Genuflection for Non-believers

[Roy5]

Protestants generally - there may be some exceptions - emphasize the empty cross. Why? Because Christ has risen and is much alive, and they feel that Jesus on the cross is misleading, misrepresentative of the core of the Christian faith. Many Protestants will wear a cross but rarely a crucifix.

Personally, I don’t find this difference troubling. It has more to do with perception rather than essential belief.

Ten major differences between Catholics and most Protestants today would be:
1. Authority of the Papacy
2. Veneration of Mary and various doctrines concerning Mary.
3. Confession to clergy who can grant absolution.
4. Transubstantiation, the actual presence of Christ’s body and blood in communion
5. Praying to saints for intercession (and other saint-related issues)
6. Seven vs two sacraments, and the role of sacraments in salvation
7. Marriage of clergy
8. Ordination of women (still somewhat divisive among some Protestants)
9. Hierarchal church government versus major role by laity.
10. Acceptance of artificial birth control, remarriage after divorce, etc. A few major
denominations permit ordination of practicing homosexuals (e. g., Episcopalians,
United Church of Christ). Among others. such as the Methodists, this is a hot issue
but not yet permitted by vote of its ‘General Conference’ which meets every four
years to decide such issues.

One could add a few more. For example, Protestants traditionally have placed far more emphasis on 'salvation by simple faith' (amazing grace) while Catholicism traditionally has emphasized the central role of the church and its sacraments in salvation. Protestants generally do not believe in any 'one true church' but rely upon faith in Christ rather than church affiliation. Therefore, they would argue that a faithful Methodist or Quaker would gain eternal life as surely as, say, a Catholic or an Orthodox who placed their trust in Christ.Specific doctrines and sacraments are secondary compared to a simple faith.

 Vatican II resolved some differences. The Reformers, for example, had insisted that worship be conducted in the language of the people - in English in England, in French in France, etc. (rather than Latin). 

 God bless Catholics, Protestants and all his children of every creed, color and country. Christ would want our faith to serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. How have we managed to so distort his message of humility and reconciliation over the centuries and too often become proud and bitter instead? Christian tribalism is a sin and ought to be replaced by mutual respect and affection.

 

[Cat]

And I don’t suggest forcing anyone. I still think it would be disrespectful for a Christian believer to not bend a knee when that is the culture.

So you would bow and clap your hands before a statue of Buddha because “that is the culture?”

Eugh. I wouldn’t.

Why on earth should a Christian believer bow before what they believe is an idol? I think YOU should respect Christians who love Jesus so much that they will not bow before something that they believe is not Him.

You simply have to accept that Protestants are NOT Catholics. They do not have the background and training that a Catholic has. They will not think like Catholics. YOU have to try to get inside their heads and try to understand their way of thinking and behaving. Then you will understand why most of them will not genuflect in front of a piece of bread, not because they disrespect Catholic culture, but because they love and honor the Lord Jesus Christ and believe they are doing the right thing.