I am catholic but can I be a christian?

Question

What is christianity anyway? Whats the difference?

I like everything what Jesus says, but I'm not always okay with what God says. Is Jesus okay if we use birth control? Is Jesus okay if I marry with an atheist?

There are so many stuff in religions.

I will never understand a religion.

Answer 1

A Christian believes that there is One God, manifest to man as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christian believe that salvation is offered to all people by the grace of God through faith, because of the work Christ completed on the Cross plus NOTHING.. If that is you it doesn't matter what religion you follow because more than that you are a child of God... Jim

Answer 2

I've got good news for you - if you're Catholic, you are already a Christian! Catholics are Christians too, you know.

As far as the teachings of Jesus and God are concerned, they are the same teachings because Jesus and God are the same. God, our Father in Heaven, is Jesus - God incarnate; two manifestations of the same One Divine Being, so the teachings of One do not contradict the Other.

The direct answer to your questions are:
No. Neither Jesus nor the Father are okay with birth control if it's intended use is to prevent the formation of new life.

I am not sure how the Church feels about marrying a Catholic and an atheist. You would have to ask a Catholic priest, preferably the one that would be presiding over the wedding itself, to get the best answer.

There is indeed a lot to learn when it comes to Catholic theology. Don't let yourself become overwhelmed. You will be surprised how fast you pick it up, especially if your heart is really into learning the Faith.

Answer 3

Catholics are Christians...in fact prior to the reformation, all Christians were Catholic. They were synonymous.

God and Jesus are one and the same. The son would never go against the father. So, birth control is wrong according to God and to Jesus.

You can marry an atheist...it could be a problem for you though. The person you marry would have to agree to marry you in the church and to raise the children Catholic. This is a must for Catholics. If the atheist you marry is anti-God and anti-religion...you will have a whole lot of problems.

The Church's teachings are from God. Obedience to God is important...even when we can't always see the good or the reason. Know that all things work together for good in Christ. Keep close to him, receive the sacraments and lead a holy life...you can't go wrong.

Answer 4

If you are Catholic, you are Christian. Christianity is the belief in Christ as your personal Savior. Many religions are Christian, the difference is many Christians are not religious. If you like what Jesus says, then you like what God says, they are one and the same along with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is OK with only one form of birth control, abstinence. If you must lust then you should marry. I think Jesus would be OK with you marrying an atheist. You could then take the opportunity to spread the Word of the Lord, through example. Just remember verbal insistence on converting should only come as the opportunity presents itself. And remember, the Bible states that all will be judged by their own God/god. Although belief is important, the example we live by and display is also important. And finally, there is not so much stuff in religion, only to much religion in stuff. God bless you and yours.

Answer 5

To be a Christian is as simple as it can be. Love the Lord, and do what comes naturally. What did Jesus teach? Love the lord your God with All you heart, mind and Soul. Feed his sheep, care for the lost the way a father would for his children wondering off into the dark. A christian will have a day in day out personal relationship with the Lord. He will be the first one you think of when you wake up. If you are really serious. Get you a easy to read bible. the word of God, maybe a New Living Translation or one like it, in modern English. Start in the Book of John read it twice ask God to open the eyes of your heart to his word. He will show you his love for you. You do NOT need a priest, Jesus is the GREAT HIGH PRIEST, go to him in prayer, he will meet you . About marry an atheist, are you shores you want to spend you life with someone who thinks your core self is wrong, waisted, foolish?

Answer 6

Your question portrays the unfortunate reality that it is possible to be a member of a church, but yet not be a Christian.

But the fact that you don't understand what your church is teaching, or even the fact that you question or challenge those teachings doesn't mean you are not a Christian. In fact, it is just that questioning and doubting that is essential to development of a healthy, adaptable and dynamic faith -WHATEVER that comes out to be, for you.

Jesus didn't speak to the issue of birth control directly (that I know of) but He did talk about "life control," in the second of the Great Commandments, to love your neighbor as yourself (golden rule). To Him, I think, life was sacred and anything that stood in the way of a full and happy life was not good -which is why he cured people and gave sight to the blind. And through Paul, we get the notion that an "honest" heathen is to be preferred over a dishonest Christian. (My loose translation, but that's the general idea). And so, maybe marriage to the atheist is OK. Jesus Himself didn't require people to be righteous to get his attention, and this we know from his admonition to those who wanted to throw stones.

Your questions, however, like all BIG questions, are tough to answer in the form of law or code. Rather, everything else that produces those questions must also be considered. That's the problem the ancient Jews had, and they cooked up over 600 laws in an attempt to cover it all -and then argued about it. Jesus said there were just 2 laws: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Everyhting ELSE he said, runs from those 2. So, if the moral situation you face can pass those 2 tests, its "OK" with Jesus.

The ancient Jewish problem with all its laws is reflected in modern churches today, and the Roman church probably has more than anybody, which makes it confusing. The best way I know to deal with this is to read, read and read what your church has to say and remember, all the while, that you are not alone in wondering, "what is this all about."

Your salvation is assured by His sacrifice on the cross and your acceptance through faith in Him. And nobody can take that from you.

Answer 7

It sounds like you don't know Jesus. My stepmother was catholic all her life and recently became a born again christian. She was amazed that she could actually go to church all her life and never know that she had to confess Jesus Christ as her savior to be born again.
Birth control is always ok to use.
The atheist thing is up to you, however in my opinion I can't see how someone who loves Jesus and has accepted Him as their savior could want to spend the rest of their life with someone who doesn't believe in Him.
I wouldn't worry to much about his faith at the moment. If you want to marry him though and later gain a spark for Jesus in your heart, this may cause serious divisions between you both. Plus, how will he accept your views when you have children? Just a few things to ponder while you go down the path.

Answer 8

The Trinity, God in three persons=Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Being a Catholic, you would know these things-so It's appearnt you're either not a Catholic or you haven't had cataclysm class yet.
Would Jesus/God be okay with Birth Control..Sure, if you're married and having sex-or using it to regulate your period. But if you're unwed and having sex, no.
Is Jesus/God okay if you marry an atheist?
Yes, as a matter of fact his soul will be saved by your belief as well as your children.
Being a catholic, you are a christian-the grandfather of christians as a matter of fact (Of the Church based belief system).

Eld "Kinda makes you wonder - why wasn't god smart enough to make his wishes clearly understood?"

It was mans error not Gods.

Answer 9

Where would Christianity be without the Catholics? It is from them that the other sects supposedly broke off from. It's too bad that Gnostic Christians were excluded even though they loved Jesus and followed his teachings. I would say that Jesus is very different than Jehovah. He never mentioned anything about birth control or atheism so go ahead. Just remember to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. The Law of Love sets forth that your conscience is now your guide.

Answer 10

Catholics are Christians. There are different denominations of Christianity. Which means there doctrine (belief) differs somewhat. The one thing that does not differ is their belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God with in the Trinity, he is God the son who died for our sins on the cross. Christian means to be Christ Like or a follower of Christ.

I will refrain on answering the other two questions. You should read the Bible and see what God tells you. (JESUS IS GOD - THE WORD MADE FLESH - GOD THE FATHER IS THE AUTHOR OF THE WORD - THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT, literal, OF GOD WHO DWELLS WITHIN CHRISTIANS) Also pray about it for an answer.