Then why not call it the Italian Catholic Church, or European Catholic Church?
those would all be valid possibilities, as long as those involved in the conversation knew what was being referred to.
I mentioned irenaeus saying that the church is "founded and organized at Rome".
he could have said founded and organized at Italy, but he picked Rome.
it sounds like an ancient association to me.
However it's useful for protestants that are that way inclined to call it Roman to link it in with Rev 17.
Why not be respectful and call it what it calls itself?
I'm fine saying "Catholic Church".
but as I mentioned above, that could include the Orthodox Church in America and the United Methodist Church, for example.
so it would be handy to have an easy way to talk about those in full communion with the Pope.
speaking of which, I would happily take communion with the Pope.
but I think he won't take communion with me.
so it's his decision that we are not in full communion, not mine.
I suppose some people like to say "Roman Catholic" to make the connection with Revelation 17.
I never made the association myself.
I like this explanation:
the organization headed by the pope is by far the biggest Christian group.
when you're "King of the Hill", everyone else is going to try to pull you down.
so I'm sure some people will say that the pope is the Antichrist or whatever.
the Pope says that Jesus is Lord.
I don't see any indication that he's just pretending.
so, that's a very strange thing for an antichrist to proclaim.
on a happy note, I remember playing King of the Hill as a child.
it's one of the funnest games ever, so we were always on the lookout for a mound of soft dirt!