September 2, 2005
One friend of the friars requested we comment on a provocative question they encountered which I remember seeing displayed on a church banner some years ago. The question is this: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?”
We should not underestimate the worth of popular spirituality which might come to us via refrigerator magnets, bumper stickers, or even groovy sixties style felt and burlap banners. One need not become an expert in ancient languages and spend endless hours bent over the musty pages of old manuscripts to find eternal truth. In fact, at times you need only to hop on the expressway in order to find some profound and practical wisdom, like “Easy does it” and “One day at a time”.
Now, back to our provocative question. What solid evidence could be presented before some judge to prove beyond doubt that you were a Christian? Well, if you hired me as your lawyer, here’s how I would state our case…
My first presentation would be both theological and canonical. This means, on the most fundamental level, to be a Christian one must first be baptized. So, my first piece of evidence would be your baptismal record. Yet, that’s not enough, because in order to be “officially” considered a Christian, your baptism must be valid. This simply means with the pouring of water accompanied by the formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” So, if you discovered that you were baptized in an emergency in the hospital or at home by a devout nurse or grandmother, “in the name of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph” – call the rectory – immediately!
As a side note, some “sects” which have an appearance of Christianity and who may indeed identify themselves as Christians – may not be Christians. I say this not to pass judgment on a person’s faith, goodness, or sincerity, but simply to pass judgment on the validity of their baptism. While Baptists, Methodists, and other “mainline” Protestant churches possess a valid baptism, sects like Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses do not. This is why members of Protestant denominations are not “re-baptized” when they come into full communion with the Catholic Church. However, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and some others must be – because their “baptism” which may have resembled Christian baptism, was not.
After I proved the validity of your baptism, I would ask you to take the stand and answer some questions. For example, do you believe in the Holy Trinity – three distinct Divine Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – co-equal, consubstantial, and co-eternal? Do you believe in the Incarnation; namely, that Jesus Christ is a Divine Person possessing both a Divine and human nature? Do you attest that He, and He alone is the Savior of the world? In this regard, once again, the sincere but misinformed people who come knocking at your door cannot call themselves Christian – they do not believe these things which we profess in the Creed.
Next, I would point out to the judge the fact that you worship God every Sunday, pray with your family, show practical concern for the poor and needy, and act with honesty, integrity, and charity in the workplace – even when you boss isn’t present! Then I would display your well-worn Bible, catechism, and Christian books and magazines. Finally, I would escort the judge outside the courtroom and into the parking lot, walk right up to your car – and without a word, point to some profound and practical wisdom displayed on your bumper: “You cannot be both Catholic and Pro-Choice!” Case closed. Break out the champagne!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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