Why do some say that Catholic is not Christian?

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maltmom said:
When asked if I’m a Christian I answer yes. It’s only if the conversation continues and I’m asked which church I attend does the fact I’m Catholic is revealed. I may respond in this manner bc I’m a convert. The looks on some faces are priceless. I’ve had a few actually say, but you’re Catholic, not a Christian. I tell them that when I left Baptist church and converted to Catholicism my love of Christ didn’t go away. My friends, all of which are Protestant, now seem to have a different view of Catholicism than before.
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Let’s be fair, there are Protestants who also rely on their denominational handle to clarify that they are Christian. You give the right answer.
 
We are Christians…have been called Christians since the first century

First members of the Church were called “the disciples”… (See Acts)

Later called followers of “the way” …and it seems “Nazarenes” (see Acts)

then at Antioch we started being called Christians. (See Acts)

Later in the first century the Church started to be called “Catholic” (see St. Ignatius --again at Antioch --use around the year 100–Catholic Answers will have various things on this - he presupposes his audience will know the term so it was used already in the first century)

So in time Christians began to be also called Catholics.

Now a days we have many sorts of Christians --who are indeed Christians and our brothers…whom we call Christians …though we are unhappily not yet in full communion.

Catholics are Christians who in full communion with the successor of Peter. We call ourselves Christians all the time…Pope Benedict XVI when addressing the faithful did not usually say “Catholics this or that” but called them Christians…for that is what we are (see his homilies or audiences)

Other Christians have various degrees of communion with us.

As one early Christian noted (375AD):

“If you want to know who I am,” he said, “Christian is my name, Catholic is my surname.”
~ St. Pacian
 
maltmom said:
When asked if I’m a Christian I answer yes. It’s only if the conversation continues and I’m asked which church I attend does the fact I’m Catholic is revealed. I may respond in this manner bc I’m a convert. The looks on some faces are priceless. I’ve had a few actually say, but you’re Catholic, not a Christian.
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At that point I would say, “Oh. I thought you were a Baptist, not a Christian.” (Or maybe I wouldn’t.)
 
Bookcat said:
We are Christians…have been called Christians since the first century

First members of the Church were called “the disciples”… (See Acts)

Later called followers of “the way” …and it seems “Nazarenes” (see Acts)

then at Antioch we started being called Christians. (See Acts)

Later in the first century the Church started to be called “Catholic” (see St. Ignatius --again at Antioch --use around the year 100–Catholic Answers will have various things on this - he presupposes his audience will know the term so it was used already in the first century)

So in time Christians began to be also called Catholics.

Now a days we have many sorts of Christians --who are indeed Christians and our brothers…whom we call Christians …though we are unhappily not yet in full communion.

Catholics are Christians who in full communion with the successor of Peter. We call ourselves Christians all the time…Pope Benedict XVI when addressing the faithful did not usually say “Catholics this or that” but called them Christians…for that is what we are (see his homilies or audiences)

Other Christians have various degrees of communion with us.

As one early Christian noted (375AD):

“If you want to know who I am,” he said, “Christian is my name, Catholic is my surname.”
~ St. Pacian
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In my view, this is the most insightful answer to the question I’ve seen on this whole thread.

Thanks for sharing, Bootcat. 👍
 
As indicated already, Catholic was first used by St Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Smyrneans, A.D. 107, “Where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” It is from the Greek katholike meaning “general” or “universal”. Within 90 years it meant also “orthodox” or faithful to the teachings of Christ. (The Catholic Catechism, Fr John A Hardon, S.J., Doubleday, 1975, p 217).

Unequivocally declared by the Christ to Peter:
“You are Peter and on this rock I will build My Church.” (Mt 16:18)
“The gates of hell will not prevail against it.”(Mt 16:18)
“I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven." ( Mt 16:19)
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven.” (Mt 16:19) [Later to the Twelve]

Sole authority to Peter:
“Strengthen your brethren.” (Lk 22:32)
“Feed My sheep.”(Jn 21:17).

‘Christ Himself emphasized: “The truth shall set you free” (Jn 8:32), and St Paul: “the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1Tim 3:15).

Thus it is a fantasy to imagine that Christ’s Catholic Church is not what He formed her to be.

The thousands of differing non-Catholic sects, all teaching something different, illustrate the reality of the unwavering truth in Christ’s Catholic Church which teaches with His authority. No other has the fullness of truth.
 
The problem of “Biblical Differences” arises from the loss of the reality that Christ did not give us the Bible but His Church, and She authorised and gave us the Sacred Scriptures and no one has any authority to remove or add any books.

“Infallibility” is an essential as Christ Himself authorised Her teaching and it applies ONLY to dogma and doctrine as taught to the whole Church on only faith and morals as Ecumenical Council Vatican I defined.
 
Peter_J said:
Welcome to the forum, Michael. If you don’t mind my asking, how often do you attend mass?
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Several times a week. I’m the choir director for Sunday evening Mass. Tue and Thur daily Mass is offered at 6pm and I usually attend
 
jas84173 said:
I have been told before that being Catholic is completely different than being Christian. How is this even possible? I mean I can understand people saying say Mormons amd Jehovah’s Witnesses not being Christian but how can one say the largest denomination in Christianity amd not to mention arguably the original church which is suppose Eastern Orthodox churches can claim as well is the original church?
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I think it’s because some persons want a reason to look down on people, so they engage in religious bullying. I feel your pain; I get the same thing from my salafi brethren.
 
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