Replies

>> So, would a Roman Catholic be insulted if they were termed as a “follower” of Il Papa <<

I certainly would NOT be insulted if I was described as a "follower of Pope Benedict XVI" (or a follower of Pope John Paul II, either, in fact most Catholics would take it as a compliment). Saying the person is a "follower" of a particular religious figure does not imply the individual agrees 100% with everything that person ever said or did.

>> AKA a “papist”? I would say that, learning from the past, yes, in the extreme and enough to torture, beat and behead (The Spanish Inquisition). <<

"Papist" is a protestant term and NO Catholic church or organization ever uses the word or calls itself "papist". Lutherans, on the other hand, most certainly call themselves Lutherans and say they follow Martin Luther's teachings. But it's an insult to mention it? That's like claiming the word "Mormon" is insulting to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints when they call themselves that (Mormon Tabernacle Choir, etc.) This is starting to sound like the "blacks can call themselves black but you have to call them African-American" BS

>> 1. Lutherans are not “real” Christians. <<

The only freepers I've seen make this argument are fundamentalist "born again" types who also decree Catholics are not "real" Christians". In fact, they argue only other fundamentalist, born-again protestants count as "real" Christians, and the other 95% of practicing Christians in the world don't count. Needless to say their idea of "Christian" is rejected by the vast majority of Catholics, Orthodox, and protestants out there.

>> 2. Lutherans worship Luther. <<

I have never heard anyone make a ridiculous argument like that. However, there are a handful of people out there who argue that Catholics worship the Pope, but they are a small minority.