bible Nerd
Christian Pt. 1
Brand Recognition
March 11th, 2012
KEY WORDS: Religion,
~KEY POINTS~
- There are exponentially more versions of Christianity than any other religion because Christianity has never been defined.
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- New versions of this undefined religious structure define themselves with rules, customs and interpretations of text.
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- The reputation of Christianity is generally horrible.
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- The history of The Church (which did not exist for apx. 300 years after Christ's death) has everything to do with the reputation of the Christian religion.
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~PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS~
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- Cornelius Tacitus: Roman Historian, circa. 1st - 2nd century
- John: Apostle of Jesus, circa 1st. century
- Luke: Doctor / "Investigative Journalist", circa 1st century
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~VERSES REFERENCED~
- John 13:33
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- Acts 11:26
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~LESSON NOTES~
It is hard to identify what a Christian is.
It is even harder to explain what type of Christian you might be (if you are one).
Becoming a Christian can determine what kind you are (became by prayer, baptismal, confirmation).
Each sect believes they are the "true brand": catholics, baptists, methodists, protestants etc.
But some of us instead say "I was a Christian".
Some Christians are raised to believe there is no 'was Christian'.
Some Christians are raised to believe you can be a Christian ...until you become guilty of
being _____________.
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For some, being Christian is all about how you BEHAVE.
For some, being Christian is all about how you BELIEVE.
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For many, Christians are "judgemental, homophobic moralists who think they are the only ones going to heaven and secretly relish the fact that everyone else is going to hell."
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F.Y.I.
"Christian" is not defined in The Bible.
That word is mentioned 3 times: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 & 1 Peter 4:16
Andy examines Acts 11 giving rich context to the story by explaining historical, cultural and biblical settings.
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It was a derogatory term which over hundreds of years became embraced by the people who were subjugated by it.
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Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus describes in vivid detail the burning of Rome. He also gives detailed descriptions of how Caesar blamed the Christians, tortured and executed them in masses.