Which Kind Of Christian Are You?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a report I read a year or so ago. The report was based on a national survey sponsored by Christianity Today International and Zondervan Publishers and found in the Leadership magazine. The report said that there were five kinds of Christians in America.
Rather than grouping these folks by their individual denominations, the survey groups them by their overall beliefs. The five types of Christians are:
Active Christians. These believe that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and are committed churchgoers. They read their Bibles and share their faith.
Professing Christians. Beliefs are similar to Active Christians, but their actions differ. They are less involved in church and less committed to Bible reading and sharing faith.
Liturgical Christians. Primarily Catholic and Lutheran, these people are regular churchgoers, have a high level of spiritual and community activity and recognize the authority of the church.
Private Christians. The largest and youngest segment surveyed believe in God and in doing good things. The majority own a Bible but do not read it. Only about one-third attend church at all.
Cultural Christians. Little outward religious behavior or attitudes. They are aware of God, but have little involvement with him. They believe that there are many ways to God and that Jesus Christ is not the only way.
One item of interest was that 9 in 10 Active and Professing Christians believe that accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord is essential to salvation. Liturgical, Private and Cultural Christians hold to “believing in God” as the main characteristic of being a Christian. For a large percentage of people who called themselves Christian, Christ is not the centerpiece of their faith.
The term “Christian” becomes so watered-down with the above descriptions as to dilute its very meaning. One of the earliest expressions used to describe followers of Christ was the people of “The Way.” This description was based on Jesus’ claim that He was “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Based on the above categories, I guess you can call me an Active Christian. I believe Jesus is still “The Way.” What about you?
(Source: Houston Belief, Ken Gurley)
