Christian
The Greek word Χριστιαν?? (christianos)―meaning "follower of Christ"―comes from Χριστ?? (christos)―meaning "anointed one"―with an adjectival ending borrowed from Latin to denote adhering to, or even belonging to, as in slave ownership.[5] In the Greek Septuagint, christos was used to translate the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (Mas(i'ah., messiah), meaning "[one who is] anointed." In other European languages, equivalent words to 'Christian' are likewise culled from the Greek, such as 'Chre'tien' in French and 'Cristiano' in Spanish. Christians generally call themselves believers.
The first recorded use of the term "Christian" is located in the New Testament, in Acts 11:26, which states "...in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." The second mention of the term follows in Acts 26:28, where Herod Agrippa II replies to Paul the Apostle, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" The third and final New Testament reference to the term is in 1 Peter 4:16, which exhorts believers, "...if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name". Mattison suggests that "[t]he New Testament's use of this term indicates that it was a term of derision, a term placed upon Christ's followers by their critics."
In North America there are over a thousand faith groups including the Roman Catholic church; the Eastern Orthodox churches, other conservative, main-line, liberal and progressive Christian faith groups; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons); Jehovah's Witnesses, the Unification Church, Christian Science, progressive Christians, and other religious organizations. They all identify themselves as Christian. In fact, many regard their group as the only "true" Christian church. Yet they, and their followers, have very different beliefs about the life, events, teachings, actions, sinlessness and expectations of Yeshua. In addition included as Christians are those who regard themselves as being followers of Jesus even though they do not affiliate themselves with any particular religious group. They appear to be growing in numbers.
A study, conducted by Christianity Today with Leadership magazine, attempted to comprehend the range and differences among American Christians. A national attitudinal and behavioral survey found that their beliefs and practices clustered into five distinct positioning. Spiritual growth for two huge positioning of Christians can be occurring in non-traditional ways. Instead of attending church on Sunday mornings, many opt for personal, individual ways to stretch themselves spiritually.
* 19 percent of American Christians are described by the researchers as Active Christians. They believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ, attend church often, are Bible readers, invest in personal faith development through their church, believe they are obligated to share their faith with others, and accept leadership positions in their church.
* 20 percent are alluded to as Professing Christians. They also are committed to "accepting Christ as Savior and Lord" as the key to being a Christian, but focus more on personal relationships with God and Jesus than on church, Bible reading or evangelizing.
* 16 percent fall into a category named Liturgical Christians. They are predominantly Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, or Orthodox. They are regular churchgoers, have a top level of spiritual activity and recognize the authority of the church.
* 24 percent are considered Private Christians. They own a Bible but don't often read it. Only about one-third attend church at all. They believe in God and in doing good things, but not necessarily within a church context. This was the hugest and youngest segment. Nearly none are church leaders.
* 21 percent in the research are dubbed Cultural Christians. These do not view Jesus as key to salvation. They exhibit little outward religious behavior or attitudes. They favor a universality theology that sees many ways to God. Yet, they clearly consider themselves to be Christians.