Referring to ourselves as strictly Catholic

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When having a dialogue with our Protestant friends, especially with the intent to evangelize, is it best to refer to ourselves as strictly Catholic, or is it appropriate to refer to ourselves as Christian, especially if the person is of the mindset that Catholics aren’t Christians? Obviously, I know that we are Christians, specifically Catholic Christians, but I wasn’t sure if referring to ourselves as only Catholic can sometimes alienate our Protestant friends more. I feel that sometimes when talking with a friend who is Protestant, it seems to “break the ice” so to speak and show that we’re not all that different, to just say I’m Christian, especially when the already know I’m specifically Catholic, and especially when they have some anti-Catholic prejudices. What are your thoughts on this?
 
Difficult question, it seems.

Maybe it’s best not to use labels at all. I do believe it’s best to start from common ground and work from there.

That is what St. Paul did. I’m thinking specifically of Athens. (Acts, chap. 17)
 
I just say I’m Catholic to avoid confusing people. Too many of my family, friends and acquaintances think there’s a difference between Catholic and Christian to the point where if I’m go out as say “I’m Christian” it’s just going to make people think I’m an Evangelical Protestant which isn’t a bad thing but that’s not me and I want people to know me.

I know this sounds horrible, but the reason why I’m kind of tired trying to educate people is either because they don’t learn because it doesn’t stick or they don’t want to because they don’t care. Maybe someone can help me out with this?
 
followingtheway said:
I just say I’m Catholic to avoid confusing people. Too many of my family, friends and acquaintances think there’s a difference between Catholic and Christian to the point where if I’m go out as say “I’m Christian” it’s just going to make people think I’m an Evangelical Protestant which isn’t a bad thing but that’s not me and I want people to know me.

I know this sounds horrible, but the reason why I’m kind of tired trying to educate people is either because they don’t learn because it doesn’t stick or they don’t want to because they don’t care. Maybe someone can help me out with this?
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You know the old tale of the Catholic priest in a hospital. He stopped at a bed, and asked the patient if he was a Catholic. The man replied that he was a Christian. The priest apologized and moved on.
 
eamonnroma said:
You know the old tale of the Catholic priest in a hospital. He stopped at a bed, and asked the patient if he was a Catholic. The man replied that he was a Christian. The priest apologized and moved on.
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Interesting. Lesson learned then in my case. lol :cool:
 
strings385 said:
When having a dialogue with our Protestant friends, especially with the intent to evangelize, is it best to refer to ourselves as strictly Catholic, or is it appropriate to refer to ourselves as Christian, especially if the person is of the mindset that Catholics aren’t Christians? Obviously, I know that we are Christians, specifically Catholic Christians, but I wasn’t sure if referring to ourselves as only Catholic can sometimes alienate our Protestant friends more. I feel that sometimes when talking with a friend who is Protestant, it seems to “break the ice” so to speak and show that we’re not all that different, to just say I’m Christian, especially when the already know I’m specifically Catholic, and especially when they have some anti-Catholic prejudices. What are your thoughts on this?
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It will always depend on the specifics of a given situation. It is certainly appropriate to refer to yourself as a Christian - since you are. Then just let the conversation flow from there.

Very often, if you simply say that you are Christian, they will think nothing more about it. Conversation will proceed on theological, biblical and philosophical matters for a time and it will only come out that you are Catholic when either a) They ask what church you attend or b) The views you offer lead them to recognize that you are Catholic. Hopefully by that point they will have seen that you know your bible, and will happily discuss things in a loving way.

If they are alienated by the revelation that you are Catholic…well there is nothing you can do about that. Happily I have not found this to be a problem in the vast majority of cases.

Peace
James
 
For me it would go something like this -

“Yes, I’m Christian, Catholic specifically”.

But in honesty, it probably wouldn’t take to long before they know your Catholic.

I disagree somewhat with Nelka above about how broad the word Christian has become. It seems that it now refers almost exclusively to evangelicals.
 
jimcav said:
For me it would go something like this -

“Yes, I’m Christian, Catholic specifically”.

But in honesty, it probably wouldn’t take to long before they know your Catholic.
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Amen.
What I like to do is, if someone asks if I’m christian, I simply say yes. This is absolutely correct and, assuming they too are Christian, we will learn more about each others specific beliefs as conversation moves forward. Like you say above, it won’t take long for them to realize that I am a Christian loyal to Christ through His vicar, Pope Francis.

Peace
James
 
A couple of weeks ago I was in the Barnes and Noble cafe, sipping my coffee and reading my Bible. A man walked up to me and stated suddenly, "Are you born again? I looked up from my Bible and said, “Yes I am, I am born again in the Catholic Church.” This time he was the one that was a little startled at my answer and said, “Oh”, we then exchanged some pleasantries and he returned to his table and I went back to reading my Bible. 🙂

I have been asked at work by an evangelical Christian co-worker if I was Christian? I answered “Yes, I am a Catholic Christian.” I won’t give up the title ‘Christian’ to please others who don’t think that Catholics are Christian!
 
CalCatholic said:
A couple of weeks ago I was in the Barnes and Noble cafe, sipping my coffee and reading my Bible. A man walked up to me and stated suddenly, "Are you born again? I looked up from my Bible and said, “Yes I am, I am born again in the Catholic Church.” This time he was the one that was a little startled at my answer and said, “Oh”, we then exchanged some pleasantries and he returned to his table and I went back to reading my Bible. 🙂

I have been asked at work by an evangelical Christian co-worker if I was Christian? I answered “Yes, I am a Catholic Christian.” I won’t give up the title ‘Christian’ to please others who don’t think that Catholics are Christian!
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When I am asked the question, “Are you born again?” or more often “When were you born again?” I answer with I was born again when I was Baptized as an infant.
I have many conversations with our non-Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ in which the question of denomination does not come up until that moment in which they ask me where I go to church. They are usually surprised to discover that I am Catholic. By that point in time they have become intrigued to learn that Catholics are indeed Christians.
 
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