... Catholics Versus Protestants: Are Catholics Christians?

Hi. As a born-again Christian, it is troubling to me how certain clubs and dating sites and other things (and especially peoples' minds) always want to know if someone is "Catholic" or "Christian," or what not. That is crazy. They should not be viewed as one or the other, exclusive...  Catholics versus Protestants? What?

As a Calvinist, for many years I considered Catholics to be way off-base and probably "not saved." Now, in the last 15 years or so, I clearly understand that "most" Catholics are indeed CHRISTIANS, who just believe differently on some points of doctrine.

Catholics believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of those that will believe upon Him. Protestants believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of those that will believe upon Him. Get it? What does Jesus say about Believers? Hmmmmm.

Sure, we may use different terminology and have varying "rituals" and things, but as believers in Jesus Christ and the Bible we are one (to the dismay of many on each "side"). The Universal Church (Catholic Church) was in fact the first and original Church, but not exactly as it is presented and taught today. (By all accounts, Peter was SUBSERVIENT to Paul, and a particular verse quoting Jesus about Peter is very much distorted in modern translation from the Greek.)

In the course of thousands of years things have changed, and the world (even Christians amid it) have become more and more Liberal. The Apostles probably would not recognize what they were commissioned by God to start and share! (Early "Catholics and Christians" were what today we call "Calvinists," before the term or man even existed. The Reformation simply attempted to get back to the Church's initial roots and beliefs.)

Here is the point: We agree on the basics, and what incredible basics they are! God gave His Son/Himself for us. Wow. Ponder that.

I was wrong to "judge Catholics" for so long, and if you are a Catholic or Protestant judging the other denomination you are wrong now. This is particularly true given the fact that neither Protestants nor Catholics "usually" know enough about the other's beliefs to even talk about them! HINT: Not all Catholics believe every word of the Pope, just as not all Protestants believe every word of Rev Billy Graham.

Catholics do and believe many things wrong. Protestants do and believe many things wrong. But - salvation and being Christian is NOT based upon Do's and Don't's or individual sins or ignorance. Jesus covered that. Get it? 

Most Catholics are indeed CHRISTIANS. Most Protestants are indeed in agreement with Catholics in a lot more ways than they (we) know!

~ Jimmy is owner of JIMMY HALL WRITING SERVICES (404-580-1501 / HJimmy577@aol.com ), where he carefully writes resumes, web content, business plans, and most other written material.