Folks, I have had a number of requests regarding Pope Francis saying that someone is “not a Christian,” if the news reported the story accurately.
For my part, I would not place myself in a position to know if any particular person is a Christian or not, especially when the person claims that he is Christian. Remember how Pope Francis said, “Who am I to judge?” Well, that surely should apply to the claim that someone is or is not a human being in Christ.
I may call teachings unChristian, but even in churches with essentially non-Christian teachings, one probably finds some genuine Christians.
We need humility and an awareness of what we do not know: the inner heart or spirit of another person. Judge the actions, not the person.
In Christ,
Fr. Paul
For my part, I would not place myself in a position to know if any particular person is a Christian or not, especially when the person claims that he is Christian. Remember how Pope Francis said, “Who am I to judge?” Well, that surely should apply to the claim that someone is or is not a human being in Christ.
I may call teachings unChristian, but even in churches with essentially non-Christian teachings, one probably finds some genuine Christians.
We need humility and an awareness of what we do not know: the inner heart or spirit of another person. Judge the actions, not the person.
In Christ,
Fr. Paul
