You wrote:
“I agree that only one church is catholic. But by “one church,” I don’t mean one heirarchical entity. I don’t think it is my denomination alone; nor any other denomination alone; but all who truly trust in Christ for salvation.”
The Catholic Church is not a denomination.
“I believe even the Roman Catholic church has officially stated that people outside the Roman Catholic church can be saved.”
Can be, yes. But there is stil only Church that is catholic - and that Church is the Catholic Church.
“If I am wrong, I’m sure you will correct me.”
Yep.
What we have here is a difference of opinion.
You and I both think there is only one catholic church. You think it’s the Roman Catholic church. I think it’s all who trust in Christ for salvation.
As for correcting me, does or does not the official Roman Catholic doctrine teach that people outside the Roman Catholic church can be saved? That’s what I was seeking correction on.
If they teach you can be saved outside of the RC church, then apparently, people outside of the one holy Roman catholic apostolic church can be saved; which begs the question, why have a church at all?
I do believe we should indeed have a church, formal, with sacraments and so forth; I am just pointing out the logical consequence of saying on the one hand the Roman Catholic church is the only church; yet you can be saved if you are outside of it.
I say there is only one catholic church, consisting of all believers over all of time; and you can’t be saved if you are outside of it.