Defining Christianity In A Way That Is Acceptable To All?

Do you feel that this definition of Christianity is the closest one that all can agree with:

"We accept as Christian any individual or group who devoutly, thoughtfully, seriously, and prayerfully regards themselves to be Christian. That is, they honestly believe that they follow Yeshua of Nazareth's (a.k.a. Jesus Christ's) teachings as they understand them to be. "

This was taken from the website religioustolerance.org.

They also sort Christians into eight approximate groups:

Roman Catholicism
Eastern Orthodoxy
Oriental Orthodox and Assyrian Churches
Protestantism
Restorationists
Anglican Communion
Pentecostals
Others

Since this is an area that breeds such disagreement, do you feel this is mostly accurate? My person feeling is that it is, and that this website has looked to be accurate and fair to all.

Source: http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ7.htm
 
On a high level this sounds like a good definition.. But if we ask what Jesus teached? We hear all different answers and we get all the divisions! I don't if it's possible to put all such different beliefs into one system.. For example, even muslims will fit into this definition.. Mormons do as well.. Jehovah's witness too.. For that matter, even hindus think Jesus is an avatar and might agree with His teachings!! All these religious sects honestly believe they are following the preaching of Jesus..

I think a proper way to define Christian would be on who they think Jesus is.
 
these 2 verses comes to mind:

1 John 4:2-3King James Version (KJV)
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.


1 Corinthians 4 New King James Version (NKJV)
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
4 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.[a] In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
 
I don't necessarily agree with it. Anyone can follow a teaching but Christians believe Jesus is God. That is where i would disagree with it.
Well, that become a muddy, kind of grey area though because not all Christians are trinitarians. So I can see why that was left out of the "common definition".
 
I considered typing in the Apostles Creed, but I suspect people will argue about something petty, like the wording.

Let's further the discussion then...

Apostles' Creed
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
 
Not only do you believe that Jesus IS God, but yo must also follow his Two Commands.

Because you can say I believe in the lord, but if your fruits are bad, he'll deny you when you say Lord Lord.

This is The King. His word is Law. Follow The King and his commands or else be a rebellious traitor.
 
The church I was part of India always had confession of Apostles Creed for every service.. Good to confess and feel the foundations every week..
 
Not only do you believe that Jesus IS God, but yo must also follow his Two Commands.

Because you can say I believe in the lord, but if your fruits are bad, he'll deny you when you say Lord Lord.

This is The King. His word is Law. Follow The King and his commands or else be a rebellious traitor.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit indeed, brother!
 
The church I was part of India always had confession of Apostles Creed for every service.. Good to confess and feel the foundations every week..
I don't believe ALL Christian denominations use the creeds though. One or two I recall were very much opposed to them.
 
Let's further the discussion then...

Apostles' Creed
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

Feel free to send me a conversation request. I'm more than happy to discuss--I love discussing these things, but I guarantee that when we start this, the topic will change and will be locked.
 
I think things like creeds are viewed by some denominations as "man-made" and so they choose to dispense with them. (That's certainly not my view, just reporting what I've seen on other Christian forums.)
 
I think things like creeds are viewed by some denominations as "man-made"

I find that rather amusing. I would ask what there is in their "religion" that is NOT man-made.
 
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