Christianity is one of the most misunderstood word?
By manong05
@manong05 (5027)
Philippines
February 4, 2007 6:55pm CST
What is your own definition of Christianity?
Do you look at it as a religion or a way of life?
3 responses
@arseniajoaquin (1732)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Yes, Christianity is one of the most misunderstood words. Christianity is a religion and a way of life. I am a Christian, I embrace Christianity, and that's my way of life. I would not know what to do as before if I do not follow my religion now.
I believe in God and the Holy Bible as the Word of God and it is the truth as far as the Christian religion is concerned. The doctrines or teachings of the Christian religion are laid down in the Holy Bible which I follow. Without those, what will I follow? Myself? As before when I didn't understand what I was doing? That I thought I was so good and better than others? To me, those are now garbage because I have now known whom I believe and I follow Him.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Yes, true Christianity is following Jesus Christ as a person more than adherence to a certain system of beliefs.
It is a union of man with His Creator in the person and works of Jesus Christ. This relationship is reflected in his/her daily living thus making it a way of life. His life if totally for the glory of God. Sola Dei Gloria.
@tomsims (9)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I define Christianity as a broad category revolving around the life, teachings, redemptive work, mission, and call of Jesus Christ. That ius what it is in its purest form. If one takes Paul Tillich's definition of religion as "ultimatge concern," then Christianity is certainly a religion. It is an ultimate issue and presents its message as such. It is also a way of life as is any religion. It is also a relationship which an individual Christian has with God through Jesus Christ. I do not usually define my relationship as Christianity, but as my faith and my life. It is also my own personal expression of Christianity.
In dialogue with other religions, the term has a broader use defining a system of beliefs. However, among most Christians, it is as I defined it in the first sentence.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
In our attempt to get our faith understood by others we have to communicate it in a language commonly used but in so doing leads to more misunderstanding. We find ourselves defining our terms everytime but people just see this as hairsplitting distinctions. Christianity is often equated with Christendom and Christianism (with emphasis on the ism)
I have been in mylot long enough to read postings of people who always are on a combative mode everytime the word God or Christianity is mentioned. Most arguments are reactionary in nature either they have encountered supposed to be Christians who are shoving their beliefs down to their throats or have parents who enforced their beliefs on them. This is rather unfortunate and has clouded the meaning of Christianity or being a Christian altogether.
There is a foolishness in preaching but foolish preaching is entirely a different matter.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Christianity is a very, very wide umbrella. Which branch of Christianity? Which denomination? Which sect, which church? Christianity covers such a wide variety of religions and moral codes that it's hard to answer your question. I'm a Christian Scientist, which is vastly different than a Catholic. But we're both Christians. My branch of Christianity is more plain religion, the Catholic's branch far more a way of life.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
5 Feb 07
Your response clarified my question. That's precisely what I am driving at. People who don't subscribe to Christianity find it difficult to understand Christianity for failure to find one simple and clear definition as compared to other major religions of the world. So many branches, so many sects, so many denominations and many equates Christianity with their own sect.
An overview of the historical development of Christianity will take us back to the beginning when it just started with a few people who followed Christ. Can't we just look at it that way? Can we be christians without joining an organized form of Christianity?
I know that this is a very difficult matter because Christ is not present physically today and our belief is based on written ancient documents and like any other book, it is open to several interpretations.
Anyway, I think your response is a scholarly and rational way to define it although I beg to disagree that Catholism is a way of life. Catholicism is an organized form of religion and just like any other followers of any group, some are devoted and some are less dedicated to follow it's teachings.
