The Irony of Saying "I'm Not a Christian. I'm a Follwer of Christ."

[YosefHayim]

It's some odd new trendy attempt to say that you swim against the stream, but in a Christian way. And here's the Irony:

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian[G5546], let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God on this behalfe. 1 Peter 4:16 KJV 1611
​

Seems the apostles were happy to hold this title!

Χριστιανός: Christianos - G5546
Definition: Christian, Follower of Christ

Cf. Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28

 

[Kathi]

What is the difference?

 

[Willie T]

There doesn't seem to be any difference. Strong's, Thayer's, and Vine's all put it the same way.......Definition: Christian, Follower of Christ

And, most of the NT calls them believers and disciples.

 

[Gary]

It's some odd new trendy attempt to say that you swim against the stream, but in a Christian way.

For some it's a way to distinguish themselves from today's organized religion.

 

[Willie T]

I think many in the USA think they are already Christians because they are Americans.

 

[Willie T]

For some it's a way to distinguish themselves from today's organized religion.

All that usually does is require an inquirer to ask a second question...."But, what church do you attend?"

 

[Kathi]

I think many in the USA think they are already Christians because they are Americans.

Many say they are a Christian when they are not.

 

[Gary]

All that usually does is require an inquirer to ask a second question...."But, what church do you attend?"

Most of the people who use "Follower..." instead of "Christian", don't attend church.

 

[evenifigoalone]

View attachment 5449

 

[Willie T]

Many say they are a Christian when they are not.

Yeah, it's often just the box they automatically check on any form.

 

[Willie T]

Most of the people who use "Follower..." instead of "Christian", don't attend church.

Then you go off into a whole 'nother line of questions.

 

[Willie T]

Most don't really care, and I know they don't, so I just answer, "Christian."

 

[YosefHayim]

View attachment 5449

My favorite Christmas verse says Don't be like the heathen which cut down trees and deck them with silver and gold (Jeremiah 10) no wait. That wasn't - oh yea. It was "What do you profit from lending to those you expect something from? Sinners give to sinners, only to receive the same again" (Luke 5) . Er... The shepherds were in the field

Wait. Here it is.

"1 Forget the sacrifice, replace with merchandise, and embrace consumerism. 2 Put yourself in debt. Screw up the economy. 3 Only scrooges don't give once year. 4. Blessed are the consumers for they shall be trampled upon for the iPhone six. 5. Deck trees with..." Book of Santa 7:1-5 God Bless America Only Version (GBAO)​

 

[ryanmock]

I see what people are trying to get at because yes, most people in america would label themselves christian just because they are american, but in reality, Christian literally means "Christ follower".

 

[Kathi]

Yeah, it's often just the box they automatically check on any form.

Does that include a Christian message board?

 

[Obadiah]

Since they mean the same thing it does seem ironic that a person would say they are not one and are the other. Just because some people misuse the word Christian or some Christians set a bad example has never been a good excuse to deny being one.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Does that include a Christian message board?

It could, but if one cared enough about the meaning of Christianity to join a message board, you'd think they are at least somewhat serious. Unless it's one of those "proud to be Christian" or "like if you love Jesus, scroll past if you like the devil" kind of things that I see all the time on facebook.

 

[Jesse]

For some it's a way to distinguish themselves from today's organized religion.

Yes and to distinguish themselves from other people who call themselves Christians.

 

[YosefHayim]

Yes and to distinguish themselves from other people who call themselves Christians.

What about all the people such as New Agers who say they "follow Christ's teachings". In other words they think Christ went to india and learned hinduism, and then began teaching that enlightenment comes from within. Follower of Christ can hold the same ambiguity.

 

[Kathi]

What about all the people such as New Agers who say they "follow Christ's teachings". In other words they think Christ went to india and learned hinduism, and then began teaching that enlightenment comes from within. Follower of Christ can hold the same ambiguity.

Life is full of choices.I am sure they know about Jesus Christ.They will have to take account of that when they die.