This question assumes that there is one and only one correct
definition of the term "Christian." However, depending upon your understanding
of the nature of truth, many definitions may be
"true" to various groups:
To conservative Protestants, a Christian is often defined according to
their salvation status. Their definition is "true" to them,
because it agrees with some of their foundational beliefs: that the
Bible is inerrant, that salvation is by grace, and that one must be
"born-again" to be saved and avoid eternal punishment in Hell.
To Roman Catholics, a Christian is often defined according to their
baptism status. Their definition is "true" to them, because
it agrees with their fundamental beliefs about the nature of sacrements, their understanding of the Bible,
the declarations
of many Church Councils, the statements of many popes, and their church's tradition.
To many in the very early Christian movement, a Christian was defined as a person
who was baptized and proclaimed "Jesus is Lord."
Their definition was "true" to them because it agreed with
their understanding of their religious belief at a time when the
Christian Scriptures (New Testament) had not yet been written and assembled.
And so on, with other faith groups.
Each group has their own definition of "Christian" which
agrees with their own beliefs about the nature of Jesus, God,
church tradition, written text, evolved theology, the cultures in which they are
implanted, etc. There appears to be
no way to compromise on a single definition that is acceptable to all. One
apparently cannot call on a higher power to resolve the problem, because
there seems to be no way to assess the will of God
on such matters. If there were such a method, then different definitions would have
been harmonized centuries ago. People would simply have prayed to God and
asked Him to define what a Christian is. Then, a consensus would exist today on the true
meaning of the word "Christian."
There is no consensus on what the "correct" definition of "Christian"
is. There is only a near consensus within individual faith groups. Therefore
questions like "Are you a Christian?" or "How many Christians are
there in the U.S." are only meaningful:
Within a single denomination, or among a group of similarly-minded
denominations.
In a public opinion poll where the definition of "Christian" is
either clearly
stated or left up to the subject to define.
We accept as Christian any individual or group who devoutly, thoughtfully, seriously,
and prayerfully regards themselves to be Christian. That is, they honestly
believe themselves to be a follower of Yeshua of Nazareth (a.k.a. Jesus Christ).
Also included as Christians are those who regard themselves as being
followers of Jesus even though they do not affiliate themselves with any particular
religious group. They appear to be growing in numbers.
We realize that we are defining Christians in terms of being Christian. As
one person Emailed us, that is like defining a parrot as "something that has
the characteristics of a parrot." But since there is no consensus on the
definition of "Christian," we see no other choice. On the other hand, there is
a general agreement about what a parrot -- or mountain, or car, or computer --
are.
