Let's get down to foundational basics: what does it mean when a person declares himself to be a "Christian"? According to wikipedia.com, a Christian is:
"...a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who Christians believe is the Messiah (the Christ in Greek-derived terminology) prophesied in the Old Testament Hebrew Bible, and the Son of God".
OK- there's a mouthful, but does it really tell us what makes one a Christian? In this day and age, can modern society even agree on a definition of who is truly a member of the "Christian" community? This week's podcast begins to tackle this question.
To download, save this link: The Basics, Part 1
I read the post "What is a Christian anyway" a few days ago and have been thinking about it quite often since then. I thought Connie (via Tim) made a beautiful start and Tim said he hadn't gotten to the "good parts" of his list, and he never did! Part II seemed to be a different topic. I was disappointed! Anyway, it's a wonderful thought-provoking question and I was grateful for what I heard.
I have been adding to the list in my own mind. This morning I read in a Navarre Bible commentary: "We must give our lives for others. That is only way to live the life of Jesus Christ and to become one and the same thing with him" (Bl. J. Escriva, The Way of the Cross,XIV). Each and every characteristic goes to the top of the list! Thanks again.
Posted by: Judy Lickona | March 13, 2010 at 08:17 AM