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Author Topic: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?  (Read 829 times)

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Offline Geremia

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"Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
« on: April 24, 2017, 09:27:17 AM »
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    • Is "lapsed Catholic" a euphemism for apostate? Or is a "non-practicing Catholic" not the same as a "lapsed Catholic"?
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    Offline Matthew

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #1 on: April 24, 2017, 10:29:37 AM »
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    • Quote from: Geremia on April 24, 2017, 09:27:17 AM
    Is "lapsed Catholic" a euphemism for apostate? 
    I think it is.
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    Offline Geremia

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #2 on: April 24, 2017, 11:30:11 AM »
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    • The 1917 Code Canon 1325 §2 says, regarding the baptized:
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    …if he completely turns away from the Christian faith, [such a one is] an apostate; …
    Since one must hold the Faith in its entirely, and since "lapsed Catholics" deny the faith at least by their actions (e.g., avoiding Mass on Sundays), it seems canon law would consider them apostates, even if "completely turns away" only means "denies some or all articles of the Faith."
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    Offline Last Tradhican

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #3 on: April 24, 2017, 11:42:56 AM »
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    • Quote from: Geremia on April 24, 2017, 09:27:17 AM
    Is "lapsed Catholic" a euphemism for apostate? Or is a "non-practicing Catholic" not the same as a "lapsed Catholic"?
    A lapsed Catholic is a baptized Catholic that does not practice the faith, does no go to mass and the sacraments, but he does not deny anything about the faith, he just does not feel it is all of any importance, they are indifferent to it all (Around the world today, I'd say that more than 90% of Catholics are lapsed). They are what St. Peter Julian Eymard calls "bad Catholics" below.

    An apostate is one that separates themselves from  unity  with  the  Church  because  he rejects the revelation of Jesus Christ either partially or  completely.

    A heretic is one that denies a particular dogma  or dogmas of  the  Faith.  

    Schismatic  is one that separates  themselves from unity with the Church by  that person's rejection  of  the Church's legitimate authority which ultimately rests in the Apostolic  See of  Rome.

    "People often say, “It is better to be a good Protestant than a bad Catholic.” That is not true! That would mean that one could be saved without the true faith. No. A bad Catholic remains a child of the family, although a prodigal; and however great a sinner he may be, he still has a right to mercy. Through his faith, a bad Catholic is nearer to God than a Protestant, for he is a member of the household, whereas the heretic is not. And how hard it is to make him become one!"
    St. Peter Julian Eymard

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    For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Mat 24:24

    Offline Last Tradhican

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #4 on: April 24, 2017, 11:45:33 AM »
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    The Vatican II church - Assisting Souls to Hell Since 1962

    For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Mat 24:24

    Offline TKGS

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #5 on: April 24, 2017, 02:37:39 PM »
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    • If someone uses the term "lapsed Catholic" to describe somebody (or himself), I usually take it to mean he's pretty much stopped doing anything Catholic (e.g., he doesn't pray the rosary, go to Mass or other sacraments, etc.) but has not officially joined another sect of some sort.  He may or may not actually believe in the Catholic Faith, but he doesn't do anything as if he believes.  He might be an apostate, a heretic, or just someone who has despaired of any hope of salvation or who presumes his salvation.

    I've never heard anyone describe someone actively a part of, say, the a Lutheran church, as a "lapsed Catholic".  To all outward appearance, a "lapsed Catholic" has no visible sign of religion.
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    Offline Last Tradhican

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    Re: "Lapsed Catholic" = apostate?
    « Reply #6 on: April 24, 2017, 03:05:01 PM »
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    • Quote from: TKGS on April 24, 2017, 02:37:39 PM
    If someone uses the term "lapsed Catholic" to describe somebody (or himself), I usually take it to mean he's pretty much stopped doing anything Catholic (e.g., he doesn't pray the rosary, go to Mass or other sacraments, etc.) but has not officially joined another sect of some sort.  He may or may not actually believe in the Catholic Faith, but he doesn't do anything as if he believes.  He might be an apostate, a heretic, or just someone who has despaired of any hope of salvation or who presumes his salvation.

    I've never heard anyone describe someone actively a part of, say, the a Lutheran church, as a "lapsed Catholic".  To all outward appearance, a "lapsed Catholic" has no visible sign of religion.
    Just as someone can't be called a Catholic heretic or an apostate Catholic, you can't call a lapsed Catholic a heretic or an apostate, one is either a lapsed Catholic or a heretic (they become Protestants) or an apostate (they no longer believe in Christ). A lapsed Catholic is like St Julian describes a "prodigal son", he is Catholic.

    "People often say, “It is better to be a good Protestant than a bad Catholic.” That is not true! That would mean that one could be saved without the true faith. No. A bad Catholic remains a child of the family, although a prodigal; and however great a sinner he may be, he still has a right to mercy. Through his faith, a bad Catholic is nearer to God than a Protestant, for he is a member of the household, whereas the heretic is not. And how hard it is to make him become one!"
    St. Peter Julian Eymard 
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    The Vatican II church - Assisting Souls to Hell Since 1962

    For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Mat 24:24
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