I know, and that is a particularly Western, post Reformation (and to an extent even post 1053) conceit. Capital C or lower case c, Catholic or catholic, again in a religious context, always meant the same thing, the fullness of the Christian Church. Now today we speak of The Church (as we always have) and "ecclesial groups" but the terms "catholic" and "Catholic", for the overwhelming majority of Christians mean, appropriately, the same thing, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Let me add, meaning no offense to anyone in particular and certainly no one on this thread, that it is unfortunate that on FR over the years, a Roman Catholic poster, or two, has intentionally created the impression that the "catholic" church which +Ignatius referred to is the Roman Catholic Church exclusively. That is either the product of insufficient catechesis coupled with an excess of enthusiasm or an out right lie. I tend to believe the former.
"(You write very well in English and I marvel at your apparent ability to switch seamlessly between the inferior (English) and superior (Greek)."
And all the more marvelous when one remembers that I am merely the simple grandson of simple Greek peasants! :)
"I repeat; "You do know there is a vast difference in the meaning of "catholic" and "Catholic" don't you?
Pretend for the moment that you live in a country where English is the dominant language."
OK. In a religious context, there is still no difference. Sorry.
Head count is meaningless. (Head count elected Obama!)
"Universal Church"
Let me add, meaning no offense to anyone in particular and certainly no one on this thread, that it is unfortunate that on FR over the years, a Roman Catholic poster, or two, has intentionally created the impression that the "catholic" church which +Ignatius referred to is the Roman Catholic Church exclusively. That is either the product of insufficient catechesis coupled with an excess of enthusiasm or an out right lie. I tend to believe the former.
"(You write very well in English and I marvel at your apparent ability to switch seamlessly between the inferior (English) and superior (Greek)."
And all the more marvelous when one remembers that I am merely the simple grandson of simple Greek peasants! :)
"I repeat; "You do know there is a vast difference in the meaning of "catholic" and "Catholic" don't you?
Pretend for the moment that you live in a country where English is the dominant language."
OK. In a religious context, there is still no difference. Sorry.
I don't agree but that's neither here or there. I'll not argue further on this subject.
I'd be interested in your take.