Carnal Christians -- do they exist?

Ed Vasicek Thu, 03/16/23 6:14 pm
Forum category
Bible, Theology & Philosophy
Featured Poll

Paul wrote (NKJV)

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

I chose the NKJV because it retains the word “carnal,” and the term “carnal Christian” was derived from that. So do genuinely carnal Christians exist? Or are these new believers who haven’t progressed much? Or is Paul uncertain about their conversion?

This could tie in with 2 Corinthians 13:5 perhaps?

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

What do you think?

What is your understanding of the "carnal Christian"?

It refers to true believers who don't mature or are minimal in their growth, worldly.
40% (2 votes)
It refers to new believers who are slow starters or those who have gotten off track for a while.
20% (1 vote)
It refers to those about whom Paul was uncertain regarding their salvation.
20% (1 vote)
There are no such things as carnal Christians; these were unregenerated carnal Corinthians.
20% (1 vote)
Other (you are encouraged but not mandated to explain your view).
0% (0 votes)
Total votes: 5
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Discussion

Profile picture for user Aaron Blumer
Aaron Blumer
Sun, 03/19/23 8:57 pm

I voted #1, but I see it mainly as a mixture of both of the first two.

Have read JMac and others’ arguments for ‘no such thing,’ but have not found them persuasive.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.