Usage
Coined in the 1970s and popularised in the 1980s and 1990s, the terms "cultural Christian" and "nominal Christian" are used in Christian fundamentalism and the Charismatic Movement to describe, often pejoratively, the individuals whose spiritual understanding or practice are perceived to be underdeveloped, superficial, or lacking apparent fervour as well as Christians who are not born again (i.e., those who have not experienced a personal religious conversion).
A related concept is that of a "nominal" Christian, whom the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization (LCWE) defines as "a person who has not responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord." The LCWE notes that such a one "may be a practising or non-practising church member. He may give intellectual assent to basic Christian doctrines and claim to be a Christian. He may be faithful in attending liturgical rites and worship services, and be an active member involved in church affairs." The LCWE also suggests that nominal Christianity "is to be found wherever the church is more than one generation old."
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk suggest that "nominalism" is a major issue. They assert that "many traditionally Christian populations know nothing of a personal faith, true repentance, and a trust in the finished work of Christ for their salvation", and estimate that 1.2 billion people are "nominal and non-practising 'Christians'."
American Reformed theologian Douglas Wilson disagrees with the category of "nominal Christian" and argues that all who are baptized enter into a covenant with God, and are obliged to serve him; there is, therefore, "no such thing as a merely nominal Christian any more than we can find a man who is a nominal husband". There are, however, "wicked and faithless Christians."
Read more about this topic: Cultural Christian
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