What makes a "Good Christian"

Good question, Rachel. Actually, it is many questions in one. Firstly, we need to define the word "good". If by good, you mean someone who lives a good life, not wilfully causing harm to others, helping others, being honest, courteous and kind, etc and living a moral life, then certainly ANYONE can live that kind of life, regardless of any religious persuasion, or indeed, of none at all. You will find "good" people in all walks of life, in all countries, in all religions, in all groups, but we can't call them good Christians. They can be good Muslims, good atheists, good Hindu, good pagans, etc or just simply good people. You say people talk of "good Christians" and I agree. I've heard the term many times, but what is meant by this? Can there be good and bad Christians? What makes a person a Christian? No amount of "being good" can make a person a Christian. Being a Christian does not depend on how good we are. In fact, God in His Word very clearly states in several places that it is NOT by our good works. If we look at the word Christian we see the derivation CHRIST-ian. Being a Christian is dependent on having Christ in the life. Jesus Himself very plainly taught, on several occasions, that those who "HAVE the Son" have life and those who "do NOT have the Son of God" do not have life. He clearly stated that no one can get to heaven except through Him. Since being a Christian doesn't depend on us being good, does that mean we don't have to be good? No. When we become a Christian, Christ lives in us and helps us to live for Him. The life we live is a RESULT of His work in us. Yes. ANYONE can live a good life, but living a good life does not make a person a Christian.

No I dont....You cant be a good Christian if you arent Christian....if you are a good person but not Christian then you are a "good person" or if religion has to be brought into it then you are a "good Hindu" or a "good Pagan" or a "good Muslim" and so on....Make sense?

Of course, a person can have good morals without it mattering what religion they are part of. I prefer to say someone is a good "person" and not reference their religion at all. It would be my thinking that if a person follows their religion, then they are of good moral standing. This of course is discounting those who are radical in their beliefs.

though we came from different religion I know that we all believe in God, we may call him in diff'rent names, jehovah, allah, buddha, father God, etc. to be a good person does not identify him to a certain religion.so with you question what makes a good person or christian simple if a person love his God and love his neightbor the way God loves him, he is a good person. It takes alot of effort, sacrifices and love to be called a good person, it also involves action with much love and understanding

I'm a Catholic & I see so many people that are of different religions that are such wonderful people & are living the way of God & their lives better than some of the people in my religion--including myself sometimes. So, I definately believe that any person can be a "good christian" no matter what religion. I think it's just an expression-- like "Christians are supposed to be good so if someone is exemplifying a so called "good christian" trait-- then, that's what they get classified under no matter if they are of that religon or not. I really don't think it matters, I truly believe it's what's in your heart & how you treat and act towards other people & yourself. I always feel so bad when people feel like they are looked down upon or aren't as good as Christians.. because a lot of the time it's those people w/o any religion or different religions that are the better "CHRISTIAN!"

I don't think a person needs religion to be a good person. A "good Christian" needs a religion. I grew up Catholic and even went to a Catholic school for 6 years. I rarely go to church and I really don't like being told what to do when it comes to religion or anything. I don't mind if others are religious though.

I dont know if I would have that depiction of a "Good Christian". I think we all are sinners, each of us must strive to resist judgment, temptation, condemnation, dishonesty, and turning others away from Christ. I believe that many who do the above items think they are "Good Christians". To be a good christian I think means being a good disciple in living what we believe to the best standard we can. I believe anyone can have High moral standards but only those who believe in Christ can be christian.

When they follow nand obey God's commandments and when they practice Christianity.