Is the definition of certain words the problem?

Question

"Christian" -- one who believes in Christ -- or -- one who believes in Christ the way I define Christ.

“Cult” – A religion with strong beliefs outside religious/social norms – or – A religion that separates its followers from society through peer/financial/etc. pressures – or – A religion practiced with zeal by its followers.

“Marriage” – A spiritual/emotional/legal binding of one man and one woman – or -- A spiritual/emotional/legal binding of any number of humans regardless of gender or age – or – (make up your own)

Etc. – these words seem to mean one thing to one group and something else to others, and we argue and become offended because what? – We do not define the words the same way?

Just asking.

(Btw) the definitions above are not to be construed as a comprehensive list of definitions of each word. Go ahead and put down your own definitions.

Answer 1

But then you get into a conflict of connotation vs. denotation. If people are just going to make up tearms as they go, language is meaningless and we might as well be clubbing one another

Answer 2

Christian - a person who follows Christ and his teachings. There is only one way to define Christ and that is through the Bible. This is not left open to interpretation. His commandments are clear and understandable. The Bible is the definitive book on who Christ is and what He commands.



Cult - also known as sects - any religion or denomination whose teachings are not found in the Bible. The Bible is the guide book for salvation. Nothing is to be added to it and nothing is to be taken from it.



Marriage - as defined by God in the Garden of Eden - between a man and a woman. That is the only definition in the Bible. That is the only definition that we should follow.

Answer 3

"Christian" -- one who believes in Christ



“Cult” – An ORGANIZATION with strong beliefs outside religious/social norms.



“Marriage” – A binding BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE.



Uhhhhh? You never mentioned anything about Mormons. Why are people being so stupid?

Answer 4

I've had this problem. I got one of those books "increase your vocabulary" type things, and it stresses learning the root words in Latin, Greek, and some others like German. It REALLY helped me, and I did increase my vocabulary and am able to get meanings from root words. I also like to read William Safire's columns--very educational! (NY Times Magazine). I agree with Iraid, good writing! Yes, a few neurons go haywire in everyone at some time--stress increases the misfirings!

Answer 5

There is no problem. God defines these terms. Don't take the risk of hearing Matthew 7:21-23 on the day of judgement. The bible is clear on true Christianity, false teachers, and marriage. I choose to embrace God's definitions.

Answer 6

When I refer to groups such as Mormons or JWs I use the term "false" and "cult" right next to each other.



The significant thing is that they are "false cults".



I'm a die hard Cubs fan and some would say that's a cult but not a "false cult" which would send someone to hell.



In today's world, may claim to be "Christian" when they have no idea what it means to follow Christ.



In America the majority of the people are what I call "nominal Christians" meaning they are Christian in name only.



Most are not born again, most don't have a relationship with Jesus. Things you must be and have to be a genuine Christian according to the Bible's defition.



Pastor Art

Answer 7

It is through the redefining of words and terms many deceptions are perpetrated.



A word in Scripture should be looked at in the context of all passages where it exists, and examined to see how it should be defined based on the context of all those passages.



Repent is a good example. Most everyone holds to an inaccurate definition of it and its variations.



The most important word/term to understand properly would be "gospel".

Answer 8

The definition of the word "theory" has definitely been a problem. There's the scientific definition of the word, which is basically, "when the testing of a hypothesis (through experiments performed or predictions made), repeatedly confirms the hypothesis-the hypothesis becomes a "theory"

and the "creation" definition, which is when the word "theory" is interchangeable with the words "opinion" or "belief".

Answer 9

It's just like religion. When one group of people believe that their definition is the only right definition.

Answer 10

yes it is.



Christian: one who is a joint heir with Christ



cult: a belief system that is small, not widely known, has ideologies far contrasting that of the major religions and is often occultic or promotes idol worship



marriage: a spiritual, soulish and bodily union between one man and one woman, legally

Answer 11

I don't think it's nearly as much of a problem as the re-definition of words to suit a particular agenda.

Answer 12

"Mormon" - A person who ascribes to the Book of Mormon & Joseph Smith's theology, belonging to the denomination that encompasses several offshooting religious organizations - or - A member in good standing of the LDS Church and none other.

Answer 13

the problem is that people have their own definitions that aren't necessarily the true ones.

Answer 14

well if everyone used websters then we would all be on the same page!

Answer 15

Why would they be a problem? They all seem accurate.

Answer 16

your funny