Original intention, thoughts not known, Anti-Catholic sentiment

[CopticChristian]

I believe that many Protestant do not know that they are Protestants and as pointed out many that have differing beliefs are not Protestant nor do they believe that they are Protestant, such as Baptists and Quakers.

There was at the inception anti-catholic statements and remain anti-catholic doctrines that linger in the Protestant realm.

I am aware of the 6th point of Calvinism declaring the Pope the Anti-Christ.

I know that the Anglicans have the queen as head of the Church, there is some declaration, do not know what it is as to allegiance to the monarchy.

I ask for any and all Protestant documents that at their source portray the Church as antithetical to Chritiainity. I believe many “Protestants”, “Christians” that do not know that they are Protestant are not aware of these sentiments.

Is there a source for all of these or do you have to look individually.

Other than Calvinism and Anglicanism are there others?

 

[Roy5]

My impression is that most mainline Protestants are not anti-Catholic, though they don’t embrace Catholic teaching. As one Protestant minister expressed it: “We agree to disagree agreeably.” The old days when the Catholic Church was feared by nearly all Protestants are gone. Why? Here may be four of the reasons.

 (1) During Vatican II the Catholic Church appeared to toss aside documents like the "Syllabus of Errors" by Pius IX and proclaim that other religions should be tolerated,  that Protestants were separated brothers and sisters. All this thanks to John XXIII and Paul VI, very popular among knowledgeable Protestants. John Paul II? Not so popular despite his warm and winning personality. Benedict XVI? Too early to say, but for him to declare that Protestant churches are not really churches and that Protestant clergy do not have a valid communion - well, if he thought this he should not have spoken it. You may recall that the "Syllabus of Errors", among other things, declared that in Catholic-majority countries other religions should not be permitted. It also denounced democracy in various other respects. A very bad document that increased anti-Catholicism.

 (2) The Catholic Church seems to have lost control of its American constituency. Polls show that Catholics are more liberal than evangelical Protestants on such issues as gay marriage. Note that the states that permit gay marriage include three of the states with large Catholic populations, and Catholics in their legislatures overwhelmingly voted for gay marriage. MA, CT, and NY. I believe Rhode Island, the only state that has an actual Catholic majority (above 60%) permits civil unions (as I recall - I can stand corrected on some of these details, if I am mistaken.) This has made Protestants less anxious about what Catholics might do if they were to become a majority. Catholics would not allow discrimination against Protestants, which was a fear imported from Europe by many Protestants. Some Catholics, of course, had the same fear in reverse.

 (3) Numerous Catholics - 30 million? - have fallen away from the Church here in the USA. In this area even the majority of members of some Protestant parishers were once Catholics. Hard to explain. I don't understand it. I think some of it may be because of the emotion in many evangelical churches with their enthusiastic singing and such. Others are attracted to mainline churches because of their doubts when it comes to doctrinal matters, or their more liberal position on such issues as artificial birth control - and gay questions, perhaps, too. 

 (4) America has become so mixed now - nearly every Catholic has Protestant friends and vice versa - that it helps quell suspicions of one another. Catholicism seemed very alien to the Protestants of years ago, but less so today. This was helped by the reforms of Vatican II, especially the mass in the vernacular. I recall how a Methodist recalled that once the mass was in English he suddenly realized that the Methodist communion liturgy closely reflects the mass (though Methodists don't believe in transubstantiation, of course). 

 As for evangelical Protestants, they're inclined to be more in line with Catholic teaching on such matters as abortion and gay marriage. Their beef with Catholicism is doctrinal and litrugical. 

  Actually, here on CAF I find a considerable amount of bitterness - yes, even hatred - directed at Protestantism. 

  Christianity should serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. When Christ spoke about who would enter eternal life, he gave the parable of the Good Samaritan (a heretic despised by the Jews), then - in Matt. 25 - spoke only about those who had done good deeds - no mention of doctrine or church affiliation. 

 God bless Catholics, Protestants and people of every creed, color, culture and country. They'll be a lot of us - all brands - in the world to come, so we should develop mutual respect here on earth. None of us but God knows the ultimate mysteries of life. Too often religion has preached love, humility and peace while promoting bitterness, arrogance and hostility. May the Lord forgive us for our tribal prejudices.

 

[CopticChristian]

My impression is that most mainline Protestants are not anti-Catholic, though they don’t embrace Catholic teaching. As one Protestant minister expressed it: “We agree to disagree agreeably.” The old days when the Catholic Church was feared by nearly all Protestants are gone. Why? Here may be four of the reasons.

 (1) During Vatican II the Catholic Church appeared to toss aside documents like the "Syllabus of Errors" by Pius IX and proclaim that other religions should be tolerated,  that Protestants were separated brothers and sisters. All this thanks to John XXIII and Paul VI, very popular among knowledgeable Protestants. John Paul II? Not so popular despite his warm and winning personality. Benedict XVI? Too early to say, but for him to declare that Protestant churches are not really churches and that Protestant clergy do not have a valid communion - well, if he thought this he should not have spoken it. You may recall that the "Syllabus of Errors", among other things, declared that in Catholic-majority countries other religions should not be permitted. It also denounced democracy in various other respects. A very bad document that increased anti-Catholicism.

 (2) The Catholic Church seems to have lost control of its American constituency. Polls show that Catholics are more liberal than evangelical Protestants on such issues as gay marriage. Note that the states that permit gay marriage include three of the states with large Catholic populations, and Catholics in their legislatures overwhelmingly voted for gay marriage. MA, CT, and NY. I believe Rhode Island, the only state that has an actual Catholic majority (above 60%) permits civil unions (as I recall - I can stand corrected on some of these details, if I am mistaken.) This has made Protestants less anxious about what Catholics might do if they were to become a majority. Catholics would not allow discrimination against Protestants, which was a fear imported from Europe by many Protestants. Some Catholics, of course, had the same fear in reverse.

 (3) Numerous Catholics - 30 million? - have fallen away from the Church here in the USA. In this area even the majority of members of some Protestant parishers were once Catholics. Hard to explain. I don't understand it. I think some of it may be because of the emotion in many evangelical churches with their enthusiastic singing and such. Others are attracted to mainline churches because of their doubts when it comes to doctrinal matters, or their more liberal position on such issues as artificial birth control - and gay questions, perhaps, too. 

 (4) America has become so mixed now - nearly every Catholic has Protestant friends and vice versa - that it helps quell suspicions of one another. Catholicism seemed very alien to the Protestants of years ago, but less so today. This was helped by the reforms of Vatican II, especially the mass in the vernacular. I recall how a Methodist recalled that once the mass was in English he suddenly realized that the Methodist communion liturgy closely reflects the mass (though Methodists don't believe in transubstantiation, of course). 

 As for evangelical Protestants, they're inclined to be more in line with Catholic teaching on such matters as abortion and gay marriage. Their beef with Catholicism is doctrinal and litrugical. 

  Actually, here on CAF I find a considerable amount of bitterness - yes, even hatred - directed at Protestantism. 

  Christianity should serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. When Christ spoke about who would enter eternal life, he gave the parable of the Good Samaritan (a heretic despised by the Jews), then - in Matt. 25 - spoke only about those who had done good deeds - no mention of doctrine or church affiliation. 

 God bless Catholics, Protestants and people of every creed, color, culture and country. They'll be a lot of us - all brands - in the world to come, so we should develop mutual respect here on earth. None of us but God knows the ultimate mysteries of life. Too often religion has preached love, humility and peace while promoting bitterness, arrogance and hostility. May the Lord forgive us for our tribal prejudices.

This is all thoughtful, filled with inference and summation as to what you believe. I agree that Benedict was correct in saying “ecclesial communities”. I agree that there is no valid communion in these communities. You may want to read joint declaration on Eucharist, I believe that there are a couple. What you cite as control is nothing other than the humanity of the Body of Christ, sin. Shall we take a pole as to how much sin there is in the world? If you are interested in discrimination study Northern Ireland and in America The Ulster Irish. Your thoughts on “falling away” are an opinion.

I believe that Protestants are sincere. I believe as it regards Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Extrinsic Justification, and Authority of the Body of Christ they are sincere in their beliefs. I also believe that they are sincerely wrong.

I asked for documents that date to the inception of Protestant thought. Thank you for your opinion as you see it as one individual.

 

[GKC]

I believe that many Protestant do not know that they are Protestants and as pointed out many that have differing beliefs are not Protestant nor do they believe that they are Protestant, such as Baptists and Quakers.

There was at the inception anti-catholic statements and remain anti-catholic doctrines that linger in the Protestant realm.

I am aware of the 6th point of Calvinism declaring the Pope the Anti-Christ.

I know that the Anglicans have the queen as head of the Church, there is some declaration, do not know what it is as to allegiance to the monarchy.

I ask for any and all Protestant documents that at their source portray the Church as antithetical to Chritiainity. I believe many “Protestants”, “Christians” that do not know that they are Protestant are not aware of these sentiments.

Is there a source for all of these or do you have to look individually.

Other than Calvinism and Anglicanism are there others?

The Monarch is the head of the Church of England, only, not all Anglicans.

GKC

 

[CopticChristian]

The Monarch is the head of the Church of England, only, not all Anglicans.

GKC

Is there some document that requires allegiance to the monarch?

 

[CopticChristian]

My impression is that most mainline Protestants are not anti-Catholic, though they don’t embrace Catholic teaching. As one Protestant minister expressed it: “We agree to disagree agreeably.” The old days when the Catholic Church was feared by nearly all Protestants are gone. Why? Here may be four of the reasons.

 (1) During Vatican II the Catholic Church appeared to toss aside documents like the "Syllabus of Errors" by Pius IX and proclaim that other religions should be tolerated,  that Protestants were separated brothers and sisters. All this thanks to John XXIII and Paul VI, very popular among knowledgeable Protestants. John Paul II? Not so popular despite his warm and winning personality. Benedict XVI? Too early to say, but for him to declare that Protestant churches are not really churches and that Protestant clergy do not have a valid communion - well, if he thought this he should not have spoken it. You may recall that the "Syllabus of Errors", among other things, declared that in Catholic-majority countries other religions should not be permitted. It also denounced democracy in various other respects. A very bad document that increased anti-Catholicism.

 (2) The Catholic Church seems to have lost control of its American constituency. Polls show that Catholics are more liberal than evangelical Protestants on such issues as gay marriage. Note that the states that permit gay marriage include three of the states with large Catholic populations, and Catholics in their legislatures overwhelmingly voted for gay marriage. MA, CT, and NY. I believe Rhode Island, the only state that has an actual Catholic majority (above 60%) permits civil unions (as I recall - I can stand corrected on some of these details, if I am mistaken.) This has made Protestants less anxious about what Catholics might do if they were to become a majority. Catholics would not allow discrimination against Protestants, which was a fear imported from Europe by many Protestants. Some Catholics, of course, had the same fear in reverse.

 (3) Numerous Catholics - 30 million? - have fallen away from the Church here in the USA. In this area even the majority of members of some Protestant parishers were once Catholics. Hard to explain. I don't understand it. I think some of it may be because of the emotion in many evangelical churches with their enthusiastic singing and such. Others are attracted to mainline churches because of their doubts when it comes to doctrinal matters, or their more liberal position on such issues as artificial birth control - and gay questions, perhaps, too. 

 (4) America has become so mixed now - nearly every Catholic has Protestant friends and vice versa - that it helps quell suspicions of one another. Catholicism seemed very alien to the Protestants of years ago, but less so today. This was helped by the reforms of Vatican II, especially the mass in the vernacular. I recall how a Methodist recalled that once the mass was in English he suddenly realized that the Methodist communion liturgy closely reflects the mass (though Methodists don't believe in transubstantiation, of course). 

 As for evangelical Protestants, they're inclined to be more in line with Catholic teaching on such matters as abortion and gay marriage. Their beef with Catholicism is doctrinal and litrugical. 

  Actually, here on CAF I find a considerable amount of bitterness - yes, even hatred - directed at Protestantism. 

  Christianity should serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. When Christ spoke about who would enter eternal life, he gave the parable of the Good Samaritan (a heretic despised by the Jews), then - in Matt. 25 - spoke only about those who had done good deeds - no mention of doctrine or church affiliation. 

 God bless Catholics, Protestants and people of every creed, color, culture and country. They'll be a lot of us - all brands - in the world to come, so we should develop mutual respect here on earth. None of us but God knows the ultimate mysteries of life. Too often religion has preached love, humility and peace while promoting bitterness, arrogance and hostility. May the Lord forgive us for our tribal prejudices.

One note on your bridge concept. If there is a river, there must be a bridge. If there is no bridge then you must swim. I beleive as evidenced by Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, and based on the law of Physics, those that spread and departed are returning to the source. You may be interested in reviewing the following example of a bridge.

catholicherald.co.uk/news/2010/10/15/anglican-bishop-of-fulham-to-take-up-ordinariate/

Both Bishop Andrew Burnham of Ebbsfleet and Bishop Keith Newton of Richborough are believed to be taking up the offer Pope Benedict made last autumn with the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus, which allows for a new canonical structure for Anglicans wishing to be in full communion with Rome while retaining their identity.

 

[mark_a]

The Monarch is the head of the Church of England, only, not all Anglicans.

GKC

Is there a COEOE?

 

[followingtheway]

I believe that many Protestant do not know that they are Protestants and as pointed out many that have differing beliefs are not Protestant nor do they believe that they are Protestant, such as Baptists and Quakers.

That’s a big issue at my school :sad_yes: My Protestant friends just think of themselves as “Christian”.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Some Baptists do not believe they are Protestant and claim they were the original Church founded by Christ, They further claim that they were persecuted and suppressed by the Catholic Church, which came to power early. This group traces its ancestry through a long line of heretics. They embrace a book called the Trail of Blood by J.M. Carroll. Here’s a link to the full text:

baptistbecause.com/Tracts/TrailBlood.pdf.

It is false history, of course. Carroll was not a historian, but a preacher with a vivid imagination.

Other Baptists are more realistic and acknowledge that theirs was a thrid-generation reformation organization founded by John Smyth in Amsterdam c 1609, an off-shoot of the Mennonites. There have been countless splits (the third one, in 1644, the Immersion Baptists, gave Baptists their identity). Many splits and other independent ecclesial communities call themselves Baptist because they follow “the Baptist Distinctives,” though they each put their own spin on them –

B Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.

A Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing.

P Priesthood of the Believers
Every born-again believer has direct access to the throne of God.

T Two Ordinances of the Church
We practice only believer’s baptism by immersion, which is the only acceptable mode for baptism because it alone preserves the picture of saving truth. No other form pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ’s body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming. It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers.

I Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual Christian has the liberty to believe, right or wrong, as his/her own conscience dictates.

S Saved and Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer’s baptism.

T Two Offices of the Church
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church–pastor and deacon. The three terms–“pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop,” or “overseer”–all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.

S Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation.​

There’s a whole army of anti-Catholic Baptists! I used to be one. And they’re all over the Internet.

Jim Dandy
Ex-Southern Baptist, ex-agnostic, ex-atheist, ecstatic to be Catholic!

 

[JonNC]

I believe that many Protestant do not know that they are Protestants and as pointed out many that have differing beliefs are not Protestant nor do they believe that they are Protestant, such as Baptists and Quakers.

There was at the inception anti-catholic statements and remain anti-catholic doctrines that linger in the Protestant realm.

I am aware of the 6th point of Calvinism declaring the Pope the Anti-Christ.

I know that the Anglicans have the queen as head of the Church, there is some declaration, do not know what it is as to allegiance to the monarchy.

I ask for any and all Protestant documents that at their source portray the Church as antithetical to Chritiainity. I believe many “Protestants”, “Christians” that do not know that they are Protestant are not aware of these sentiments.

Is there a source for all of these or do you have to look individually.

Other than Calvinism and Anglicanism are there others?

The Treatese on the Power and Primacy of the Pope in many ways does exactly this.
It also needs to be noted that the document is from the mid-1500’s, and responds to issues of that time, some of which do not apply to today’s dialogue.
While some of the issues addressed still stand between us, the language and attitude are dated. As has been mentioned, the effects of Vatican II have softened the polemics on both sides of the Lutheran / Catholic divide (except perhaps in the respective extreme traditionalist camps).

In short, one will find very few Lutherans who refer to the papacy as anti-Christ.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

Is there a source for all of these or do you have to look individually.

As is the case with any belief or doctrine, one must consult each individual communion, as Protestantism is a description referring broadly to western noncatholic communions, not a monolith.

Jon

 

[Izdaari]

I believe that many Protestant do not know that they are Protestants and as pointed out many that have differing beliefs are not Protestant nor do they believe that they are Protestant, such as Baptists and Quakers.

There was at the inception anti-catholic statements and remain anti-catholic doctrines that linger in the Protestant realm.

I am aware of the 6th point of Calvinism declaring the Pope the Anti-Christ.

I know that the Anglicans have the queen as head of the Church, there is some declaration, do not know what it is as to allegiance to the monarchy.

I ask for any and all Protestant documents that at their source portray the Church as antithetical to Chritiainity. I believe many “Protestants”, “Christians” that do not know that they are Protestant are not aware of these sentiments.

Is there a source for all of these or do you have to look individually.

Other than Calvinism and Anglicanism are there others?

Well, I am a Christian who isn’t Catholic or Orthodox, so in the sense of it being a blanket term for all in that category, I guess I’m Protestant. But if I say I’m Protestant, that’s all I mean by it. And I’m not anti-Catholic at all, simply non-Catholic.

 

[CopticChristian]

The Treatese on the Power and Primacy of the Pope in many ways does exactly this.
It also needs to be noted that the document is from the mid-1500’s, and responds to issues of that time, some of which do not apply to today’s dialogue.
While some of the issues addressed still stand between us, the language and attitude are dated. As has been mentioned, the effects of Vatican II have softened the polemics on both sides of the Lutheran / Catholic divide (except perhaps in the respective extreme traditionalist camps).

In short, one will find very few Lutherans who refer to the papacy as anti-Christ.

Jon

Thank you, this is what I am looking for. I believe recently we saw Bachman/politician having to defend this. This illustrates my inquiry. Many of these documents exist and are part of Protestant Thought and filter into the thinking as the “christian” loves Catholics too much to let them go to hell trying to get them away from presumed false teaching. The thinking emanates from the past.

I agree that from the top there is a softening and an understanding of the dialogue. My premise is that “christians” that do not know that they are Protestants and many Protestants are not aware of the anti-catholic polemic that formulated the original thoughts. This is what I wanted. I know that there is and Anglican document too.

 

[CopticChristian]

As is the case with any belief or doctrine, one must consult each individual communion, as Protestantism is a description referring broadly to western noncatholic communions, not a monolith.

Jon

I am with you on that. I constantly refer to Protestanism as a form of thought. I agree and ask for and have received a Lutheran proposal. I now have Calvinistic, Lutheran and am looking for Anglican and others. Thank you…

 

[CopticChristian]

Well, I am a Christian who isn’t Catholic or Orthodox, so in the sense of it being a blanket term for all in that category, I guess I’m Protestant. But if I say I’m Protestant, that’s all I mean by it. And I’m not anti-Catholic at all, simply non-Catholic.

You confirm my premise. Many “christians” are not aware that they are Protestant and in being Protestant have within their system of thought a history of anti-catholic sentiment. This does not confirm that you are anti-catholic, it only identifies that the thought process that you are part of was founded on anti-catholic sentiment.

 

[Izdaari]

You confirm my premise. Many “christians” are not aware that they are Protestant and in being Protestant have within their system of thought a history of anti-catholic sentiment. This does not confirm that you are anti-catholic, it only identifies that the thought process that you are part of was founded on anti-catholic sentiment.

I know some church history, and I’m aware that anti-Catholic sentiment exists in the Protestant branch of the faith, and has since the beginning. However, I don’t agree with it, and don’t think it important or foundational to anything I do believe in.

 

[JonNC]

=CopticChristian;8216737]Thank you, this is what I am looking for. I believe recently we saw Bachman/politician having to defend this. This illustrates my inquiry. Many of these documents exist and are part of Protestant Thought and filter into the thinking as the “christian” loves Catholics too much to let them go to hell trying to get them away from presumed false teaching. The thinking emanates from the past.

To be honest, the problem with trying to defend the papacy as “antichrist” is that what the refromers were saying doesn’t match modern discussion of the Antichrist, the end-times beast. The reformers used the term more in its literal - as opposed to Christ - and in relation to papal primacy.
It is also in many ways dated. In my opinion, Pope John Paul II is the greatest Christian leader of my lifetime. I certainly do not consider him opposed to Christ, regardless of our doctrinal disagreements. And Pope Benedict is an incredible Christian leader, as well.

I agree that from the top there is a softening and an understanding of the dialogue. My premise is that “christians” that do not know that they are Protestants and many Protestants are not aware of the anti-catholic polemic that formulated the original thoughts. This is what I wanted. I know that there is and Anglican document too.

I think that your premise - that n-C Christians do not know of this polemic - is actually a good thing. It is an indication of a softening of hearts when concerning our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. And it is clear that the same sofening of hearts is happening in the reverse. In both instances, it is far too late in coming, but something to give thanks for, nonetheless.

Jon

Off topic, but I’m curious about your practice of typing the word “christian” - uncapitalized and in quotations.

 

[Izdaari]

To be honest, the problem with trying to defend the papacy as “antichrist” is that what the refromers were saying doesn’t match modern discussion of the Antichrist, the end-times beast. The reformers used the term more in its literal - as opposed to Christ - and in relation to papal primacy.
It is also in many ways dated. In my opinion, Pope John Paul II is the greatest Christian leader of my lifetime. I certainly do not consider him opposed to Christ, regardless of our doctrinal disagreements. And Pope Benedict is an incredible Christian leader, as well.

Agreed! Cheers for JPII and Benedict, not just good popes, but good men and good Christian leaders! :clapping:

I think that your premise - that n-C Christians do not know of this polemic - is actually a good thing. It is an indication of a softening of hearts when concerning our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. And it is clear that the same sofening of hearts is happening in the reverse. In both instances, it is far too late in coming, but something to give thanks for, nonetheless.

Also agreed! :yup:

 

[CopticChristian]

To be honest, the problem with trying to defend the papacy as “antichrist” is that what the refromers were saying doesn’t match modern discussion of the Antichrist, the end-times beast. The reformers used the term more in its literal - as opposed to Christ - and in relation to papal primacy.
It is also in many ways dated. In my opinion, Pope John Paul II is the greatest Christian leader of my lifetime. I certainly do not consider him opposed to Christ, regardless of our doctrinal disagreements. And Pope Benedict is an incredible Christian leader, as well.

I think that your premise - that n-C Christians do not know of this polemic - is actually a good thing. It is an indication of a softening of hearts when concerning our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. And it is clear that the same sofening of hearts is happening in the reverse. In both instances, it is far too late in coming, but something to give thanks for, nonetheless.

Jon

Off topic, but I’m curious about your practice of typing the word “christian” - uncapitalized and in quotations.

You may have seen the post Catholic or Christian. I believe and it confirmed by this post that there is some discussion generated by this dialogue. I use quotations to differentiate my ideas as opposed to making a generality. It causes a pause, as you paused, to wonder what that means.

I could say …so called christians or those that call themselves christians

It is my belief that there is One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church and I make no bones about Protestant thought. Protestant thought if you read it as it was proposed in the 1600’s was that they were the Christian Church, The Catholic Christian Church and that as you know the alternative was apostate.

I write to cause you to ponder that I see a difference and know that I consider this something not just to be generalized. For instance some believe in an alternate lifestyle. If I write some believe in “an alternate lifestyle”, it suggests I am using the term only to identify that it exists and is said by others. Without the quotes you would not know that.

 

[Roy5]

To suggest that being a Protestant means one is by definition anti-Catholic - in that Protestantism by its very nature is anti-Catholic - is misleading and unfair. I think that the ecumenical spirit is much more alive inside mainline Protestantism than within either Catholicism or evangelical Protestantism.

 Mainline Protestants, as a rule (Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, UCC, etc.) are inclined to be very tolerant and respectful of other faith traditions, even if they don't share their beliefs. Why? They don't contend that they alone comprise the 'true church', that all other forms of Christianity fall short. I find that most of them are very open-minded and are likely to say - fine, you believe that, no problem. They recognize what I have come to feel myself, that God and this vast universe are beyond human understanding, that much of traditional Catholicism and Protestantism developed before we knew that there are maybe a million solar systems, or before we had microscopes which have shown us that germs (and not Satan or sins) cause illness. I have read the Church Fathers and admire their brilliance for their era, but their writings are full of serious mistakes based on an incorrect understanding of the heavens and the earth. They had a myopic view of the universe - understandable for their time but often unhelpful when it comes to relevant doctrines today.  

 Note that I specifiy mainline Protestants. Many evangelical Protestants (not all) also are afflicted by rather primitive interpretations of history and the world. Some of them have been preaching 'end-times very soon'' theology for generations. They appear to do well because of the enthusiasm of their worship, and many people want to be told what to believe. It's simpler than thinking for one's self. 

 Personally, I find that many zealous Catholics (not most) have a bitter hatred of Protestantism, Luther, Calvin, etc. They can't seem to let that drop. Certainly there is evidence of that here on CAF. It's old-style religious bigotry. Some folks need to need someone or something to despise.

 I would like to see unity (though not union). After all, we have the same God. The real battlelines today are between people of faith and those aggressive naysayers who regard all religion as hogwash. 

 God bless Catholics, Protestants and people of every creed, color, culture and country.