Who do we consider to be "Catholics?"

  • Thread starter Thread starter ad_altiora
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
A

ad_altiora

Guest
Recently, I read a question on this forum from someone who asked what the difference was between “Christians” and “Catholics.”

Fr. Vincent Serpa responded:
“Catholics belong to the Catholic Church which is the oldest Christian Church and the only one founded by Jesus, Himself. Other Christians belong to churches, founded by men.”

My question is three-fold:
  1. Who are the “other” Christians that Fr. Serpa is referring to?
  2. Are churches within the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions considered “Catholic” due to their shared belief in apostolic succession?
  3. Is it incorrect for a Roman Catholic to refer to themselves as a Christian?
Thank you and God Bless!
 
A Christian is anyone validly baptized. A Catholic is anyone baptized into the Catholic Church or officially received into Her.
  1. “Other” Christians are any baptized persons who do not belong to the Catholic Church.
  2. If a Church is not in communion with the Pope then it is not considered Catholic.
  3. It is not incorrect for Catholic to refer to themselves as Christians. We are, in fact, the very first Christians.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top