Catholic Answers Focus: Who Gets to Be Called a Catholic?

[@dmd418]

Love this! I'm guilty of excommunicating people in my mind. I've been so convicted of this recently. I cannot believe how easy it is for me to become uncharitable.

[@raymondkoh1348]

I've been a Protestant for more than 30 years, taking the Communion weekly. In the last year or so, I have been attending Catholic Mass and have been forbidden from taking the Eucharist. I was told to wait almost a year to take the RCIA, then another year to complete it, get Confirmed, before I can even take the Eucharist. This is disturbing to me, as I read the conversions in the NT as NOT needing to become cathecumens in order to break bread after conversions. eg: Ethiopian eunuch, St Paul, the first 5000 at Pentecost, the centurion and his household, etc etc. Having to go through RCIA and Confirmation are stumbling blocks to those who are touched by the Gospel and wish to become Christian and receive Communion. Kindly enlighten.

[@wms72]

How do you know WHEN the Ethiopian eunuch, St. Paul, the 3,000 at Pentecost received the Holy Eucharist?

[@microbroadcast]

Thanks Catholic Answers. This was excellent instruction & clarified several important issues that frequently come up in general online discussions. Very helpful.

[@AaronMiller-rh7rj]

This was great!

[@CATHOLICAPOLOGIST1]

Wonderful explanation at 10:52 talking about people formally renouncing their Catholic Faith.

[@catherinecox8921]

This was a great discussion. I really appreciate this show.

[@kristinepfs]

Excellent explanations!

[@AnneMarieHooge]

This is an important topic. i appreciated it because so much of the political atmosphere (for me) is influence by my (now i understand, inappropriate) judgement about prominent people in politics and their positions/behaviors.

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

Whoa. Based on what he is saying, since the MAJORITY of those who claim to be Roman Catholic do not believe that the Eucharist is the literal body and blood of Christ, then most who claim as such are actually not "Catholic" and outside "the church (of Rome)?" And further.....They Need To Recant in Public? Whoa.

[@Kitiwake]

I don't know about that survey, Chuck. I m slightly curious as to the way and the context in which the question was phrased. Personally, I always accepted it without too much analysis until recently and the catechism describes transubstantiation but doesn't exclude other changes at the point of consecration and I m pretty confident many cradle Catholics are the same. Are we so intelligent that we can understand God's motivations? Just try to wrap you head around that idea for a moment.

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

@@Kitiwake I don't know when the study was done, it was a few years ago, but it shocked Catholic priests to the core, they spoke about it and attributed this to a lack of teaching. I talk to a lot of Catholics who don't know what to believe, or realize they don't have the right beliefs. Sheesh. This is true of many Protestants as well. Oh well.

[@rustycostner186]

The majority don’t believe the Bible! Especially your leader!!

[@thankfullyforgiven9611]

Great discussion!

[@coondogbob]

Great discussion guys

[@kj-my7se]

Recent converts are a little vague about why they want to convert.

[@holmes12001]

What if you were Baptized Catholic and renounced your faith publicly say on a website of another faith.. how do you come back to the Church

[@cykellett6143]

One confession and you are back. Then just start going to Mass on Sunday

[@AppalachianAcademics]

Once Catholic always Catholic, but you can be practicing or non-practicing.

[@madra000]

What does that mean bc that can apply to anyone even Lucifer, in the beginning he's in Heaven. So what's the use of shifting your religion if you don't shift yourself to it in 'truth and spirit' Hi to any moderator can I a I guess former apostate only believing in His existence due to shroud of Turin debate one of your theological professor Carlo is good I like him bc he's impartial; but let's say well any jimmy Trent Tim

[@yarafaran5010]

I was baptized and catechized but, during a horrible time in my life I identified myself as an atheist. Now I back in the Catholic Church completely, am I still baptized? Should I do something so I really back in the church?

[@faithbreathes9598]

Hey! I’m no theologian, but my understanding is that you just need to make a good confession ☺️

[@suetan2856]

Go for confession.

[@joecastillo8798]

@@faithbreathes9598 Perfect answer!

[@joecastillo8798]

@Yara Faran You are baptized forever. You just need to go to confession and you will be immediately free of sin. God bless.

[@yarafaran5010]

Thank you so much!!! 🙏

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

As an Evangelical who has a few genuine questions (since I don't know), but why is it a major offense when calling Roman Catholics as 'Roman' Catholics? Why is this so offensive?

[@Kitiwake]

Hi again, Chuck. it's offensive for want of a better word. It was first devised as a pejorative term by Thomas Cramer on behalf of Protestant England to "denominate" Catholics and sequestrate the term"catholic" for themselves. Because of that, to this day, scottish and northern Irish Catholics are regularly insulted by aggressive protestants by calling us papists, romanists and other non catholic names where a Catholic could be beaten up by a Protestant gang for being catholic. The Vatican's official names for the church are.. the Catholic Church or the one holy catholic and apostolic church. We are the Catholic Church of the roman or latin rite. There are other churches in communion with us who are not of the Latin rite.... It's not correct to call them Roman. The only roman catholics live in the diocese of Rome. The Catholic Church is not a denomination.. but it has many other Christian churches denominated from it.

[@kristinepfs]

It's not offensive unless it is said in a way that is meant to imply that Eastern Rite Catholics are not also part of the Church.

[@dianemarie8873]

It's not offensive. Just know that there are different rites. It might be easier to answer your question if we have a little more information? An example of something said, and how a person was offended by it?

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

@@Kitiwake But what if others hold that the, I'll call it here the 'Catholic church who has as their base the Vatican', as a denomination, even though you do not? So think of this, lets say that I say that 'Evangelicalism is not a denomination' - would you agree? The purpose for saying 'Roman' is because of the claim by the church of Rome that "it was the Catholics who put together the Bible," i.e., "It was us Catholics who have as their base the Vatican who put together the Bible" whereas the word 'Catholic' meant 'general.' I am a 'general' or 'katholic' Evangelical, but I am not of the church based out of Rome. That the church of Rome decided to hijack the word 'katholicos' is their choice, but so long as 'Catholics of the Vatican' claim they 'put together the Bible,' I am forced to use the word 'Roman.' And so it goes. I hope you understand.

[@madra000]

So the labels do fit, your for the pope by default and rome bc he's the bishop of Rome, but he's the pope of all who hold to him? No why should u be against it?

[@TrumpeterOnFire]

Something I don't exactly understand, as a protestant: What is meant by 'believe' here? I find it hard, if not impossible to 'believe' things I do not understand. That doesn't mean I write them off as impossible, I just don't really have conviction because of my lack of understanding. There are many things that the catholic church teaches that I am ambivalent about. They wouldn't hinder me from accepting the catholic faith because of some form of rejection of them, but I'm also not convicted to the core about their truth. I don't hear God speaking to me through certain issues. Most of the Marian Dogmas fit here. I don't see why they couldn't be true, and I wouldn't reject the Catholic faith because of them, but I'm not deeply convicted. I normally wouldn't say I "believe" them simply because I don't reject them.

[@sarasofiacastro4537]

I can totally relate. I too have trouble understanding some Church teachings.. i just think about my nephew who asks me why he has to do things he doesn't understand (like going to bed when hes not sleepy) the reason why and i ask him to trust me that i know better. So il trust the Church, and the Holy Spirit to keep her from error.🙏 God bless you!

[@bradleywilliams9896]

That's a very modern approach to religion. Running the Faith through the filter of our own comfort and ability to comprehend is not a luxury we have.

[@TrumpeterOnFire]

@@bradleywilliams9896 it's a question, not an answer.

[@martinkennedy4765]

Is this live ?

[@nightyew2160]

I believe Catholic Answers Focus is usually prerecorded.

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

Also, and this is from the perspective of an Evangelical, but 'Roman' Catholics have a habit of referring to me as a 'brother.' Or, 'brother in the Lord.' Especially taking into consideration some who have said (or think without admitting) "According to the church (of Rome), you are a heretic." So if I, as an Evangelical, do not believe that MOST Roman Catholics are NOT my brother in the Lord (although some are truly saved in Christ however most are not) - what is the least offensive way to address this apart from saying "No, you believe in faith PLUS PERSONAL MERIT to increase in justification and gain eternal life later IN LIEU OF receiving eternal life FRONT LOADED, and obtaining all the righteousness from Christ that I need UP FRONT - thus we are not a brothers in the Lord PER LUKE Chapter 18, since in fact you are headed to the Lake of Fire..." ...what is the most palatable way to say "Nope, sorry, we're Most Likely not brothers in the Lord"?

[@Kitiwake]

Hello again Chuck ..as far as I know brother, protestantism is a heresy but Protestants are not heretics. I mean you didn't invent the heresy, did you. And it's what you personally hold to be true with the knowledge that you have. All Protestants are considered our separated brethren and since at least Vatican II it was made official.

[@nenabunena]

Faith without works is dead. You follow Martin Luther who says you have to sin and to sin greatly to be a good Christian/Protestant, you go against the Church, the Bible, and Christ most of all.

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

@@Kitiwake Since I don't hold to the actual physical Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, and since I hold that to be justified before God is by faith PLUS NOTHING, technically I am a heretic. 'Catholics' (based out of the Vatican) have said that to me, about me, but that's okay, that they say that opens doors to conversations, which is what I am after.

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

@@nenabunena faith without works is a faith that never truly justified, regenerated and propitiated to begin with. Many have 'faith,' even demons have faith, but true saving faith will have works prepared by the Lord Himself ahead of time. These works after coming to a saving faith PLUS NOTHING to be justified in God's sight does not add to my justification or the receiving of eternal life, however. I pursue santification not to obtain eternal life, but to express dedication and love toward the Lord for WHAT HE ALREADY DID FOR ME, WHAT HE ALREADY GAVE ME. If you don't believe this, then I hope that within your lifetime you will repent and believe with the right kind of faith that leads to true salvation.

[@sandynietzold9523]

Where in the Bible does it talk about " a man with dark skin will rule the country "

[@joana7245]

19:20

[@williamk70]

If I don't reject the Church's teaching on fornication (or abortion), I believe it's a sin (yes I believe abortion is immoral) but I fight anyone who thinks fornication (or abortion) should be illegal, am I anti catholic??Should I be excommunicated?

[@carissstewart3211]

You believe abortion is immoral. Why? The Church teaches that Abortion is intrinsically evil because it takes the life of an innocent human being. Do you agree with that? But you don't think the killing of an innocent human should be illegal?

[@williamk70]

@@carissstewart3211 If you can find a way to LEGALLY define an embryo as a person without turning the country into a surveillance state, yes it should be illegal. But, please take the time to understand what it actually means for the government, for the woman and for our legal system: A DANGEROUS MESS!!

[@carissstewart3211]

@@williamk70 In other words, you're fine with the deliberate killing of human beings in the name of social stability? Since you specifically claimed that extending legal protections to embryos would lead to some weird surveillance state, I take it to mean you oppose abortion after the 10th week of pregnancy? At what stage of development do the child's fundamental rights kick in? Are there other classes of human whose lives may be sacrificed for the sake of social stability? Bearing in mind pro-slavers also argued that the abolition of slavery would result in A DANGEROUS LEGAL MESS!! You need to search your own conscience on that one. If you reject the Church's teaching on abortion, you're excommunicating yourself and you'll have God to answer to for that. Bye.

[@eugenetys4552]

Who do you confess to man or Jesus christ

[@georgepierson4920]

Jesus instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation.

[@dianemarie8873]

Yeah Catholic TWITTER is a minefield.

[@AJKPenguin]

To be honest, about as bad as Marxist or Political Twitter in general.

[@kronos01ful]

What makes a person a Christian? What does Jesus taught?

[@jimarsenault394]

steve lovett Christian = Catholic “ One Faith “

[@kronos01ful]

Does anyone who say: I'm a Christian ! are Christians? What does makes a Christian? Believing in The Roman catholic church doctrines of the Goddess Mary and purgatory and the Pope ? The speaking in tongues from the pentecostals? The Sabbath keeping from the Adventist? What is a Christian? How you become one?

[@jimarsenault394]

steve unfortunately you have been deceived because no Catholic thinks Mary is a godess. Catholic Answers has many great videos about what the Catholic Church actually teaches I suggest you subscribe to their channel and watch a few, maybe call into one of the live shows if you have questions they would be happy to answer. Start out by watching this video you are commenting on.

[@garrybraithwaite5807]

@@kronos01ful You become a Christian by believing what the bible says about you and about God. In the Bible it says that all people have sinned and because of their sin do not have a right relationship with God. Because of your sin God will judge you and you will be found guilty. There is nothing a person can do to repair their relationship with BUT God has made a way for people to enter a right relationship with Him and this way is through His son Jesus: John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Believe this, turn away from your life of sin and turn to God, you will be a Christian and you will be saved in the day of judgment.

[@kronos01ful]

@@garrybraithwaite5807 ok ! I love it. Let me ask you know. Are Roman catholic Christians ? What about an pentecostal a Baptist an Greek Orthodox? They all claim to be Christians but denied each others doctrines. Are they Christians?

[@k9builder]

Alright. Talk about hateful. You're saying somebody baptized by a Lutheran pastor would be ineligible to be a catholic. Seriously, Martin Luther was more catholic than most priest I speak to today. He was certainly more catholic than the pope of his era. If I was thinking of joining the Roman church, this videos hereby denies me any chance of that and any chance of salvation. Gee, you guys need to learn how Fulton Sheen felt about those who were not catholic. I think you'd probably consider him a heretic too.

[@AppalachianAcademics]

Did you watch the whole video? Just because you were baptized in another tradition doesn't mean you cannot enter the Church and become Catholic. I was baptized in a pentecostal holiness church (thankfully they used the Trinitarian formula in that one) and my priest conferred with others and determined it is valid. RCIA should have either started or be starting soon for you, don't hesitate to go!

[@NicklasNylander87]

Whats the definition of "charity" ? I suspect it is not, at least, exclusive to giving money?

[@bradleywilliams9896]

From the Catechism: Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. It elaborates a great deal from there.

[@dianemarie8873]

Charity = Love

[@AJKPenguin]

Giving money from the heart involves and is Charity. Giving Charity may not always involve money. And usually it doesn't, unlike philanthropic efforts. Stewardship should involve Charity, if it's to be perfect.

[@charnelallan7159]

Its not about religion its an intimate relationship with christ being born again holy spirit filled set apart

[@jimarsenault394]

Charnel ALLAN where exactly does Jesus teach that? Did you even read the Gospels?

[@garrybraithwaite5807]

@@jimarsenault394 Jesus told Nicodemus "you must be born again". Jesus did not teach people how to become Christians, because Christianity is based on the death and resurrection of Christ as the lamb of God - a sacrifice for sin. Jesus came to the nation of Israel as Messiah Matthew 15:24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” His ministry wasn't to the gentiles. It was not until after His death and ressurection that salvation by grace became available to all who believe. So you wont find Jesus teaching how to become a Christian

[@jimarsenault394]

Garry Braithwaite being a Christian is being in covenant with God it is a familial covenant Born again through water Is Baptism the entry into the covenant. But that is just the beginning Jesus expects his people/Church to live their faith not just make a statement that has nothing behind it. Read Matthew 5,6,7 Jesus sermon on the mount is Christianity 101.

[@garrybraithwaite5807]

@@jimarsenault394 Yes I agree. Now you are introducing another topic into the discussion. The sermon on the mount does not tell a person how to be saved. The beatitudes give the characteristics God's people should have and in the case of Matthew 5 - 7 the context is: Jesus is talking to God's people the Jews.

[@jimarsenault394]

Garry Braithwaite try reading the end of chapter 7 again.

[@reginaoldfield6305]

Do you think that babies, who are not able to have faith, are not part of the Catholic Church?

[@godisinchargesueowl8599]

When I grew up there were 2 kinds of Catholics and for many this still is ,people would say either I'm a practicing Catholic or I'm a non practicing Catholic! Most people in my experience are very honest about this same with other denominations. ..To be a Catholic was being under Papal authority end of story ! I recently returned to my birth faith and was completely shocked by this new culture Pope Francis vs Pope Vigano 😈 now it's mask vs no mask Catholics. ..If Catholicism is still alive it's because of the Holy Fathers ! For 2000yrs you were either with the Pope or not like Luther and all...My folks were brought up Vatican 1 and the Pope was sacred ground now it's an anti Pope Vatican 1 or your a heretic...Everything is turning into complete absurdity. ..I find it healthier to listen to some old metal band than this toxic insanity (contradiction ) on every D"$# catholic religious channel! I prefer to rock ( of course lyrics monitored) 😊with our Lord than this vile hatred seeping in like a plague 😷😔😎

[@williamk70]

The fact that this priest keeps referring to pro-choice advocates as "people who think abortion is good sometimes" or "pro-abortion" betrays a serious, disingenuous misunderstanding of the pro-choice position. We cannot have a true conversation if u keep misrepresenting our position.

[@michael.a.covington]

What is it, then?

[@williamk70]

@@michael.a.covington It's not about abortion being good or bad (most pro-choice advocates would not recommend abortion to anyone), it's about whether or not we should give the government the power to dictate (by monitoring, investigating and prosecuting) what a woman does with her own body.

[@michael.a.covington]

@@williamk70 And so the issue is whether abortion involves just a woman's own body.

[@williamk70]

@@michael.a.covington As a legal matter, yes. The legal question is: should we give the government the power to violate a woman's rights in order to save a fetus and force that woman to go through some major changes in her body and in her personal life?? And the pro-choice answer to that question is NO. The fact that we do not want to give the government that power does not mean that we think "abortion is good sometimes".

[@michael.a.covington]

@@williamk70 Again, you're jumping right past the real question, which is whether the fetus is also a person that needs to be protected.

[@kj-my7se]

Recent converts are a little vague about why they want to convert.