Why do Catholics try to convert people to their Church instead of to Christ?

 

Catholics are often accused of focusing on converting people to the Church rather than to Jesus Christ, with the implication that we place more importance on a human institution than on Christ Himself. However, this question—and the assumption behind it—stems from a misunderstanding, or perhaps a willful oversight. For Catholics, the Church and Jesus Christ are inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. It’s not a matter of “either/or” but rather “both/and.” Let’s explore this concept in greater depth:

Catholics believe that the Church is intrinsically connected to Jesus Christ. In their view, bringing people into the Catholic Church isn’t just about gaining members but about guiding people to a deeper relationship with Christ within what they see as the fullness of His teachings and grace. Here’s a closer look at why Catholics focus on introducing people to the Church as the means to knowing Jesus Christ:

1. The Church as the Body of Christ

• Catholics believe that the Church is the "Body of Christ," a mystical union between believers and Christ. St. Paul emphasizes this idea, especially in 1 Corinthians 12, where he speaks about each member of the Church as a part of Christ's body. By joining the Church, Catholics see converts as becoming part of this body, uniting them with Christ in a communal and sacramental way.

2. The Sacraments as Pathways to Jesus

• In Catholicism, sacraments (like Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation) are viewed as special encounters with Christ. They’re not just symbolic acts; they are believed to be actual ways of receiving God’s grace. The Church teaches that these sacraments were instituted by Christ, and through them, believers experience His presence and grace. Thus, conversion to Catholicism provides access to these means of deepening one’s relationship with Jesus.

3. Apostolic Authority and Tradition

• Catholics hold that the Church was founded by Jesus, who gave authority to His apostles, particularly Peter, whom Catholics see as the first pope. This “apostolic succession” is viewed as a direct line of spiritual authority from Christ to the present-day Church. Therefore, Catholics see the Church as the custodian of Christ’s teachings and a reliable guide for understanding and following Him faithfully.

4. Scripture and Tradition Together

• While Catholics emphasize the importance of Scripture, they also uphold Tradition — teachings passed down from the apostles. They believe that both Scripture and Tradition are necessary to fully understand Christ’s teachings. The Catholic Church considers itself responsible for preserving and interpreting this Tradition. This perspective leads Catholics to guide others to the Church as the foundation for receiving Christ’s teachings in their fullness.

5. Unity and Communion

• Catholics view unity with the Church as essential to communion with Christ. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers (John 17:21), and Catholics interpret this as a call to be one in belief, worship, and practice. For Catholics, this unity is most fully realized within the Catholic Church. Therefore, bringing others into the Church is seen as a way to honor Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers.

6. Evangelization as a Call to “Fullness of Faith”

• Catholics see evangelization as an invitation to the “fullness of faith.” The idea is not simply to introduce people to Jesus but to help them grow into a holistic understanding and experience of Him. From the Catholic perspective, this fullness is found in the Church’s teachings, the sacraments, and the community of believers. For this reason, converting people to Catholicism is viewed as the means by which they can fully encounter Jesus.

7. Historical and Communal Identity

• The Catholic Church has a profound sense of continuity with the early Christian community. Catholics see the Church as a direct continuation of the original community of Jesus’ followers, preserving the faith and practices of early Christians. Conversion to the Catholic Church, in this light, is a way of joining the historical community of believers united in Christ over centuries.

In summary, Catholics aim to bring people to Jesus through the Church because they see it as the “sacrament of salvation,” a communal and sacramental path established by Christ Himself. For Catholics, conversion to the Church and conversion to Jesus are not separate goals but rather two sides of the same mission: to know, love, and follow Jesus fully in the community He established.