What is a disciple?
The answer to the question is quite vast depending on who you are talking to. Well today I am talking to you, Blog reader. What do you think a disciple is? How do you think Jesus defined what a disciple was in Matthew 28:19 - “go and make disciples of all nations”?
Can a disciple be an unbeliever? I define a disciple as someone moving towards living as Jesus Christ lived. Therefore, it is a process. In this case, a disciple can be an unbeliever. Did I offend anyone by this? Offending is neither my intent nor the intent of the blog. My intent is just to spark conversation. So let it begin.
April 11th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
My understanding of a disciple is a follower. So the logical answer in my mind is a disciple of Jesus would be a believer. Why follow if you don’t believe? It certainly is a process with many ebbs and flows. For me personally I can say my faith has been stronger and weaker sometimes simultaneously-but I always believed.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:17 am
I see a disciple as a follower as well. But I do think that people follow for reasons other than belief: curiosity and fellowship spring to mind. There is some core motivation for discipleship, however, and maybe belief is the right word for that. Belief that following will result in something worthwhile, perhaps?
April 12th, 2007 at 11:16 am
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source dis·ci·ple (dÄ-sÄ«’pÉ™l) Pronunciation Key
n.
1. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
2. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
often Disciple One of the original followers of Jesus.
3. Disciple A member of the Disciples of Christ.