Comment more geared to why in the denominational sense. Plenty of Christian's that aren't catholic, just like there's plenty of catholics that aren't Christian.
It's a matter of faith. I suspect the Catholic Church is fundamentally more aligned with their beliefs than other denominations.
That's generally the answer you will get from any Christian regarding which denomination they belong to.
I'm a Christian but I'm not a Catholic because I don't recognize the authority of any humans within the scope of my faith. I believe all I need is faith and a relationship with Jesus. For example, if I want Jesus to forgive me then I will ask that of Jesus myself.
That's also why I'm not a Baptist - because I think that form of symbolism and ceremony is less important than a sincere relationship with Jesus.
It is because the repository of Faith is NOT in the Pope.
Catholics are only required to follow Dogma (settled science if you will).
The Church is much larger, much older, than a mere man, and under the Ultimate Authority of Jesus Christ.
Under cannon law, even a Heretic cannot undo Dogma. The Grace(s) imparted by Sacraments is not diminished even by a Heretic administering them (in most cases). Under Cannon Law, one should not materially support a Heretic( IE you live remotely and the only priest available is a heretic, you can still go to his mass, but should not donate in support of his efforts-and not just $ either.)
Further, there are long established remedy & method under law, to deal with Heresy & the Heretic, even a Bishop can't just stand up and accuse a pope etc, while the whole Body of Cardinals & Bishops can usually at most Correct the Public error of a Heretic, it's been rare to go after the individual, and as we can see when they do, it can even be a dig 'em up trial. (to correct the grave error posthumously)
The Church has withstood many Heresies and heretics over the centuries and will now & in the future.
Many people don't like Pope John Paul the 2nd, many don't like Ratzinger. I respect them both, for differing reasons. JP2 built a life on putting his life on the line, whether it was the commies, or his actual life. He was the only Pope I've known I would take a bullet for.
Ratzinger was more of a...Secular reaching out Pope...He wrote some books about his interpretation of science and faith and their intersection. I know, He looks like emperer palpatine. but he didn't thirst for the throne, as witnessed by his resignation.
Frank on the other hand, I knew was trouble from the start. Facts about Francis:
1: He is a Jesuit, of the NEW order of Jesuits. They weren't always so bad.
He is a liberation theologist, which is to say a communist. And given from he is from south america, it is a particularly moralistic strain of communism.
Basically I hold my Catholic beliefs, but I'll be dipped if you try to get me to take orders from a communist or totalitarian under any color of authority. Try to persuade me, fine. But say I gotta or I'm out of the church?
Good luck on that salespitch. And as Shellgame and Thiswillbeintheexam noted, It's not the first time I haven't trusted a Monsignior, or a Bishop.
So why are they still catholic then?
Because their faith in Jesus Christ isn't destroyed by a couple of sinners name Bergoglio and Ratzinger.
That's my guess.
Comment more geared to why in the denominational sense. Plenty of Christian's that aren't catholic, just like there's plenty of catholics that aren't Christian.
It's a matter of faith. I suspect the Catholic Church is fundamentally more aligned with their beliefs than other denominations.
That's generally the answer you will get from any Christian regarding which denomination they belong to.
I'm a Christian but I'm not a Catholic because I don't recognize the authority of any humans within the scope of my faith. I believe all I need is faith and a relationship with Jesus. For example, if I want Jesus to forgive me then I will ask that of Jesus myself.
That's also why I'm not a Baptist - because I think that form of symbolism and ceremony is less important than a sincere relationship with Jesus.
It is because the repository of Faith is NOT in the Pope.
Catholics are only required to follow Dogma (settled science if you will).
The Church is much larger, much older, than a mere man, and under the Ultimate Authority of Jesus Christ.
Under cannon law, even a Heretic cannot undo Dogma. The Grace(s) imparted by Sacraments is not diminished even by a Heretic administering them (in most cases). Under Cannon Law, one should not materially support a Heretic( IE you live remotely and the only priest available is a heretic, you can still go to his mass, but should not donate in support of his efforts-and not just $ either.)
Further, there are long established remedy & method under law, to deal with Heresy & the Heretic, even a Bishop can't just stand up and accuse a pope etc, while the whole Body of Cardinals & Bishops can usually at most Correct the Public error of a Heretic, it's been rare to go after the individual, and as we can see when they do, it can even be a dig 'em up trial. (to correct the grave error posthumously)
The Church has withstood many Heresies and heretics over the centuries and will now & in the future.
Because as Catholics, this isn't their first rodeo when it comes to False-Popes.
Thank you.
Many people don't like Pope John Paul the 2nd, many don't like Ratzinger. I respect them both, for differing reasons. JP2 built a life on putting his life on the line, whether it was the commies, or his actual life. He was the only Pope I've known I would take a bullet for.
Ratzinger was more of a...Secular reaching out Pope...He wrote some books about his interpretation of science and faith and their intersection. I know, He looks like emperer palpatine. but he didn't thirst for the throne, as witnessed by his resignation.
Frank on the other hand, I knew was trouble from the start. Facts about Francis:
1: He is a Jesuit, of the NEW order of Jesuits. They weren't always so bad.
Basically I hold my Catholic beliefs, but I'll be dipped if you try to get me to take orders from a communist or totalitarian under any color of authority. Try to persuade me, fine. But say I gotta or I'm out of the church?
Good luck on that salespitch. And as Shellgame and Thiswillbeintheexam noted, It's not the first time I haven't trusted a Monsignior, or a Bishop.