What is Christianity?

Let’s begin with the definition of the word Christian. Merion-Webster Dictionary online, the internet version of the most used and trusted dictionary, defines a Christian as “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Princeton University Cognitive Science Laboratory defines the word Christian as: relating to or characteristic of Christianity; "Christian rites". following the teachings or manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus Christ. a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination.

The term Christian means "belonging to Christ" and is derived from the Greek noun Χριστός Khristós which means "anointed one," which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word Moshiach (Hebrew: משיח, also written "Messiah"), (and in Arabic it is pronounced Maseeh مسيح). The New Testament, Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16, defines it this way: the name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus ("little Christ's!"). It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament.

So, according to secular circles and namy religious ones as well, one is considered a christian by mere association or membership in a christian church. From what I can find in scripture, to be a Christian means to follow the teachings of Jesus. "Well, duh!" you say. But how often do we find that churches teach only the parts of scripture that are convinient to them. We often hear things like "Well, that part is not litteral. It is an alagory." I have been told numerous times that the story that Jesus tell of the rich man and the beggar (Lazarus) "is simply and story that he made up to make a point. There is not a hell in the sense of a place of punishment. A loving God would not do something like that." This is one of many examples of omition for the sake of an attempt to avoid facing up to responsibilities. How can you take part and say that other parts arenot accurate. Does that not void the whole or else show ignorance on our part?

Living beyond Mediocre Christianity

This blog is an attempt to guide and direct. For many years, I have talked with people who, although they are sincere, seem to have little clue as to what Christianity is all about. You may ask "why do you think that you have all the answers?" This blog is not an attept to claim that I have all the answers. This blog came from the sincire desire to help people find their way. I heard it said that it is less important that a debate prove one person or the other right or wrong, but what is important is to find out what is right or wrong. So many people, when asked about their eternity, didn't have an answer for where their future leads.
What does it really mean to be a Christian? Growing up in a "Christian" home, I was taught a certain set of guidelines that led me to believe there were certain precise criteria that must be met in order to be called a Christian. In my short 45 years, I have discovered that each of us has a different set of historical circumstances that guide our thinking and establish our personal criteria. Therefore, what I think has as much or as little worth as what anyone else may think.
Can each of us be completely correct or even a little correct? Can each of us be completely incorrect or partially incorrect? If I or anyone else can possibly have a skewed view of what it really means to be a Christian, then is it not absolutely essential that we put aside our opinions, regardless how fact-based they may seem, and search for the truth? Is it not true that truth will stand up to questioning? If what we believe cannot be questioned then should we not question its lack of ability to be questioned?
I cannot cover everything in one blog, therefore, this will be a continuing investigation of truth. I am a science teacher, and scientists try to find the truth by questioning everything and trying to disprove their hypothesis. Thomas Edison had to find out what would not make a light bulb work before finding what would work. He is quoted as saying "I have not failed. I have found 10,000 ways that wont work."
Let us first look at a few of the beliefs that pervade our society. It would seem that there are a number of definitions that must first be established in order to create a "base camp" from where we will begin each of our explorations into the subject of living beyond mediocre Christianity. What is Christianity? How does a person become a Christian? Why should someone become a Christian?
After I read the book A Case For Christ by Lee Strobel, I decided to use his techniques to investigate the subject of what a Christian is and how a person becomes a Christian.