Question for Christians

Are there "false Christians?" What are your criteria for determining whether someone is a "true Christian?"

I was recently involved in a discussion with a particularly self righteous Christian woman who refused to address some of my questions, so I thought I might appeal to Captain Cynic posters for their opinions.

Here is my last response to her, which she neglected to address. We were arguing over her claim that Christians have made the world a better place, while "humanists" (which is used as a slur), have only contributed in a negative way.


I have another question...What are your criteria for determining which Christians are "in-name-only?" You spoke of a Christian "living deep in sin" and said such a Christian is a "phony." Don't you assert that all Christians "sin?" How much is "deep?" How much makes a Christian a "phony?" Obviously no Christian thinks s/he is one of the "phonies," yet most will "humbly" admit they sin. It would seem to me the criteria varies from one Christian to another, but there seems to be a single interesting constant here. Generally, Christians have trouble telling me exactly how much "sin" it takes to make the others "phonies," but they all seem to agree that the line is drawn at some point beyond the amount of sin they themselves commit. For example, I have absolutely no doubt that, in your view, however much you "sin," it will fall within the acceptable range in order for you to be a "true Christian." Such is always the case, no matter how many Christians I question...never mind the fact that the Bible says all who sin are servants of sin, and that no man can serve two masters.

I believe this article will help you:

http://hypocrisy.com/2008/05/30/dangerous-religion/

Let me know if it helps!

I have asked my self the same question. It seems like there should be an answer to this question, but I cannot find an answer to this question which makes me question my belief, and why I believe as I do, and whether I am really an agnostic.