“what an idiot. if you are “without Jesus” you are NOT Christian”
True but the message is to those who DON’T REALIZE they are not truly Christian. People who have joined the ‘Social Club’ so they call themselves a ‘Christian’ but do not truly have or know Jesus. Like the two who came to Jesus and said “Lord Lord” and Jesus cut them off and said “Why do you call me Lord yet you don’t do what I say?”
Jesus spoke of those who would stand before Him on judgement and say “Did I not (do all these things)in YOUR name?” and Jesus said “I will tell him, depart from me you worker of iniquity I do not know you”
It’s all through the Gospels where Jesus told people that they were not his followers even know they CLAIMED and believed they were his followers (Christians).
This is a message that is good, and right. Too many think they have Jesus just because they are part of the ‘Social Club’ but the ‘Social Club’ called Christianity - and being a real follower of Jesus are quite different.
That's not what your pope said to them...And your pope said nothing to let them know they are not Christians...But heh, they are Catholics so they must be Christians...They are just Christians without Jesus...
And ya, it's better to be Christians with Jesus than without him... The rule is simple: only that which brings you to Jesus is valid, and only that is valid that comes from Jesus.
“But if you aren’t able to adore Jesus, you’re missing something. A rule, a sign. The sign is: I am a good Christian, I am on the path of a good Christian if I do that which comes from Jesus and if I do that which leads me to Jesus, because he is the centre.
I realize the following is overused scripture but it is custom made for the instructions of your pope...
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Does any Catholic know the will of the Father???