Catholic faith vs. Protestant faith

[TylerJames]

Hello, my name is Tyler and I have some questions about the Catholic faith. I was raised protestant but feel that the protestant church leaves out a large amount of aspects of spirituality. For example, protestants do not generally speak of saints or communion with them, they do not address patron saints or guardian angels (St. Michael etc.), even when there are biblical references to them nor do they preach on the the omitting of books such as the Maccabbees from the bible- even when they are historically accurate and also referred to in the bible (Hebrews 11:35). My question or conflict is not primarily over these matters but more over purgatory and penance for sins (bible references, doctrine, studies etc.). Also, I’m curious as to a catholics opinions on baptized (protestant) Christians and if they are considered saved (having that they believe in Jesus as their savior) or if they are damned due to them not being of the strict Catholic faith. I would appreciate feedback from people with biblical references to purgatory and also opinions/facts on why Catholicism includes books in their bible that the protestants do not. As well as opinions on protestant salvation. I’m searching for truth and am trying to be open with all views. Thanks for any assistance and prayers in this matter.

-Tyler

tylerjreza@gmail.com

 

[robwar]

many of your questions can be answered by exploring Catholic.com web site which has a ton of great articles. In terms of baptism, the Catholic Church recognizes Protestant baptisms as valid if done in the form of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the trinitarian form. The Catholic Church does not recognize as valid baptisms done in “Jesus Name” only. Those would be done usually in oneness Pentacostal type Churches which deny the trinity. Likewise the Catholic Church does not recognize as a valid sacramental baptism done in the Mormon Church. Welcome aboard!

 

[CatholicHockey7]

Hello, my name is Tyler and I have some questions about the Catholic faith. I was raised protestant but feel that the protestant church leaves out a large amount of aspects of spirituality. For example, protestants do not generally speak of saints or communion with them, they do not address patron saints or guardian angels (St. Michael etc.), even when there are biblical references to them nor do they preach on the the omitting of books such as the Maccabbees from the bible- even when they are historically accurate and also referred to in the bible (Hebrews 11:35). My question or conflict is not primarily over these matters but more over purgatory and penance for sins (bible references, doctrine, studies etc.). Also, I’m curious as to a catholics opinions on baptized (protestant) Christians and if they are considered saved (having that they believe in Jesus as their savior) or if they are damned due to them not being of the strict Catholic faith. I would appreciate feedback from people with biblical references to purgatory and also opinions/facts on why Catholicism includes books in their bible that the protestants do not. As well as opinions on protestant salvation. I’m searching for truth and am trying to be open with all views. Thanks for any assistance and prayers in this matter.

-Tyler

tylerjreza@gmail.com

Tyler, you ask a lot of questions which have been answered multiple times across different threads. I recommend doing just a little digging through the various forums for some more in-depth conversations.

Purgatory:

This post is one of the best I’ve ever seen for explaining the process of Purgatory.

Basic summary is that when we die, our fate is sealed. We are either going to Heaven or not. But because of the mark sin, especially sins we have not confessed, leaves on our soul, Purgatory is a way to purge that stain from us.

Some scripture verses for you:

“For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin” (2 Macc. 12:44-45).

“Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny” (Matt. 5:25-26).

“Each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:13-15).

“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly did not obey . . .” (1 Peter 3:18-20).

“But nothing unclean shall enter it [heaven] . . .” (Rev. 21:27).

Baptized non-Catholics:

As you can read here, baptism is still valid if done in the proper form.

The Catholic Church has this to say about non-Catholic Christians:

The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter. Those who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. With the Orthodox churches, this communion is so profound that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord’s Eucharist. (CCC 838)

The Church view is best summed up in the saying, “God has bound Himself to the Sacraments, but He is not bound by the Sacraments.” In other words, He has given us a method of salvation through Christ which He guarantees, but He’s not limited to acting only through that method.

Why seven more books:

In the 4th century there were multiple councils of Church leaders which met in part to discuss the Canon of Scripture. There were many works circulating at this time, and not all Churches used the same “books.” Relying, in part, on the teachings handed on from Christ to the apostles and so on they determined which works belonged and which did not.

During the Reformation, Martin Luther took those seven books and placed them in a separate section of Scripture. He rationalized this by pointing to the Jews who codified their own scripture canon at the end of the 1st century, and to the lack of original manuscripts written in Hebrew. In reality, as we see from attempts to give similar treatment to James, Hebrews, Jude and Revelation, it was more likely for doctrinal reasons.

Hope this helps!

 

[spedteacherita]

Hello, my name is Tyler and I have some questions about the Catholic faith. I was raised protestant but feel that the protestant church leaves out a large amount of aspects of spirituality. For example, protestants do not generally speak of saints or communion with them, they do not address patron saints or guardian angels (St. Michael etc.), even when there are biblical references to them nor do they preach on the the omitting of books such as the Maccabbees from the bible- even when they are historically accurate and also referred to in the bible (Hebrews 11:35). My question or conflict is not primarily over these matters but more over purgatory and penance for sins (bible references, doctrine, studies etc.). Also, I’m curious as to a catholics opinions on baptized (protestant) Christians and if they are considered saved (having that they believe in Jesus as their savior) or if they are damned due to them not being of the strict Catholic faith. I would appreciate feedback from people with biblical references to purgatory and also opinions/facts on why Catholicism includes books in their bible that the protestants do not. As well as opinions on protestant salvation. I’m searching for truth and am trying to be open with all views. Thanks for any assistance and prayers in this matter.

-Tyler

tylerjreza@gmail.com

Welcome, Tyler! The answer to your question about whether Protestants are considered saved by Catholics is that we are not considered damned by the Catholic Church. I have heard the phrase “separated brethren” used.

As CatholicHockey stated, cruise around this site and you’ll find a lot of answers to your questions.

 

[MaryT777]

Tyler, you ask a lot of questions which have been answered multiple times across different threads. I recommend doing just a little digging through the various forums for some more in-depth conversations.

Purgatory:

This post is one of the best I’ve ever seen for explaining the process of Purgatory.

Basic summary is that when we die, our fate is sealed. We are either going to Heaven or not. But because of the mark sin, especially sins we have not confessed, leaves on our soul, Purgatory is a way to purge that stain from us.

Some scripture verses for you:

Baptized non-Catholics:

As you can read here, baptism is still valid if done in the proper form.

The Catholic Church has this to say about non-Catholic Christians:

The Church view is best summed up in the saying, “God has bound Himself to the Sacraments, but He is not bound by the Sacraments.” In other words, He has given us a method of salvation through Christ which He guarantees, but He’s not limited to acting only through that method.

Why seven more books:

In the 4th century there were multiple councils of Church leaders which met in part to discuss the Canon of Scripture. There were many works circulating at this time, and not all Churches used the same “books.” Relying, in part, on the teachings handed on from Christ to the apostles and so on they determined which works belonged and which did not.

During the Reformation, Martin Luther took those seven books and placed them in a separate section of Scripture. He rationalized this by pointing to the Jews who codified their own scripture canon at the end of the 1st century, and to the lack of original manuscripts written in Hebrew. In reality, as we see from attempts to give similar treatment to James, Hebrews, Jude and Revelation, it was more likely for doctrinal reasons.

Hope this helps!

Well said, and joining in welcome!~
Mary.

 

[oldgraymare2]

Hi Tyler,

Welcome to the forum.

There are also some good books out there, regarding the Catholic faith that you might find helpful.

Why Do Catholics Do That?-by Kevin Johnson, and Catholicism for Dummies-by Fr. John Trigilio

 

[TylerJames]

Thank you all very much for your replies, they really help me to understand!

God bless,

-Tyler