During the Battle Lines broadcast of January 25, 2009 we considered the question, “Are Roman Catholics in need of evangelism?” Should evangelicals witness to Roman Catholics? Many Christians would say “no,” because they believe that Catholics are already part of the body of Christ. Is this true? Are the differences between Catholics and evangelical Protestants relatively minor? Or do the differences have eternal consequences? We believe that, yes, we should witness to Catholics, if they believe official Catholic doctrine. We discussed two particular problems with Catholic doctrine. First, Catholicism denies the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Catholicism denies that the Scriptures alone are our sole source of authority and elevates tradition above Scripture. Second, and more importantly, Catholicism denies the doctrine of Sola Fide (justification by faith alone). Catholicism adds human merit to the requirements for salvation. According to Catholic doctrine one must participate in the sacrament of baptism etc in order to be saved. So, if a Catholic is faithful to their church’s official doctrine, they are not trusting in Christ alone (Solus Christus) for their salvation. And therefore they need to hear the good news of unmerited grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Having said that, we rejoice in the fact that many Catholics are indeed trusting in Christ alone for their salvation. Consequently, we recognize that we have many brothers and sisters in Christ within the Catholic communion, but if their faith is in Christ alone and not human effort, they are at variance with official Catholic teaching. Yes, we should share our faith with Catholics, and, for that matter, we should share our faith with people of all religious stripes, Baptists included. The reason being, there are people in every branch of Christianity who go to church but are not redeemed followers of Christ. Being a Catholic, or a Baptist, does not make you a Christian. There is only one thing that saves you: the death and resurrection of Christ. And there is only one thing you need to do to be saved: have faith in Christ, the one true God, incarnate, crucified and risen.