Hi IrishRockHound:
Christian according to the definition I have, is professing a belief in the Christ centred doctrine, and/or being a member of that group. On the other hand ‘true’, is an applied condition, and is subject to individual interpretation. What you hold to be true is not necessarily true for me,
i.e. me - that vase is blue, colour blind person - that vase is green, interior decorator - that vase is aqua. Does that mean that any of these statements are not true, accurate, or without flaw?
Therefore use of the phrase ‘true Christian’ is subjective, and open to interpretation. (as is evident in these 200+ posts, I just waded through )
Taking into account also the literal term ‘Christian’, as it is applied. It is distinct from religion, but also of religion.
Religion: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity.
Therefore Christianity is of the religious affiliation, but it is a separate belief system. This equally applies to all groups; though they belong to an affiliation they are not one and the same. Which may be why Christian’s shy away from the term religious. Particularly when the connotation is that they are affiliated with, i.e. Muslims, Freemasons, Hindus.
Subsequently in relation to the questions you initially, I offer the following.
What is actually necessary to be a true Christian?
Who gets to decide who is and who isn't, and how relevent is their opinion?
Anyone can determine that one is a Christian, if that is professed, and/or they are affiliated with a particular Christian organisation which upholds the basic Christian tenet. As for who gets to judge what is, a
‘true Christian’, then that is subject only to individual interpretation.
Christians, who
apply biblical standards to their lives, are not in a position to judge another, to do so would contravene a basic principle within the biblical tenet. Atheists, or anyone else, may apply their own interpretation, as to what is truth. To do so logically though, they would need full comprehension of what they are measuring. So they need biblical knowledge and an understanding of biblical truths, which of course are professed by Christian doctrine to come from a filling of the Holy Spirit? Doctrine of course which is subject to interpretations, so it is really a catch 22 situation. Christians are ‘damned if they do’, and atheists ‘damned well can’t’, unless they become filled with the Holy Spirit.
(No offence or literal application intended, with the use of the word damned.)
So in summation, according to the biblical tenet, it is only God who can judge, not just Christians but all of mankind. For atheists I believe it might equally hold that no-one can judge, the inner heart of man. The purpose and intent of your topic though, is one that deserves consideration. Therefore may I recommend rather than use the term ‘True Christian’, that the incongruity between the Christian and the doctrine professed, be simply stated factually.
Shaz