By definition, anyone who is a follower of Jesus, and believes He is the Messiah, is a Christian.
In terms of being a "real" Christian, the fact that many are "Catholic" in name only, applies to all Christians.
What I do know as a Catholic is that many of us are like spoiled children, who take our many God given gifts for granted. I spent many years with little consideration for Mary or the Saints.
As a mother I really appreciate the example of a Christian woman that God gave us in The Blessed Mother. The world tells us that Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are idols. The New Testament tell us that a Christian woman is humble and obedient to God, no matter what. To think that the Blessed Mother witnessed her son being tortured, spat on, and killed, while never questioning God's plan is amazing. She carried her cross with love and continues the good fight.
The saints are simply a testimony to their love of God, under various circumstances. We believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and souls. Some Catholics ask the saints, who are now close to God to pray for us.
For example, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, was devoted to her mission of serving the poor despite the fact that she didn't always feel God's love, she was obedient no matter what.
Having witnessed the deviance and schisms in so many other churches, I appreciate the Magesterium. When I see teachings of Christ used a divisive tools, instead of love for God, I appreciate the Catechism.
It is great to be home isn’t it?
You, however, are much more gentle than me in your defense of the Church.
I agree with your assessment that there are many Christians “in name only” in the visible church, Protestant and Catholic.
And I also am humbled by the godly example of Mary as a servant of God, as a woman, and as a mother. Truly she is blessed. Mother Theresa is/was a challenge to us all, in her service to the poor.
We should all endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, but I cannot agree with you on the magisterium.