Changing your questions as you read my responses to others. I like the fact that this isn't some kind of standardized test.
Originally Posted by Russ T
LinearAQ:

(1) What is necessary for one to call oneself a Christian?

Nothing. That doesn't mean that God agrees with that assessment.

What does the Bible require to be a Christian? That can be a matter of interpretation. I tend to follow Paul's requirements in Romans: Realize you are a sinner and that will lead to death; believe that Christ is the Son of God and was sent to save the world; confess your sins and repent of them; accept Christ as your Lord. That's it from my interpretation.

Some say that you must be baptized. Christ said to one person that he must give everything to the poor and follow Him. However, I believe that was because Christ saw the riches of that man were more important to him than God.

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(2) Does Christ approve of the practice of homosexuality?
I don't know for sure, because He never really spoke directly about it. There are indications that He didn't approve of it.
Christ said that the Law would not change until the all was fulfilled. That phrase "all is fulfilled" has some issues in its meaning but I assume that He was saying the Law was still in effect. If we have the correct translations of the writings in Deuteronomy and Leviticus (some minority scholars have pointed out "problems" with mainstream translations), then Christ didn't approve of it.

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(3) What is a human right?
Human rights are societal constructs that maximize dignity of individuals within a society.

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(4) Where do human rights come from?

Complicated. Some rights were conferred from some of the religious laws of the past. Although the laws seem restrictive to the individual, they increased the dignity of the majority of the individuals in the society by making their life safer.
Some rights were instituted in secular laws.
The common thread of those laws was to allow each individual freedom to decide on and act to create their own future happiness.


A faith that connot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets. -- Arthur C. Clarke