Are Catholics Considered True Christians?

A number of Protestants have major issues with the Roman Catholic Church. Many of their doctrines and practices are much different than those of orthodox Protestants. Be that as it may, they hold to the major doctrines of Christianity such as the Trinity and the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they are considered Christians by most Protestant Church leaders.

Many will disagree but the problems between Protestants and Catholics lie mainly in the papacy. Only God knows what is in the heart of the believer and the Bible says that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Catholics do acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Still, there are those who argue that the Roman Catholic Church is seriously flawed due to its continuous obsession with the Virgin Mary, angels, and dead Saints. They teach a doctrine of works that Protestants strictly forbid which they believe takes away from what Christ accomplished on the Cross.

There are several members of the Catholic Church who don't agree with the doctrines and don't participate in their practices. They stay connected to their religion for reasons associated with lifestyle, business, and family.

Considering the fact that one's religious beliefs could very well determine where one may spend eternity, these are not very good reasons to stay with a religious organization that one does not agree with or believe in.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people whose family and business acquaintances have been closely associated with the Roman Catholic Church for so many years that leaving the church could mean financial suicide and rejection by family members.

The Pope is considered by the Roman Catholic Church to have full authority as the Vicar of Christ on Earth. He can change days and times and even Scripture and anyone who dares to disagree with him is accursed.

There have been a number of steamy issues between Catholics and Protestants down through the years since the Reformation yet Protestant leaders still acknowledge them as Christians; because despite their stubborn adherence to doctrines which Protestants vehemently oppose, they still acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior which qualifies them as brethren.

This is hotly debated. A number of Protestant clergy zealously oppose the Roman Catholic Church. Some have even predicted that the Catholic Church will ultimately turn against Protestants as we near the end of the age and will actually have them put to death.

This is all part of an end times scenario which is popular among some protestants. They believe the Roman Catholic Church is Babylon, the Great Harlot of Revelation whose corruption will increase as we near the return of Jesus Christ.

Those that teach this interpretation of Scripture earnestly warn people that the organization is corrupt and getting worse. They strongly urge members to get out and not look back because, according to what they believe, God is going to destroy it.

"Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." (Rev.18:4-5)

Nevertheless, even though most of the leaders of the Protestant Church today openly criticize and rebuke the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, they still accept them as their brothers and sisters in Christ.