What would anyone here consider a true "Christian"
One who reads the bible and goes to church every Sunday and pays tithe to the church of his choice...or......
Those who might do like I do; haven't been to church services in years, except for weddings and funerals, don't do any physical harm to man or beast...hell, I don't even blow my snow in the neighbor's yard in the winter....
Long list. that must keep you busy. One in the list would be enough, the rest is done t impress your neighbors rather than to impress God. Perhaps this bit from the Bible will help you see which one in the list is the most valuable one while the rest are 'fluff'.
Lu:18:9-17:
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous,
and despised others:
Two men went up into the temple to pray;
the one a Pharisee,
and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,
God,
I thank thee,
that I am not as other men are,
extortioners,
unjust, adulterers,
or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week,
I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican,
standing afar off,
would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast,
saying,
God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:
for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
And they brought unto him also infants,
that he would touch them:
but when his disciples saw it,
they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto him,
and said,
Suffer little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you,
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
