The first, greatest struggle of the early church, as revealed in Paul’s letters and in the Book of Acts was: What to do with these Gentiles?
The early Christian communities consisted of two groups. First were the Jews who recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of their history and purpose. Second were converts from the non-Jewish world, commonly referred to as “Gentiles”. The big debate quickly became, who was Jesus the Jew to the Gentiles. Was the salvific act of Christ intended for both Jew and Gentile alike? Was Jesus the “Universal” savior? The answer was quickly recognized as “Yes”. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that ALL who believe in him might not perish but have eternal life”Jn 3:16
By 100AD, the church alluded to itself with a reference to this debate. It called itself “Catholic”, which means “Universal”. Ever since then, the Christian church has commonly called itself “Catholic”. 1500 years later, many Catholic Christians broke away from the historic church in “Protest” to both perceived and real corruptions among members of the clergy and laity. They called themselves “Protestants”.
Now, some 500 years later, however, it is common to hear the term “Christian” in exclusive reference to Protestants and “Catholic” to Catholics. Even Catholics do this! The implication is that Catholics are not Christian. As Catholics are the original followers of Christ and remain so, it is, at a minimum, a highly erroneous historical statement.
Even though we as individual practitioners of the Catholic faith, often do not live up to the ideal that Christ himself calls us to, that is to “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” Mt 5:48, we remain members of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church founded by Christ himself Mt 16:18. This claim is both a scriptural and a historical truth.
Thus: Catholics ARE Christian.
The real challenge is the same challenge that was presented to the first Christians: Do we live up to the name?
Lord, By Your Grace
May We All LIVE Our Holy Calling.
