[ebb tide]

You know, Catholic or non-Catholic ... There are other choices, like for instance, “Bad Catholic.”

"Bad Catholic" as opposed to perfect "Sinless Catholic"?

All Catholics are bad when they sin.

[Mad Dawg]

Not so much sinless but, for example, sinning gravely but thinking it's still okay to receive communion. For another, a guy I know who thinks, more or less, “It doesn't matter what you believe as long as your sincere.” Or the couple who argued that not being married was no reason not to conceive a child if you really want one.

There are those who call themselves Catholics, go to Mass on Sundays, give alms, etc. But they do not work on aligning their thoughts and beliefs with the Magisterium. In fact, they see no reason to do so, see no duty to engage with the Magisterium.

They profess Catholic Xtianity with their lips, they think of themselves as Catholic, but they don't take the Gospel into their lives and minds. They've dipped their toe in, but they haven't taken the personal or intentional plunge.