Are Non-Catholics within the Catholic Church?

This may sound like a dumb question, but really. Are Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical Christians (Non-Catholics) within the Catholic Church?

I have read many arguments between Catholics and Non-Catholics about what the church mentioned in the Bible really is.

Catholics say that the Holy Catholic Church is the only true Church (Being Catholic, I agree with that.)

Non-Catholics say the church is the body of beleivers in Christ.

I personally believe both, Non-Catholics are within the Catholic Church (Because it is the one true church Jesus Christ founded) but are not in perfect or complete communion with the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church.

What do you think? Am I totally off base here? If so why?

Thank you for your comments.

they are catholic with a lower case c.

They are members of the Church we mention in the creed:

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Welcome to Christian Forums btw! When did you join the Church (I came into her in 2002 praise God!).

We love conversion stores... (hint. hint)

Welcome again!

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Hi, Cary.

Welcome to ChristianForums and to the One, Bread, One Body Catholic forum.

In the haze of my aging memory, I think I remember the Pope comparing the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church to the "two lungs of Christianity".

I find comfort in that.

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Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:53-55

Please explain the difference between the big C and little c difference in Catholic. Why would there be any difference?

Thanks

[noflame]

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1 John 5:3 (NASB)
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome."

The Catholic Church (big C) is the visible church including the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.

I have read somewhere that the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church have the fullness of the Christian Faith.

The catholic church (little c) is the universal body of all Christian believers.
There is only one Body of Christ. That's the catholic church.

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Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:53-55

Well, I'm not sure if I would be called a convert. I'm more of a late comer.

My mother is Catholic, but not practicing. However, I was Baptized in the Catholic Church as an infant. That was the end of my contact with the Catholic Church until I met my future wife in High School who happened to be Catholic. I didn't think much about it but she managed to drag me to church twice a year (Christmas and Easter). We were eventually married in the Catholic Church, against my preference but I gave in (Her family insisted). About 5 years after we were married, I was having problems with stress in my life. I had a feeling of being lost and without purpose. I also had problems with nervousness and went to see a doctor about it. She suggested that I go to church, because a sense of faith in a higher power would help me with these issues I was having. I thought she was crazy, but I agreed. I started going to mass every Sunday and finally got enough nerve to ask the priest to learn more about the Catholic faith. He personally tutored me and I was Confirmed 2 months ago.

I feel like I am on a great journey and there is so much to learn about our lord.

1John,

Please be kind to our non-Catholic Christian brethren.

Specifically, I don't want any hurt feelings on Cary's thread or what is posted on OBOB.

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Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:53-55

According to Catholic teaching, Protesants are Christians, that is, they belong to the catholic (universal) church..yet we are separated by certain doctrinal issues.. a separation which we should all grieve and pray for healing for.

Michelle

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Shakespeare said 'All the world's a stage, all the men and women merely players.' He forgot to mention that I was the chief critic. I was always able to see the flaw in every person, every situation. And I was always glad to point it out, because I knew you wanted perfection just as I did. God and acceptance have taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us; that we are all children of God and we each have a right to be here. When I complain about me or you, I am complaining about God's handiwork. ----------------------Some anonymous alcoholic from AA, taken from AA's Big Book.