ChristianCatholic

ChristianCatholic is a term used to describe individuals who profess to hold the beliefs of both Christianity and Catholicism. The concept has its roots in the historic Christian Church, where the communion and worship were practiced without the type of denominationalism that developed over the centuries.

Throughout the early centuries of Christianity, all followers of Jesus Christ referred to themselves as Christians, regardless of their specific traditions or practices. The term Catholic, derived from the Greek word katholikos, which means universal, emerged as a way to distinguish the early Christian Church in full communion from smaller, local congregations and later, from the proliferation of different denominations in the post-Reformation era.

The Catholic Church, with its ecumenical councils and apostolic succession, acted as the central authority and locator of the doctrinal traditions that became known as orthodoxy. ChristianCatholic identifies a fusion of the post-apostolic spirituality with a vision of a non-sectarian, hierarchical Church in continuity with Jesus' preaching and practice. In this view, Christian and Catholic are interchangeable terms, describing the universal nature of the early Christian Church.

This understanding gained influence in the modern ecumenical movement, where ChristianCatholics, also known as Universal Catholics or Catholic Christians, seek to transcend denominational divisions and uphold a singular, apostolic communion. Their commitment to shared revelation, inherited apostolic tradition, and reverence for Christ's institution remains central to this ideal. This concept serves as a bridge between denominations and traditions, attracting attention in discussions about the environment and the unity of Christians.