Am I an evangelical? If not, what am I?

[downtown]

The OP didnt ask me to editorialize his belives, so I wont. VRCW, I'd safely say that you are an evangelical.

 

[classical_hero]

First of all, let me comment that I am in no way trying to dispute the idea that the New Testament really states that Jesus is God/part of the Trinity/ whatever. I am disputing a specific reference which seems to me very ambiguous.

Both you and Classical Hero are taking it for granted that the phrase "I am" refers to something else in the Bible. There is no evidence for this. Moreover, please note that Jesus' statement that he was God (if that is what he was in fact saying) is not, in fact, technically blasphemous in Jewish law. Nothing is blasphemous in Jewish law, then or now, except the misuse of the name of the Lord. It is highly ... unusual, but so is the simple statement that Jesus was immortal (the literal implication of the phrase). The statement of immortality in itself explains the shocked reaction of the Jews.

The Jews knew exactly what the punishment for blasphemy was.
Leviticus24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.

So the Jews were well aware what blasphemy was so they were going to take action, so it is obvious what Jesus meant when he said, "Before Abraham was, I am."

 

[Homie]

The point is that evangelics recognize the trinity, so Agent cannot be classified as an evangelical. But I guess I'm being judgemental saying that

 

[bhsup]

The OP didnt ask me to editorialize his belives, so I wont. VRCW, I'd safely say that you are an evangelical.

Feel free to editorialize all you want.

To all who have posted here and are awaiting feedback from me on questions or comments, sincerest apologies. I've had a busy weekend and little time for extensive posting. I'll do my best to address any and all hanging posts by tomorrow evening.

EDIT: Just a quick word for Homie, though. I never said I don't recongize the trinity. I do indeed believe in the trinity. God, Son, and Holy Ghost/Spirit exist, I just happen to think that God (God the Father, however you want to refer to him) alone is who we are supposed to worship. Eran brought to my attention, in a different thread, the phrase "Subordinate Tritheism", which from what I've been able to determine pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter.

 

[GenMarshall]

I sometimes see myself going into the dark side and become an uber fundamentalist Christian.

 

[Homie]

I sometimes see myself going into the dark side and become an uber fundamentalist Christian.

That's what Jesus wants, so what are you waiting for. And btw, it's not the dark side, it's the opposite of that.

Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Mat 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Both of these by Jesus. There is a reason why the world loves the lukewarm Christian, but hates the ones who wants to be radical for Christ, its all in scripture.

So if anyone *cough* blackheart *cough* tries to bring me down, I try to remember this scripture:

Luk 6:22 "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
Luk 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

 

[Samson]

I am quite supprised by how people view evangelical and fundamental in this thread. Here are my own views;

Am I an evangelical?

Do you talk to people of different belifs as you about your belifs (sp?)? Do you live your life in such a way that you hope others will be brought to your belifs by your example? This is what I mean when I say evangalising.

If your answer to either of the above is yes then I would call you an evangilical.

As to what is a fundamentalist that is more difficult to answer. I assume that everyones view is that their world view is the clossest they can come to the truth (why else would they hold that world view?). So for example I would say I am a fundamentalist christian because I concentrate on the fundamental teachings of Christ [1]. Some people would say they are fundamentalist because they belive in a litteral interpretation of the bible. If you follow what you belive to be the fundamentals of your belif system then I would call you a fundamentalist.

[1] Love the lord your god with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. Treat your neighbour as you would wish to be treated.

 

[.Shane.]

Seriously, why do you people want to pigeon-hole yourselves? Who cares if you're labeled evangelical, liberal, hippy, neocon or whatever? Jeebus F Christo, what happened to individuality?

 

[Sahkuhnder]

Seriously, why do you people want to pigeon-hole yourselves? Who cares if you're labeled evangelical, liberal, hippy, neocon or whatever? Jeebus F Christo, what happened to individuality?

Excellent question.

As long as you feel you have a relationship with god/your god/higher power/etc. why would the title be relevant in any possible way.

Why couldn't you just tell others that you are at peace with your belief system and leave it at that? Don't these strict names just promote divisivness and discord?

 

[.Shane.]

As long as you feel you have a relationship with god/your god/higher power/etc. why would the title be relevant in any possible way.

OMG, are we in agreement?

I think its simpler than that. Its not about faith in God. Its about faith in yourself. If you're comfortable w/ who you are and what you believe who the f cares about labels? Can you think for yourself or do you need direction from others or from a stereotype to help you figure it out?