[highlander_UW]

Let me pose a couple of questions for you.

Would you argue that all it takes to be a Christian is membership in a church/denomination?

If so, how do you arrive at that Biblically?

If not, then you would agree that any given church (regardless of rather it's catholic or any other) will have attendees mixed between "real" Christians (sheep) and false Christians (goats).

So does that church then lose it's standing as part of the "church" (body of Christ)? Or is the "church" wherever there are true believers regardless of the presence of others who are not?

If you agree with that, then I submit that the "church" is anywhere there are true Christians, regardless of affiliation. Paul wrote to the church in this location or that location...but it was one church, and the connecting cord was not a denomination but a shared relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus.

I submit that wherever there are 2 or more true Christians there is a "church", and that happens all over the world and it happens in catholic churches, in lutheran church, in independent churches, in non-denominational churches.

What makes one part of the "church" is Jesus, not a structure, physical or political.

[Salvation]

The next part of this series might answer your question.

The Marks of the Church

Stay tuned.

I would say that Baptism is more important than a church — and of course, in my estimation, a baptized person is baptized “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (A Catholic formulat, BTW.)

Otherwise, it is not a valid baptism.

You are aware that the Catholic Church does recognize those baptisms that are properly done, don’t you?

[Dudoight]

“If you agree with that, then I submit that the “church” is anywhere there are true Christians, regardless of affiliation.”

I accept your submission as most accurate....at least in my book!

[Petrosius]

Or is the "church" wherever there are true believers regardless of the presence of others who are not?

If you agree with that, then I submit that the "church" is anywhere there are true Christians, regardless of affiliation.

But what if a true believer is one who accepts the authority that Jesus Christ gave to the apostles and is now exercised by their legitimate successors the Catholic bishops; one who accepts the teaching of Jesus Christ regarding the sacraments given to the apostles and preserved by the Catholic Church?

[boatbums]

Well done! Good and important point. Thanks.