I’ve been a Christian all my life. I know the Bible and its truths. BUT… I have not been baptized. Do I still have to start out as a catechumen when I convert to Catholicism?
First, let’s make some distinctions with the term Christian: Because you have been raised with and currently hold Christian beliefs, it would be fair to state that you are theologically Christian. However, because you have not been baptized, you are not ontologically Christian. Ontology is the subset of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being. Until you are baptized, you will not “be” a Christian even though you hold Christian beliefs. This is because baptism imparts a permanent supernatural mark on the soul that makes the person a Christian. It is somewhat analogous to someone who is born a member of the Jewish people. Even if he later converts to another religion, he will always be a Jew because he was born a member of the Jewish people. In a like manner, a baptized Christian will always *be *a Christian by virtue of his supernatural rebirth in baptism, even should he unfortunately apostasize and renounce his Christian beliefs.
So, yes, you would be a catechumen should you decide to enter the Church because a catechumen is a non-Christian inquirer into Christianity. Your familiarity with and acceptance of Christian beliefs can speed the process along should the priest with whom you work believe that you are ready to be baptized, but I caution you not to be too hasty about joining the Church based upon your Christian education to date. It is an important step and one that should not be rushed unless there are mitigating circumstances that necessitate an earlier reception. The article linked below illustrates the dangers of entering the Church without due reflection and careful preparation.
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