Why Catholic and not “just Christian”?
“I don’t follow a denomination, I just follow the Bible”. How often have you heard someone say this, or maybe you yourself have said it? It’s a very common line of thought. After all, what’s with all this division? Aren’t we supposed to be unified?
Yes! Unity is of God, and division is not. You would be entirely correct in saying that division is bad and denominations have greatly contributed to this. Through deception, Satan was able to pick apart the church and drag us down. So many churches disagree with each other on such important matters, this is indeed a problem; both cannot be right. Now… what do we do about this?
Matthew 16:17-19 says,
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
The gates of hell shall not prevail against [the church]. Say that again…
From scripture we can deduce that there is indeed a correct path. If the Holy Spirit has guided Christ’s church and kept it free from error, then all of the others cannot be of God. Anything that strays from the fullness of truth is not of God, and it is not God’s church. God is not the author of confusion.
Now, what about this one? “Catholic means universal, it just means we are all God’s children regardless of denomination!” Yes, Catholic means universal, do you know the context of the origin of this word? When it was coined, every church practiced the same teaching and tradition. The Catholic Church was called universal because it WAS universal - all christians were catholic!
Now let me touch on that last point. It’s factually correct that Catholics were the first christians. The apostles and church fathers taught what the church teaches today! They passed down their teachings generation to generation through what we call apostolic succession, which is ordaining men to “follow in their footsteps”. Through apostolic succession we have an unbroken line of popes, all the way back to Pope Saint Peter himself, all teaching the same teachings.
“But Christianity is a relationship, not a religion, like the Catholics do it”. Actually, it’s both. Let’s look at the definition of religion: “the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.” Sound familiar? It should! This is what Christianity, practically speaking, is! We congregate together to worship God, our entire lives are centered around Christ the king. Religion is not a bad word; James 1:27 even calls it good. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Religion is GOOD! Modern Christianity has perverted the word into something it isn’t; to many, it means just going through the motions. This is not the true meaning of the word, however. Christianity is a religion about a relationship. It is a religion about being loved and giving love. We Catholics practice religion in our daily lives. We pray, fast, give alms. We do good for others, we have faith, we help educate those who do not know God. We also worship as an organized body of Christ. We have sacraments which are God’s way of bestowing grace upon us. Yes, it sounds religious. We are RELIGIOUS, and that is good.
In a nutshell, Catholicism keeps to the original teachings and traditions given to us by Christ. THAT is why I am Catholic, and not “just Christian”.
Questions? I’d be happy to answer any genuine questions in the comments to the best of my abilities. I don’t know everything, but I would like to share my knowledge with others who desire it! 💖🤟
After sharing my perspective on why I proudly identify as Catholic and not 'just Christian,' I know many of you are likely pondering the deeper implications. The questions about 'Catholicism vs. Christianity' aren't just academic; they touch on personal faith journeys and how we connect with God. I remember feeling that same curiosity, wanting to truly understand what makes the Catholic path distinct and why it resonates so deeply with millions, including myself. One of the fundamental differences often highlighted revolves around authority and tradition. While many Christian denominations emphasize 'Sola Scriptura' (Scripture alone), Catholicism upholds both Scripture and Sacred Tradition as sources of divine revelation, interpreted by the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church, led by the Pope and bishops). This isn't about adding to the Bible, but understanding that the early Church, which compiled and canonized the Bible itself, also had living traditions and teachings passed down orally and through practice. Think about the continuity – from the early apostles, through the Church Fathers, to the present day. This unbroken chain, supported by apostolic succession, ensures a consistent interpretation of faith that has stood the test of time. It's like having a spiritual family lineage that informs every aspect of belief and worship. Then there's the profound role of the sacraments. In the original post, I touched on them, but it’s worth elaborating. For Catholics, sacraments aren't merely symbolic rites; they are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Consider the Eucharist – for us, it's not just a remembrance but the real presence of Jesus Christ. This belief profoundly shapes our worship, making the Mass the 'source and summit' of our spiritual lives. Similarly, practices like Confession (Reconciliation) offer a tangible experience of God's mercy and forgiveness, a spiritual cleansing that renews our relationship with Him. These aren't just rituals; they are personal encounters with divine grace. The visual and sensory aspects of Catholic worship also often set it apart. When I think of the majestic Gothic cathedrals with their soaring vaulted ceilings and vibrant stained glass windows, it’s more than just architecture; it’s an expression of centuries of faith, devotion, and a reverence for the sacred. These spaces are designed to elevate the mind and heart to God, incorporating art, music, and liturgy to provide a holistic worship experience. This richness isn't just for show; it’s part of how we engage all our senses in worshipping God and connecting with the divine mystery. Finally, while all Christians seek a relationship with God, Catholicism integrates this relationship within a structured, universal community. The term 'Catholic' truly means 'universal,' and experiencing this global unity – knowing that millions around the world are celebrating the same Mass, adhering to the same core doctrines, and praying in union – fosters a deep sense of belonging. It’s a relationship within a family, a vast spiritual family guided by a continuous tradition. This sense of continuity, community, and the profound means of grace offered through the sacraments are, for me, why the Catholic faith offers a uniquely full and rich Christian experience.
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