What Are The Followers Of Christianity Called?
Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world, with over 2 billion followers globally. But what exactly do you call someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide several terms used to describe Christians and explain the meaning and origin behind each name.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Followers of Christianity are most commonly referred to as Christians. Other terms used include disciples, believers, followers of Christ/Jesus, and adherents of Christianity.
Christians
Meaning and background of the term ‘Christian’
The term ‘Christian’ refers to a follower of Jesus Christ and the faith that he established. It originates from the Greek word ‘christianos’ meaning a follower of Christ. In the early days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers were known as people belonging to The Way.
Later, likely around 43-44 AD in Antioch, these believers were called Christians for the first time as mentioned in Acts 11:26.
In its meaning, the term Christian sets apart followers of Christ from worshippers of other gods. It denotes their faith in Jesus as the Son of God and their adherence to his teachings. Over years, as Christianity separated from Judaism, the term Christian grew as a religious identity for Christ’s followers from all walks of life and ethnicities, unified by faith in him.
Use of the term ‘Christian’ today
Today, the term Christian broadly means a person who believes Jesus Christ is God and the savior. However, specifics and practices vary across denominations and groups using this term. According to a 2022 Pew research, nearly 31% of the global population identifies as Christian.
However, the increasing secularization has led ‘Christian’ to become more of a cultural identity for some than a statement of religious belief. Surveys suggest less than half of those calling themselves Christian attend church except occasionally.
Nonetheless, for devout believers, it continues to signify faith and discipleship.
Year | Estimated global Christian population |
---|---|
1970 | 1.23 billion |
2022 | 2.38 billion |
2070 (projected) | 3.32 billion |
Thus we see phenomenal growth of Christianity over decades. Factors like evangelism, mission work, and mass conversions have expanded its followers worldwide. The faith remains dynamic and time will unfold what new developments shape Christians in identity and belief.
Disciples
Origin and biblical use of ‘disciple’
The word “disciple” finds its origin in the Koine Greek term “mathetes”, which means a “learner” or “follower”. In the ancient biblical times, a disciple referred to a student who would follow his teacher or mentor around to gain knowledge and learn a specific trade.Jesus Christ had 12 close disciples who literally followed him around Galilee and Judea to absorb his teachings and witness his miracles firsthand.
The four New Testament gospels specifically apply the term “disciple” to refer to the twelve apostles of Jesus. These disciples included Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James Alphaeus, Jude Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
They gave up everything to be with Jesus during his earthly ministry in order to learn from him directly. The book of Acts later refers to all followers of Jesus Christ as “disciples”.
Modern meaning of discipleship
In current times, a disciple refers to any dedicated follower and practitioner of the teachings of Jesus Christ. While the original 12 disciples literally walked with Jesus, modern-day disciples follow him by studying scripture, especially the gospels and Christ’s commandments.
They also fellowship with other believers, serve in ministry, partake in communion and strive to apply Jesus’ teachings to their daily lives.
True discipleship goes beyond just attending church. An authentic disciple integrates their faith into their work, interactions, priorities and perspective. They allow the Holy Spirit to transform them into the likeness of Christ through consistent worship, prayer, service and study of the word.
Ultimately, a genuine disciple lives to love God and love his neighbor, just as Jesus commanded his first followers.
Here are some key aspects of discipleship in Christianity today:
- Reading and meditating on scripture, especially the gospels and Christ’s teachings
- Prayer and developing intimacy with God
- Fellowship with the church community
- Serving God by serving others through acts of love and compassion
- Sharing one’s faith with unbelievers
- Striving to turn away from sin and towards righteousness
In the US, an estimated 168 million adults identified as Christians in 2021 (Source). The majority of these individuals would consider themselves disciples or followers of Jesus Christ’s teachings. True discipleship transcends religious affiliation or church membership – it is ultimately defined by one’s dedication to knowing, loving and obeying God.
Believers
Faith and belief as core aspects of Christianity
Faith and belief are central pillars of the Christian religion. Christians believe in the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Their faith is centered on Jesus Christ, whom they believe to be the Son of God and messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.
Christians believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rose again to defeat death and offer salvation to all who believe in Him.
The core tenets of the Christian faith are summarized in doctrinal statements like the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
For Christians, faith involves trusting in the promises of God despite not having absolute proof. The Bible defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
While faith has an intellectual component of believing certain doctrines to be true, it goes beyond mental assent to a deep-seated confidence and complete dependence on God. Faith in Christianity is ultimately a gift from God, not something humans can manufacture through their own efforts.
Belief in Christ and His resurrection is foundational to Christian identity. The Bible declares that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Salvation in Christianity is by God’s grace received through faith alone. Believers put their trust in Christ’s redeeming work on the cross and His power demonstrated through the resurrection.
Use of “believer” in Christian circles
The term “believer” is commonly used in Christian circles to refer to someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that the core of Christianity is believing that Jesus is Lord and Savior.
Believers are distinguished from nonbelievers or unbelievers, those who have yet to put their trust in Christ.
Different phrases using “believer” highlight different aspects of Christian identity:
- “True believer” – someone with deep, unwavering faith in Christ.
- “New believer” – a recent Christian convert just beginning their spiritual journey.
- “Young believer” – a child or youth who has professed faith in Christ.
- “Mature believer” – someone who has followed Christ for many years and grown deep spiritual roots.
Within congregations, the term “believers” often refers to the members of the church community in contrast to visitors or adherents. It connotes those who are fully committed to the church family.
The unity shared between believers is also emphasized through phrases like “the body of believers” or “the community of believers.” Despite denominational differences, all believers worship the same Lord and share the blessing of salvation by God’s grace.
Followers of Christ/Jesus
Jesus Christ as central figure of Christianity
Jesus Christ is the central figure and foundation of the Christian faith. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection are the basis for Christian beliefs and practices.
Jesus was born around 4 BC in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth and began his public ministry around the age of 30, preaching the kingdom of God and performing miracles. Jesus gathered disciples and taught multitudes through parables and sermons, such as the Sermon on the Mount.
After about 3 years of public ministry, Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem around 30 AD. Christians believe he rose from the dead three days later and ascended into heaven.
Christians view Jesus as the perfect revelation of God’s love and mercy. His teachings, example, death, and resurrection provide the way for people to be reconciled with God. Jesus instructed his followers to love God and love their neighbor.
Christians seek to pattern their lives after Christ’s example of humility, service, and sacrifice.
Using ‘followers’ to denote adherence
The term “followers of Christ” or “followers of Jesus” is used to denote Christians – those who adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This phrase emphasizes that Christians are disciples who follow Jesus’ example and instructions.
Some key reasons this phrase is used include:
- It reflects the biblical call to follow Jesus. Bible verses such as John 8:12 instruct people to follow Christ.
- It conveys the active nature of Christian discipleship. Following Christ is a way of life, not just intellectual belief.
- It implies obedience and imitation. Followers seek to obey Jesus’ commands and imitate his actions.
- It shifts focus from the label “Christian” to the person of Christ. Emphasis is placed on following Jesus himself.
“Followers of Christ” also avoids certain connotations of the term “Christian”. It bypasses religious divisions and focuses on Jesus. It evokes a personal, active faith rather than passive or cultural Christianity.
Adherents of Christianity
Adherence implying commitment to Christian faith
Those who adhere to Christianity are referred to as Christians. The term adherent implies a committed follower of the Christian faith, someone who not only believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ but actively seeks to apply them in their life.
The earliest followers of Jesus were the 12 apostles who accompanied him during his earthly ministry. After his death and resurrection, Christianity began to spread rapidly as missionaries traveled widely to share the gospel.
By the 2nd century AD there were estimates of up to 6 million Christians within the Roman Empire.
Over the next millennium, Christianity further expanded across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Major events like the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to new divisions and denominations within the faith.
Today there are over 2.5 billion Christians globally, encompassing Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and other traditions.
Formality of the term ‘adherent’
The word “adherent” suggests formality and firm commitment. Other common terms used are “follower of Christ”, “believer”, “disciple” or simply “Christian”. There is usually an implication that the person not only professes belief in Jesus and Christianity but actively seeks to put faith into practice by adhering to Christ’s teachings and example.
Within Christian traditions, the level of participation and commitment expected of adherents varies. For Catholics and Orthodox Christians, adherence is marked by sacraments like baptism and for most, a weekly participation in the Eucharist/Communion service.
Protestants emphasize personal faith in Christ evidenced through an ethical life which serves God and people. But across all major traditions, active commitment to living out one’s faith sets an adherent apart from someone who merely self-identifies culturally as a Christian.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several common terms used to describe those who follow the teachings of Christianity, with ‘Christian’ being the most widespread. Other names like disciples, believers, and adherents point to important aspects of faith like dedication, belief, and commitment to Jesus Christ.
So next time you wonder what to call a follower of Christianity, you now know there are quite a few accurate options to choose from!