What do people mean when the use the phrase "a true catholic"?

[Cece1234]

Hi,

Hopefully I’ve posed this question in the right part of the forum; I was having trouble deciding where was the appropriate place to ask.

I’ve heard the phrase “a true catholic” bandied about in conversation but I’ve been wondering, how does one define a “true catholic”? And, who judges who is “a true catholic” and who is not?

I ask these questions because whenever I have personally heard conversations containing this phrase the tone seems somewhat judgemental and I worry that there is too much of a focus on judging others, rather then self-reflection and how one can improve one’s self. What do you think?

 

[Shannon46]

Hi,

Hopefully I’ve posed this question in the right part of the forum; I was having trouble deciding where was the appropriate place to ask.

I’ve heard the phrase “a true catholic” bandied about in conversation but I’ve been wondering, how does one define a “true catholic”? And, who judges who is “a true catholic” and who is not?

I ask these questions because whenever I have personally heard conversations containing this phrase the tone seems somewhat judgemental and I worry that there is too much of a focus on judging others, rather then self-reflection and how one can improve one’s self. What do you think?

A true Catholic in my opinion is one that follows the Catholic laws to the best of their knowledge, but shouldn’t really be judging others or trying to pick out who’s catholic and who’s not.

 

[catholicmamajoy]

A true Catholic in my opinion is one that follows the Catholic laws to the best of their knowledge, but shouldn’t really be judging others or trying to pick out who’s catholic and who’s not.

and I’d like to add that a “true Catholic” won’t be determining (judging) who is more Catholic or less Catholic based on which form of the Mass (or Divine Liturgy) one attends, what “social justice” issues one volunteesr for, or how one educates or “plans” to educate their children.

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

Hi,

Hopefully I’ve posed this question in the right part of the forum; I was having trouble deciding where was the appropriate place to ask.

I’ve heard the phrase “a true catholic” bandied about in conversation but I’ve been wondering, how does one define a “true catholic”? And, who judges who is “a true catholic” and who is not?

I ask these questions because whenever I have personally heard conversations containing this phrase the tone seems somewhat judgemental and I worry that there is too much of a focus on judging others, rather then self-reflection and how one can improve one’s self. What do you think?

I think people who refer to themselves as “true” Catholics are trying to denigrate other Catholics, Catholics they see as less faithful than they are. They’re trying to make themselves feel better by running other people down, a common malady in the human condition, unfortunately.

Pray for them.

Luna

 

[lindaharry]

Hello ,

My name is Miss linda, i will like to have a good relationship with you please write me with my ID (linda.harry27@yahoo.com)
so that i will send you my photo and tell you about me.

linda

 

[rhiannonh]

Hi,

Hopefully I’ve posed this question in the right part of the forum; I was having trouble deciding where was the appropriate place to ask.

I’ve heard the phrase “a true catholic” bandied about in conversation but I’ve been wondering, how does one define a “true catholic”? And, who judges who is “a true catholic” and who is not?

I ask these questions because whenever I have personally heard conversations containing this phrase the tone seems somewhat judgemental and I worry that there is too much of a focus on judging others, rather then self-reflection and how one can improve one’s self. What do you think?

The phrase true catholic, isn’t really being helpful towards one another and being judgemental of their brothers and sisters in Christ. As I just kind of notice what you are saying.

Only God knows the secrets of our hearts and he is the only one who lets us into Heaven. The rest of us can give each other whatever lable but they are meaningless labels to God and calling others true catholics as opposed to anything else isn’t the way forward - is what I think. We are all sinners and people do well to remember that.

 

[Befink]

Concur with other posters that those who distinguish “true Catholic” and “not a real Catholic” would do well to look in the mirror sometimes. Unfortunately it happens far too often, especially on CAF. The Church does not make any such distinction. In the end, everyone has their own relationship with God. Everyone receives communion who feels they are worthy. The Church is there for anyone at anytime.

In my case, my priests and RCIA teachers know I struggle with some Church teachings. Yet I was part of the Rite of Election last Sunday. There the Archbishop of San Francisco declared that I was chosen by Christ himself to join the Church and will therefore receive Baptism, Confirmation and first communion next month. Several hundreds of other people, each with their own story, were also chosen by Christ to be a part of his Church.

 

[PattiDay]

The phrase ‘true Catholic’ is not judgemental in and of itself, but could easily be so if used in a conversation in which one might proclaim oneself to be a ‘true Catholic’, with the implication being that another in one’s company is of the backsliding, cafeteria-style, the-church-can’t-tell-me-what-to-do ‘small-c catholics’. Using the phrase ‘true Catholic’ in that way would be lacking in humility at the very least. We are all sinners and are only true Catholics minute by minute and by the God’s grace.

 

[Todd_Easton]

I suppose a “true” Catholic is one who strives to be submissive and obedient to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in all matters, not just when it suits him as so-called “cafeteria” Catholics.

 

[rhiannonh]

I suppose a “true” Catholic is one who strives to be submissive and obedient to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in all matters, not just when it suits him as so-called “cafeteria” Catholics.

what about God?

 

[Todd_Easton]

what about God?

The practical expression of our obedience to God is our obedience to those governing authorities instituted by Him.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans 13:1-2)

Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

 

[Zekariya]

I am a true Catholic who sins a lot. God is gracious! Deo gratias!

 

[PrayHarder]

While this is the first time I’ve heard the phrase “true Catholic,” I think I can discern what it means from the context. I don’t think it has anything to do with someone’s perceived state of grace and is not meant to denigrate anyone. I think people use it to draw a distinction between those who try their best to follow the Church’s teachings vs. those who want change or reinterpret the teachings of the Church to suit their lifestyles (think any number of our politicians).

For example, there are many articles and books written that blast the Church in one way or another. And often times, the author tries to build his/her credibility by claiming he/she is Catholic, or was Catholic. The term “true Catholic” can then be applied to counter that person’s position as a way of saying he/she does not speak for the Church. Instead of “true Catholic” we should use the term “true Catholic teaching” so the focus is on the Church’s teachings, not the individual’s faith. Again, it’s not a judgement but rather a way to counter all the anti-Church propaganda written by those claiming to know and understand Catholicism.

 

[lutherlic]

IMHO, terms like this spring from the scandal we so often see.

As a matter of fact, anyone who is baptized or confirmed in the Church is Catholic. Yet it is obvious that a large number of people in this population are openly disloyal to the teachings of the Church – its doctrine and Magisterium.

For example, Catholics who never attend Mass, support abortion, support gay marriage, are not chaste, marry outside the Church (w/o dispensation), use artificial birth control, deny doctrinal teachings (e.g. the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist), etc.

Through their public example they mislead others. Often they directly promote schismatic viewpoints. Sometimes this is done while proudly identifying themselves as Catholic. Depending on the circumstances, canon 915 might apply.

So how to differentiate? Personally, I am not keen on “true Catholic” as once someone becomes Catholic they are truly still a Catholic. It can not be undone. I prefer “faithful Catholic” and feel that it conveys the distinction. Whatever is used, one should be charitable and not judgmental. It is safely used to describe non-individual behavior such as “faithful Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent.”

In cases where an individual is notoriously opposing the faith, it is also appropriate IMHO such as “that politician has not been a faithful Catholic” would not be inappropriate when someone points to him or her as an example of a Catholic.

 

[fred_conty]

He one who respects and listens to the church and knows the importance of the head.
He would highly regard the priests and bishops honoring their office given to them by
christ thru his church. He would prize the advise and direction that Christ placed over him thru his visible church. He would see the church not as an authoritian being but rather one that is protective and preserving of his love and faith for Christ.

This is the one distinguishing mark that really makes us catholic, our belief in His church from apostolic times to be a shepherd to us that we give it our fullest attention and allegence.

Just a thought.