Are Catholics allowed to consider themselves Catholic if they don’t live the Catholic lifestyle? ?

[Anonymous]

Because everything in Catholicism seems to be in black and white. Like if you have sex before marriage, you’re going to hell”

someone please help clarify this for me please

[Anonymous]

In Catholicism, it is believed that individuals who are baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith are considered Catholic for life. However, living the Catholic lifestyle involves following the teachings and principles of the faith, and engaging in practices such as attending mass, receiving the sacraments, and participating in charitable works. While Catholicism does have certain moral teachings, such as the importance of chastity and sexual morality, it is also a faith that emphasizes forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to practice their faith and live their life in accordance with Catholic teachings. It is important to note that there is diversity within the Catholic community and not all Catholics may interpret or apply teachings in the same way.

[NamerOfStars]

Yes; being baptized in (and not excommunicated- though even that's not quite being "kicked out") means you're still in. Having sex before marriage IS a sin, yes- so is looking a woman you're not married to lustfully. The idea is that sin is basically a universal constant; that's what repentance and forgiveness are for.

[Asker]

There’s no point in asking for forgiveness and repenting if that is indeed your lifestyle

[NamerOfStars]

To the contrary: there's ONLY a point in seeking forgiveness if that's your lifestyle; repenting uncommitted sins is dishonest.

[Agape93]

Yeah, that's up to them. Most catholics don't live that lifestyle anyways

[HaveNoName]

Laws of God are black and white. If laws were not black and white, how will you be judged? If you don't expect to be judged, what was the purpose for you to be here? Would you expect slightly left of grey and slightly right of grey to get same reward/punishment?

[strateguy632]

Not according to catholic leaders, sure students need to "swell the shrinking total of Catholicism" with secular catholics, but a catholic needs weekly mass and Confession to be catholic.

[abc3643]

You can consider yourself whatever you want. How others consider you is up to them.

Recognize this fundamental fact about the human world and you will go a long way towards being happy and recognizing what's important and what's not.

[BCRanger10]

If they are a baptized Catholic, then they are Catholic. Whether or not they know and practice the Faith is another matter entirely. But yes, they can at least say "I'm Catholic".

[jshm2]

Yes.

Most South Americans still consider themselves "Catholic" despite not even being close to most of the original Catholic church

[Kaneki05]

Religion is made up therefore anyone can by any sect of religion just by saying they are. It's not defined by state of objective traits.

[RavVid]

I think most Catholics tend to acknowledge their Catholic heritage even if they don't practice it

[exitseven]

Yes, they are Catholic whether they practice or not.

[Asker]

Well they’re very strict. Why would they even want to believe all they believe if they live a lifestyle that Catholicism wouldn’t approve of

[exitseven]

Everyone wants to go to heaven. Not everyone wants to give up sex.

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t stop Biden, despite his endorsement of baby murder, homosexuality, and sex changes he’ll tell you he is as Catholic as the Pope.

Which isn’t saying much these days.

[Alexandrubaschet08]

Simply, you are Catholics or any other denomination, BUT you are a sinerman!!!

[slatyb]

Allowed? They can believe anything they like.