> Stan: 3. Your statement that you consider yourself to be a Christian
> is, in light of the above, puzzling to me. Just what IS a Christian to
> you?
>
> Pim: According to the "born again" doctrine, I am a christian (and
> saved as well) by accepting JC as my savior and inviting him into my life.
> Different christian religions themselves appear to disagree on what it
> takes to become a member of their 'religion' from catholic to born again
> and everything in between. What makes me a Christian ? My personal
> faith.
>
> Keithp: Savior? Saved? From what?
Pim:
> >From myself ?
>
> Stan: Here I insist on the objective meaning of words. The word
> Christian, first applied to the believers and followers of Jesus in the
> first century, can be defined fairly carefully.
>
> Pim: Can it ? What is the definition ?
>
> Keithp: I was still anxious to hear yours. After all, you WERE asked
> first.
Pim:
> I did not claim that there is an objective definition of the word
> christian.
> If I consider myself a christian, is that not enough ? What else is needed
> ? The blood-oath ? A notary certified statement ? A baptism certificate ?
> A statement from my minister ?
Actually guys, Pim's right in a way. The only guy who needs to vouch
for him is Jesus at the end. If He'll take him, I think we'd probably be
better off just accepting that. :-)
Peace,
Gene
-- ____________________________________________________________Gene D. Godbold, Ph.D. Lab: 804 924-5167Research Associate Desk: 804 243-2764Div. Infectious Disease/Dept. Medicine Home: 804 973-6913and Dept. Microbiology Fax: 804 924-7500MR4 Bldg, Room 2115 email: anselm@virginia.edu300 Park Place Charlottesville, VA 22908 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""