Can a baptized Catholic not be a Christian?

[polki]

My understanding is that once someone is baptized Catholic, they are “always a Catholic.” However, if a person was baptized Catholic, received the sacraments of Holy Communion, Confirmation, and even Holy Matrimony, but does not believe that Jesus is God, can they really be a Catholic? Because I mean, they don’t really even fall into the category of being a Christian since they don’t believe Jesus is God right?

 

[JamalChristophr]

It would depend on how one defines the term “Christian” - I think most would say that a Christian is a person who is following the person and teachings of Christ in a more or less deliberate manner and over a period of time that indicates some degree of stability with the choice that person has made.

It is quite possible for a baptized Catholic to renounce his faith either explicitly or by his manner of life. In such a case that person would either no longer be a christIan or at least one that has lost his or her way.

 

[Usige]

Strictly speaking we are Christian not by our belief, but rather by our baptism. It makes an ontological change that conforms us to Christ and is why Catholics do not rebaptize even those that have fallen away.

One who refuses Christ is not non-Christian, but is rather apostate from the faith or what is sometimes called perfidiae or “faithlessness”.

 

[Reuben_J]

My understanding is that once someone is baptized Catholic, they are “always a Catholic.” However, if a person was baptized Catholic, received the sacraments of Holy Communion, Confirmation, and even Holy Matrimony, but does not believe that Jesus is God, can they really be a Catholic? Because I mean, they don’t really even fall into the category of being a Christian since they don’t believe Jesus is God right?

He is then an unbelieving Catholic. You can’t take away what belongs to him.

 

[tweedlealice]

It would depend on how one defines the term “Christian” - I think most would say that a Christian is a person who is following the person and teachings of Christ in a more or less deliberate manner and over a period of time that indicates some degree of stability with the choice that person has made.

It is quite possible for a baptized Catholic to renounce his faith either explicitly or by his manner of life. In such a case that person would either no longer be a christIan or at least one that has lost his or her way.

Salutations
I agree. After my daughter’s husband was killed in Iraq, she became an atheist. I think she might be
coming around. I hope. So you can change
As an adult. Where is your salvation!
in Christ’s Love
Tweedlealice

 

[7_Sorrows]

Salutations
I agree. After my daughter’s husband was killed in Iraq, she became an atheist. I think she might be
coming around. I hope. So you can change
As an adult. Where is your salvation!
in Christ’s Love
Tweedlealice

I am so sorry for your daughter’s loss.
There are so many losses that people go through that can make them question their faith. Sometimes you do have to find reconciliation with God.

 

[thistle]

My understanding is that once someone is baptized Catholic, they are “always a Catholic.” However, if a person was baptized Catholic, received the sacraments of Holy Communion, Confirmation, and even Holy Matrimony, but does not believe that Jesus is God, can they really be a Catholic? Because I mean, they don’t really even fall into the category of being a Christian since they don’t believe Jesus is God right?

There is no such thing as a former or ex-Catholic. There are only two types of Catholic - those in a state of grace and those in a state of mortal sin.
A baptised Catholic remains a Catholic forever even if they turn their back on the Church and walk away.

 

[fhansen]

It would depend on how one defines the term “Christian” - I think most would say that a Christian is a person who is following the person and teachings of Christ in a more or less deliberate manner and over a period of time that indicates some degree of stability with the choice that person has made.

It is quite possible for a baptized Catholic to renounce his faith either explicitly or by his manner of life. In such a case that person would either no longer be a christIan or at least one that has lost his or her way.

For an infant or for an adult the virtue of faith must be present at the time of baptism in order for the sacrament to be valid and justification or the reception of sanctifying grace to take place. The faith of parents and community stand in for the infant while the faith of the adult is necessary for him or herself. With that an “indelible spiritual mark” is made upon our souls at baptism which remains for life but from there we must also continue living according to our baptismal vows. Turning away from God, turning to sin, no longer believing, means that we can lose our state of justice, that we are no longer effectively Christian- or are so in name only.