Definition

We may define a Christian as anyone who commits themselves to following the person and teachings of the first century historical Jesus, who is often given the title of the ‘Christ’ (meaning God’s anointed one). This definition however immediately invites controversy, because there are some who would insist that to be a Christian the person must also be baptised, others that they must believe in the Trinity, and others that no one is truly Christian until they have had a personal encounter with Jesus, and experienced their sins being forgiven. For the purposes of this article then, we will accept that anyone claiming to be a Christian is recognised as that. This keeps the field wide, allows us to be inclusive in our overview of the religion, and reminds us that there is a diversity of worldviews within Christianity.