"LABELS" - Why not just be Christians?

[Praxeas]

And charismatic is another word people use in a derogatory way to try to marginalize a Oneness Pentecostal church that is not preaching hell based on length of sleeves when the term Charismatic has NOTHING to do with that at all. It has been taken over by the OPs to use as a pejorative.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by lad

Many, many years ago during my early teen years, I began to notice terms like "liberal" and "conservative" being used to describe my friends and family. I went to a very wise Father with questions and had many, many, many discussions about this..... Dad was very adamant that we would not label others nor label OURSELVES! He quoted an author that he had read (I don't remember the name)... that had made the statement.... "WHY NOT JUST BE CHRISTIANS". Not only should we not label others, but that we should not include ourselves in this mentality. Thank you Dad for your wise counsel.... I STILL JUST WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN AND BE PART OF THE KINGDOM. (... and hope that I can be a true, consistent friend to all, regardless of labels.... we don't have to agree on everything -- sometimes we can agree to disagree (another Dad quote!) -- and then find something else to talk about.)

Incidently.... a couple of years ago at Camp Meeting, I heard the speaker say, "When the liberals think you're conservative and the conservatives think you're liberal, you are probably right on!"

I get your point, but Christian is really a very generic term in our world today. It really meant something in the early church. It's kind of lost that kind of uniqueness in the fact that there are so many different brands and varieties of Christianity today.

I've known many people who call themselves Christians who have never been born again and who have no real clue what it means to truly be a "Christian" i.e. a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ.

So then we start to enlarge on the term Christian by identifying ourselves by the denomination and beliefs represented by that denomination.

For example ..... "Oneness Pentecostal" Christian.

[lad]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I get your point, but Christian is really a very generic term in our world today. It really meant something in the early church. It's kind of lost that kind of uniqueness in the fact that there are so many different brands and varieties of Christianity today.

I've known many people who call themselves Christians who have never been born again and who have no real clue what it means to truly be a "Christian" i.e. a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ.

So then we start to enlarge on the term Christian by identifying ourselves by the denomination and beliefs represented by that denomination.

For example ..... "Oneness Pentecostal" Christian.

I agree that the term "Christian" has become a blanket statement for a lot of people. But the quote doesn't say to just CALL yourself "christians" but it says "Why not just BE Christians?" I think it is refering to the your spirit and attitude ...

Why do we feel the need to have to identify ourselves with any particular group? Our life speaks for itself (sometime despite what we say!!!)

[Thad]

I love to joke around with all the labels- especially the ones that irritate people , just for the fun of it.

I even made a list once and listed the names of members and whether they was Pentecostal or charismatic.


It really stirs a lot of people up for some reason

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by lad

Many, many years ago during my early teen years, I began to notice terms like "liberal" and "conservative" being used to describe my friends and family. I went to a very wise Father with questions and had many, many, many discussions about this..... Dad was very adamant that we would not label others nor label OURSELVES! He quoted an author that he had read (I don't remember the name)... that had made the statement.... "WHY NOT JUST BE CHRISTIANS". Not only should we not label others, but that we should not include ourselves in this mentality. Thank you Dad for your wise counsel.... I STILL JUST WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN AND BE PART OF THE KINGDOM. (... and hope that I can be a true, consistent friend to all, regardless of labels.... we don't have to agree on everything -- sometimes we can agree to disagree (another Dad quote!) -- and then find something else to talk about.)

Incidently.... a couple of years ago at Camp Meeting, I heard the speaker say, "When the liberals think you're conservative and the conservatives think you're liberal, you are probably right on!"

I couldn't agree with you more! That's why when that list was posted the other day I thought it was just plain SILLY! Even if it was done just for fun, its not right, and I was disappointed it was done here on AFF.

[Felicity]

When people tell me they're a "Christian", I want to know what kind and will even ask, "What denomination are you? Which church do you attend?"

"Christian" is a very generic term. I want more information.

[lad]

Originally Posted by Felicity

When people tell me they're a "Christian", I want to know what kind and will even ask, "What denomination are you? Which church do you attend?"

"Christian" is a very generic term. I want more information.

I understand what you are saying! You could say that "denomination and the church they attend" are simple facts!! Some of these other "labels" are a matter of opinion....

But... once you've been around someone for awhile and get to know them better, their lives, attitudes and actions (as well as their "speech") will give you an indication of WHO they really are and how much that they are allowing the HOLY GHOST to direct and lead them (not just trying to identify with a group).

Just some thoughts....

[Raven]

Originally Posted by lad

I understand what you are saying! You could say that "denomination and the church they attend" are simple facts!! Some of these other "labels" are a matter of opinion....

But... once you've been around someone for awhile and get to know them better, their lives, attitudes and actions (as well as their "speech") will give you an indication of WHO they really are and how much that they are allowing the HOLY GHOST to direct and lead them (not just trying to identify with a group).

Just some thoughts....

LAD
Labels, like them or not, are going to remain with us. Perhaps the biggest challenge might be to live in such a way that you drive the "labelists" crazy trying to put one on you! Keep Thad up late every night trying to put you in a category. Almost all labels are negative in their connotation but we could strive to live such that whatever label we receive it will always be one of a positive image. May even our enemies speak well of us!
Raven
I know, I know, ..... I've read the Bible. ....beware when all men speak well of you.......

[lad]

Originally Posted by Raven

LAD
Labels, like them or not, are going to remain with us. Perhaps the biggest challenge might be to live in such a way that you drive the "labelists" crazy trying to put one on you! Keep Thad up late every night trying to put you in a category. Almost all labels are negative in their connotation but we could strive to live such that whatever label we receive it will always be one of a positive image. May even our enemies speak well of us!
Raven
I know, I know, ..... I've read the Bible. ....beware when all men speak well of you.......

AMEN!

Originally Posted by Felicity

I get your point, but Christian is really a very generic term in our world today. It really meant something in the early church. It's kind of lost that kind of uniqueness in the fact that there are so many different brands and varieties of Christianity today.

I've known many people who call themselves Christians who have never been born again and who have no real clue what it means to truly be a "Christian" i.e. a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ.

So then we start to enlarge on the term Christian by identifying ourselves by the denomination and beliefs represented by that denomination.

For example ..... "Oneness Pentecostal" Christian.

That may be true, but remember that in the beginning the church didn't call themselves Christian, it was the world that called them, "Christ-like". So is it right to call ourselves something that makes us happy, but turns off somebody else? Sorry, your comments only further your stance on this isn't Christianity, it's a denomination ( So then we start to enlarge on the term Christian by identifying ourselves by THE DENOMINATION and beliefs represented by THAT DENOMINATION"). Being a denomination does not make you Christ-like!