Differences between Catholicism and Protestantism

[Journeyman]

I am trying to get a good handle on the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. From my reading and studying, here are some differences that I have noticed. Am I correct in these statements—

1. Protestantism does not generally recognize the transforming or transfiguring effect of the incarnation. They believe that humanity suffers under the weight of their sin until they die at which point God looks away from their sin and they are saved based on the death of Christ.
2. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.
3. Protestants declare their faith in God and Jesus and from that point they are saved. It is all about faith and not about any kind of works, while the Catholic Church says that works are coupled with faith.
4. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covers all of the sins of the believer and there is nothing else that man must do to be saved. The Catholic Church says that man participates in his own salvation through the gift of graces from God.
5. Catholics believe that God’s grace allows us to be an instrument of salvation for ourselves and for others. Protestants do not believe this.

Thank you for any replies.

 

[FightingFat]

1. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.

I think that most Christian churches have at least Baptism as a sacrament don’t they?

 

[Journeyman]

I think that most Christian churches have at least Baptism as a sacrament don’t they?

Hi FF–
Yes, they do have baptism but I don’t think that they believe in the graces that baptism gives in the same way that Catholics do, but I may be wrong about that.

 

[JRKH]

I am trying to get a good handle on the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. From my reading and studying, here are some differences that I have noticed. Am I correct in these statements—

1. Protestantism does not generally recognize the transforming or transfiguring effect of the incarnation. They believe that humanity suffers under the weight of their sin until they die at which point God looks away from their sin and they are saved based on the death of Christ.
2. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.
3. Protestants declare their faith in God and Jesus and from that point they are saved. It is all about faith and not about any kind of works, while the Catholic Church says that works are coupled with faith.
4. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covers all of the sins of the believer and there is nothing else that man must do to be saved. The Catholic Church says that man participates in his own salvation through the gift of graces from God.
5. Catholics believe that God’s grace allows us to be an instrument of salvation for ourselves and for others. Protestants do not believe this.

Thank you for any replies.

The biggest problem you are going to find is that there is no “Protestant” belief system for comparison. Each of the “Protestant” churches have their own sets of beliefs that may or may not overlap with each other and may or amy not be defined in the same way.
For example, point number three sounds like the belief “Once saved Always Saved” which not all Protestant Churches hold to.

You might find **THIS THREAD **informative.

Peace
James

 

[CatholicsCame1s]

I am trying to get a good handle on the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. From my reading and studying, here are some differences that I have noticed. Am I correct in these statements—

1. Protestantism does not generally recognize the transforming or transfiguring effect of the incarnation. They believe that humanity suffers under the weight of their sin until they die at which point God looks away from their sin and they are saved based on the death of Christ.
2. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.
3. Protestants declare their faith in God and Jesus and from that point they are saved. It is all about faith and not about any kind of works, while the Catholic Church says that works are coupled with faith.
4. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covers all of the sins of the believer and there is nothing else that man must do to be saved. The Catholic Church says that man participates in his own salvation through the gift of graces from God.
5. Catholics believe that God’s grace allows us to be an instrument of salvation for ourselves and for others. Protestants do not believe this.

Thank you for any replies.

**CATHOLIC PROTESTANT

Authority Scripture and Tradition-------------- Sola Scripture - Scripture
alone

Bible Includes Apocrypha ----------- Excludes Apocrypha

Results of Fall Corruption and tendency------ Total depravity and guilt
to sin

Free Will Free to do good or evil ------- Free only to do evil

Predestination Related to God’s knowledge— Related to God’s decrees

Atonement Death of Christ created ------ Death of Christ was a
Merit that is shared with sinners substitutionary Sacrifice
through Sacraments that satisfied God’s
justice.
Divine Grace Prevenient Grace helps one ---- Common grace enabling
believe; effacious Grace good works given to all;
cooperates with the human sufficient grace for
will to do good. salvation given to elect only
Good Works Meritorious Results of Divine grace
and unworthy of merit
Salvation Received at Baptism; may----- Result of divine grace;
be lost by Mortal Sin; regained unconditional. Those never
by pennance. Those who have heard of Christ be saved.
never heard of Christ may be saved
(Catech 847)

The Church The CC is "the place where ----- There is a distinction
humanity must rediscover between the visible and
it’s unity and salvation (Catech 845) invisible church. God
But those baptized in other saves anyone He
Christian Denominations are chooses, or anyone with
in communion with the church proper faith, regardless
(Catech 838) of church membership.

Sacraments Convey grace by their operation----- Means of grace only if
received with faith.
Priests A special vocation for some Priesthood of all believers.
believers; mediators between
God and man.

Transubstantiation Affirmed ----------- Rejected

Purgatory Affirmed ----------------- Denied

Prayers to Saints Accepted --------------- Rejected**

 

[Karen1960]

Very simply put, the main difference I have found between Catholics and Protestants is that there is no grey areas in Catholicism and that is a good thing

 

[kristanl]

To the OP- I see you do not have a religion listed, are you trying to chose between the two?

The majority of Protestant churches have two “sacraments” now what they define sacraments to be is different. Some preform infant baptism, some only immerse at the age of reason. Some have the Lords supper every Sunday, once a month, or maybe even once a year. (And they do not believe it is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord).

Something else that was missing big time from what you wrote is praying, the mass, and Mary.

Feel free to PM me or ask more questions on here

 

[Justy90]

I am trying to get a good handle on the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. From my reading and studying, here are some differences that I have noticed. Am I correct in these statements—

1. Protestantism does not generally recognize the transforming or transfiguring effect of the incarnation. They believe that humanity suffers under the weight of their sin until they die at which point God looks away from their sin and they are saved based on the death of Christ.

I think that you have a very skewed outlook upon Protestants as a whole. You make very generalized statements without support.

 

[Journeyman]

To the OP- I see you do not have a religion listed, are you trying to chose between the two?

No, I am Catholic. I teach a Confirmation class and the students are always curious as to what the differences are between their church and their Protestant friends.

 

[Journeyman]

I think that you have a very skewed outlook upon Protestants as a whole. You make very generalized statements without support.

The biggest problem you are going to find is that there is no “Protestant” belief system for comparison. Each of the “Protestant” churches have their own sets of beliefs that may or may not overlap with each other and may or amy not be defined in the same way.
For example, point number three sounds like the belief “Once saved Always Saved” which not all Protestant Churches hold to.

You might find **THIS THREAD **informative.

Peace
James

Thanks for posting that thread. It is helpful.

 

[spockrates]

I am trying to get a good handle on the major differences between the Catholic Church and Protestant churches. From my reading and studying, here are some differences that I have noticed. Am I correct in these statements—

1. Protestantism does not generally recognize the transforming or transfiguring effect of the incarnation. They believe that humanity suffers under the weight of their sin until they die at which point God looks away from their sin and they are saved based on the death of Christ.
2. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.
3. Protestants declare their faith in God and Jesus and from that point they are saved. It is all about faith and not about any kind of works, while the Catholic Church says that works are coupled with faith.
4. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covers all of the sins of the believer and there is nothing else that man must do to be saved. The Catholic Church says that man participates in his own salvation through the gift of graces from God.
5. Catholics believe that God’s grace allows us to be an instrument of salvation for ourselves and for others. Protestants do not believe this.

Thank you for any replies.

I think that perhaps it will help to be more specific. In reality, there is no one Protestantism, but there are many Protestantisms. That is, some of the different Protestant denominations disagree on what they believe to be essential doctrines of the Christian Faith. Baptists, for example, might call Episcopalians non-Christians as a result of these differences.

It might be better to take one denomination at a time and list the differences. For example, you might ask how do Southern Baptists (perhaps the largest Protestant denomination in the United States) differ from Catholics.

 

[Dancelittleewok]

I think that you have a very skewed outlook upon Protestants as a whole. You make very generalized statements without support.

Do you mind expounding upon where the OP went wrong?

 

[Journeyman]

So then is it your position that we are NOT saved based upon the Christ crucified? That wouldn’t even constitute a Christian viewpoint…

Not at all, but please enlighten me as to the Anglican teaching on this, Is Christ dying all that is required?

1. Because of #1, most Protestant churches do not believe in the sacraments since the sacraments do not give us graces and therefore do not have the ability to transform us.

Totally not true and stereotypical…

Do Anglicans believe in the ability of sacraments to transform us? Note that I did not say all Protestant churches.

Quote:
3) Protestants declare their faith in God and Jesus and from that point they are saved. It is all about faith and not about any kind of works, while the Catholic Church says that works are coupled with faith.

Really? Whatever book you are reading about All Protestants, you better throw it away…

That is the OSAS doctrine. What do Anglicans say about that? Please enlighten.

Quote:
5) Catholics believe that God’s grace allows us to be an instrument of salvation for ourselves and for others. Protestants do not believe this.

Are you sure that Protestants don’t believe this? …

Your answer is not exactly helping me here. Help me out…what do Anglicans believe? Do all Protestants believe what Anglicans believe? Wouldn’t most Protestant churches disagree that God’s grace allows us to act as instruments of salvation for ourselves and others?

 

[Lutheranteach]

kristanl;5939253:

To the OP- I see you do not have a religion listed, are you trying to chose between the two?

No, I am Catholic. I teach a Confirmation class and the students are always curious as to what the differences are between their church and their Protestant friends.

I teach an elective on that very issue. The list above is rather shakey. #2 is way too simplified. I would say that many protestant denominations and the Catholic church do not define sacraments in the same way. Most PDs believe for something to be a sacrament it needed to be instituted or commanded to be done by Jesus. Therefore, most have only two sacraments: baptism and communion. The other five items Catholics consider sacraments were being done long before Jesus was born, and also being done in any number of other religions.

#3 is in the ballpark…sort of. Lutherans and others believe no work anyone can do is good enough to get them into heaven. We all fall short. Faith is what saves. Our good works stem from our faith However, without faith our good works have little if any meaning.

#4 is pretty much on the money and related to #3. It also makes us reject the sacrificial nature of the mass and I think colors the very core of protestant worship when compared to that of Catholics and even impacts the symbols most often associated with each: Empty cross in comparison to a crucifix, etc.

#5 I’m not sure what you’re precisely trying to say here so I don’t want to comment and put words in your mouth.

 

[Journeyman]

I think that perhaps it will help to be more specific. In reality, there is no one Protestantism, but there are many Protestantisms. That is, some of the different Protestant denominations disagree on what they believe to be essential doctrines of the Christian Faith. Baptists, for example, might call Episcopalians non-Christians as a result of these differences.

It might be better to take one denomination at a time and list the differences. For example, you might ask how do Southern Baptists (perhaps the largest Protestant denomination in the United States) differ from Catholics.

Spockrates, you are right. The thread that James posted above is helpful.

 

[spockrates]

Spockrates, you are right. The thread that James posted above is helpful.

Thanks for saying so, Journey!

Are you still on one to answer your question, or has it come to a desired end?

 

[Journeyman]

Journeyman;5940465:

I teach an elective on that very issue. The list above is rather shakey. #2 is way too simplified. I would say that many protestant denominations and the Catholic church do not define sacraments in the same way. Most PDs believe for something to be a sacrament it needed to be instituted or commanded to be done by Jesus. Therefore, most have only two sacraments: baptism and communion. The other five items Catholics consider sacraments were being done long before Jesus was born, and also being done in any number of other religions.

#3 is in the ballpark…sort of. Lutherans and others believe no work anyone can do is good enough to get them into heaven. We all fall short. Faith is what saves. Our good works stem from our faith However, without faith our good works have little if any meaning.

#4 is pretty much on the money and related to #3. It also makes us reject the sacrificial nature of the mass and I think colors the very core of protestant worship when compared to that of Catholics and even impacts the symbols most often associated with each: Empty cross in comparison to a crucifix, etc.

#5 I’m not sure what you’re precisely trying to say here so I don’t want to comment and put words in your mouth.

HI Lutheranteach. Thanks for your reply.

I am curious about your statement that the five other Catholic sacraments were done long before Christ and also that Christ only commanded the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. What about the Catholic sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation? Didn’t Christ tell the Apostles that what they held bound on earth was bound in Heaven and what they held loosed on earth, likewise in Heaven? Wasn’t the action of Baptism being done prior to Christ?

Regarding #3, this seems very close to the Catholic theology. But why do Protestants sometimes say Faith is what saves…faith alone? Can someone have faith but not good works? If we don’t do as Jesus commands and love and help our brothers, sisters and even enemies, then aren’t we falling short in believing in Him? Also, do Lutherans believe in “once saved, always saved”. How does Lutheranism compare to Catholic theology that the saving power of the Cross begins at Baptism but then it is a lifelong journey of faith.

#4 and #5 go together to some degree. Since you are Lutheran, I will ask the question differently. Is it true that Martin Luther believed that man could not be transformed to be more like Christ? That man was sinful and he could not change and that God’s grace and the Cross save man by God looking away from man’s sin but there is no transforming action such as through the sacraments? Is this correct about Luther? If so, does the present Lutheran Church have the same doctrine?

Thanks again Lutheranteach.

 

[Justy90]

Not at all, but please enlighten me as to the Anglican teaching on this, Is Christ dying all that is required?

Do Anglicans believe in the ability of sacraments to transform us? Note that I did not say all Protestant churches.

That is the OSAS doctrine. What do Anglicans say about that? Please enlighten.

Your answer is not exactly helping me here. Help me out…what do Anglicans believe? Do all Protestants believe what Anglicans believe? Wouldn’t most Protestant churches disagree that God’s grace allows us to act as instruments of salvation for ourselves and others?

With due respect here, why should I enlighten you? You are the one who made those general statements about Protestants which are obviously less than genuine.

 

[Justy90]

Do you mind expounding upon where the OP went wrong?

Well, the OP made very general statements regarding Protestants which are in many cases much less than accurate. Many Catholics claim that there are over 30,000 Protestant denominations. If that be the case, then how can there be one general view of Protestants?

 

[kempo1]

as i have said on a previous post before one thing i love about being Catholic is no matter where in the world you are tommorow morning we will all receive the same scriptures and teachings allin one accord