Are Catholics Christian?

[Randy_Carson]

I’m starting a discussion with some people online who state that Catholics are not Christian and that they can’t see how Catholics stay catholic. Here’s my response.

“Let me try to shed some light on why good Catholics stay Catholic. A catholic uses three tools when examining the validity of the Church: the bible, reason, and history. If we look at the bible in context we find theres not a single scripture that goes against Catholic teaching. All the scripture passages protestants like to bring up that they think disproves Catholicism really doesn’t at all when taken in context. This answers bornforbattle74’s comment about his mom being told to study the catechism and not the bible. Now they shouldn’t have used the term “not intelligent enough” rather “not prepared yet” as the bible can easily be taken out of context to mean almost anything. The bible itself tells us this in the epistles of St. Peter states that the writings of St. Paul are confusing and some will twist them to their own destruction. next we look at reason. If the bible can be taken and twisted in such ways then clearly reason would lead us to conclude that an authoritative interpreter is needed. Otherwise whose to say who’s right and who’s wrong amount the thousands of different protestant denominations out there teaching contradictory ideas. Finally we look at history. The simple fact is that the teachings of the catholic church have been what Christians have held all the way since the time of Christ. And not until more than a thousand years later do we see Christians coming up with novel protestant ideas. So are Catholics Christian? Yes in fact they’re Christian in the truest sense.”

What do you guys think?

People should read the Bible, but at the same time, it is important to read it in light of proper interpretation. The Catechism, which is chock-full of scripture (as they would know if they had ever looked at it), provides that context and interpretation. The following may be helpful in terms of explaining the Catechism to non-Catholics:

The Catechism – 2,000 Years of Greatest Hits

Imagine that you go to church one Sunday and hear a really good sermon by the pastor of your church. You are so impressed with his talk that you call the church office on Monday to get a copy of his notes. You’re in luck…it turns out that the tape ministry department has just completed duplicating the sermon, and you can stop by to get a copy to listen to while you’re driving. Delighted, you drive over and buy a copy…er, make a free-will love offering…and pick up the notes.

The following Sunday, the same thing happens. And the next. And the next. After awhile you have a notebook full of your pastor’s talks and a tape library of all your favorites to match. Yes, sir…you’ve learned a lot from this gifted man of God…you’re really being fed in this church.

The Catechism is sorta like that except that it contains not just the musings of one single man but the combined efforts of some of the most brilliant theological minds of the past 2,000 years. It’s the “Greatest Hits Collection” of theology.

 

[808Catholic]

The really big question is are protestants Christian? Or is the whole enterprise merely a usurpation.

Let’s focus on our “house” first, brother, and pray for all those who call themselves Catholics to join fully with the church. God bless you.

 

[JoeT777]

You’re probably right about this guy. But I would at least like to plant a seed. And wow thanks for that post!

You don’t seem to understand. The comment, "Catholics are not Christian, is their idea of a pre-emergence for the tree of life. It’s like a shield the Protestant or reformer puts forward to prevent Truth from emerging. Penetrate the shield with spears of truth. Not with the Aquila label of true faith - since Protestant and reformer vision is inward their eyes don’t ascend high enough to see the top of the standard.

JoeT

 

[Shaolen]

So I believe I have cracked his shell. He has now given a barrage of attacks (misunderstandings of catholic teaching). Should I respond to all or take them one at a time? Any suggestions or refutations are appreciated.

" “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV (not through “sacraments”, which is works)
"“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matthew 9:2 KJV

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 KJV

There Is No God-given Authority for a Special Class of Priests In This Age of Grace

Every true believer is a “priest” now. God has ordained pastors and deacons, not priests, to lead local churches.
Read 1st Peter 2:5: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

“Yes also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 KJV

A minister of God is commanded to be “the husband of one wife”. That commandment has been ignored
by the Roman Catholic Church and its “priesthood” since its inception in the 4th century AD. No wonder
there is so much sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, for the Bible says that forbidding to marry is
a “doctrine of devils”!

    "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and DOCTRINES OF DEVILS; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a red hot iron;
    Forbidding to marry ...."
    (II Timothy 4:1-2).

    "This is a TRUE saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless,
   the husband of one wife . . . one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)."
(I Timothy 3:1-5).

If a Roman Catholic priest is allowed to marry and have children the money he makes during his lifetime will be
given to his family, and the Catholic Church would lose it. That is one reason the Papacy will never allow priests to marry.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 KJV

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 KJV

Mary was a sinner like you and me. She needed a Savior. (Luke 2:22-24 & Leviticus 12 KJV)

Roman Catholics will often try to claim that they do not “worship Mary”. They are blinded by their own apologetic teachings of their church. PRAYER IS A FORM OF WORSHIP, SO THEREFORE WHEN CATHOLICS PRAY TO MARY THEY ARE INDEED WORSHIPPING HER.

WEBSTER DICTIONARY DEFINITION of “PRAYER”: “A PETITION OR ACT OF DEVOTION TO AN OBJECT OF WORSHIP”

NEITHER JESUS NOR PAUL EVER AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PRAY TO MARY, FOR THIS WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE COMMANDS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE"

 

[Randy_Carson]

So I believe I have cracked his shell. He has now given a barrage of attacks (misunderstandings of catholic teaching). Should I respond to all or take them one at a time? Any suggestions or refutations are appreciated.

" “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV (not through “sacraments”, which is works)
"“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matthew 9:2 KJV

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 KJV

There Is No God-given Authority for a Special Class of Priests In This Age of Grace

Every true believer is a “priest” now. God has ordained pastors and deacons, not priests, to lead local churches.
Read 1st Peter 2:5: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

“Yes also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 KJV

A minister of God is commanded to be “the husband of one wife”. That commandment has been ignored
by the Roman Catholic Church and its “priesthood” since its inception in the 4th century AD. No wonder
there is so much sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, for the Bible says that forbidding to marry is
a “doctrine of devils”!

    "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and DOCTRINES OF DEVILS; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a red hot iron;
    Forbidding to marry ...."
    (II Timothy 4:1-2).

    "This is a TRUE saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless,
   the husband of one wife . . . one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)."
(I Timothy 3:1-5).

If a Roman Catholic priest is allowed to marry and have children the money he makes during his lifetime will be
given to his family, and the Catholic Church would lose it. That is one reason the Papacy will never allow priests to marry.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 KJV

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 KJV

Mary was a sinner like you and me. She needed a Savior. (Luke 2:22-24 & Leviticus 12 KJV)

Roman Catholics will often try to claim that they do not “worship Mary”. They are blinded by their own apologetic teachings of their church. PRAYER IS A FORM OF WORSHIP, SO THEREFORE WHEN CATHOLICS PRAY TO MARY THEY ARE INDEED WORSHIPPING HER.

WEBSTER DICTIONARY DEFINITION of “PRAYER”: “A PETITION OR ACT OF DEVOTION TO AN OBJECT OF WORSHIP”

NEITHER JESUS NOR PAUL EVER AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PRAY TO MARY, FOR THIS WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE COMMANDS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE"

Friend, I can see that you have quite a few misunderstandings not only about what Catholics believe but also about what Scripture teaches. In some ways, what you think Catholics believe and what we ACTUALLY believe are two different things! I am happy to discuss each of them with you.

However, we should do so one at a time in order to keep our discussion organized. So, let’s begin with your biggest concern or objection first. Where should we begin?

 

[Shaolen]

Thank you for this!. I was thinking one at a time might be better. I always have an urge to try to go after all of them. I’ll ask him his biggest one and let you guys know what he says

 

[Ignatius]

This is So good, bears repeating.

If our works have no merit with regard to our salvation, why then does Our Lord plainly tell us that we will be judged and either welcomed into the Kingdom of God or cast into hell based upon them in Matthew 25: 31-46
[31] “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
[32] Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,
[33] and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.
[34] Then the King will say to those at his right hand, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, [36] I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' [37] Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?
[38] And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee?
[39] And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’
[40] And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' [41] Then he will say to those at his left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels;
[42] for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
[43] I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
[44] Then they also will answer, Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' [45] Then he will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’
[46] And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
The Gospel today is (and should be!) the same as that preached by the apostles in the New Testament. (See Acts 2:37-38 and 22:16 as well as John 3:5) If what is preached is not the same then that (IMO) would qualify as “a different gospel”.

I, like many many Catholics, have heard and seen allegations that ours is a different gospel, but having read the Word of God carefully and prayerfully many times over many years, and comparing the messages of those who make those allegations to the salvation message of the Catholic Church alongside the New Testament, I have found that just the opposite is true.

If, as I suspect, you have read the New Testament all the way through, (more than likely many times over) you can understand what I mean when I say that the Gospel of salvation is actually the topic throughout and I submit that it is the Gospel that is preached by the Catholic Church that accurately aligns with that and not the one of the reformers or their modern step children.
Galatians 1:[8] But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed.
[9] As we have said before, so now I say again, If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.

 

[808Catholic]

Thank you for this!. I was thinking one at a time might be better. I always have an urge to try to go after all of them. I’ll ask him his biggest one and let you guys know what he says

Discussing one at a time is also a good evangelical strategy; the more times you meet with him, the greater the opportunity of bringing him to the true faith. Remember to treat him with the love and respect we should treat all people because God is within everyone. God bless you for your good works in His Name and have a Blessed Holy Week!

 

[Shaolen]

Discussing one at a time is also a good evangelical strategy; the more times you meet with him, the greater the opportunity of bringing him to the true faith. Remember to treat him with the love and respect we should treat all people because God is within everyone. God bless you for your good works in His Name and have a Blessed Holy Week!

Oh thank you. Hope you have a blessed Holy Week as well! It looks like we’re making progress. Here’s what the guy had to say.

" I can see your a believer and your sincere, all I know is faith alone in Christ alone, I’m keeping it simple brother but that’s not to say I’m correct on everything but I just see the rituals of the catholic church and I don’t see Jesus, yes I see charity and good works and all these good things but its made the simple gospel complex, a fleshy endever. There’s so much riches in Gods word that the cathecisms and rituals, saints and sacred icons to me are a spiritual roadblock."

I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to gently shed some light on his misconceptions. Please if anyone can help formulate a response that would help guide him to truth and not scare him away from it.

 

[808Catholic]

Oh thank you. Hope you have a blessed Holy Week as well! It looks like we’re making progress. Here’s what the guy had to say.

" I can see your a believer and your sincere, all I know is faith alone in Christ alone, I’m keeping it simple brother but that’s not to say I’m correct on everything but I just see the rituals of the catholic church and I don’t see Jesus, yes I see charity and good works and all these good things but its made the simple gospel complex, a fleshy endever. There’s so much riches in Gods word that the cathecisms and rituals, saints and sacred icons to me are a spiritual roadblock."

I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to gently shed some light on his misconceptions. Please if anyone can help formulate a response that would help guide him to truth and not scare him away from it.

For what it’s worth, you’re on target and I believe your friend wants to better understand the Catholic faith. He wouldn’t have told you his concerns about the church otherwise. Yay!

I would suggest you try something along the lines of this: let’s explore one of those “rituals” that you have a problem with and go from there. Don’t be afraid that you don’t know everything about the Church; you have plenty of help in your parish. If it’s something you’re not conversant with, simply tell your friend “I don’t know myself. May I call a friend!” This tells him/her that you are earnest about your wanting to help understand and that you’re willing to take this journey with him/her. Ask questions about what it is specifically that your friend is confused over or has concerns about. Likely, you may similar questions or concerns so be honest but don’t be solicitous. Usually people want to tell others what they think and feel so let your friend most of the talking and try to remember their specific concerns; take notes if need be - it shows you are really paying attention and mean to get back to them. Use these insights/notes to talk with your parish resource and see if your friend is willing to meet with your resource with you so you can both learn together. It’s amazing how well everything works when we treat everyone like Jesus Himself!

Please let us all know how this progresses and have a Blessed Week.

 

[icamhif]

I would start out by asking them to define their terms: what do they mean by “Christian?”

To a Catholic, the answer is simple: a Christian is anyone who has received Christian Baptism (regardless of who administered Baptism).

Catholics and most protestants have valid Christian Baptism. So, I have a feeling that they mean something different. What, exactly, do they mean?

Many Evangelicals implicitly teach that one must believe in the Five Solas in order to be a Christian.

 

[Goya]

Blessings on you for defending the church! There are many ways to answer the original question “Are Catholics Christian?” and you’ve answered it admirably. I’m a bit militant when answering and use the short form “yes.” That’s all I believe is needed to respond to their question. Those who wish to attack the Church will usually launch into various modes of attack and a Catholic firm in their belief should be able to refute them all and plant the seed of Christ’s Truth and Love at the same time. Remember, our wayward brothers and sisters are NOT the enemy! We are called to bring them back to the flock gently and lovingly. Have a Blessed Lent!

Concur. I too have a hard time answering this one charitably.
Good work Shoalen.

 

[Goya]

I’m starting a discussion with some people online who state that Catholics are not Christian and that they can’t see how Catholics stay catholic. Here’s my response.

“Let me try to shed some light on why good Catholics stay Catholic. A catholic uses three tools when examining the validity of the Church: the bible, reason, and history. If we look at the bible in context we find theres not a single scripture that goes against Catholic teaching. All the scripture passages protestants like to bring up that they think disproves Catholicism really doesn’t at all when taken in context. This answers bornforbattle74’s comment about his mom being told to study the catechism and not the bible. Now they shouldn’t have used the term “not intelligent enough” rather “not prepared yet” as the bible can easily be taken out of context to mean almost anything. The bible itself tells us this in the epistles of St. Peter states that the writings of St. Paul are confusing and some will twist them to their own destruction. next we look at reason. If the bible can be taken and twisted in such ways then clearly reason would lead us to conclude that an authoritative interpreter is needed. Otherwise whose to say who’s right and who’s wrong amount the thousands of different protestant denominations out there teaching contradictory ideas. Finally we look at history. The simple fact is that the teachings of the catholic church have been what Christians have held all the way since the time of Christ. And not until more than a thousand years later do we see Christians coming up with novel protestant ideas. So are Catholics Christian? Yes in fact they’re Christian in the truest sense.”

What do you guys think?

Excellent reply, Shaolen.

I’d just like to elaborate on the bolded section of the Catechism vs. the Bible bit, as I’ve run into this one before. I’d make a point to clarify this.

1. The Catechism was published in 1992. That’s less than 25 years ago.
2. ONLY EIGHT (8) MILLION COPIES were sold. That’s a fair number no doubt; but juxtaposed against 1.2 BILLION Catholics, that’ is down right negligible.
3. Pretty much every Catholic has at least one copy of the Bible (most I know have multiple); very few have a copy of the CCC.
4. Very few have actually read it (took me 6 years to plod through mine), while most know their way around the bible.

Bottom line–the Catechism VS. Bible dichotomy, is completely false. The CCC complements the Bible, and is (actually, unfortunately) only taken advantage of, by a very small percentage of the more learned, better educated and catechized, Catholics.

FWIW.

God bless…

 

[zz912]

Oh thank you. Hope you have a blessed Holy Week as well! It looks like we’re making progress. Here’s what the guy had to say.

" I can see your a believer and your sincere, all I know is faith alone in Christ alone, I’m keeping it simple brother but that’s not to say I’m correct on everything but I just see the rituals of the catholic church and I don’t see Jesus, yes I see charity and good works and all these good things but its made the simple gospel complex, a fleshy endever. There’s so much riches in Gods word that the cathecisms and rituals, saints and sacred icons to me are a spiritual roadblock."

I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to gently shed some light on his misconceptions. Please if anyone can help formulate a response that would help guide him to truth and not scare him away from it.

1. On the rituals, I would point out that Jesus instituted the ritual. He told us to “do this”, and that is what we do in the Mass. If he wants to “see Jesus”, he’s welcome to come and view the Eucharist. I agree with him that there are so much riches in God’s word, but maybe you should point out to him that the PURPOSE of the Bible is to read at Mass. That is WHY the 66/73 books of the Bible were grouped and printed together in the first place.
2. Faith alone. I would ask him how he squares his belief in “faith alone” when the Bible specifically condemns that view.

 

[Ignatius]

I Are Catholics Christian?

The Catholic Church is The Church built by Jesus Christ; it is the Original Christian Church.

 

[Ignatius]

This answers bornforbattle74’s comment about his mom being told to study the catechism and not the bible.

Since The Catechism is, basically, a scriptural exposition, the statement reveals that whoever said it doesn’t know what the Catechism is. Basically, the statement doesn’t make any sense if one knows that the Catechism is a an exposition of The Bible.

 

[jinglebelle]

I’m starting a discussion with some people online who state that Catholics are not Christian and that they can’t see how Catholics stay catholic. Here’s my response.

“Let me try to shed some light on why good Catholics stay Catholic. A catholic uses three tools when examining the validity of the Church: the bible, reason, and history. If we look at the bible in context we find theres not a single scripture that goes against Catholic teaching. All the scripture passages protestants like to bring up that they think disproves Catholicism really doesn’t at all when taken in context. This answers bornforbattle74’s comment about his mom being told to study the catechism and not the bible. Now they shouldn’t have used the term “not intelligent enough” rather “not prepared yet” as the bible can easily be taken out of context to mean almost anything. The bible itself tells us this in the epistles of St. Peter states that the writings of St. Paul are confusing and some will twist them to their own destruction. next we look at reason. If the bible can be taken and twisted in such ways then clearly reason would lead us to conclude that an authoritative interpreter is needed. Otherwise whose to say who’s right and who’s wrong amount the thousands of different protestant denominations out there teaching contradictory ideas. Finally we look at history. The simple fact is that the teachings of the catholic church have been what Christians have held all the way since the time of Christ. And not until more than a thousand years later do we see Christians coming up with novel protestant ideas. So are Catholics Christian? Yes in fact they’re Christian in the truest sense.”

What do you guys think?

Don’t know what age his mother was but we were taught not to use the bible but the catechism.It would raise more questions than it answered said parish priest.I know pianist clare thought i was being sarcastic about newly published edition of bible but to us this was simply something them proddies would read,you know the heretics.

 

[Goya]

Don’t know what age his mother was but we were taught not to use the bible but the catechism.It would raise more questions than it answered said parish priest.I know pianist clare thought i was being sarcastic about newly published edition of bible but to us this was simply something them proddies would read,you know the heretics.

When was this? The Catechism has only been around since 1992.

I’ve NEVER heard any clergy, or other authority, EVER suggest the CCC as a substitute to the Bible, in even the remotest, most round about way. It complements the Bible; it adds some clarity; it spells out CHURCH DOCTRINE and beliefs; it sites the Bible probably thousands of times (as well as the Church Fathers, and other council docs and such, in the foot notes…but that’s an aside). The Bible is ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE and COMPLETELY NECESSARY for following the Liturgy, the weekly readings, the liturgy of the hours…for refreshing one’s grasp of the Gospels and the greater salvation narrative…mediating with the Psalms…etc., etc.

The Catechism is great as a reference work to look up specific doctrinal points; even good for meditation.

But to suggest for a second, that it was ever intended to displace the Bible, is as absurd as the protestant suggestion that the Bible was intended to displace the actual Church that Christ actually left to us (i.e.–the One True Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that Christ Himself founded–aka the Catholic Church).

 

[Andrew1983]

I suppose it very much varies from one Protestant denomination to another, even right down to the individual at times.

For example, the bare essentials to be a Christian is to have a valid Christian baptism. Now, what IS a valid Christian baptism you ask? Simple, it is the baptism performed, “In Nomine, et Filius, et Sanctus Spiritus” (In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit), henceforth Trinitarian as dogmatically defined by the Nicene Creed. Most Protestant sects possess correct Trinitarian theology and orthodox Christology, though some, such as the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unitarians, and a few fundamentalist cults don’t.

Typically, the whole “Catholics aren’t Christians” diatribe are espoused by anti-Catholics such as Reformed Baptists like James White, not due to having a faulty Christology or Trinitarian beliefs (since their beliefs in these respects are the same as ours at the core levels), but more to do with matters of primarily soteriology and scriptural authority.

This does become problematic of course, because then one must take into account the diversity of Protestant groups and what each emphasizes as needed for salvation. Since there isn’t really a universal consensus that I’m aware of in terms of the specifics, it could very well stand to reason that heck, not all Protestant groups are Christian.

 

[Memaw]

Catholicism is a branch of Christianity. We are the original and the first type of Christians to have ever existed. The Orthodox broke away from us in 1054 AD. The protestant revolution was started by Martin Luther in 1517 AD. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox are the branches of Christianity. A Christian can be anyone who believes that Christ is God and is the Messiah.

If Catholism is just a ‘branch’ of Christianity, just who did we branch off from. We ARE Christianity, plain and simple, everyone else broke off form us, all 40,000 different branches. God Bless, Memaw