true
Yes, anybody can call themself a Christian or think just because they attend a certain church it means they are a Christian. I totally agree with what you have said.
To me, "Christian" means "a follower of Christ" in the commonly understood meaning of the term Christ, Jesus who came to earth as both God and man and died for the sins of mankind in order that we can have a restored relationship with God.
To me being a Christian also means I view the rest of my life through that "lens." I believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that He spoke the truth and that if I call myself his follower, that I should strive to live by His teachings.
I go to a Methodist church... most people there would not necessarily agree with my views on polyamory, but they would not kick me out of the church either. This is the type of church that I feel most comfortable in.
I do agree that there is a big difference between true Christianity and "religion."
When I hear someone say, "I'm spiritual but not religious" I understand what that means but in my mind it means pretty much that you could be absolutely anything. God... maybe there is a God... but who is He? What is He? Is He a personal God? Are WE God? Jesus... was He a good man? God in the flesh? A prophet? All of the above... just the above, or more?
Calling myself a Christian best describes my beliefs.... there is a God, He is a personal God, He speaks to us through the Bible... He sent His Son to earth as a man named Jesus to show us to the way to Him.
I believe A WHOLE LOT OF THE REST, for example, views about monogamy, are much more cultural than Biblical, and even though there are a lot of negative connotations about "Christianity," I think for me it still describes best what I consider myself to be.
But not all Christians are the same. Some do actually think for themselves. I'm glad there are other open-minded followers of Christ who understand that it's the intent of our hearts and putting love into practice that really matters, and not following the letter of the Law with no love in it at all towards God nor our fellow men/women.
A deep subject that could be discussed forever....
but those are just a few of my thoughts about what you just wrote. Blessings to you.