[steve86]

I hadn’t thought about the distinction in decades if ever but I do believe you folks are correct. There was no error in his statement.

Personally, I believe that salvation can be obtained through the Christian community, not just the Catholic Church per se. I feel the larger “church” IS the Christian community including the Catholic Church. If this were not the case why would the Catholic Church recognize Protestant baptisms? Guess I am more liberal on this one issue out of thousands.

[metmom]

Personally, I believe that salvation can be obtained through the Christian community, not just the Catholic Church per se. I feel the larger “church” IS the Christian community including the Catholic Church. If this were not the case why would the Catholic Church recognize Protestant baptisms? Guess I am more liberal on this one issue out of thousands.

Salvation is through CHRIST, not through baptism, denominations, moral living, Christian community, whatever.

It's an individual decision that each of us must make for ourselves.

When we do that we become part of the body of Christ which exists throughout time and space.

Paul addressed denominationalism in the first chapter of 1 Corinthians.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201&version=ESV

[piusv]

Because every baptism incorporates someone into the Catholic Church (even if they don’t realize it). It’s what happens after that that separate us.