Catholic or "Christian"?

[ESMDHokie77]

When my oldest child was about 13yo he was talking with one of his Protestant friends about religion. (We were converting into the Church at the time.) The friend stated that if he became Catholic my son would no longer be a Christian.

While converting I was told myself that Catholics aren’t Christians. Some yelled it and walked away…others changed their mind after our conversation.

Quite sorry to hear about the hostility you and your son faced. I am glad you’re a Catholic and hope your son has come to understand the truths of Catholicism.

On the subject, I’ve never been asked the question, but I give a hearty amen to being both.

Peace,
Phil

 

[Machisen]

As a Protestant follower of Jesus, I enjoy reading what my Catholic brothers and sisters are talking about. The question posed here arises from an unfortunate misunderstanding–that a Catholic can’t possibly be a Christian. That’s no less offensive than assuming that a Lutheran or a Baptist or any non-Catholic can’t possibly be a true Christian. The Bible doesn’t talk about denominations, but about saints, believers, and the “called out ones” (ecclesia). None of us is automatically “in.” What counts when we stand before God is whether or not we stand there in faith that the finished work of Jesus washed away our sin, and that the proof of our faith is a life transformed by His love. I suspect that what Jesus talked about in the parable of those who claim “Lord, did we not cast out demons in your name?” to which he answered “Depart from me, I never knew you” will extend to those of every label and name. Let us all follow His command, to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” As the Lord Jesus said, that sums all the Law and the Prophets.

 

[CopticChristian]

As a Protestant follower of Jesus, I enjoy reading what my Catholic brothers and sisters are talking about. The question posed here arises from an unfortunate misunderstanding–that a Catholic can’t possibly be a Christian. That’s no less offensive than assuming that a Lutheran or a Baptist or any non-Catholic can’t possibly be a true Christian. The Bible doesn’t talk about denominations, but about saints, believers, and the “called out ones” (ecclesia). None of us is automatically “in.” What counts when we stand before God is whether or not we stand there in faith that the finished work of Jesus washed away our sin, and that the proof of our faith is a life transformed by His love. I suspect that what Jesus talked about in the parable of those who claim “Lord, did we not cast out demons in your name?” to which he answered “Depart from me, I never knew you” will extend to those of every label and name. Let us all follow His command, to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” As the Lord Jesus said, that sums all the Law and the Prophets.

This is fascinating. Your wording amuses me. You pose the misunderstanding as “a Catholic can’t possibly be a Christian”. The question for you who is the judge of this querry as you pose it?

You speak of what counts as we stand before God. So then since no one is in, to get in we stand before God and say:

I have been part of the Body of Christ for all my life, baptized, regenerated, filled with your grace, given Faith, Hope and Charity, and the grace to do the works that are pleasing to you, so that I may be declared to be righteous by your Son, truly righteous and a child of God so that I may be ever with you. I remained in the bosom of your church, honored the leaders, did not base my beliefs on the bible alone or faith alone and I casted out demons in your name.

Or

I have been part of the Body of Christ, I said the sinners prayer, they told me to get Baptized, but it didn’t mean anything, and the Catholics tell me that it gives me grace, remits sin, and makes me a child of God, but I believe I am an acquitted criminal based on the teachings of Knox, Zwingli, Luther and Calvin, not truly righteous only extrinsically righteous and I do works because that proves my Faith is the Faith. I denied a teaching church, I chose to believe that I am saved by faith alone, how I got that faith, I am not sure, I denied your The Catholic Church is your Church as I was taught and I chose not to stay separated but I did cast out demons in your name and I believe.

Well let me see here now…what denomination did you say you were part of…and you pointed out that there are no denominations in the bible…Hummmm

 

[nechtangel]

Ha ha, i had a phone call the other day and the guy asked me what my faith was, to which i replied ‘I’m Roman Catholic’, to which he replied ‘Oh I’m a Christian, we don’t understand you crazy Catholics’… I just laughed at his ignorance.

Another time someone told me categorically that I was mistaken, I couldn’t be a Catholic, as I wasn’t Irish, and you had to be Irish to be a Catholic!

I find it very amusing.

 

[Little_One0307]

Ha ha, i had a phone call the other day and the guy asked me what my faith was, to which i replied ‘I’m Roman Catholic’, to which he replied ‘Oh I’m a Christian, we don’t understand you crazy Catholics’… I just laughed at his ignorance.

Another time someone told me categorically that I was mistaken, I couldn’t be a Catholic, as I wasn’t Irish, and you had to be Irish to be a Catholic!

I find it very amusing.

I love false categorical statements such as those, they are rather amusing.

 

[Izdaari]

Another time someone told me categorically that I was mistaken, I couldn’t be a Catholic, as I wasn’t Irish, and you had to be Irish to be a Catholic!

I find it very amusing.

That’s obviously not true. You can be Italian and be Catholic. Haven’t these guys ever seen The Godfather or The Sopranos?

 

[wondrousgnat]

I have been to a number of Christian rooms where the question Catholic or Christian came up. Got tired of it after a while and left.
Some anti-Catholics come into Catholic rooms to attack. Yet they never say what their denominations are. I guess if they don’t identify themselves they never are put on the defensive.
While we Catholics are almost always willing to say what we are many Protestants don’t. They often simply say that they are Christian. When I was a Presbyterian I went to a board meeting and heard a church deacon identify himself as being a Christian. I have even heard ordained ministers state “I am not a member of any denomination, I am a Christian. That’s all I need to say.”
For years it has interested me but never quite understood it.

 

[juls0621]

I’m not going to say if I’m a Catholic or a Christian or a hybrid of both. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ, and He is my Savior.

With that said, I see a lot of tearing down of Catholics of Christians, Protestants, Bible Based Christisans and vice versa: Christians tearing down Catholics. The Devil sure is happy with this post / forum because there is a whole lot of that going down.

Did anybody turn to the Bible to see what is the real truth in this matter, instead of focusing on who is right and wrong? Did ya’ll not know that tearing down other Believers is a sin itself? Just sayin’:

1 Corinthians 4 The Nature of True Apostleship: 1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

James 4:11 : 11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[a] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (Note here that “Brother or Sister” means a Believer).

Acts 5:29 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

---

I decided to use the Word of God in this post to denounce the enemy (the devil) so that the posts tearing Christians down no longer has any validity. When we speak the Word with love to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it shuts the enemy down. He WANTS Christians to fight over who is right and wrong. Why do you think there is so much angst in the Catholic Church to begin with? The Devil worked his way in. Once bitterness enters your heart against your fellow Christians- you are allowing the enemy to take victory. He LIKES it. But the truth of the matter is Jesus won the Battle. We don’t have to fight over which Christian is right or wrong. It does not please God, as shown in his Bible. Think of it this way: if you are letting your mouth speak something that does NOT glorify God: then do not say it. That includes Christians tearing down Catholics and Catholics tearing down Christians.

 

[Izdaari]

I have been to a number of Christian rooms where the question Catholic or Christian came up. Got tired of it after a while and left.
Some anti-Catholics come into Catholic rooms to attack. Yet they never say what their denominations are. I guess if they don’t identify themselves they never are put on the defensive.
While we Catholics are almost always willing to say what we are many Protestants don’t. They often simply say that they are Christian. When I was a Presbyterian I went to a board meeting and heard a church deacon identify himself as being a Christian. I have even heard ordained ministers state “I am not a member of any denomination, I am a Christian. That’s all I need to say.”
For years it has interested me but never quite understood it.

Well… it’s a fairly common view among mainstream and evangelical Protestants that denominational distinctives mostly aren’t a big deal, mostly amounting to style and culture rather than doctrinal substance. The differences between pastors and congregations matter more, and the differences between liberals and conservatives.

I don’t happen to be a Calvinist, but if I were, I could be one in a Baptist or Presbyterian church about equally well, and possibly in an Anglican or non-denominational church.

My church happens be affiliated with Assemblies of God, but if it were non-denominational nobody would notice, and for the first weeks I attended, that’s what I thought it was. It also could be Foursquare or conservative Methodist + continuationist, and not a single word in most sermons would be different.

 

[vsedriver]

Isn’t anyone else annoyed by the question “Are you Catholic or Christian?”

I don’t get annoyed easily but I do answer this question easily. I say “yes”.

 

[Publisher]

Well… it’s a fairly common view among mainstream and evangelical Protestants that denominational distinctives mostly aren’t a big deal, mostly amounting to style and culture rather than doctrinal substance. The differences between pastors and congregations matter more, and the differences between liberals and conservatives.

I don’t happen to be a Calvinist, but if I were, I could be one in a Baptist or Presbyterian church about equally well, and possibly in an Anglican or non-denominational church.

My church happens be affiliated with Assemblies of God, but if it were non-denominational nobody would notice, and for the first weeks I attended, that’s what I thought it was. It also could be Foursquare or conservative Methodist + continuationist, and not a single word in most sermons would be different.

When there wasn’t a Friend’s Meeting available…I worshipped among Methodists…no one knew I was a Friend as no one asked my denominational status in the two years I attended. I attended an Episcopal “Spiritual Formation Group” for about a year…it wasn’t until I was asked to participate in the eucharist that I let them know I was a Friend…and would gladly participate if it was understood I had never undergone the ritual requirements of participation…the priest had less of a problem with my participation than some of the members of the group.

 

[Qwikness]

When I was little I would get confused because both words started with a “c”
I knew Catholics were Christians and I knew not every one was Catholic. I just couldn’t remember which “C” word was what I was.

 

[chuey55]

I always say Catholic is my surname and Christian is my first name

This question sounds silly to me. Let’s twist it and ask it another way…

Are you Baptist or “Christian”

Are you Lutheran or “Christian”

Are you Methodist or “Christian”

Are you Protestant or “Christian”

And finally, Are you Catholic or “Christian”

see what I mean…

I’m going to start walking around asking people on the street, “Hey brother, are you Baptist or Christian?”

 

[Little_One0307]

I always say Catholic is my surname and Christian is my first name

This question sounds silly to me. Let’s twist it and ask it another way…

Are you Baptist or “Christian”

Are you Lutheran or “Christian”

Are you Methodist or “Christian”

Are you Protestant or “Christian”

And finally, Are you Catholic or “Christian”

see what I mean…

I’m going to start walking around asking people on the street, “Hey brother, are you Baptist or Christian?”

You know I never ever thought of twisting it around on them. Sounds practicial, I can hardly wait until I can do it, but I’ll wait for the classic Are you Catholic, you can’t be Christian.

God bless.

 

[chuey55]

I got another one

Baptist are “Christian” but not all Christians are Baptist.

Non denominational are “Christian” but not all Christians are Non denominational.

What annoys me is that these silly questions always seem to work one way in a Protestants eyes, but when you twist it on them, just watch how they get offended, even downright angry.

I hope this question disappears from their scripts

 

[vsedriver]

I go to the First Church of Christ; I’m a Catholic.

I have used a variety of answers which tend to make people stop and think.

I’m a fundamentalist Christian. (Catholics have ALL the fundamentals on being a Christian)
I’m a Bible based Christian. (Catholics complied the Bible so it is our guidebook)
I’m a non-denomination Christian. (Catholics are not a denomination)

 

[Publisher]

I wonder if “turning it around” on them will assist with answering their misconceptions and cause them to believe Catholics are Christians or reinforce their beliefs?

“A gentle answer turns away wrath…a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Just thinking out loud here…wondering if there is a gentle and loving way to correct…instead of seeking to “turn it around” on them.

 

[Little_One0307]

I got another one

Baptist are “Christian” but not all Christians are Baptist.

Non denominational are “Christian” but not all Christians are Non denominational.

What annoys me is that these silly questions always seem to work one way in a Protestants eyes, but when you twist it on them, just watch how they get offended, even downright angry.

I hope this question disappears from their scripts

Well as long as misunderstandings exist about the Catholic Church, somehow, regrettably, I don’t see this question disappearing anytime soon.

God bless.

 

[Little_One0307]

I wonder if “turning it around” on them will assist with answering their misconceptions and cause them to believe Catholics are Christians or reinforce their beliefs?

“A gentle answer turns away wrath…a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Just thinking out loud here…wondering if there is a gentle and loving way to correct…instead of seeking to “turn it around” on them.

Sometimes a question is a gentle answer and is sometimes the only answer that can be given. It is dependant on the way the question is asked.

God bless.

 

[CopticChristian]

I’m not going to say if I’m a Catholic or a Christian or a hybrid of both. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ, and He is my Savior.

With that said, I see a lot of tearing down of Catholics of Christians, Protestants, Bible Based Christisans and vice versa: Christians tearing down Catholics. The Devil sure is happy with this post / forum because there is a whole lot of that going down.

Did anybody turn to the Bible to see what is the real truth in this matter, instead of focusing on who is right and wrong? Did ya’ll not know that tearing down other Believers is a sin itself? Just sayin’:

1 Corinthians 4 The Nature of True Apostleship: 1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

James 4:11 : 11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[a] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (Note here that “Brother or Sister” means a Believer).

Acts 5:29 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

---

I decided to use the Word of God in this post to denounce the enemy (the devil) so that the posts tearing Christians down no longer has any validity. When we speak the Word with love to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it shuts the enemy down. He WANTS Christians to fight over who is right and wrong. Why do you think there is so much angst in the Catholic Church to begin with? The Devil worked his way in. Once bitterness enters your heart against your fellow Christians- you are allowing the enemy to take victory. He LIKES it. But the truth of the matter is Jesus won the Battle. We don’t have to fight over which Christian is right or wrong. It does not please God, as shown in his Bible. Think of it this way: if you are letting your mouth speak something that does NOT glorify God: then do not say it. That includes Christians tearing down Catholics and Catholics tearing down Christians.

Explain the Samaritans and Karaites. Why would Jesus say, we worship what we know and you worship what you don’t know. For all practicallity they were just different forms of Judaism.