Are Catholics Christians?

Many years ago, I received an email from a reader who was upset by the Catholic resources provided on this Christian denominations page. He asked:

I am really perplexed. I came upon your interesting site today and have been checking things out, with profit. When I noticed all of the links to Catholic lists and sites, I was perplexed.

When I went to the list of 10 books on Catholicism, I was shocked to discover that they were promoting the Catholic Church...It has been called the largest cult in the world.

...How can you promote a church that is literally filled with false teachings, false beliefs, false ways ...? Instead of leading the visitor to the truth, all of those links will only lead him or her astray.

I'm concerned and dismayed for I thought that this might be a helpful site.

Are Catholics Christians?

I thanked the reader for writing and expressing interest and concern over the materials on the Christianity site. I thought if I explained the purpose of the site, it might help.

One of the clear aims of this website is to provide a reference source for Christianity in general. The umbrella of Christianity encompasses many faith groups and doctrinal perspectives. My intention in presenting the denominations material is not to promote any church denomination. The material is offered as a reference for denominational studies, as the opening article explains:​

“Today in America, there are more than 1500 different faith groups professing many diverse and conflicting beliefs. It would be an understatement to say that Christianity is a severely divided faith. You get an idea of just how many denominations there are when you view this national directory for Christian denominations.”

My goal is to accurately represent hundreds of faith groups and denominations on the site, and I intend to provide resources for each.

Yes, I believe there are flawed doctrines in the Catholic tradition. Some of their teachings contradict the Bible. In our study of denominations, we will find this to be true of many faith groups that fall under the umbrella of Christianity.​

On a personal note, I was raised in the Catholic Church. At 17, I came to faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior through the ministry of...yes, a Catholic Charismatic prayer meeting. Shortly after, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit while attending a Catholic seminar. As I grew in my understanding of God’s Word, I began to see practices and teachings that I deemed unscriptural. In time, I left the church, but I never forgot the many merits of the Catholic Church.

Christians Who Are Catholic

In spite of false teachings, I believe there are many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who participate in the Catholic Church. Perhaps you have not had the opportunity to meet one yet, but I know many born again, devout Catholics.

I believe God can look into the heart of a Catholic person and recognize a heart that follows Christ. Can we say that Mother Theresa is not a Christian? Can we point to any religious group or faith movement that is without flaws?

It's true that we have a responsibility as believers to expose false teachings. In this, I pray for God's prophets. I also pray that God would convict all church leaders who confess to follow Christ of their responsibility before God to teach the truth.

As the host of a site that encompasses the broad spectrum of Christianity, I must fairly represent all members of the Christian faith community. I am compelled to consider and present all sides of any issue. These challenges and my studies into opposing faith perspectives have only served to strengthen my faith and enrich my search for truth.

I believe it would do us all well, the entire body of Christ, to focus on what really matters, and to seek to unite and not divide. This is how the world will know we are his disciples, by our love for one another.