Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I would like to ask what is your Definition of Christianity?

Gennee


:icon_question:

Those that will make Middle Eastern heathens, and Iraqis especially, pay with their lives for the crime of daring to oppose them.

Bri

Those who claim to be good christians are people who claim to be following the teachings of chirst who actualy go against everything he stood for... and forgot how to actualy read the bible... they manipulate what they see to suit there narrow views of how things should be and attempt to destroy everything that opposes them..........

What a christian should be......  Someone who follows the teachings of christ.... peace, love and all that....basicly a hippy

Well, at a quick stab at a 'official definition' yields:

Quote
Christianity

Chris·ti·an·i·ty [krìschee ánn?tee, krìsstee ánn?tee]
noun
1.  religion that follows Jesus Christ's teachings: the religion based on the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ 
2.  holding Christian beliefs: the fact of holding Christian beliefs or being a Christian 
3.  Christians as a group: all Christian people considered as a group. See also Christendom

Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2005. © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

An to be honest, to me, it computes in two ways. The first is very similar to the third definition, and the second would be similar to the first definition. All in all "My" definition pretty much mirrors definition number three. Not that that really is their point as I understand it but I am, and have often been, kind of at odds with religions in general.

For what it is worth...

Of course, you're still not quite sure what you will get with those definitions, but they seem to be most accurate.  Christianity is not as precise of a religion or a belief system as we would like it to be sometimes.  It's not particularly useful to talk about its followers until you begin to consider a particular subset of Christians.

Quote from: LynnER on February 09, 2007, 05:48:04 PM


What a christian should be......  Someone who follows the teachings of christ.... peace, love and all that....basicly a hippy

yep, that's the answer!

Quote from: LynnER on February 09, 2007, 05:48:04 PM
What a christian should be......  Someone who follows the teachings of christ.... peace, love and all that....basicly a hippy

LOL  I never thought of it that way but being a child of the 60's, I have no problem with that definition.

Bev

I think the question has already been answered by Lynn, but here is a detailed definition of Christianity. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity)

tinkerbell :icon_chick:

Walking with Jesus. That's... my definition.

Since you ask my definition of a Christian is as follows:
  Someone that is humble enough to admit that their own thoughts and actions tend to go against what the laws and prophets show as the way to live and that they needed a saviour to make the sacrifice acceptable to a King they see by faith and not with the natural eye. This also means being humble enough to abstain from judging others and to use the word of God to glorify Jesus instead of finding clobber-passages.
  To me it is someone that has a God-given faith as they acknowledge the Father revealed the Son and it is the Son that will show them the Father by way of his Spirit revealing who that Son is. When they see who the Son is by the scriptures they will see God whom he is the express image of. As written, in thy light, we shall see light, or in Christ we see God.
  To me it is someone that loves the Lord their God with all their heart and all their soul and all their strength and all their mind and their neighbor as themselves. Not railing out against God nor their neighbor. Not using scripture to condemn but to give an eternal hope to their neighbor by revealing who Jesus is and what he did at Calvary. To love their neighbor enough to tell them the truth about what the scriptures say with no regard what the mainstream says.
  Christianity to me is to follow the Lord as he says and not as they wish in fear and reverence being willing to hate their life in this world to keep it to life eternal. To follow in baptism and then baptism of the Holy Ghost and to use the scriptures and teachings once again to give a hope and not to judge nor condemn. Being willing to go twain when the Lord asks them to do something and not just to say "I have all I need" or "they're going to hell so who cares."
  Christianity to me is to study with all your heart to see the Lord in the law and prophets and teach those things which will edify and not condemn.
  To me Christianity is to know in your heart that you are saved by grace through faith and not of works lest any man should boast and that the calling of God is while uncircumcised in the heart so to speak and that the heart is purified by the washing of the water of the word. A Spiritual work with no room for "You're going to hell you rotten transgender."
  And for those who love war, I believe the weapons of our warfare are not carnal and that when persecuted in one city we should flee to another, not destroy it or it's inhabitants as the freedom is a Spiritual work which makes us free from sin and death by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  Finally, I believe there will come a day when there will be those who have the ressurrection of eternal life and others the ressurrection of damnation. As Paul said I know him in whom I believe and am persuaded he can keep that which I have committed to against that day. What I have committed unto him is my eternal soul to a faithful creator who has created me by sending forth his Spirit into me and That Day is the day of judgment.
  Tiff

christianity is the same as every religion; a [hypocritical] belief based in lies and falsehoods. this isn't the only reason [i became an atheist]. to me, god seems like a [fairytale] that parents tell their children to [comfort] them when they have a nightmare. god is just an idea made up to [bring people comfort]. people [need] god to feel that they are [important in some way]. they [need] god so that they feel like their life actually [has meaning] to it, because a [life without meaning isn't really worth living]. when you think about it, compared to the size of the whole universe, [human existence] doesn't really matter. with how big the universe is, it doesn't matter if humans existed or not, it [wouldn't] make a difference. it doesn't matter [how important a person is on the earth] that we live on. so, somebody [came up with the idea of god] to [trick] themselves into thinking that their life [really does have meaning], even though the [existence of the whole human race is pointless]. god is just [a lie] designed to give humans a false sense of comfort. my personal opinion. ;)

Quote from: Katia on February 10, 2007, 11:48:33 PM
god is just [a lie] designed to give humans a false sense of comfort. my personal opinion. ;)

I totally agree. And unlike Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Britney Spear's breasts, God is a dangerous lie that gets people killed.

I, personally, find it impossible to define Christianity without noting it's penchant for mass murder and social control. Christianity is better than any religion I am aware of of commiting genocide and attrocities - while remaining blissfully ignorant. I think in this sense it is a lethal and deadly virus.

I prefer to try and define it as a faith;  as something that you cannot define or completely list examples of.  The act of being it to me is then the act of faith to do or live or practice your life in such a way that the tangibles are not there until the end or the next life.
I also think many "religions" are faiths in purity.
whatever people chose to follow or put their lifes work or faith into would be their religion or something like that
ricki

Thank you for your responses to this question. Feel free to continue on this topic. If you want my 2 cents worth, let me know.

Gennee

I thought the question was "What is a Christian?"  not  "Why do you hate Christianity and Christians?"

Be that as it may, a Christian is a follower of Christ.  That's what the word means.  Quite literally, it means Christ-ian, a little Christ.  This was the common designation for the followers of any great teacher.

My definition is a little less complicated:  Anyone who has a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

There is a LOT not included in my definition.  This is by choice.

Hope this helps.

Peace, Please!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi

A christian is a person that finds other people like them so they can form armies and go to war and kill those that do not think like them.

A christian is somebody that tells me I'm evil and a sinner and should find god and pray away my problem.
A christian is somebody that thinks I am the one with a problem
A christian is somebody that reads a book that tells them I have a problem and its up to them to get me to change to they way their book says I should live.
A christian is somebody that doesnt believe its they themselves that has a problem not me. I was just born this way and have no way of stopping or controlling nature.
A christian is somebody that doesnt look into science and genetics and study the issue in a logical fashion and just goes by a book written by a bunch of nutballs years ago that had no clue.


Amen

Lori

Quote from: Katia on February 10, 2007, 11:48:33 PM
god seems like a [fairytale]

LOL, [The Christian] God is *not* a fairy's tale, believe you me ;)

The two are like oil and vinegar. And I'm not even sure which is which.

Kate

The Devil You Know (God Is A Man)

I believe that there are many people who follow their religion and teachings and are fine upstanding people.  Many of those who helped me along the way were faithful Christians.  And there were many who were not what I would call shining examples of their faith.

Generally, we face the gambit of bigotry from those who may call themselves Christians.  I honestly believe that they do these things in ignorance and are grasping for a way to justify their own insecurities.  So... they'll use their religion from which to base their filth.  Power mongers will use any tools available to reach their goals.  If they can harness the blind hatred based in twisted religious views, they will sieze it and use it.  We do see religious organizations who do this as a matter of course.... but again not all.

There are many definitions of "Christian".  I think that a true Christian would follow his teachings, turn the other cheek in all cases, and would allow himeself/herself to be crucified rather than to fall into the pit of hatred and resolve to kill defending their beliefs.

There aren't many true Christians out there to be sure.  But they are there.  And they can be some of our best supporters.  You can be sure that I fight against the negative aspects typically associated with religion in general.  It doesn't matter which sect it is.  I don't associate with any religion.  But I can not in good conscience denigrate ANY group of people by their beliefs, especially when those beliefs are defined as full of love and charity.  Hatred is a separate and non religious emotion.  Those expressing hatred have beliefs that say one thing yet they do another.  This is not a fault of their faith.  It is a problem with their implementation. 

Many of us have been hurt by those pretending to represent the views of Christ.  And the backlash can be extraordinary.  For years, I was very angry and dismissed religion as a  matter of course. I became an atheist. Over the years however, my backlash has quelled. I still haven't decided if I'm still an atheist or not ;) Those who have offended me will continue to do so.  There is nothing that I can do but move on and live my life.  Where possible, legal and political actions can have a positive effect.  And you can be sure, I'll be there to lend my support.

But I need to accept those who are sincere in their beliefs.  I would hope that we all can.  To be clear, I can not condone intolerance, bigotry, and hatred in any form. But those who can follow the tenants of their faith and walk the path of peace.... I'll gladly accept with open arms.

So... does "Christian" equal "A peaceful and loving person"?  Where that is true, I can agree.  I doubt Christ would want anything more.

Chin up

Cindi

Thank you, Cindi, for speaking words of wisdom.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on February 12, 2007, 08:57:21 PM
But I need to accept those who are sincere in their beliefs.  I would hope that we all can.  To be clear, I can not condone intolerance, bigotry, and hatred in any form. But those who can follow the tenants of their faith and walk the path of peace.... I'll gladly accept with open arms.

Thank you Cindi.  It is a sad commentary on the human species that most people have a need to feel superior to another person or group, to condemn their beliefs, actions or lifestyle and we see it every day from the "Religious Right" (they are neither).  The problem is, as some posts reflect, that need to feel superior is not limited to those being condemned here.  Yes, many TG people have been badly hurt by, so called, Christians but many others have been accepted with love and understanding.  I've known of people who, after coming out as TG, were asked to leave their church; in many cases the church they had grown up in.  I've also known of people who, after coming out as TG, were baptized with their new name and welcomed. 

And just to show you that it happens within our own community, let me relate this story.  At a transgender conference, a large group of people were sitting around talking and the subject of one girls upcoming surgery came up.  Another person tried to ask a question and was told disdainfully, "You're just a crossdresser, you wouldn't understand."  A third person, who was also going soon for surgery read the riot act to the first girl, then turned and answered all the questions the second girl had. 

Just as the attitude of that one person did not make me feel that all TS's feel superior to CD's; just as being spit on in 1969 while walking through an airport in uniform did not make me feel that all peace activists against the Viet Nam war were idiots, so shouldn't the actions of some hiding behind a cloak of religion make you think that all Christians are war-mongering bigots.  We're not.

I respect the beliefs of anyone, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, atheist, etc. and support your right to express those beliefs.  But please don't spit on me just because I wear the uniform.

Peace be with you,
Bev

I've seen great discrimination in our own ranks (not here in the forum... we are very civil here)..... very similar to what you have seen Bev.  I don't tolerate that either.  It's not always a religious thing that raises my feathers.

Cindi

Any TS that would claim that they are superior to a TV would indeed be a giant jerk. I think that a basic thing most TSs learn is that equality is very important.

I do think there is a lot about being a woman that TSs understand that TVs don't, though. For instance, it's really stunning to have men talk over you and dismiss your opinion on the job.

Brilala

PS- Were you really spit on in returning from Vietnam? I've read books on this subject, and I've come to the conclusion those stories are apocraphal. I can't imagine any citizen doing this. It seems more likely to me that these soldiers were projecting their frustration at having lost the war.

Quote from: Brianna on February 13, 2007, 04:20:45 PM
I do think there is a lot about being a woman that TSs understand that TVs don't, though. For instance, it's really stunning to have men talk over you and dismiss your opinion on the job.

ROFL  Bri, would you believe when I was part of our management team, I had women do the same thing to me in our reservations office before I retired from my airline? 

Quote from: Brianna on February 13, 2007, 04:20:45 PM
PS- Were you really spit on in returning from Vietnam? I've read books on this subject, and I've come to the conclusion those stories are apocraphal. I can't imagine any citizen doing this. It seems more likely to me that these soldiers were projecting their frustration at having lost the war.

Yes and I wasn't even returning from Nam.  I was coming home on leave from Aviation Electronics school in Memphis.  It didn't matter to that idiot.  He just saw someone in uniform and did it.  It did happen to a lot of military and this was long before the war was lost. 

Bev

 My ideal for being a christian is to do what I beleave God and Jeasus wanted us christians to do and not go out and convert en masse, but to be beacons of hope that drew converts to they because they could see God in our lives.

Problem is, alot of christians beleive that you must point out the follies in others. Wasn't it Jesus who said, "He who has not sinned, cast the first stone?" People act with the best of intentions, which is how I can forgive the idiots in the world. However,  we all know what the path to hell is paved with. :-\

Quote from: Brianna on February 13, 2007, 04:20:45 PM
Any TS that would claim that they are superior to a TV would indeed be a giant jerk. I think that a basic thing most TSs learn is that equality is very important.

I do think there is a lot about being a woman that TSs understand that TVs don't, though. For instance, it's really stunning to have men talk over you and dismiss your opinion on the job.

Brilala

PS- Were you really spit on in returning from Vietnam? I've read books on this subject, and I've come to the conclusion those stories are apocraphal. I can't imagine any citizen doing this. It seems more likely to me that these soldiers were projecting their frustration at having lost the war.

Yup.... there are things that only the experience will teach you, to be sure.

Yes Bri, our soldiers were spit on when they came home. That sort of thing was on the news nearly every night.  I was in my early teens when I saw it.  Back then, the [younger than thirties] couldn't separate the soldiers from the holes that sent them over there. It was all part of the protest against the war. There were times when it got quite violent.

You know, it is the only time in my life when I've seen young people en masse working to make a change in the way the world works.  Fortunately, spitting at soldiers didn't last long.... We soon figured out that they were people too. And they all protested together.  I remember my dad condoned the shootings at Kent State saying "they should shoot them all".  Believe it or not, I believe that the hippie generation made more advances in human rights than any other in history. It's really sad that they grew up to be such right wing bigots! 

Cindi

I keep saying it us people are going to be our own demise........
:icon_help:
ricki

I think religions are just something to control people in their beleifs, all religions actually are based on bloody wars exept for the asian ones such as Buddhism and Hinduism. I think it's funny how they tell you "Don't fight or kill it's a sin"... read between the lines "Don't fight or kill it's a sin, but if the other person isn't of the same religion then kill him he doesn't have rights" I mean at what amount of people does a "sect"(don't know if that's the right word) become a religion? I mean we can't say that about scientology, which is a freaky enough one, but they would say the same thing about other "religions" so basically every religion is a kind of "sect" (still don't know if it's the right word :D)

Quote from: Lilly 4 Life on February 17, 2007, 07:38:01 AM
so basically every religion is a kind of "sect" (still don't know if it's the right word :D)

The word you are looking for is cult.  That is not to be confused with the occult, which is another thing entirely.

Quote from: VeryGnawty on February 18, 2007, 08:59:08 PM

Quote from: Lilly 4 Life on February 17, 2007, 07:38:01 AM
so basically every religion is a kind of "sect" (still don't know if it's the right word :D)

The word you are looking for is cult.  That is not to be confused with the occult, which is another thing entirely.

Thanks, i looked it up and it said "Sect" or "Cult" so Cult confused me because we have another word in germany called the samee and written the same but used in a different meaning as in Culture.

There are a lot of people who would love to complicate the definition of what Christianity is. There is evangelical Christianity, fundamental Christianity, liturgical Christianity, etc., etc. etc. You've got Catholic, protestant, and about 30,000 or so other groups out there. So naturally, there's not a lot of agreement as to what "Christianity" is.

Here's my opinion:

A Christian is someone who is a follower of Christ and the teachings of Christ. Period.

And what were his teachings? We don't even have to sum it up: Love God, love people.

IMO, anyone who clutters it up with anything beyond that is just wasting their breath and their time. We've institutionalized it, made it into an enemy, made it into a friend, made it into a bunch of self-righteous bastards...

And the simplicity of it has gotten lost. As a result, countless people have been hurt. Maybe it's time for those of us who are Christian to start shaking off the religious bull->-bleeped-<- and getting back to the basics:

Love God, love people.

Quote from: David W. Shelton on February 27, 2007, 06:36:41 PM
And the simplicity of it has gotten lost. As a result, countless people have been hurt. Maybe it's time for those of us who are Christian to start shaking off the religious bull->-bleeped-<- and getting back to the basics:

Love God, love people.

AMEN.  I've been saying this for years. 

Cindi

time for a chefly quote:
"you cannot make apple pies without apples"
luv
Ricki

And... you can't ride a horse down main street without apples!

Cindi

you are too good! :o
smiling like a hungry dog at a butcher shop window!
ricki

Damn! I'm fresh out of horses and apples.

How about a box of chocolates?

Quote from: Cindi Jones on February 27, 2007, 07:26:49 PM
And... you can't ride a horse down main street without apples!

Cindi

And don't forget my favorite:  You can lead a horse to drink, but you can't make him water.

Thank you David.  I agree very much with your definition of a Christian.  And by the same token, "gospel" (euaggelion) simply means good news.  I am moved to anger over those who would turn it into bad news.  May God have mercy.

From another burned out Pharisee,

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi

Quote from: Elissa on February 15, 2007, 07:28:10 AM
My ideal for being a christian is to do what I beleave God and Jeasus wanted us christians to do and not go out and convert en masse :-\

that is what i believe too. most of my Christian friends call me a private Christian because i dont go around and spread the word like they do and also i dont go to church. i just follow the his teachings to the best of my abilities.  :angel:

Ahhhh David chocolates.. You devil  >:D  you know the ladies love chocolate!
I have to abstain, can trigger migraine headaches..
But chocolates work for 95% of the population! hehe :-*
But i must announce the chef was busy tonight she has a nice dense NY style cheese cake cooling in the oven racks while we speak and it will be clasically topped with cherries (me thinks-cause that's all i have in the pantry at this time) for me and my hunny, and Tara, and Maddy!
Must exercise patience i want this baby to refrigerate over night to allow the flavors to continue to merry... even better! :o
You're all invited for some if you can find me before its gone! :P
hehe
Ricki