What It Means to Be Christian?

A wide range of beliefs and practices is found across the world among those who call themselves Christian. There is usually a consensus among many denominations about what defines a Christian, but disagreement does exist among some sects and denominations on a common definition of "Christianity." Philosopher Michael Martin, in his book The Case Against Christianity, evaluated three historical Christian creeds to establish a set of basic assumptions which include belief in theism, the historicity of Jesus, the Incarnation, salvation through faith in Jesus, and Jesus as an ethical role model.[14] Included in his analysis were the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.

The challenge of determining what it means to be Christian is further compounded by theological differences concerning biblical definitions of salvation, usually known as the faith vs works controversy. Some believe that the Book of James in particular presents a doctrine of justification based upon works─a position that contradicts Paul's doctrine of justification based upon faith. One writer combines the two views this way: "Works of the law that are outward acts of ritual for the purpose of receiving merit are of no value for attaining salvation. However, those who trust in and obey Jesus Christ will produce works that are motivated by the Spirit that will serve to build up the Kingdom of GodA wide range of beliefs and practices is found across the world among those who call themselves Christian. There is usually a consensus among many denominations about what defines a Christian, but disagreement does exist among some sects and denominations on a common definition of "Christianity." Philosopher Michael Martin, in his book The Case Against Christianity, evaluated three historical Christian creeds to establish a set of basic assumptions which include belief in theism, the historicity of Jesus, the Incarnation, salvation through faith in Jesus, and Jesus as an ethical role model.[14] Included in his analysis were the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.

The challenge of determining what it means to be Christian is further compounded by theological differences concerning biblical definitions of salvation, usually known as the faith vs works controversy. Some believe that the Book of James in particular presents a doctrine of justification based upon works─a position that contradicts Paul's doctrine of justification based upon faith. One writer combines the two views this way: "Works of the law that are outward acts of ritual for the purpose of receiving merit are of no value for attaining salvation. However, those who trust in and obey Jesus Christ will produce works that are motivated by the Spirit that will serve to build up the Kingdom of God