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“That’s my point, it seems you don’t consider Catholics to be Christians.”

What I meant was that I do not see being a Christian requires this. I am not making an exclusionary statement.

I think a person is “Christian” if he or she identifies as “Christian”. The word was originally intended as a mockery of followers of Christ, and that is how it is used in the few places it is found in the Bible. Yet, Christians embraced the word because they were not ashamed to be mocked for following Christ.

In my opinion, there are many people—Protestant and Catholic—who identify as Christians, but will not make it into Heaven. And my opinion is that there will be some from both categories who do make it to Heaven.

I have a good friend who is Catholic, and I believe she is born again according to the true message of the Gospel. I believe she will be in Heaven. We avoid issues of debate revolving around the sectarian differences. But she also knows where I stand. I’ve jokingly told her she is saved in spite of the Church she attends rather than because of it, and she actually admits that most of what brought her to Christ took place apart from the Church she attends. She studies the Bible and prays, and I would not know she was Catholic except that she told me. We’ve had many, long and productive conversations about the Lord, the scriptures, and conservative politics.

I have another friend who is a lapsed Catholic and probably not headed for Heaven, unfortunately, even though he is generally a pretty nice guy—always helping people.

Another friend grew up Catholic but left it for a Charismatic group, but I feel he is not born again. My opinion doesn’t matter that much though. God knows those who are His.

My perception of who is a genuine believer and not merely a professing Christian, has to do with what I believe is the true Gospel message more so than what denomination they attend. Obviously I am biased to think those who share similar views as me are the true believers, and those who have different views I am suspicious of. And I think that is natural for everyone.

But when it comes to conservative politics I feel there is room for some mutual cooperation. We agree on major issues: pro-life, pro-family, limited government, and religious freedom. It is important that we not allow our religious differences to hinder our ability to work together in these areas.

This may be difficult if all we ever do is fight over who is a real Christian, who is obeying God, and who is going to make it to Heaven. And that’s even more so when it gets heated and the insults start flying.

Another thing we probably almost all agree on is that no one can be forced or coerced into being born again. Salvation is the work of God. I can not make someone believe what I believe by fighting them. We are not Muslims who believe in spreading their religion by the sword.

The Bible says to “let us reason together” on the matters of forgiveness and salvation. We should continue to have reasoned debates. We should have our private discussions and activities with those who share our views. And we should not forget to develop dialogue on the things we agree on, not just the things we disagree about. Then, perhaps, we can accomplish some things in the political arena that are mutually beneficial.

We’ve got some good Catholic and Protestant people in office and in the courts. We’ve got bad apples in both categories as well. We can cooperate to get more conservatives in these positions.