The Infamous "But" Catholic

We all know at least one, and you might be guilty of it as well. Unfortunately, I shamefully know that I have. What I'm talking about is the infamous "But" Catholic. These people have a reputation of using the word "Catholic" and "but" in the same sentence, and in this day and age, they're probably not too hard to come by.

Common phrases of a "But" Catholic:

"I'm Catholic, but I have sex with my boyfriend/girlfriend."

"I'm Catholic, but I use contraception."

"I'm Catholic, but I just don't go to church on Sundays."

"I'm Catholic, but I think abortion is a woman's choice."

"I'm Catholic, but I support gay marriage."

Pretty much any sentence that starts with "I'm Catholic, BUT...." probably means that you're actually not Catholic. I think first we have to start by getting rid of saying "So-and-so" Catholics. There are no such things as "Liberal" Catholics, "Conservative" Catholics, or even "But" Catholics. You're either Catholic or you're not. And if you're going to be Catholic then my goodness BE Catholic.

Now this is something I definitely had to learn the hard way. So many times I wish I could go back and slap myself in the face for calling myself Catholic and then doing things that were blatantly against my Catholic faith. Because seriously, what's the point of calling yourself Catholic if you're not even going to follow it?

I think what many people don't understand (or don't want to understand) is that Doctrine in the Catholic Church is not simply a compilation of suggestions that we may choose whether we will or will not follow or believe. They are actual rules that say "You MUST believe and follow this in order to call yourself a Catholic."

I'm telling you right now, ditch the "But" Catholic mindset. Let's get away from "I'm Catholic, but..." and start saying "I'm Catholic. Period." It may not be easy, but my goodness it will be worth it.