Welcome to Gaia! ::

I couldn't find a "like" button here, but I think your post deserves one.

As far as I understand, the term Christian was given by the Romans to the sect of people whom they witnessed pray to "Christus" (Jesus) as if he were a god. It sort of stuck. By then, they Jews had disowned their brothers and sisters who accepted Jesus' gospel.

So "Christianity" could be seen as "the fulfilled revelation of Abraham-believers", or any number of terms that show its connection to Torah.

Also, Jesus would have never called the Jews "my fellow believers in the Anointed One" since any believer in God and him just become part of "the nation of Israel" (Does this mean all Christians are Israeli???? eek ).

Christianity is many things, but it most certainly isn't a "religion" (known for its "charming" lists of to-do's, if not not-to-do's). I believe it's a group of Jesus freaks (said endearingly), who are committed to loving God and their neighbor, not because they think they're good or can be good, but because they are convinced that the Spirit of God lives in them, and they are waiting on some divine wedding to happen and to inherit newly transformed bodies that will enable them to do many things such as: walking through walls, freaking their friends out into thinking they're a ghost, eating not of necessity but pleasure, possible gender neutrality (don't quote me on that one), and chilling with God in the throne room without dying from seeing his face. razz

The word Christian comes from Christ. The word Christ comes from the greek word christos meaning oily.

The Romans knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Messiah means: the anointed one. The Romans knew that Hebrews anointed people or things by using oil.

The Romans didn't fully grasp the Holy significants of anointing so their translation of Messiah is really lacking.

Jesus Christ = Jesus the oily one
Messiah = the anointed one

Christian is a term that was coined a long time after Jesus's time on earth.

Two things come to mind when I hear "Christianity".

One is a serene being who has devoted their life to God and tries to be as kind a caregiver to all people, plants, animals, etc. that they meet.

The other thing that comes to mind is a not very flattering and rather angry.

cool topic smile
In a 'religious way' it is certainly one faith of many flavors, so its pretty hard to describe with a few words, but i'm in complete agreement that it's not a 'religion'. I find it interesting how the word 'christian' isn't used in the bible, but instead is called 'the church' or 'Body/Bride of Christ'

But anyways, I have come across the statement of what makes one a 'christian', in a sense of what no other belief system will agree with, is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior. But other than that, the process of becoming a lot more 'Christ-like', the type of change and living one will go through because of what Christ did for them. And at the same time, how that individual is an example to others, even without their notice. And how its all the product of Gods love and how moving and alive the holy spirit is in them, to such a degree, it drives them to great points their life.
There's most likely a lot more to say than this, but i put it into words as hard as i can.

First off, If Jesus came to abolish religion then why in Matthew 16:18 does he say “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” He not only establishes his church but gives primacy to Peter among all the apostles.

"and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

We also get that Peter is the first Pope, and has the power to forgive sins.
As of today, there have been 265 Popes in direct succession to Peter.

I know the succession is a little hazy during the time of the Schism, and that the leaders of the Church haven't always been uncorrupt, but again, we are all human and even the church can make mistakes.

No, but Jos K Kitten did say that "Christ came down to earth to abolish religion." Which is not a true statement. He came to save us from original sin, and set the law straight.