How Many Protestants Know Their Own Doctrine?

[BlueMit11]

It seems (at least in the small town that I come from) that protestants are content with lumping together with each other and not realizing the differences between what each denomination teaches. The one exception that I can think of to this is Lutheran, but other than that, it seems like most protestants don’t even know how they differ from each other. They just know basic teachings and that’s it. Any insight into why this is?

 

[bengal_fan]

BlueMit11:

It seems (at least in the small town that I come from) that protestants are content with lumping together with each other and not realizing the differences between what each denomination teaches.

i would say that most (and by most i mean over 50%) know the differences but put them aside when dealing with main issues such as the salvation of others and caring for the poor (etc.). i would say that in my experience (being a former protestant minister on my way into the catholic church) that the percentage of catholics who truly know their faith is much, much lower than protestants who truly know their faith.

 

[Catholic4aReasn]

bengal_fan:

i would say that most (and by most i mean over 50%) know the differences but put them aside when dealing with main issues such as the salvation of others and caring for the poor (etc.). i would say that in my experience (being a former protestant minister on my way into the catholic church) that the percentage of catholics who truly know their faith is much, much lower than protestants who truly know their faith.

Welcome home!

Are you familiar with the Coming Home Network?

In Christ,
Nancy

 

[Shibboleth]

How Many Protestants Know Their Own Doctrine?

Oh I suppose that it is about the same as how many Catholics know their own doctrines.

In regards to Lutheranism, I am confused as to what you mean. You have to keep in mid that there are two general schools of thought in Lutheranism. The ELCA falls into one category and the LC-MS and WELLS falls into the other.

ELCA has been accused of being Liberal – but that is not quite accurate. ELCA has a much less fundamentalist view of Christianity. They are not strict seven day creationists and allow others outside of the ELCA to take communion. The ELCA also ordains female pastors.

The LC-MS and WELLS both abide by a strict following of seven day creationism, they have closed communion, and they do not allow the ordination of Women.

The LC-MS is vehemently opposed to the signing of the Joint Doctrine of Justification.

These are just a few things.

So when talking to one Lutheran about a certain subject and then talking to another it may sound as if one doesn’t know what he is talking about – but it could be Synod differences.

 

[Katholikos]

Protestants can change affiliations as easily as they change their clothes. Many are attracted to a church by its social programs or its dynamic preaching or its friendly congregatation, and those – not doctrine – are the deciding factors. The theological differences that have caused thousands of splits in the fabric of Protestantism seem of little interest to modern-day practitioners. The most important Qs seem to be: Does it make me feel good? Do my kids like it?

I have friends that have been Baptist-Presbyterian-Lutheran-Nondenominational because of these factors and because of the location. That’s another important factor – how far do I have to drive to get there? And, do they have good music?

What doctrines are held by a denomination are purely secondary. It’s religion as a social and entertainment event.

This isn’t true of all Protestants, of course, but it’s true of many.

JMJ Jay

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Isnt this great how God provides a church for every type of lifestyle?. Whats your flavor? God Bless…

 

[Exporter]

SPOKENWORD:

Isnt this great how God provides a church for every type of lifestyle?. Whats your flavor? God Bless…

---

When I read this post by Spokenword, I thought - what an odd thing to say. I wondered about that poster. Did he think that God would establish thousands of different Churches designed to suit the likes and dislikes of unthinking people. I would not think the one Holy Father would provide a “cafeteria” for the likes of man to pick and chose his Faith.

Jesus Christ told Peter that He would build His Church on Peter and that He would not forsake the Church. [In spite of the actions of unholy men]. Christ did not say He would build a new and different Church any time some men separated from His Church. He said there would be one Church.

“Lifestyle”. Does God think a lifestyle is important? If God and heaven are eternal, would it seem that a new (and probably passing) “lifestyle” would turn God’s head? May I ask that if God changes each time new “fads or lifestyles” appear :Then GOD IS CHANGABLE. The prayer called the “Gloria” and said at Mass, says, " As it was in the beginning , it is now and ever shall be." This is refering to The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost. They have not changed is the meaning. Therefore, may this poster say that it is illogical to assume that God “caters” to men, but men should “cater” to God?

 

[SPOKENWORD]

*****************************************************************************
When I read this post by Spokenword, I thought - what an odd thing to say. I wondered about that poster. Did he think that God would establish thousands of different Churches designed to suit the likes and dislikes of unthinking people. I would not think the one Holy Father would provide a “cafeteria” for the likes of man to pick and chose his Faith.

Jesus Christ told Peter that He would build His Church on Peter and that He would not forsake the Church. [In spite of the actions of unholy men]. Christ did not say He would build a new and different Church any time some men separated from His Church. He said there would be one Church.

“Lifestyle”. Does God think a lifestyle is important? If God and heaven are eternal, would it seem that a new (and probably passing) “lifestyle” would turn God’s head? May I ask that if God changes each time new “fads or lifestyles” appear :Then GOD IS CHANGABLE. The prayer called the “Gloria” and said at Mass, says, " As it was in the beginning , it is now and ever shall be." This is refering to The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost. They have not changed is the meaning. Therefore, may this poster say that it is illogical to assume that God “caters” to men, but men should “cater” to God?

Hi Exporter, Your final comment hits the nail right on the head. p/s You see I got you thinking? God Bless

 

[Katholikos]

SPOKENWORD:

Hi Exporter, Your final comment hits the nail right on the head. p/s You see I got you thinking? God Bless

Spokenword seeks to defend himself (herself?) because he left the barque of Peter provided by Christ and is now swimming with the sharks.

JMJ Jay

 

[Stephen-Maguire]

bengal_fan:

i would say that most (and by most i mean over 50%) know the differences but put them aside when dealing with main issues such as the salvation of others and caring for the poor (etc.). i would say that in my experience (being a former protestant minister on my way into the catholic church) that the percentage of catholics who truly know their faith is much, much lower than protestants who truly know their faith.

Whats the point in knowing a lot about something if it’s not the truth ?

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Katholikos:

Spokenword seeks to defend himself (herself?) because he left the barque of Peter provided by Christ and is now swimming with the sharks.

JMJ Jay

Ive Got you all confused. Maybe im fishing from above… God Bless.