By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com -

The Bahamas. A country developed upon "strong Christian" beliefs. Created by God, but developed by man, with laws and rules that reflect the essences of the Bible. Simply put, these are the theories that support our nation.

However there is one more: That we as a Christian nation, and citizens of the Bahamas, are Christians.

But how does one become a Christian? Is it a birthright or something that happens over time with careful thought and consideration? Or is it something to be learnt and thought, or does it just simply happen?

These are questions that have plagued the minds of many Bahamians for decades. And as a result some still have no idea what a Christian is.

"A Christian is simply one who is following the principles of Christ that are outlined in His Word for us to follow," says Pastor John Carey of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. "For one, we have to be loving and caring to those around us, particularly to those who are less fortunate than us. We must be forgiving, not to hold malice. And we must reach out to persons who are not familiar with God.

"And it's not just one part of your life, it's a lifestyle," he added. "It's a lifestyle 24, 7. Not just at church time. For example some people are Christians only when they go to church. They play dress up, but when they go home they're devils. And that's not true Christianity, because a Christian is one 24, 7. And it's a consistent lifestyle, it's nothing that you can pretend to do or be."

According to Jason Bethel, 22-year-old Christian, being a Christian requires that you attend church as much as possible.

"Church is what will keep you grounded and on the right path," he said. "I don't want people to think I'm church crazy but the only two days that I'm not in church are Mondays and Saturdays. That's it. I believe that that's how any good Christian should live. That we should be involved in as many aspects of the church ... and its development, and that we should be encouraging others to live the Christian way. That's the best kind of Christian out there, and you know we have quite a few "fakers" in the world. So we, as true and practicing Christians, must lead and show the others the right way."

The Wikepdia online encyclopedia says that over two billion people worldwide identify themselves as Christians, making it the most dominant religion in the world. That number, however, comprises a wide array of Christians from Pope Benedict XVI to Billy Graham and from Jesse Jackson to Pat Robertson.

"The best way to define 'Christianity' is to look to the historical-grammatical character of the word itself," says the website. "It originates from the first century offshoot of Judaism – an offshoot that centered on (and still centers on) the first century teacher named Jesus of Nazareth – otherwise known as Jesus 'the Christ'."

The word "Christ" literally means "Anointed One," and Christians universally believe that Jesus was and, in fact, is the "Anointed One." The central point of Christianity is that Jesus of Nazareth is "the Christ."

But, if you are still wondering, who are the "Christians" and where can you find them? According to Elize McPhee, a 42-year-old Christian mother, Christians are everywhere, but not everyone shouts it from the roof tops.

"Being a Christian is all about the way you live your daily life," she said. "If you are a Christian and say you are I don't think that persons should have to ask if you are because it should show.

"And to me a Christian is someone who is loving, non-judging, forgiving, kind hearted and someone who proclaims that Jesus Christ is the son of God. That's what a Christian should be and represent - love and faith in God. So you don't have to go church every week or sing praise songs all day long, you just have to believe in God. And you must also not be afraid to express your beliefs, that's what makes a good Christian."

According to the New Testament book of Acts, the followers of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch, an ancient city located on the left bank of the Orontes River in what is now Antakya in southern Turkey.

"Followers of Jesus Christ quickly spread throughout the Greco-Roman world and beyond, founding churches and changing social orders in their wake," says the website.

"Their doctrines were informed by the teachings and prolific writings of Jesus' apostles, a group of men personally chosen by Jesus to take hismessage into the world.

Many of their writings became part of the New Testament Scriptures in our Bible today.

"It therefore is logical to carry this over to today, and state that a 'Christian' today would likewise embrace the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One of God. Therefore, a Christian, whether in the first century or twenty-first century, is best understood as one who professes a belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and who has staked his or her entire life on that belief."

And according to Bishop Solomon Humes, pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy on Minnie Street, the Bible is very clear on this matter.

"A Christian is someone who accepts the Lord as their Christ and Savior," said Humes. "And the Bible says that a Christian is someone who acts in God's likeness, and who tries to live that lifestyle. That's a Christian.

"But the Bible also emphasizes that becoming a true Christian requires a sincere, heartfelt decision to trust and accept Christ as one's Savior," he added. "So going to church, reading the Bible, trying to pray, and doing good works are not enough. These things are simply the result of being a good Christian, but not the cause of it. And that should be recognized and understood, because faith is what makes a Christian. And faith alone."