   clivewilliamsposted 7 years ago

   What is a Christian? The thing with man's world is that everybody wants to become something other than being a human being. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Rastafarianism or whatever religious or spiritual group you brand yourself as is really irrelevant in the bigger scheme of things. All people who brand themselves were human being first. If I wanted to, I could simply form another group called Christians and then decide how that group must act. Long and short is no one can decide what you consider yourself to be.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Most assuredly correct we cannot decide "for" another. That is clearly their purview. But even if a person were to only take the four gospels as word there would be some rough guide so it is not really a "I worship the moon so I am Christian freefall

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   2. 61

      dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Everyone makes a decision. You could start a cult. N attempt 2 get legitimacy, they CALL it Christianity. They wd b added to Cult List w/ others searchable on Christian sites.

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   3. 61

      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric I should bring this to your attention Augustine as a church father in Catholic believe in baptizing babies if not he believed the stain of sin damn them.
      Please explain .

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6. 57

   RichardLionHeartposted 7 years ago

   A person on his own and of his own opinions cannot decide who is or who is not a Christian! Only one who is a Christian, as  the Apostle Paul is and lived as a pilgrim during his ministry on earth. As Paul presented his defence to Agrippa and Festus, Acts 26: 28- 29; Agrippa said, 'And Agrippa [said] unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.@ Paul's reply, 'And Paul [said], I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.'
   So one to judge and decide whether one is a Christian or not is if they are Christian as Paul is who has obeyed the gospel which Paul preached and is an imitator of Paul as he was of Christ; 1 Corinthians 11: 1!

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting complete faith in the Pauline doctrine. You go even further that our Catechism. Some of us concentrate more on words of Jesus rather than a man who never walked with him. Yes I am pulling your chain a bit. But please explain.

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   2. 57

      RichardLionHeartposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Paul was chosen by The Lord Jesus as a chosen vessel to take the Gospel to the gentiles; Acts 9: 15, 16.  Read John 17: 20.; The apostle Paul: read beginning of Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus; 2 Peter 3:14-16. 2 Corinthians 13:10, Romans 16: 25.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      OK thank you for that bit that nobody follow without a good 2 hours. We kind of play nice here -- not bury in scripture.

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      dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric, how can you have a discussion on Christianity without the Bible.  That's what Christians study.  That's what learned pastors teach from.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Dianne I have never heard a preacher or been in a bible study where 4 or more verses come out in a single paragraph. It is not helpful to an open discussion. It stymies it. And just throwing it out without explanation is strange.

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      dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      We have 250 characters here.  Not enough for in depth explanation.  However, without the Bible, there is no Christianity.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Correct Dianne - 250 so maybe one verse.
      Now Dianne you know there can be Christianity without the Bible. No Christians for 325 years? MMLJ not Christian? Paul? Christening? By God's choice? Corinthians? You mean something else - true?

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   8. 57

      RichardLionHeartposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Dianne is right; without scripture there is no divine standard of authority, as the sum of God's inspired word word is Truth!  If no written Divine Standard there is just confusion, chaos and disorder!

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well Richard I like your assertiveness but answer the questions I posed. 300 years without a Bible yet there were clearly Christians. And all the other examples. Address that please and feel free to ask me to delete your answer so you may write new.

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   10. 61

       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       The Bible was compiled from written manuscripts of people God used.  http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/t … -the-bible writers were inspired by God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       But Diane address the 1st 300 years without it -- clearly they were Christians - some at least that believed without a Bible. Maybe 100.00 souls believing without a Bible. What nonsense are you suggesting.

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       Terrielynn1posted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Eric. I think you might be missing and important point. The bible wasn't written in a room all at same time. It was written over time. The Jews had rules and laws. By birth they were gods chosen. After that it changed. everyone could find god.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       E, New T believers had the witness of live disciples who traveled, proclaiming word of God, establishing churches.  Many saw Jesus, many were healed, etc.  That was not history but current events.  We have more responsibility because we have the hist

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Come on Diane just admit that for 300 years Christians had no Bible. So Christianity devised the Bible not the Bible devised Christianity. Then we can move on. I preached and preach matters that come from the Bible. Read my sermons. I do not cite.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, the disciples were the walking testament.  1 Cor 1:25  "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."  I have studied God's Word with excellent theologians (DTS trained) since 1978.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       So you agree that for 300 years it was not the Bible but service of the Lord through handed down testimony? You know how that works. I will leave this issue at a nice place and thank you for your position I learned a great deal, thank you.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Paul's manuscripts were written.  Notice the salutation at the beginning of each one.  They were not in a book. They were letters read to the churches.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Right on Diane and they we pre-Bible as incorporated by Nicea as part of the Bible created by men. Not the word but the bible. My and my Family's relationship with Jesus our God is not reliant on scripture, We have been brought to Jesus through life.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Great Eric!  What does it mean to be brought to Him through life?

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Diane - true story. I made a deal with my Buddhist bride. We would go to temple and to church. In the temples she knew no one. In the church she had Vietnamese friends. No study no learning. I was sick in hospital. While walking there Christ adopted.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting cultural salad!   So how did that affect or lead you to Christianity?

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       RichardLionHeartposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, where is your evidence that there was no scriptures for God's people for 300 years? The seed to plant and make christians is God's inspired word, Luke 8: 11. The apostles made sure that their letters were available after their departure!

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Diane I was already an LEM Episcopal. She caught God without the Bible.
       
       Richard do not cite Luke 8: 11 for your position it is in error obviously. The Sower of Seed - Really? I have no tolerance for verse slingers who clearly do not care to be OK.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Richard, our ladies group is doing an indepth study, Live Deeply, on parables.  The sower was the first study.  It's imp. that the Word be planted in good (fertile) soil to take root and grow.  Our hearts are the different soils.

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       RichardLionHeartposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I asked a legitimate question, but you attack me Eric? So unchristian! If there is no word, no sacred scriptures in 300 years there is no seed to be planted, so no fruit can be brought forth. You do not like scripture and have no tolerance for God!

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Richard you are smart and this in my question and I did not attack you but your proposition. Do you even realize how far out "thou wouldest fain make me" sounds. That is not even good Shakespeare - although weirder. You missed the stop for goofy .

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, I don't know Richard.  He is using Scripture to support his position. This is what I have learned to do as a Christian. New Christian are not expected to have the knowledge of the Bible as mature Christians. We are expected to grow thru study

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Oh Diane I apologize to Richard and you if I was brusque. I was given the thorn of a quick tongue. I am just learning so much on this question that I cannot thank you enough. So many cool people stepping out of comfort zones to be heard. PBTG

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   29. 61

       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Patience and forgiveness are what we are supposed to do Eric.  Thank you for the opportunity.  We are all getting opportunities to show  Christlike character traits.

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7. 61

   old albionposted 7 years ago

   Surely only oneself knows the inner workings and requirements of their own minds. Their personal thoughts and needs are satisfied by there own spiritual decisions. There are many words of analysis offered in your answers. Looking at it logically and to answer your direct question, there is only one direct answer and that has to be No.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      That is what I thought also. But the twist comes in two forms. Decide for whom? And decide by scripture alone or with and in love? We are fortunate here to avoid the "God speaks to me so I know" comments. And I question whether "oneself" really knows

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric I see that Humans judge what they see and dont know and not see.
      When the Father judges what he sees and knows in a perfect inside out in justice.
      he knows what we know and decline to make changes , but many say I am a christain.He will disown

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you friends, I came back to think on these good thoughts as directed by Paul who is a hero of mine. - Leave Marvels to others. This opening of a window into our souls to accept others and God in our way as God designed, wonderful to be a child.

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8. 69

   stephenteacherposted 7 years ago

   Jesus does not lie. He clearly says that all men will know you follow Him if you love one another. We can make judgements. We can say this or that is not Christian behavior. The Apostle Paul makes this clear. However, it looks as if many are mistaking this question for, "Can we tell who is going to heaven"? Of course not.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      As you say this is clear "all men will know you follow Him if you love one another." So the rest is Pauline Doctrine, and the degree of love is left to opinion of man. Of course heaven attendees are up to God.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Eric I used that example to explain just why we needed a ransom by the Heavenly Father to restore what Adam and Eve lost for us .the righ to live without dying from what ever can cause death.We are not in the perfect condition Adam and Eve had first

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T why did you comment on this answer that way? Makes no sense at all.

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      Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T often responds from a cell phone and they often don't go under the answer being responded to - so they don't make sense. Its weird.

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   Kiss andTalesposted 7 years ago

   Very good question Eric. Since being a Christian is based on the characteristics of Jesus own personality and his practices would be the beginning to compare. Jesus was our model in a perfect way.
   And so true his followers would not be in the dark on this subject he left a good record to compare.
   The fruitage of his spirit and the Father is open to us at Galatians 5:22.
   Galations 5:24 is also a self analysis of ones own deep inner person good or bad the Heavenly Father is knows.
   In this case he can read hearts .
   Matthew 15:11 also says Its not what enters a mans mouth that defiles a man ,but it is what comes out that defiles him.
   Ephesians 4:9.
   I just belief that our work is to make sure we are doing the christain work Jesus intrusted his followers to do. There is a work to help people learn the truth but to judge its finally we do not have the position.
   But we can encourage and upbuild and practices Jesus ways in ourself we can not go wrong.

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      Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Encourage and upbuild are great attributes and fully worthy of a Christian. I like your answer KT. Thanks.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Eric its nice hearing from you !

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10. 49

    Frank Annposted 7 years ago

    Can another person DECIDE who is and is not a Christian?
    
    My answer: No.
    
    Only the Christian can announce their own faith.  However, this brings up another question altogether. 
    
    Can we see in ones actions and behavior if the path they follow is righteous and based on Christian fellowship or not?

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Bergen-Belson is little known, why do you take Ann Frank backwards. I appreciate anonymous as far as asking you not to post here again. I hope you get my request. Nobody has the name Frank Ann. And moving it around I feel is slander.

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    2. 49

       Frank Annposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric-I truly apologize for any offense you may have had to my name.  I believe "Annelies Frank" was an amazing historical icon and in no way intended to slander the name, copy, mimic or otherwise-to be "Frank"-perhaps I will add a change to my name

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       No, Frank Ann it is my issue not yours. I get posting anonymously except when it comes to Christian matters. I am sure you get that. So it was my sensibilities and not wrong of you at all please accept my apologies.

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       Frank Annposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric, I completely understand!  I am new to this Hubpage concept as well and appreciate your strong stand on the matter-had you not spoken out I may not have realized the potential impact of my chosen pen name.  Thank you.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Please share with us via your profile who you are so we can get to know you.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Alan I understand also your feeling about the claimed titl. christains not all confessing are and are disowned scriptural by Jesus himself.
       But its just a big destraction to detour humans away from the opportunity to learn and know the truth.
       I

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    7. 45

       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Oh there is some balderdash going on. "people" "sheeple" "don't grasp what our mighty souls and intellect grasp". I find that a bit elitist tawdry. Perhaps as a child the one with the least understanding is the closest to God and more Christian. ???

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    Rowaenna Romeelposted 7 years ago

    I think God created all His creations with equal love and care.No one can decide about being christain or not be christain.Its already been decided by God when we were born.Another thing is that christains are recognised wether they show or not.They are recognised by their meek and good behaviour to others.Christ's peple are different from other its for sure i know.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I think we should strive for meek and good. Sometimes difficult. I find your thought that we are either born Christian or not very interesting.

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    lifelovemysteryposted 7 years ago

    The short answer to the question is 'No'. How a person lives out there faith both in public and private is between them and God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Michelle that is a nice sentiment. As long as you restrict it to; and they do no harm to others. What is that one church - Hillsboro?

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       lifelovemysteryposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Christians are imperfect, just as everyone else. The question was about their faith, not actions.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Christians do harm others that is why the Lord wants us to be angry and sin not and to reconcile with our brothers.  Christianity can't be discussed without Scripture.  All else is personal opinion.  That does not count with God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Was the question about their faith and not their actions and not their faith. That would be your choice in answering. So for you I would suggest that you can for yourself judge. But not for God.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Faith should be lived out.  When Christians see others off the path, they should lovingly correct them.  If the person doesn't listen, go with 2 or 3.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Diane I completely agree on scripture be the lead here. But that begs the question of whose interpretation - especially when judging another whether just for you or also for others. One thinks stewardship is this and the other that.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       God is the judge.  Those who don't know the book are not qualified to make the evaluation because they don't know the requirements.  Those that do should hold each other accountable.  I can't evaluate your MRI because I'm not qualified.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Diane you speak truth when you say God is the judge .but you take away his posistion as judge to say anyone that does not know the bible is not worthy.
       Only the Heavenly Father would know know who is accurately doing that.

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    joyce kariukiposted 7 years ago

    Being a Christian is not like being black, white or asian where other people can clearly see what race you belong to. Being christian is all about what's in your heart. Only God sees the heart and as long as you believe in him and his son Jesus, follow his word and teachings, that automatically makes you a christian.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Joyce you telling the truth , but look at the world now who claim their christain. Its not a pretty picture. People kill in the name , Jesus did not,
       People hate in the name Jesus did not
       Decieve in the name Jesus did not .
       Works validate truth.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Joyce I really like this answer. But it reminds me of the man who cannot read or even afford a book. I think their is a natural place for him, if he knows and loves Jesus, even without knowing all of his teachings. What do you think?

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eli I mean to live in existence is the highest treasure of all in life.
       With out it we could not do the things we enjoy. Or experience knowledge.
       We are rare to be born.
       The treasure that can be stolen is to lose sight to live forever in paradise

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    Brinafr3shposted 7 years ago

    A real Christian, walks the walk. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:15-20

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I imagine you know what that walk is. That kind of is implied in the question. Are you able to judge another man's walk?

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    The0NatureBoyposted 7 years ago

    I say the answer is yes.
    
    Romans 1:20 reads in part "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" and John 3:8 says "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: therefore, there is something in every one that is born of the Spirit" to cause one to recognize anyone "in the likeness of the Christ" as the title means.
    
    The thing made in the self-reproducing environment to represent Christian's rebirth is the metamorphosis. By using the tadpole turning into a frog's metamorphosis we see the following. The frog lays its eggs in the water which hatch into tadpoles, they live until an ingrained clock cause their tails to begin shorting and knobs to grow that once completed they can not breath water so they begin to live on land. 
    
    Christians have to go through the reverse metamorphosis of the Adan and Eve metaphor {see https://hubpages.com/religion-philosoph … -and-Evil} and they can no longer live the standards of the world.  That is why John 3:8 say they will become "nomads" who enters a place share their understanding then leave without the people knowing from where they came nor where they went.
    
    We know the Christ, even after his return to Israel, said he had "no place to lay his head" which it would be with nomads, therefore, yes, For anyone who understands the reading of the Bible there is the means of determining if they are indeed following in the likeness of the one called Christ.

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    Mark Throckmortonposted 7 years ago

    There are over 30,000 sects of Christianity registered in the United States.  So clearly, people that are devout Christians cannot decide what a Christian means and that varies within sects from church to church and region to region.
    
    Since all religion is subjective, the short answer is no, because it is a personal experience based upon feelings, tastes and opinion.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       That's why the Bible is critical.  Many "sects" are considered cults.  Your answer is a non-Christian answer.  I don't mean it in a bad way.  It is difficult, if not impossible, to critique what you don't know.  Bible is authority of Christians.

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       Mark Throckmortonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       That just a matter of semantics Ms. Trotter. Sect: a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith; a religious denomination. You could substitute denomination for sect if you are more comfortable with it.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Dianetrotter, Cult is the base of cultivate. Cultivating prohibits some plants from growing while allowing the desired to grow uninhibited. Civilization and all of its parts are cultures and, thereby, cults. Did you cultivate your children, if any?

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       This is the darned Yoga debate. This notion that creeps into Christian lives that suggests some intellectual pursuits are bad. It is dark ages stuff.  Read what is written by the authors and see if it has helpful qualities. Sistine Chapel OK? Newton?

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Mark, I agree people use words they choose.  It doesn't matter what you call Christians.  The BIble is the authority.  It doesn't help to discuss Biblical points because you don't believe it.  It is by grace, through faith, that believers are saved.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Mark and Diane - this to me, (I know I need a life) is exciting. But we must always counsel to be weary of trading convictions for semantics. We know what Joe means by cults. Charismatic rather than spiritual, is yuckie.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I didn't know charismatics were considered a cult.  Those who do not believe in the virgin birth, death and resurrection of Jesus and say they are Christians are a cult.  Cults do not believe the Bible.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Oh for sure Diane. To me a cult would be a group that followed a leader and not Christ and the Bible. Pastor says "jump" all jump. Very developing/illiterate country style. Used to be all masses in Latin. Go Luther.

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       dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Eric-True! 
       Elijah, You isolated 1 usage.  http://www.morewords.com/contains/cult/  Cult like Jim Jones signs:  exclusive, secretive, authoritarian

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        The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        GDNT, Adam & Eve began the cult of civilization by implementing "good you do, evil you don't" allowing some attributes in man to grow uninhibited while others are prevented from growing means when one say Do & Don't to others it's cultivating

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        dianetrotterposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Nature, God gave them boundaries for their benefit.  Good parents do that.  He told them to NOT eat of the tree.  Eve's curiosity and desire for knowledge led her to eat from the tree.  She ate/Adam too.  The 1st sin was punished.  Running out of spa

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        The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        GDNT, they weren't given boundaries, eating the knowledge of good and evil (see https://hubpages.com/religion-philosoph … d-and-Evil) put boundaries upon them so they were not able to comprehend all things.

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17. 63

    AlanDoughtyXIIIposted 7 years ago

    I would say that the real problem is the importance placed on the label CHRISTIAN. That said, I have very little, if any, trust for people who title themselves CHRISTIANS. Indeed, I will listen to the story of a saint and wonder about the things nobody ever discovered about them. A person appears to be a paragon, and I suspect that there are less model tendencies lurking just beneath the surface.
    
    Anton LaVey observed in his carnival days how (mostly) male patrons of the girly shows on Saturday night would bring their wives and children to the revival tent Sunday morning and make a show of piety and repentance. Instead of deploring the hypocrisy of it, LaVey pondered the reason for the hypocrisy, concluding that no matter how much faith the individual puts in the Christian ideal of prioritizing spiritual ideals over the needs and wants of the flesh, no matter how much one prays and disciplines oneself, a man (or woman) is still a being of flesh, and the flesh is going to out. In short, the idealism of Christianity makes hypocrisy inevitable.
    
    The moral idealism of Christianity tends to discourage awareness and perspective. Either you are white light, or else you are pure, totally depraved evil. In such a dualist philosophy, balance with integrity is impossible.
    
    Now, back to your question, why should it matter so much whether or not you are a Christian? That importance placed on the label and group membership is the reason I refuse to affiliate with it.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Alan I understand you very well.
       But I must admit a treasure can be stolen because people may focus and listen to the people who are trying to still it from you. Instead of focusing on why they are a stublung block.
       Focus on what is the treasure.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Alan your cover much quickly. Good. The starting champion NFL QB is not a hypocrite for missing a pass. Please do not dismiss this. Failure does not make hypocrite - especially 3 a week. You just used bad syntax - does not make you hypocritical.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       ADXIII, Well said! One should allow others to describe them as Acts 11:26 did the disciples. I call me "a philosophy" meaning "lover of wisdom" and allow others to call me what they will.
       K&T, If one can't explain what they steal they are found

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       ELi Thank you for that answer. But if some one stesls a precious treasure from you
       no you no longer poses it.
       Especially if you did not guard it value.
       I am sure people dont lay diamonds , $100 dollar bills publicly visable for stealing.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       K&T,
       Wisdom is a treasure the wise desire exposed, our only treasure we want shared, so without experience enough to explain it a sharers is revealed as a "philosopher" or "sharer of wisdom they do not understand" and thief.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Your reasons R the same a lot of peeps look down on Chrisitans, Alan. C's have done a LOT to harm their own reputation from many angles: credibility of their holy book, forcing erroneous beliefs onto others thru laws & redefining hypocrisy, etc.

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18. 91

    Happylovejoyposted 7 years ago

    I think it's between the individual and God..and not for others to put judgement or decide on it..there are just too many different types of Christians just as there are many different kinds of human personalities and thinking (which is influenced by upbringing and the environment).
    
    At the end of the day, I feel it is just a label. Some who are openly Christians may be very prejudice to other race or religion, or are very kind and selfless. Some non Christians can also be very selfless, guided by other religion or none at all. The most important thing to focus on is how we live our lives, how we treat ourselves and others, and just be faithful to our principles and beliefs.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, that is a very good "should" answer. What do you think about "could"?

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    Rishabh Baluniposted 7 years ago

    According to your question It's easy to say that nobody is at that position to decide for anyone.
    As we all know that God created all of us with different religions, our body parts are same but the difference is about the thinking level of the person.
    As God make us same as others to understand it that we all are same.
    As an Example:- If we notice about the birds or animals. They can roam here ND there, birds can sit into the church as well as temple. There is not any difference in them.
    So, no one can decide whether a person is a cristian or any other religion.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Man [mind able to comprehend all things] in the likeness of god, once we overcome judging and become led of god are revealed differences judging man are unable to recognize, thus, reborn man should be able to determine when another is reborn.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       We R 'the likeness' of God but unique & diverse bcuz God LOVES diversity. We will never all think alike cuz if we did, WE would have all the power instead of God. And that would probably be a bad thing, LoL! Its the reason for Tower of Babel

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    Tusitala Tomposted 7 years ago

    Another person can decide what they like about anything.  Often as not, the decision on how to decide (about anything) has long ago been decided on and they are automatically reacting from their mental and emotional conditioning.   We do it all the time.
    
    As far as your question goes, the 'interpretation' of what a Christian is, or is not, is as wide as: He was born into a family who are purportedly Christians, (as roughly a third of the world's population are) to he's, or she is very religious and practices the teachings of Jesus Christ, as closely as he or she can.   Everything from a 'bible banger,' as the derogatory phrase goes, to a person who might have been baptised as a Christian at two year of age, and has never been to a church since.
    
    We cannot really determine what another person thinks and feels about anything with great accuracy.    A person might be a 'paragon of virtue' and an example to us all on how to 'love thy neighbour as thyself,' and has never been interested in any particular religion at all.   
    
    So the answer to your question is, "Yes, anyone can decide whether or not they think another person is a 'Christian,' but it might bear little or no (or a lot) to how that person sees his or her self.   An opinion is just an opinion...nothing more than a network of neural pathways in a brain.

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       manatita44posted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Tom,
       A girl at Open Mic said my poetry was hallucinatory, crazy, disturbing ... the Compere intervened and said I was probably one of the sanest guys he knew.
       
       I commend you, as you're probably one of the sanest I know here. Loving thoughts.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Very nice answer. I wonder what it is that really bothers me about "nothing more than a network of neural pathways in a brain." Probably because I think there is more to a soul. Yes indeed we can all judge/decide if we choose to.

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       shanmarieposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Still, an opinion isn't absolute and an opinion may not be someone else's truth of self. We can decide what we think of someone else and that is all. Doesn't matter if it is someone's religion or general moral aptitude. By society's standard or ours.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Yes Shanmarie, it does seem to boil down to that notion of "I can decide for me if you are Christian, but I cannot decide for you or even for another". And that is cool. Another question.

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    BreAnna0207posted 7 years ago

    I believe that another person can not decide someone else's religion  they can only decide their own. but they can influence someone to choose a certain religion over another on by talking up their religion. truthly it comes down to the person that is choosing a religion. that everyone has their own opinions and not everyone has the same religion so they can't wake up one day and be like oh this is your new religion to someone.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       That is a very interesting viewpoint for this question. Thank you

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       That is an interesting point... How many people have converted from one religion into another (not just Christianity), and sometimes more than once? Are they easily manipulated or are they spiritual explorers?

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22. 46

    Dasia Tostonposted 7 years ago

    No one person can say a person is not a Christian. If person A looks at themselves as a Christian and truly identify as a Christian. For person B to them they are not would simply be pointless and useless.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Dasia do you ever look at a new acquaintance and judge if they are "safe" or too scary strange?

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       DT, Acts 11:19-26 suggests Christian means "In Christ's Likeness" reading how christ lived says they Are or Not living as a wondering nomad, alone, forsook all the world offered and none judgmental, if we aren't like that we're not Christ's like.

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       Dasia Tostonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       No I do not. In my opinion the way a person looks does not always say if I should be afraid of them or not. They way they carry themselves respond to situations tells you if they are someone you should watch out for while around them.

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    sydneyaveryposted 7 years ago

    No Christianity is something that you have to accept yourself. Someone may analyze your behavior and dictate whether you are or aren't, but only you can truly say.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Definitely a personal choice Sydney. I think we all accept that.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       What New Birth demands us to do will reveal although ew who are not will not knows what it means, Jn. 3:8, Mat. 19:29 & 28:18-20 are examples of how to tell us.

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24. 59

    Mark A Headingposted 7 years ago

    You are bordering on Judgement. Mat_7:1  “Judge not, that you be not judged. We are not to judge, we don't know who is going to make to heaven! For all we know, the most vile murderer could make it if they believe and accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. God is the only one who can read the hearts and minds of people. The devil can not do this interestingly enough. He is a master manipulator and he knows where to attack you.
    
    Only God can make that call. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it is what is in your heart that matters.
    
    Even with a husband and wife. If the husband believes, and the wife doesn't, the husband can not save his wife. I would hate for that happen, but it is up to each individual to make that choice.

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       Gyanendra Mocktanposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, God is the ultimate answer. \We  need to surrender to Him. Why judge our fellow beings?

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting. You come at it from the anti-judgment point of view. Do you think deciding for your self and judgement are the same?

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       Mark A Headingposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       When you decide for yourself, you are making a judgement call. Call it deciding for yourself if you will, but in Gods view, you are judging that person.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       You do realize you just judged me for deciding for myself if my friend is Christian. And at the same time saying it is wrong to judge. Yet declaring only God can judge?

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       MAH, Lk 17:21 is 1 of many places saying god is in us and by the New Birth do we realize it, not before. Reborn man with testimony of conception, gestation, trivial, birth and amount of growth has discerning ability to determine who is and isn't.

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       Misfit Chickposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       The 'new birth' as U keep describing it is not how it has been interpreted by U & so many people - it is simply talking about FINALLY becoming aware & REALIZING that we R perfect exactly the way we are - how God made & intended & JUST

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    7. 56

       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I have gone the metamorphosis, see my profile, reversing the 1 the Adam & Eve story represents (see https://hubpages.com/religion-philosoph … ter-Twelve). Romans 1:20 say it follows the natural birth and recognized as a metamorphosi

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    8. 45

       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Catherine I kind of go with that. Assume a baby dying is just horrible to us. Well who gave us the right to assume that. For sure it seems horrible to us -- but???

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25. 60

    LeahMartinposted 7 years ago

    No. Christianity is a religion where the relationship is only between you and god. Therefore people can not label you a Christian or not a christan, they only see what they see not what they know.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Leah, this is a little too much - turn a blind eye approach. No one mentioned label but you. We are talking about "for you". Do you follow people who are not Christian? No. How do you know.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       By Acts 11:19-26 Christian isn't religion [belief in god] but the way Christ lived, wandering from place to place spreading his way and understanding of life. His commands were follow him after the "new birth" as Christianity's church preaches.

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26. 54

    celafoeposted 7 years ago

    YES- There are 2scriptures that define this and other scriptures bear witness.
    "you will know then by their fruit"    and 'test all things (against scripture) to see if they be of God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Charlie it is good to hear from you. I hope you continue to be blessed and bless others.
       I do not think there is much doubt here. We really do know based on our Spirit guided discernment, at least for ourselves.

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Charlie, I was saying everything except those 2 scriptures in my attempt to bring them to our understanding.

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    bluesradioposted 7 years ago

    I would think that this is kinda of like that old saying about glass houses and rocks......In other words, most of us, Christian or not, have done some good and some bad, and I believe the final word as to who has truly lead a  Christian life would be left up to the Man Above......

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       But would you not love me enough to tell me if I was astray?

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       celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       scripture says "we will knoe tem by their fruit"

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Charlie - who will know who by their fruit? I, you? You garner little fruit here and seem to antagonize. So you bear no fruit here, so are you Christian?

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    Ericdierkerposted 7 years ago

    The duly elected Jury foreman has called for and received the response to the first ballot call. The jury is split right down the middle.
    Half believe that one can judge for themselves about another's Christianity.
    The other half hide behind a fully unrealistic notion that we do not and cannot make decisions about others for ourselves.
    
    It is becoming obvious that those who espouse "no judgment" are living in a fantasy placating sheeple world of preacher endowed loveliness.
    
    Of course we judge. Of course we make decisions. And if you are walking down the dark alley of life your had better make it about others. Nobody gets a free pass. Judge or die, like it or not. Oh, "thou shall not judge" sounds so holy and is so full of garbage.
    It all seems so good until you decide if you will let your 4 year old sit next to someone on the bus.
    The saddest thing we have seen here is the lack of factual honesty. "oh I would never decide but I will not go to that church"
    
    Did this question draw out hypocrisy? It smacked me in the face with my own.

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    Shelley H Cruzposted 7 years ago

    No   How can we declare if another person is a Christian?

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       The0NatureBoyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       By understanding Acts 11:19-26 defines Christian as "Like Christ" who had forsaken everything the world had to offer Mat. 19:29 and many other of his teachings unless he instructed us to do what he had not done.

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Nice Elijah but my understanding of Mat. 19:29 is different than yours.

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    JohnPLyonsposted 7 years ago

    I am really enjoying your questions!
    
    Simple answer (for me): No
    
    But...I was brought up Roman Catholic, even went to train to be a priest many years ago...thus I'm confident talking God and Church.
    
    However, when I found myself working in the intellectual halls of Oxford, UK alongside winners of Nobel prizes and other intellectual giants, I was astounded to be labelled a "Blasphemer!" by members of a student Christian Union...purely because I was Catholic. In their eyes I worshipped statues and bowed before the Vicar of Rome.
    
    Over many months and many, many difficult conversations where I showed my Bible knowledge was a great as theirs, as was my knowledge of biblical history, they actually grew to like me. They said "I called myself a Catholic but I wasn't one really!" (as if they would really know!!)
    
    The layers of judgemental ignorance that had been pressed into them by their spiritual mentors was both damming and somewhat amazing for such evidently intellectual people.
    
    Thirty years later and some of the people from this time could now be top Judges, Civil Rights Lawyers and Members of Parliament responsible for forming the structure of our society. I tend to wonder how their rigid ideas of right and wrong in Christian stance have been knocked or shaped by their lives and the life of the greater world around them in the intervening times.
    
    Back to your question: Can a person know if another is a Christian?...NO
    
    But...do people "judge" if a person is a Christian or not?....(sadly) YES

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       Ericdierkerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       This crossover with Catholicism is really interesting. So much is just accepted by Protestants that is Catholic and not scripture. In fact, for sure what books are in the Bible.Thanks for you very cool comment.

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