Are Protestants a part of the Body?

[k8e308]

I've been rolling this idea around in my head for quite some time, and I think it's time to get some outside perspective on it. It is a touchy subject, as it regards the division of Catholics and Protestants. I know we have a mixed crowd here, so I hope that I don't offend anyone; that is certainly not my intent. So here it is:

As Catholics, do we consider Protestants a part of the Body of Christ? Here's my reasoning, and why I'm confused:

The Body of Christ is the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Protestants, either by ignorance, choice, birth, or a combination thereof, have seperated themselves from the only Church that has all four of those markers. Yet, Protestants tend to refer to the "Body of Christ" or the "Church" as a mystical entity that transcends beyond denomination lines, and they consider themselves a part of that.

I understand where they are coming from, and agree to an extent, because the Church is more than the buildings, people, priests, worship rituals, etc. At the same time, Protestants have rejected the Church. I understand that ignorance is a big part of the problem and therefore, even though they are at once rejecting the Church and considering themselves a part of it, they don't understand what they're doing.

How do we respond to that? When I hear a Protestant referring to himself as a part of the Body, it makes me sad, and calls to my mind an image of Christ on the cross: beaten, broken, bloody, and suffering. Is that the truth of it? All who consider themselves Christian are a part of the Body, but because of our human blindness and hubris we have again crucified our Lord?

I welcome any thoughts or insights you might have, as well as any theological or apologetic references that speak to this subject.

[1ke]

Originally Posted by k8e308

As Catholics, do we consider Protestants a part of the Body of Christ?

All baptized individuals are part of the Body of Christ and incorporated into the Church. That is what baptism does.

I suggest you read all of Article 9 in the Catechism regarding the Church.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

Here is one paragraph relevant to your question:

CCC 838 "The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter."322 Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church."323 With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist."324

[Kasama]

Yet, how can a branch live that pruned itself off from the vine?

[Ubenedictus]

Originally Posted by Kasama

Yet, how can a branch live that pruned itself off from the vine?

the ccc quote above shows that they didnt COMPLETELY cut themselves off, they didnt throw everything away. I pray they find the profound value in christ's church.
Ubenedictus

[aragonjohn1]

As blessed pope John Paul II said " anyone baptized in the. Name of Jesus is catholic"
Yes, seperated brethen they are.

Shalom

[k8e308]

Thank you all for your thoughts and references on this subject. The Holy Spirit has led me to a deeper understanding of this question and His answer. I welcome your thoughts on my blog post.