Lots of people take pleasure in denying the label “Christian” (or at least “real Christian” or “true Christian” to others). A story about a pious grandmother told on the Ancient Hebrew Poetry blog led me to ask yet again what it means to be a Christian, and how one defines a “good” one. That grandmotherly example, after a bit of reflection, might suggest the following:
1) Only read the good bits of the Bible (or at least only focus on those bits)
2) Have the honesty to acknowledge that you are reading selectively
3) Have the moral judgment to be able to discern between the good bits and the not so good ones
What do you think of this definition? Of course it is offered somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but perhaps there is some truth to it. What might you add or subtract, or propose as an alternative?
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