How do Pentecostals and Catholics differ?

Non-Catholic Religions
#1

I was raised Pentecostal and I start RCIA this September. I had many good friends in high school who were Catholic. Through the years I have thought about all the good examples and good Catholics I had in my life growing up. I started over the past few years really doing some soul searching-trying to get beyong the flakey-ness and falsehoods. Can anyone just give me advice on what to expect with RCIA and the main differences on the beliefs of Pentecostals and Catholics?

Thanks so much

graceandfaith

#2

They believe that being born again is accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Catholics believe that being born again is the process you undergo when you are baptized. They do not believe baptism is necessary. Catholics do.

A Pentecostal believer in a spiritual experience may vocalize fluent, unintelligible utterances (glossolalia) or articulate an alleged natural language previously unknown to them. Catholics do not do this, and we believe what is clearly explained in the bible about speaking in tongues. We understand it to be the process by which someone speaks and everyone listening can understand them regardless of what language they speak. This is clearly demonstrated in the Acts of the Apostles and there is no such thing as anyone speaking unintelligible utterances. Speaking in tongues also relates to wisdom.

They teach sola scriptura. The Catholic Church considers sola scriptura a heresy. The bible teaches that the Church is the authority, that it is the ground and pillar of Truth, not scripture.

They do not believe that baptism does anything for you, but that it is just a symbolic gesture. Catholics believe that it removes sin from the soul, and that the person is reborn in Christ., and more.

They believe in believers baptism, therefore they do not baptize their infants. The Catholic Church baptizes infants and we do not believe in believers only baptism.

Pentecostals do not celebrate the Eucharist, and they do not believe in the True Presence. They do occasionally participate in what they call the Lord’s Supper, but they do not believe that it is the Body and Blood of Christ. They believe it is only a symbolic gesture that Christ asked us to do, nothing more. Catholics celebrate the Eucharist at every Mass, believe in the True Presence of our Lord, and believe that it is truly the Body and Blood of our Lord.

Catholics believe that Mary is the new Eve, the Ark of the New Covenant by which our Lord came into the world. We believe that Mary is the mother of all Christians, that she provides special intercessions for us (she prays for us). Pentecostals do not recognize her or ask her to pray for them, and consider that blasphemy.

Catholics ask the saints in heaven to offer intercessory prayer for them, because we believe that the saints in heaven are alive and can and do pray for us. Pentecostals do not do this because they reason that they are dead, and they most likely believe that intercessory prayers of the saints is a form of worship or talking to the dead, which God would not be happy with.

Pentecostals do not believe in confessing sins to anyone other than God. Catholics confess their sins to a priest.

Okay, I think I thought of all the major differences. I hope that is enough.

#3

The RCIA process will take you through the basics. Programs can vary widely but hopefully you will receive a good grounding and overview of orthodox Catholic teaching.

The poster above has given a pretty nice overview…
Catholicism, while it can be highly emotional and soul stirring, does not rely so much on the emotional “experience”.
The Bible, which was assembled and canonized by the Catholic Church around 400 AD, is accepted as one of the “three legs” of the Catholic Church. The others are “Sacred Tradition”, and the Teaching authority or “Magisterium” of the Church.
The Catholic Church holds that the Body and Blood received at Mass IS the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is not symbolic.
The Catholic Church does not teach justification by “faith alone” but recognizes the centrality of faith and faith in action.
We also do not believe in “imputed” justification, but rather “infused” justification. This basically means that justification is not “painted on” (imputed) but “absorbed” as we grow in sanctification.

These are just some things of the top of my head. The faith is SO full, and SO rich with so many different spiritualities, I believe you will love it.
By the way, the above poster was critical of the “tongues” issue and I quite agree with him but, that said, there IS a healthy and approved charismatic movement within the Catholic Church if that interests you. You might have to ask around a bit but I’m sure you can find something in your area.

Hope this helps

Peace
James

#4

Oh and one more thing - - You will here more of the bible read at any Catholic mass than at almost any “preaching” style church…big chunks…Two every day, one OT and one Gospel, and Three on Sunday, one each OT, NT and Gospel. Then, on top of that, most of the prayers of mass are lifted more or less verbatim from the Bible.

Peace
James

#5

I was raised Southern Baptist, not Pentecostal, but I had many contacts with people who were Pentecostal. You may be surprised in finding that you have more in common with the Catholic faith than your fellow Pentecostal friends may believe. Obviously, some of the differences will be (1) Bible only, no tradition considered/allowed; (2) all the misconceptions about praying to statues, worshiping Mary, blah, blah…

Let me recommend a couple of books by Scott Hahn: “Rome Sweet Home” and
“The Lamb’s Supper”. scotthahn.com/scott-hahn-books.html

I will “warn” you that depending on your particular RCIA program, the experience can grade out anywhere from an A to F. Get yourself a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and it will answer your questions without error.

God Bless You.

#6

Thanks all for the information. I have explained to much of my family that I am not leaving my faith, just finding it in the fullness of truth. I do not feel that what I was raised to believe was not the truth, just not the WHOLE truth. My experience with Christ became all about the emotion; and true to our emotions, it was quite the roller coaster ride. Some of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life are at church, and some of the rudest people you’ll ever meet in your life are at church. I was raised around many good people, who loved Jesus. I just could not get past the structure and the way others were allowed to exert control over the proceedings. It was literally a free-for all. Thanks so much for the information. Continue to pray for me as I seek the truth and fullness for my relationship with Jesus, and that the resistance and negativity I have encoutered from my family would subside. Thank you.

graceandfaith

1 Like
#7

Many MANY converts to the faith feel just as you describe above - - That they are not leaving their faith, but rather finding the fullness of it in the Catholic Church.
Naturally the “emotions” will continue to be a “roller coaster ride”, because as you say that’s how emotions work. But as a Catholic we do not tie the strength of our faith to our emotions. In fact you will find a number of good works by great saints dealing with this.

Some of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life are at church, and some of the rudest people you’ll ever meet in your life are at church. I was raised around many good people, who loved Jesus. I just could not get past the structure and the way others were allowed to exert control over the proceedings.

To an extent you will find the same thing in the Catholic Church…:shrug: We had people come here and say how Catholics at church felt “cold” and “unwelcoming” etc…
Likewise there can be a certain amount of “politics” and “cliquishness” in parish affairs, but on the other hand, the sacraments are the sacraments, the Eucharist is the Eucharist.
There is an old saying that the Church is not a museum of saints but a hospital for sinners…

It was literally a free-for all.

Yes - you will find much less of this in the Catholic Church. The great structure of the Church provides a different kind of freedom that is most liberating.

Thanks so much for the information. Continue to pray for me as I seek the truth and fullness for my relationship with Jesus, and that the resistance and negativity I have encountered from my family would subside.
Thank you.

graceandfaith

Yes many have encountered the negativity of family and friends.
All the more reason to proceed carefully, in love and with the desire to share the Truths found in the Catholic church.
You are welcome for the information and if you have more questions, bring them here.
Even as a Catholic I am continually learning…

Peace
James

#8

Yes many have encountered the negativity of family and friends.
All the more reason to proceed carefully, in love and with the desire to share the Truths found in the Catholic church.
You are welcome for the information and if you have more questions, bring them here.
Even as a Catholic I am continually learning…

Peace
James

You know, I don’t think anything of the “unfriendliness” of it.

If I go to a Mass to investigate the Church, then truthfully, I don’t mind being left alone. I’m personally too nervous and afraid I won’t be in lock-step with everyone and don’t mind being invisible. I like being able to slip in and slip out.

Although little old Orthodox ladies have a friendliness to them that is infectious. :smiley:

However, if someone comes up to me to greet me, I surely will be as warm to them as they are to me. :thumbsup:

#9

Hmm. Mainstream Pentecostalism (i.e., AG and Foursquare) is trinitarian and basically amounts to conservative Methodism + continuationism. Yeah, that differs from Catholicism, but not so much as you might think.

#10

To the original poster, obviously the two are going to be drastically different, but not as different as you might assume at first. Both believe in the immanence of the divine-Catholics through the Real Presence and Pentecostals through Spirit baptism and other manifestations.

Also, while Pentecostals would never describe it this way themselves, it has been pointed out that tongues has a sacramental character among us. In fact, this aspect of Pentecostal worship made the Catholic Simon Tugwell feel at home among Pentecostals, and he thought it might provide a fruitful starting point for Catholic/Pentecostal dialogue.

#11

Izdaari, the irony is that Wesley was a continuationist. In fact, Methodists used to be called “shouting Methodists” and their camp meetings featured their fair share of religious ecstasy.

#12

Coming as a recent convert from atheism, the best advice I can give you is to be open minded and docile(teachable). My first four to five months of RCIA I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was thown into the Thursday night classes at the beginning of Lent with a group that was almost ready to initiated that Easter. I was introduced to the guy who was going to be my sponsor. They were in the middle of the section on the sacraments, but I just sat back and remained quiet because I was out of my element.

It wasn’t until that summer when we got into the section on morality and moral decision making that it really began to “click”. I felt really blessed that the guy we had as our teacher for that session was a professor of ethics at Lindenwood Univeristy and was about to receive his doctorate in philosophical ethics. They way he presented ethics and morality greatly appealed to my intellect and I began to see just how wonderful and true the Church’s teachings really were. At that point I said to myself, “If this is true, then what else does the Church teach that is just as true and good and beautiful?” He gave me some good online sources and I dove in and read and absorbed things like a sponge.

Your experience most likely will not be like mine. But be patient and give it time. Wait on God and He will not disappoint.

#13

One thing I would add - if your eyes are on people, you will always be disappointed at some time. As you come, keep your eyes on Jesus and that He left His authority to a visible group of believers and they in turn passed that visible authority on to this day.

Your relatives and friends in your current church certainly can agree that it is important to be where the Lord wants you to be. It seems you have heard His call to the Catholic Church, so at first tell them this is where you feel you should be. To argue specifics usually leads to hard feelings but scripture tells us that ‘a soft answer turns away wrath’. As your foundation of truth grows, you can build upon that soft answer and hopefully open other eyes.

God Bless you on your journey!

#14

Especially when dealing with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal types. The Methodist pastor, deacon and elder is likely to wear vestments and robes, at least during the more formal service :wink:

#15

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal does not deny the power of the mass, which is the eucharist and the sacraments such as baptism. It does little good to have the outward appearance of vestments and robes, a form of godliness, but deny the power.

The CCR also does not deny the authority of the pope and magisterium whose authority has been passed down visibly from Jesus who visibly appointed Apostles who in turn visibly appointed leadership. The visible body of Christ with visible leaders as opposed to the protestant view.

#16

How can Pentecostals teach against Gnosticism and yet they believe pastors have the ability to have “powers” to heal? And another thing i don’t understand is there born again belief? As Catholics we are baptized as babies to save us from sins. But as Pentecostals they are baptized once they are saved? So does this mean they can sin until they are saved and then they are saved from all sins they committed?

#17

They are sola scripturists, and since it says it in the Bible, then it is true. Besides, they don;t think the power belongs to the Pastor, or any person who prays with someone else. They believe the Holy Spirit heals, because they ask for healing.

Matt 18:19-20
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Most believe baptism is an 'ordinance" (something ordered by Jesus) so they comply, but don’t believe it has any spiritual power (sacramental in nature). For them, they are baptized when they are saved. All the passages about baptism are considered to be Holy Spirit Baptism.

We all sin once we are “saved”. For Catholics, it is sin after baptism. For Pentecostals, it is sin after one invited Jesus into their heart. This is something that we share in common. All sins are to be repented.

#18

As quanophore has correctly said, Pentecostals do not believe that “pastors” have the ability to heal.

  1. We believe that** God has the power to heal**.

  2. We believe according to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 that the** Holy Spirit has placed within the church gifts of healings** (which if I’m not mistaken Catholics believe as well).

  3. We believe according to James 5:13-16, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And** the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.**”

  4. We believe that all Christians both clergy and lay people can pray for God to heal themselves or another person.

  5. We do not believe that everyone who is prayed for will be healed, but we continue to obey and trust in God despite what happens, knowing “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

And another thing i don’t understand is there born again belief? As Catholics we are baptized as babies to save us from sins. But as Pentecostals they are baptized once they are saved? So does this mean they can sin until they are saved and then they are saved from all sins they committed?

Concerning salvation,

  1. We believe** salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ**. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.

  2. We believe the** inward evidence** of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit.

  3. We believe the outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.

  4. We believe the** ordinance of baptism by immersion** is commanded by the Scriptures.

  5. We believe** all who repent and believe **on Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized.

  6. We believe that** in baptism believers declare **to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.

Concerning sin and forgiveness,

  1. We believe that when one is born again, he is a new creation, the old man has passed away. All of his past sins are forgiven.

  2. We believe that sin committed after one has been born again is a serious matter and has to be dealt with through confession and repentance.

  3. We believe that Christians are called to live lives of holiness and purity before God. This requires that the Christian confess his sins to God and repent of them.

Concerning the baptism with the Holy Spirit,

  1. We believe** all believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek** the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  2. We believe that baptism with the Holy Spirit is separate from and follows the experience of the new birth.

  3. We believe that with baptism with the Holy Spirit comes (1) an overflowing fullness of the Spirit, (2) a** deepened reverence** for God, (3) an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work, (4) and a more active** love for Christ**, for His Word and for** the lost**.

  4. Some Pentecostals but not all of us believe that the baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the** initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues** as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.

  5. Those of us Pentecostals who believe in “initial physical evidence” believe that the speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use.

#19

I was able to follow your whole post up until I got to this. :confused:

Can you say some more about this? If a person begins speaking in tongues when he is baptized in the Holy Spirit, what is the purpose and use at that point?

#20

Bear in mind this is an explanation of classical Pentecostal theology. Other Pentecostals may or may not agree.

Classical Pentecostals believe there are several different uses of tongues. They are:

  1. tongues as the evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit and in individual praying,

  2. tongues as a gift (in the stricter sense used here)

(Pentecostals who do not believe that tongues are the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism will only include individual praying in the first category.)

The difference is not one of “essence” since in both situations one is speaking unknown languages as the Spirit gives utterance. The difference is one of purpose: one is to edify one’s own spirit and the other is for edifying the congregation.

Therefore, when Paul states that not everyone speaks in tongues, Pentecostals would limit that statement to the gift of tongues used for public instruction and congregational edification. Pentecostals believe all Christians have the potential to possess a prayer language for personal edification.

Take myself as an example. I am 21 years old. I was born again when I was 10 years old. I was baptized with the Holy Spirit when I was in the eighth grade. When this occurred, one of the immediate evidences and the only physical one was that I spoke in tongues. Since that time, I have been able to pray and worship God in an unknown language and make regular use of this wonderful blessing. However, I have never gave a message in tongues to anyone let alone an entire congregation. I wouldn’t even know how to explain such an experience to you because it has just never happened to me.

So I would say I have tongues for personal use in my life. Still, it is not building up anyone but myself, so strictly speaking, in my case it is not the gift of tongues because it is not benefiting the rest of the church.