As I’ve been exploring Catholicism, a recurring question has surfaced: Does being Catholic make you more of a Christian than being Protestant? Catholicism claims to hold the "fullness of faith," but what does that mean? And why is there so much emphasis on becoming "Catholic" rather than simply being a follower of Christ?
What Does the "Fullness of Faith" Mean?
Catholic teaching asserts that the Church possesses the "fullness of faith," which includes not only the Bible but also sacred tradition and the authority of the Pope. Through apostolic succession, it claims to preserve everything Christ gave to the apostles — from the sacraments to doctrines. For Catholics, this is why they believe the Catholic Church holds the most complete expression of Christian faith.
But for me, this raises an important question: Does this focus on the "fullness of faith" somehow imply that other Christians — those who don’t identify as Catholic — are lacking something essential? And how does this emphasis fit within the broader call to simply follow Christ?
Christian First: A Biblical Foundation
In the Bible, Acts 11:26 says that "the disciples were first called Christians" in Antioch. It was outsiders who gave them this name, and it was simple — followers of Christ. In fact, the term "Christian" comes from the Greek word *Χριστιανός* (Christianos), meaning "one who belongs to Christ."
When I look at this passage, it strikes me that being called Christian was enough. It identified believers in their most basic and important truth — they followed Christ. It wasn’t until AD 107 that the term "Catholic" (meaning universal) was introduced by Ignatius of Antioch. This was used to describe the global community of Christians (both Jewish and Gentile Believers), not a separate identity. So why now, as a modern-day believer, is there such a focus on being Catholic instead of simply being Christian?
Is It Just a Matter of Labels?
This is where the tension comes in. If you are already a Christian, why is there such a strong emphasis on becoming "Catholic"? It feels like there's more weight placed on identifying with the Catholic Church than with being a follower of Christ. In my experience so far, this focus on Catholic identity can overshadow the simple, yet profound, identity of being a Christian.
Let’s consider a simple analogy: If I go to the store and buy both chocolate and vanilla ice cream, I might encounter people who claim chocolate is the superior flavor. But if I add Hershey’s syrup to my vanilla ice cream, haven’t I essentially just made chocolate? We’ve ended up in the same place, just by a different route.
In the same way, Protestants and Catholics may differ in certain traditions or practices, but we both worship Christ. Aren’t we all Christians first, regardless of these other labels?
The Struggle: More Catholic than Christian?
One of the things that has deeply bothered me on this journey is that there seems to be more emphasis on becoming "Catholic" than on simply following Jesus. It’s almost as though being Catholic becomes the focus instead of being a Christian. This feels at odds with the simplicity of the early Church, where believers were identified by their relationship with Christ, not by a specific institutional label.
When I read the Bible and see how the first Christians were simply known as followers of Christ, it reminds me that our primary identity should be rooted in Him — not in whether we’re Catholic or Protestant. Being Christian is what matters most.
So Why the Emphasis on Being Catholic?
The Catholic Church believes that through its sacraments, traditions, and teachings, it offers the complete faith as Christ intended. The emphasis on becoming Catholic is about entering into what is seen as the fullest expression of Christianity. It’s not about being "more Christian" but about having access to all that Christ gave through the apostles, including the sacraments and apostolic authority.
But for me, the core issue remains: Regardless of these rich traditions, shouldn't our identity as Christians take precedence? Jesus is the foundation, and that is where our ultimate allegiance lies.
Christian First, Labels Second
In the end, what matters most is being a follower of Christ. The term "Catholic" may mean universal, and the Church may emphasize its fullness of faith, but my journey has reminded me that before anything else, I am a Christian. I follow Christ, and that is my primary identity.
Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or belong to another Christian denomination, we are all part of the body of Christ. As Christians, we are united by our faith in Jesus — the one we follow, the one who died and rose again for our salvation.
Just like chocolate and vanilla ice cream may have their differences, they’re both still ice cream. Likewise, as followers of Christ, we are part of the same Church, no matter the denomination or tradition. And in the end, it’s our relationship with Christ that defines us — not the label we wear.
So, while the journey into Catholicism may offer rich traditions and insights, the most important thing is that we remain rooted in our identity as Christians — followers of Jesus above all else.
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