What makes someone a Christian

I'm just curious as to what people on here believe, makes them or others Christian. The term is used very loosely and most people don't understand what it takes to become a true Christian.

 

Trying to make oneself in His image, which is the pure truth and way to an everlasting life. Following in His path helps me try to be a better human being by understanding my weaknesses and strengths that He gave me. It is a personal journey of humility and enlightenment.

 

Throughout church history, doctrines were compared to the basic tenets of Chrisitanity. Namely:
Belief in the Trinity (One God manifested in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit),
Acceptance of the deity of Jesus,
Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead
The atonement as a result of the life, and particularly the death, of Jesus,
Personal salvation by grace (as opposed to works)
The inerrancy of the Bible
God's inspiration of the Bible's authors
The virgin birth

I would say if one's religion did not ascribe to those tenets, then one's religion is not Christianity and as such, a member of that religion is not a Christian.

 

or, some people think that because they show up to church each Sunday, they are, in fact, a Christian.

 

Ditto. You have to BELIEVE, which is not incompatible with KNOWING.

 

i was always taught that you had to be "born again", which is your spiritual birth that comes after your faith/repentace toward Jesus.

 

well put...