Philip Kosloski on What It Means to Be a Christian

"In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke mentions the first instance of the term 'Christian.'

"'So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. (Acts 11:25-26).'

"But what does it mean to be a 'Christian'? Is there a common definition?

"To be a Christian, in one sense, simply means to have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how baptism is the defining mark of a Christian and so Christians are all those who belong to any and all of those churches where a Trinitarian baptism is performed . . . .

"However, being a Christian also involves a faith that is proclaimed and expressed through works. (We probably all know someone who has been baptized a Christian but no longer wants the title, because he or she has left the faith.)" 

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on what it means to be a Christian. 

To access Mr. Kosloski's complete post, please visit: 

Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: How to deal with distractions during prayer, according to St. Therese of Lisieux (8 MAY 18)