Defining the Follower: What Does It Truly Mean to Be a Christian?

We’ve all heard it: “Are Latter-day Saints Christian?” It’s a question posed with varying degrees of sincerity, curiosity, and sometimes, a subtle challenge. But what if the question itself is the problem? What if the answer hinges not on a rigid definition, but on a willingness to wrestle with the profound mysteries of God’s nature and His relationship with humanity?

That’s the heart of a fascinating conversation explored in a recent episode of Thoughtful Faith, where Jacob Hansen and Than Christopoulos delve into the very essence of Christian identity. It’s a conversation that echoes the spirit of Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the wall, declaring a message that challenges the comfortable assumptions of his time. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced a similar posture – a willingness to confront a people with a truth that demanded a response. This isn't about debate for debate's sake; it’s about a yearning for understanding, a desire to build something true.

Than Christopoulos, in his thoughtful probing, pushes back against a purely propositional understanding of faith. He posits that, minimally, a Christian is simply a “follower of Jesus.” A follower of the Way. This echoes the foundational creeds of the early Church – a belief in Christ’s death and resurrection, a recognition of His divine authority. But the conversation quickly moves beyond this baseline, recognizing that the deeper questions lie in the philosophy and ontology of faith.

The challenge lies in navigating the complexities of theological interpretations, particularly when considering perspectives outside of traditional frameworks. Do Latter-day Saints get their own planet? Are they polytheists? These are questions that arise when we attempt to force a diverse faith tradition into a preconceived mold. The truth is, understanding the ancient Israelite perspective, and recognizing the evolving nature of theological thought, is crucial to appreciating the richness and depth of our own beliefs.

This isn't about conforming to a specific label; it's about recognizing the relational aspect of divinity. It’s about understanding that God reveals Himself in diverse ways, and that true seekers are willing to embrace the discomfort of questioning, the humility of learning, and the courage of standing for truth, even when it’s unpopular.

As Christopoulos notes, Jesus Himself didn’t engage in complex metaphysical arguments in the Gospels. He offered a lived experience, a demonstration of love and grace that transcends the limitations of human understanding. Like the Stone cut without hands, our understanding of God is often revealed in unexpected ways, through moments of revelation and personal experience.

This spirit of inquiry and building, of seeking and finding, is what fuels the GatherIsrael.now movement. It's the foundation of the Missionary Fund, the engine of the Charity Flywheel—your engagement here directly supports gospel advertising in places like Ghana, expanding the reach of truth to those who hunger for it. It’s about recognizing that we are all builders, striving to create a more just and righteous world, one act of service, one moment of connection at a time. It’s about claiming our church and building a gathering place, a haven for those who seek truth and belonging. The map of churches highlights the existing network of believers, and we invite you to find your place within it.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, of the lessons of Alma 17-19, Moroni 10:4-5 – the importance of diligence, faith, and unwavering commitment to the work. These are the qualities that will sustain us as we navigate the challenges ahead and build a kingdom of righteousness.

Consider this a call to action. A call to examine your own beliefs, to engage in thoughtful dialogue, and to become active participants in the Great Work. Like the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath, we must arm ourselves with faith, knowledge, and courage to confront the forces of destruction and build a future of hope and promise.