[quote=@POOHEAD189] That is incorrect. In fact it is incorrect to say that most Americans are Christian, simply because they claim it. Donald Trump for instance is not really a Christian, by the way he acts. That'd be like calling Stalin a Capitalist simply because he claims it. Jesus himself says that the road to paradise is narrow and most people won't make it, because of such a lax view of the faith. To be honest, people who claim to be faithful yet don't follow the doctrine are worse off than athiests, for they are pharisees and hypocrites, something Jesus disliked over all others. Jesus himself said that to live the life of a Christian will be very difficult. To put it simply, if you're a Christian, [u]you need to follow the teachings of Jesus in order to be one[/u]. Yes do need to accept Jesus into your heart. However depending on your definition, that is either not all you need to do, or that's an extremely difficult thing to accept. You need to try your best to not judge others, for instance. Do not covet. You need to be willing to sell all other aspects of your life for the faith if need be. You are to value your faith and God above all of your possessions and relationships on earth, and you are to love your neighbor as yourself. Of course, since we are human, all of that is pretty much impossible. But to attempt to live in the faith, as much as you can, is something God wishes. To say what you said, that it is an easy thing, is honestly insulting to people who truly attempt to live a life like that (me), or someone who made a career out of his faith like my father, who regularly translates Greek and Hebrew texts and spent 12 years of school in Theology. Christianity is a faith as worthy of respect as Islam or Judaism. Just because a bunch of assholes use the names of God and Jesus while they do shit doesn't make it less so. [/quote] My understanding (it's been a while) is slightly (but significantly) different, and you could chalk that up to theological differences.... But the way I understand it is, belief is sufficient on its own (Romans 10:9), and also, if you DO believe, you'll follow through (Luke 6:43-45). It's not so much "You have to do Christian-y things" (Ephesians 2:8-9) -- that's the symptom, not the salvation. It's not something you buy with good behavior, because you can't afford it. It's a gift you're given and grateful for and, if that's true, you're not wasting it on trivial bullshit.