Since the largest group of people professing to be Christian are Roman Catholic (I think) and an even larger number of people call themselves catholic (though the term is more often used to mean the Roman Catholics in particular) then I think by taking the most common usage of the word "Christian" we can come to no other conclusion than - Yes:Catholics are Christian.
Originally posted by 7ate9That pastor sounds coooooooool.
This is something the pastor of the church I went to when I was a child tried to show. He stopped services every second sunday. BOY, you should have seen how many nutty people were in the church kicking up a stink. He ended up shifting to Aussie. Yeah, that would be the best move I've ever seen in a church... as it goes to show Jesus isn't contained within four walls or owned by a denomination... He is there for anyone. 🙂.
Originally posted by Bosse de NageAh but you see, only having it in Latin isn't so that it is more pure but so that only those deemed worthy of reading it can read it. Everyone else just has to trust them that what they claim is in there actually is.
But the Latin version's already a translation! Oh, bother...Have to start channeling in Aramaic.
Originally posted by 7ate9I believe Jesus was a failed revolutionary, which does not mean he is/was "the Christ".
Christians are not people defined by any denomination or within four walls of a church. Christians are simply ANYONE who believes in Jesus. Simple... John 3:16.
There's a substantial difference between the Christ of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Christ of the Disciples of Christ, to say nothing of Baptists, Roman Catholics, Russian Orthodox, etc.
Originally posted by 7ate9Protestants generally misunderstand the veneration of Mary, while they ask eash other for prayer the same way Catholics ask Mary for intercession.
I think (Roman) Catholics diverge from the majority of Christians in the fact they place so much emphasis on Mary. She is worshipped like a god in some places
Originally posted by amannionIt is... but it's also understandable given the circumstances.
This has got to be the stupidest question ever.
If someone calls themselves a Christian then they're a Christian.
1) Saladin is a Moslem, not of Christian stock, so he's trying to understand a question raised.
2) Many odd people of various protestant fundamentalist backgrounds that post here will continue to insist that their particular obscure heresy is "the one true faith", as otherwise there's not much 'gusto' in belonging to an obscure heretical cult if you realise you're signing up for eternal damnation in the next life AND waving any dignity you might have had 'addio' in this.
😉
Originally posted by twhiteheadI'd say no "Roman Catholic" would ever define himself as such, as it's plainly ridiculous. hich other kind is there?? In England, for example, they might ask: 'Are you Roman Catholic?'... because there are bloody Anglican/Catholics or something. What a load. Three dodgy vicars sipping tea mean we have to specify? Purlease...
If you wish to discuss whether Roman Catholics (is that what was meant by Catholics - a much broader term) fit.
Catholic is Catholic. Rome is Rome. Leave it at that.
Originally posted by lucifershammerI'd say you can have an atheist Christian... why not?
Can't you have atheist Christians then?
The term 'Christian' has a well-understood (if not well-articulated) meaning that is more than just "anyone who calls himself a Christian".
Because I'd define Christian in that sense as cultural. And someone who has grown - up in a Christian country can be the staunchest atheist, but still have many Christian customs, attitudes and practices, whether he knows it or not. Would you not agree?
Originally posted by lucifershammerNice point. Catholic means universal.
Nitpick: What you cited earlier was the Apostle's Creed, not the Nicene Creed.
The word 'catholic' in the creeds refer to the whole Universal Church (i.e. the entirety of the people of God), correct. But that's not the same as saying every institutional church is 'catholic'.
Nevertheless, I've always been a little curious as to how denominations ...[text shortened]... that reject apostolic succession nevertheless profess their faith in an apostolic Church.
And as for your question, I haven't a clue, mate. But I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.