Do Protestants Really Hate Catholicism?

[nancy_dalrymple]

Let what go? The truth? No, Catholics will not let the truth go. We are called to proclaim it and to spread it to the ends of the earth.

The truth is, Jesus came to form one Church and one only. That Church is the Catholic Church and it’s a matter of history, not opinion.

Praying for unity is a good idea, but if it isn’t unity under the Bishop of Rome, it’s a waste of time.

Sorry to waste your time but the first church Christ started was called"THE WAY" not the Catholic church how come they changed the name? love of Christ Nancy

 

[JosieElaine]

You must have missed this early church father:
The first recorded use of the word Catholic is from St. Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Smyrneans, paragraph 8,
of 107 A.D., “Where the Bishop appears, there let the people be, just as
where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

This is probably true . Are these writings part of the Didache ? If they are , remember that the Didache was not recognized as part of the Bible by the Church when it chose which books to include and exclude . There must have been a reason for that …

 

[ScottBb]

It is very important to recognize that there is a HUGE diversity among various protestant denominations. There is a bigger discrepancy between different protestant denominations than between Protestants in general and Catholics in general. In fact, a typical Presbyterian, Episcopalian or Lutheran probably has more in common with a typical Roman Catholic than he or she does with a typical Pentecostal or Southern Baptist; even though all those denominations are technically “Protestant.”

It is difficult to make broad generalizations about Roman Catholics. It is even harder to make broad generalizations about Protestants.

I encourage everyone to realize there is more that unites Protestants and Catholics than separates them. Let’s not allow the occasional intolerant zealot to make us lose sight of this.

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

In the wilderness, when Jesus was tempted by satan, His answers were “It is Written…” So if He answered questions with Scripture, why isn’t that sufficient for you?

Because I’m not talking to Him. I’m talking to you and I asked you a direct question which you refuse to answer. Which is your prerogative, of course.

“God breathed” means it comes from God. I did not think that this was questionable. So am I to assume that you think that God, through His Holy Word, doesn’t mean what He says?

That’s what I’m asking you. Does Scripture mean what it says?

You are correct that Scripture is not the only source of truth. One of Scriptures many abilities is to determine truth by comparing a belief to Scripture itself. This is VERY useful in gaining accurate knowledge. However, no additional knowledge is necessary to salvation, ONLY the Scriptures.

You just contradicted yourself, which is par for the course with protestant apologists. If Scripture is not the only source of truth, which is what you say above, then it follows that truth can be found outside of Scripture. Yet you say no additional knowledge is needed for salvation – ONLY Scripture. Can you show me where the doctrine of sola scriptura is in Scripture?

Jesus said " I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life, and nobody comes to the Father but by me." Thus the Scripture is not only essential, but exclusive to salvation. (see John 3:3,7,16. etc…)

That may be true, but you won’t find it in that quote from Timothy you cited.

You are assuming that “useful” is in the context of “sort of…” This is not necessarily true. “Useful” can be applied to essential matters as well.

“Not necessarily true” is vague and ambiguous. AND, if you think ‘useful’ means something else, then you’ve answered the question.

Hedging? No. I answered you with applicable Scripture. What I will NOT do is be used to set up your next argument. If you have something to say, then say it.

Hedging yes. You did not answer the question directly regardless of your reason. But you answered it indirectly and I accept the answer. It means you believe you can make of Scripture whatever you want to make of it and force it to mean what you believe, not what it says.

 

[wlychan64]

It is very important to recognize that there is a HUGE diversity among various protestant denominations. There is a bigger discrepancy between different protestant denominations than between Protestants in general and Catholics in general. In fact, a typical Presbyterian, Episcopalian or Lutheran probably has more in common with a typical Roman Catholic than he or she does with a typical Pentecostal or Southern Baptist; even though all those denominations are technically “Protestant.”

It is difficult to make broad generalizations about Roman Catholics. It is even harder to make broad generalizations about Protestants.

I encourage everyone to realize there is more that unites Protestants and Catholics than separates them. Let’s not allow the occasional intolerant zealot to make us lose sight of this.

It is the unity for the love of our Lord that counts most
Put away the dispute and worship Our Lord together would be the best way to honour Him.

wlychan64

 

[Allymom]

I grew up Protestant, but after much research I am converting to the Catholic Church. I don’t really know any Protestants that hate Catholics… they are just very misinformed about the Catholic Church. Many of my Protestant friends are supportive of my conversion, including my mother who is a retired Methodist minister.
The only person who appears to hate me right now is my longtime friend who left the Catholic Church:crying:

I don’t really understand how people could claim to be followers of Jesus and “Hate” their fellow man!

Blessings to all

 

[JosieElaine]

Sorry to waste your time but the first church Christ started was called"THE WAY" not the Catholic church how come they changed the name? love of Christ Nancy

How beautiful ! I wish I knew why someone changed it . I know I also saw that somewhere . Do you remember where you saw it ?

 

[wlychan64]

Because I’m not talking to Him. I’m talking to you and I asked you a direct question which you refuse to answer. Which is your prerogative, of course.

That’s what I’m asking you. Does Scripture mean what it says?

You just contradicted yourself, which is par for the course with protestant apologists. If Scripture is not the only source of truth, which is what you say above, then it follows that truth can be found outside of Scripture. Yet you say no additional knowledge is needed for salvation – ONLY Scripture. Can you show me where the doctrine of sola scriptura is in Scripture?

That may be true, but you won’t find it in that quote from Timothy you cited.

“Not necessarily true” is vague and ambiguous. AND, if you think ‘useful’ means something else, then you’ve answered the question.

Hedging yes. You did not answer the question directly regardless of your reason. But you answered it indirectly and I accept the answer. It means you believe you can make of Scripture whatever you want to make of it and force it to mean what you believe, not what it says.

This is the main difference between Roman Catholic Church (RC) and Protestants. I agree that we must follow bible closley but it is not the only source of God’s words. The RC do provides directions to their believers to follow and they must be subject to the interpretation of the bible. Since Vatican II, this has been strongly enforced and complied with. If this is the case, I see no reason why Protestants keep attacking RC for any teaching other than those from the bible as long as the teachings are supported by the bible or at the very least, not contradicting the bible.

Correct me if I am wrong. i want to learn more to be a more devoted christian.

 

[theladyiscrazy]

1. You do realize the first use of Catholic was due to its meaning: universal? It is the universal church of Christ. That is why there were no denominations.
2. I officially join the Catholic Church on April 11th. I have been Christian Protestant up until now. I have seen a couple of things.

a. The term Protestant used by Catholics can mean all religions other than catholism or it could refer to only the Christian sector; you have to know what they are referring to in order to know what is being spoken about.

b. Both sides have misunderstandings of the other side and what exactly is being taught.

c. In my 40 odd years of being a Protestant Christian, other than polish type jokes about Catholics, I never heard of any anti-Catholic jargon. However, I met an ex-Catholic a few years ago and she is extremely, extremely against the Catholic church. I had never met anyone like her. She did not know what the Church taught, not really. I think that is where most of the problems lie. Ex-Catholics who do not know what is really taught, leave the church and promote that Catholism is not Christian and whatever else. It is really sad.

 

[SteveGC]

As a matter of fact, you are mistaken …

From the Day of Pentecost to the year 311 A.D., there was no such thing as a “Catholic” church. The church was called the “Christian” church . Read the Book of Acts and the Epistles to verify this; also the Early Church Fathers .

After 311 , when Emperor Constantine became the Roman Emperor , he proposed a union of church and state in a political move to bring peace to his empire . After more than 3 centuries of persecution , the church, weary of such persecutions, accepted . Actually, the Pope at the time , was somewhat worried about the social, religious and political implications of this and did not make a public move to accept, but the following pope, (314 A.D.) Sylvester I, accepted readily . After that , the Christian church came slowly to be recognized as the “Catholic” church. Catholic means “universal” ; this was the intention of Constantine and the following emperors, that their empire became a world empire .
After the schism of the Orthodox church around 1250 I think, ( not sure of the exact date), the Catholic church became known as the “Roman Catholic Church”, to distinguish it from its counterpart at Constantinople . Of course , both sides, the west and the east, to this day claim to be the only “Church of Christ”

Now, this does not change much to the Catholic theology, but it is better to know the facts of history … Non-Catholic people accuses you of willfully promoting lies . Personally, I believe, it is more ignorance that lies . The “Roman Catholic” Archbishop of the city of NewCastle , in England, said recently that Catholics are “amazingly ignorant” of their own religion. Many are surprised when I , a Baptist, take their Catechism, and show them what exactly their Church teaches . Many Catholics nowadays believe all kind of stuff that are contrary to their church’s beliefs and are “under anathema” for that . Your Church says that, not I !

St Ignatius of Loyola is responsible for the first known use of the Greek word katholikos (καθολικός), meaning “universal,” “complete” and “whole” to describe the church, writing:

“ Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic Church. It is not lawful to baptize or give communion without the consent of the bishop. On the other hand, whatever has his approval is pleasing to God. Thus, whatever is done will be safe and valid. — Letter to the Smyrnaeans 8, J.R. Willis translation. ”

It is from the word katholikos that the word “catholic” comes. When Ignatius wrote the Letter to the Smyrnaeans in **about the year 107 **and used the word “catholic”, he used it as if it were a word already in use to describe the Church. This has led many scholars to conclude that the appellation “catholic Church” with its ecclesial connotation may have been in use as early as the last quarter of the first century

 

[JosieElaine]

It is very important to recognize that there is a HUGE diversity among various protestant denominations. There is a bigger discrepancy between different protestant denominations than between Protestants in general and Catholics in general. In fact, a typical Presbyterian, Episcopalian or Lutheran probably has more in common with a typical Roman Catholic than he or she does with a typical Pentecostal or Southern Baptist; even though all those denominations are technically “Protestant.”

It is difficult to make broad generalizations about Roman Catholics. It is even harder to make broad generalizations about Protestants.

I encourage everyone to realize there is more that unites Protestants and Catholics than separates them. Let’s not allow the occasional intolerant zealot to make us lose sight of this.

Absolutely right ! Especially if you read the books of the now “emergent church” leaders. Some of their writings resemble more the “New Age” philosophy than the Christian teachings . I guess that is one reason to hang on to the Truth of the Word of God . Otherwise, where would we draw the line ?

 

[wlychan64]

1. You do realize the first use of Catholic was due to its meaning: universal? It is the universal church of Christ. That is why there were no denominations.
2. I officially join the Catholic Church on April 11th. I have been Christian Protestant up until now. I have seen a couple of things.

a. The term Protestant used by Catholics can mean all religions other than catholism or it could refer to only the Christian sector; you have to know what they are referring to in order to know what is being spoken about.

b. Both sides have misunderstandings of the other side and what exactly is being taught.

c. In my 40 odd years of being a Protestant Christian, other than polish type jokes about Catholics, I never heard of any anti-Catholic jargon. However, I met an ex-Catholic a few years ago and she is extremely, extremely against the Catholic church. I had never met anyone like her. She did not know what the Church taught, not really. I think that is where most of the problems lie. Ex-Catholics who do not know what is really taught, leave the church and promote that Catholism is not Christian and whatever else. It is really sad.

Thank you for the information supplied. I agree that your friend should not accused the Roman Catholic Church even though she has left the church for good.

 

[mrearly2]

Non-Catholics (non-Christians) often hate not Catholicism, but, as Archbishop Fulton Sheen (RIP) said, Not 100 in the United States hate the Roman Catholic Church, but millions hate what they mistakenly think that the Roman Catholic Church is.
Partly due to so many “Catholics” setting a bad example, the world really can’t get a good picture of what Christ’s religion is. They could read about it, as I did, though.

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

PROBLEM: My Protestant wife was taught that the Catholic church was the anti-christ. She was taught a lot of lies about the Catholic church teaches. She refuses to listen to me to do her own research. I guess I must “go it alone”. Any prayers for her conversion would be appreciated.

The Lord has given you a heavy cross to bear, Larry. I admire you for the intgerity to seek the truth and the intnelligence to know it when it was revealed to you. My prayer for you and your wife is that she will find the grace, at the least, to seek the truth for herself.

God bless you.

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

Out of sheer curiousity, can you tell me where in the Bible it says which books should be in it and which ones should be left out? If it doesn’t, then can you tell me who decided?

I’ve been gone from CAF for about a year. Not really gone, but I assumed full lurker status.
But this made me laugh, and like Michael Corleone from Godfather Part III “Just when I think I’m out…they pull me back in!”

I’m sure wabrams (at least I hope that wabrams) is fully aware of the conundrum presented here.

In my Catholic/Protestant relations, the fundamental divide has been between “Tradition” and “Scripture.” What I’m about to say isn’t new, but it begs repeating as we often seem to forget.

The truth is that Scripture (The Bible) is *a fruit *of Catholic Tradition. The third Council of Carthage, on August 28, 397AD, issued the first canon of Scriptures. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, yes, but to say that scripture is more important than tradition misses the fundamental point that without Catholic Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit, there would be no scriptures.

So people, the next time you thump your Bibles, thank a Catholic.

Many protestants are loathe to accept this, as the Council of Carthage isn’t mentioned in the Bible. Isn’t that great?

 

[JosieElaine]

Sorry to disagree but the Old Testament was in existence in its totality 400 years before the birth of Christ . Also, when that Council decided which books to include in the New Testament, they accepted only books written by the Apostles or their close associates . Why they rejected some writings of these close associates, I do not know unless you accept that the Holy Spirit guided them and that being who He is , He knew what He was doing , oups ! saying …

 

[SnooZQ]

Hi there,

I think that the comments early on in your post may be true of some Protestants, but certainly not all of them, and possibly not even the majority.

I am a Protestant. I love my Catholic brothers and sisters in the faith. There are many of us who would no more “Hate Catholics” than would hate our own parents and grandparents.

I have a number of friends who are good, solid Catholics. We have had many discussions over the years about the Christian faith – that which we share, that which is different between us, and the great mysteries common to both Protestants and Catholics. Of course, we are friends – theological discussions are not all we have in common, but the commonalities of the aspects of the Christian faith that we DO share, means there are many values, many activities that we commonly both DO and both DO NOT participate in – making for a basis for good friendship.

The Lord bless you, GK, and all other Catholics.

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

As a matter of fact, you are mistaken …

From the Day of Pentecost to the year 311 A.D., there was no such thing as a “Catholic” church. The church was called the “Christian” church . Read the Book of Acts and the Epistles to verify this; also the Early Church Fathers.

Actually it’s you who are mistaken. The first reference to ‘the Catholic Church’ I’m aware occurs in the beginning of the 2nd Century about the year 110 when Irenaeus made the reference. The Church was never called ‘the Christian Church.’

(snipped history lesson.) After that, the Christian church came slowly to be recognized as the “Catholic” church.

The ‘after that’ means the 4th Century and it’s not true. Before the Church was called "“The Catholic Church” she was referred to as simply ‘the Church.’ The Church has never been known by any other name and there were no other Christian entities except the Catholic Church (East and West) until the 16th Century, when they started sprouting like mushrooms.

(snipped history lesson.) Of course , both sides, the west and the east, to this day claim to be the only “Church of Christ”

You are mistaken. Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches accept each other as branches of the true Church. Each has Apostolic Succession, valid sacraments and valid orders. The differences between them are minor my comparison.

Now, this does not change much to the Catholic theology, but it is better to know the facts of history …

I couldn’t agree more. Protestants would do well to study the actual history of the Church from the beginning and not rely on the untruths they are taught. They would also do well to read Scripture for content instead of looking for ways to fit the Bible to their beliefs,which is what you do.

Non-Catholic people accuses you of willfully promoting lies . Personally, I believe, it is more ignorance that lies.

I take that as a personal affront. The entire protestant belief system now comprises over 33,000 different sects, all claiming to preach the truth. There is where you will find ignorance; willful ignorance which deliberately ignores the truth.

Many Catholics nowadays believe all kind of stuff that are contrary to their church’s beliefs and are “under anathema” for that . Your Church says that, not I !

You’re right about that. The ‘Catholics’ you refer to are protestants who are calling themselves Catholics. They are not Catholics.

 

[Ferde_Rombola]

You might be right . I would have to see the exact quote before I rectify my opinion . Have you read that from his actual text or did someone tell you he said that ? “Catholic” not meaning then what it means now, neveetheless …

What is your source for the allegation ‘Catholic’ didn’t mean then what it means now?

It’s actually irrelevant what it meant. It referred to the Church of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church, which was the only Christian church on earth at the time. The reference still works today.

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

Sorry to disagree but the Old Testament was in existence in its totality 400 years before the birth of Christ…

Of course the Jewish Scriptures were already in existence; they just were not included in our Bible until the Council of Carthage when the Bible was slapped together for the first time. There are other Jewish writings (Talmud, The Zohar et. al.) that we do not accept. That’s why the Jewish books of the Bible are called The Old Testement. As far as the Jews are concerned, their Testament isn’t old.

Also, when that Council decided which books to include in the New Testament, they accepted only books written by the Apostles or their close associates . Why they rejected some writings of these close associates, I do not know unless you accept that the Holy Spirit guided them and that being who He is , He knew what He was doing , oups ! saying …

Yes, that is the general point. There still exist the Gospels of Peter, Thomas, Mary et. al. but we do not account them as “public revelation.” The Council, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, determined which books would be canonical (i.e. writings by which we would measure our spiritual lives in Christ).

Protestants must agree with us, as they have accepted our Bible if not our Magisterium.