Protestant... Oh How I HATE That Term...

[christcnection1]

Non-Denominational

When I was a “Non-Denominationalist,” I met with a cousin who fell away from Christianity to the New Age movement. When I told her I was a “Non-Denominationalist,” she said, “well, they are a denomination within themselves.”

I think what she meant was, those who call themselves this term tend to have a set beliefs concerning interpretation of scripture, style of worship, and a subculture of language and other peculiarities. Essentially, to call oneself “Non-Denominational” is to say that you belong to the “Non-Denominational” denomination.

Truly, I don’t mean to be silly or mock. On the contrary, I think the idea of not having denominations is a noble (but misguided) concept. Although many that belong to this crowd deeply love our Lord and do much good, there is a superficial unity concerning theological matters.

Example of this: Nearly half the individuals disagree on the “Once Saved - Always Saved” issue. Now what kind of God would not allow His people to KNOW the truth concerning this issue? Non-Denominationalists will forever disagree on one of the most important issues there is: Can a person fall away from grace? Can a person lose their salvation? There is nothing noble about not knowing this.

This same line of reasoning can be applied to many folks within the movement, despite the many good things.

To many people, “Non-Denominational” means hollow, shallow, and weak theological conviction. Many people are looking for deep theological truth and a rich historical tradition, in addition to a personal relationship with our Lord. “Non-Denominationalism” would be condemned by Luther, Calvin, Wesely, and all the Reformists.

As a Catholic Christian, I love you and see you as a sibling in Chirst, but I cannot accept this watered-down version of Christianity. The Lord truly wants more for His beloved children than this.

 

[La-Petite-Fleur]

I once felt the same way. In my heart I never protested the Catholic Church when I grew up in a non-Catholic atmosphere (although I converted a.s.a.p). I never thought of myself as protestant. I loved the Catholic Church.

Before I go any further, I must mention that the protestant (or non-Catholic) denominations are Christian, with the exception of those that deny the Trinity, etc. So most non-Catholic denominations are Christian, and that in itself is important .

However, every denomination has it’s own theology. Therin lies the protest. Protestant theology rejects the theology of the Catholic Church; that is a living protest. This also includes non-denominational churches, for the very reason that they have rejected being Catholic. The protest is in the action, the seperation, not necessarily always in the hearts of our non-Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. But yet if a non-Catholic is not Catholic, I would have to wonder how they couldn’t be called protestant, when they most likely have hang-ups or ‘protests’ about certain Catholic dogmas and teachings that are their reason for remaining separated from the universal Church. Therefore, (as much as I hated the term protestant when I wasn’t yet Catholic), I realized that to keep myself separated from the Catholic Church (for one reason or another) was indeed a protest, even if protesting was against my will: the action of being outside the church, I found, was in itself a protest. But the happy ending of my story is that I, like you, didn’t protest the Catholic Church in my heart. So I converted. I was at the point where I realized that the Catholic Church is Christ’s Church, and since I had nothing to protest, there was no reason not to come home & become Catholic :blushing:. And it is a joyful thing, to convert to the Catholic Church, because it is the Church Jesus set up on earth, where everyone is commanded to be One in Him 1 Cor. 1:10 (no division, no protests ).


:hug3:

 

[Singinbeauty]

Wow! How this thread just came alive all of a sudden!

My thought process on this thread came after hearing (or reading if you will) on this forum the term ‘protestant’ used as a derogative term for the hundreth or so time. It was in the way people were putting it in context within their posts that got me fired up!

I think that the catholic church is a wonderful church for those of whom God leads to it. My path is a bit different I guess because I don’t feel led to be there. I don’t protest it. I don’t really have much against it tho there are some beliefs that trip me up (but that’s for another thread!) and are hard for me to reconcile within my own Beliefs. If the term ‘protestant’ would stop being used as if it leaves a foul taste in some catholics mouths after saying it I wouldn’t mind the term so much but I have come to appreciate the term ‘Non-Catholic’ because while I am not catholic I don’t protest it.

 

[christcnection1]

If the term ‘protestant’ would stop being used as if it leaves a foul taste in some catholics mouths after saying it I wouldn’t mind the term so much but I have come to appreciate the term ‘Non-Catholic’ because while I am not catholic I don’t protest it.

I know that the word “Protestant” offends some individuals, so I often use the expression “Non-Catholic Christians.” Do you like that expression, or is there one you would prefer more?

I think some people might find “Non-Catholic Christian” offensive because it then assumes one is not something, or missing something. (Whether it’s true or not, it can be uncharitable to label anything in the negative.) For example, it would be ridiculous to call Catholics, “Non-Protestant Christians, Non-Non-Demonimational Christians, Non-Baptist Christians, etc…”

Bottom Line: What would you prefer to be called? Non-Denominational Christian? If so, how are we (all people) to interpret that label? What does it mean to be XYZ?

…Just being sincere. I do not think Catholics should call Non-Catholics “Protestants” if true “protest” is not their heart. These are simple, but charitable acts that can bring us together in love.

FYI: I am perfectly happy to be called a Catholic Christian, Roman Catholic, or just Catholic. (Just don’t call me a Roman Catholic if you’re implying the Catholic Church is “the Whore of Babylon.” ) for those who don’t know:

catholic.com/library/hunting_the_whore_of_babylon.asp

 

[Singinbeauty]

I know that the word “Protestant” offends some individuals, so I often use the expression “Non-Catholic Christians.” Do you like that expression, or is there one you would prefer more?

I think some people might find “Non-Catholic Christian” offensive because it then assumes one is not something, or missing something. (Whether it’s true or not, it can be uncharitable to label anything in the negative.) For example, it would be ridiculous to call Catholics, “Non-Protestant Christians, Non-Non-Demonimational Christians, Non-Baptist Christians, etc…”

Bottom Line: What would you prefer to be called? Non-Denominational Christian? If so, how are we (all people) to interpret that label? What does it mean to be XYZ?

…Just being sincere. I do not think Catholics should call Non-Catholics “Protestants” if true “protest” is not their heart. These are simple, but charitable acts that can bring us together in love.

FYI: I am perfectly happy to be called a Catholic Christian, Roman Catholic, or just Catholic. (Just don’t call me a Roman Catholic if you’re implying the Catholic Church is “the Whore of Babylon.” ) for those who don’t know:

catholic.com/library/hunting_the_whore_of_babylon.asp

Christian would be just fine… but if there has to be a label put with it then Non-catholic is ok too… It is just that protestant has such a negative conotation now-a-days…

 

[believers]

Believers said:

It’s a bad word for catholics. You’re a John 3:16,/…Jesus is the only way’!QUOTE]

 

[believers]

LOL How about we all drop our denomination titles including catholics and just call ourselves christians.

As a matter of fact when people ask me what religion I am I tell them christian and when they ask me what church I go to I give them the name of my church. No biggie:shrug:

That’s exactly how we’ll be judged. It’s not going to matter one iota where you went to church.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

Non-Denominationals by defination do not really exist. Protestants are just that. They protestestd against the True Church of Christ.

 

[Sixtus]

“whosoever” in John 3:16.

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son that everyone who has faith in HIM may not die but have eternal life.

The text goes on to say: ‘The man who puts his faith in Him does not come under judgement’.

But the Lord also says ‘whatever measure you deal out to others, will be dealt back to you, for how you judge, you yourselves will be judged’ [judgment]. Mt 7:1-2

Which goes to show that Scripture cannot be interpreted without her interpretation of Her who is its custodian, else paradoxes occur. Then in trying to answer paradox, bizare non-scriptural interpritations occur. It is for Her whose custody the Scriptures are, to interpret them to prevent these anomalies occuring.

It is also unwise to try to use the Scriptures against Her whose Scriptures they are

 

[believers]

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son that everyone who has faith in HIM may not die but have eternal life.

The text goes on to say: ‘The man who puts his faith in Him does not come under judgement’.

But the Lord also says ‘whatever measure you deal out to others, will be dealt back to you, for how you judge, you yourselves will be judged’ [judgment]. Mt 7:1-2

Which goes to show that Scripture cannot be interpreted without her interpretation of Her who is its custodian, else paradoxes occur. Then in trying to answer paradox, bizare non-scriptural interpritations occur. It is for Her whose custody the Scriptures are, to interpret them to prevent these anomalies occuring.

It is also unwise to try to use the Scriptures against Her whose Scriptures they are

Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him **should **not perish, but have everlasting life.

“should” because you can’t just simply believe… you must also repent, obey, love, humble yourself, etc.

 

[believers]

Non-Denominationals by defination do not really exist. Protestants are just that. They protestestd against the True Church of Christ.

I would have to say that “non-denominational” is a term for the protestants to understand. In my non-denominational church, we have baptists, Catholics at times, other pentacostals, attend our services.

 

[Singinbeauty]

I really like being non-denom because it is open to ALL christian faiths. It doesn’t close it’s door to ANYONE.

 

[Bishopite]

Christian would be just fine… but if there has to be a label put with it then Non-catholic is ok too… It is just that protestant has such a negative conotation now-a-days…

A look into history shows that the term Protestant was used for those who protested against the Catholic church. The term is used today not necessarily for those who protestant against the Catholic church (although it is apropos for some) but they still are categorized by the term since it distiguishes those Christians from Eastern Orthodox and Catholics Christians. The term Roman Catholic was orginally used by the Anglicans as a pegorative term because the Anglicans, years after Henry Vlll defected, considered themselves to be “Catholic” and called Catholics “Roman Catholics.”
Within Christianity there are three different groups.
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant. All are distiguished in their differing theologies. Catholic and Eastern Orthodox have slightly different theologies.

You might be a Protestant if…

(1) You believe the Bible consists of only 66 books
(2) You believe authority rests with Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)
(3) You believe justification is by Faith Alone (Sola Fide)

 

[Bishopite]

Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him **should **not perish, but have everlasting life.

“should” because you can’t just simply believe… you must also repent, obey, love, humble yourself, etc.

The question isn’t whether we have to believe in Jesus, the more important question is:
What are we to believe?
We know that Christianity is true over and above all other religions (and don’t say that it isn’t a religion, read James 1:27 which says “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”)

So we know we are to stay within the bounds of Christianity. However, within Christianity Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Protestants part ways on many issues. So again, the question is NOT that we have to believe what Jesus taught, the question is what did Jesus want us to believe?

 

[believers]

The question isn’t whether we have to believe in Jesus, the more important question is:
What are we to believe?
We know that Christianity is true over and above all other religions (and don’t say that it isn’t a religion, read James 1:27 which says “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”)

So we know we are to stay within the bounds of Christianity. However, within Christianity Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Protestants part ways on many issues. So again, the question is NOT that we have to believe what Jesus taught, the question is what did Jesus want us to believe?

You must believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel means good news. So what’s the good news? The good news is that almighty God took care of our sin problem through Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus paid for our sin in full with His blood and was resurrected by the power of God. The forgiveness of our sin is accessed by faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s payment.

That’s what you have to believe in. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which was committed to Paul.

 

[ASimpleSinner]

The Orthodox are not termed Protestant, nor are any true particular Churches (the PNCC for example). I suppose then that a Protestant is someone who protests against Apostolic Succession. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to class Anglicans.

The more you study your Anglican history, and the prayerbooks, and leaders therein, the more obvious it begins to become how in fact they are Protestant.

Relatively modern adoption of “ritualist” practices don’t change this.

 

[Sixtus]

riginally Posted by Sixtus
God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son that everyone who has faith in HIM may not die but have eternal life.

The text goes on to say: ‘The man who puts his faith in Him does not come under judgement’.

But the Lord also says ‘whatever measure you deal out to others, will be dealt back to you, for how you judge, you yourselves will be judged’ [judgment]. Mt 7:1-2

Which goes to show that Scripture cannot be interpreted without her interpretation of Her who is its custodian, else paradoxes occur. Then in trying to answer paradox, bizare non-scriptural interpritations occur. It is for Her whose custody the Scriptures are, to interpret them to prevent these anomalies occuring.

It is also unwise to try to use the Scriptures against Her whose Scriptures they are .

believers posted:

Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

“should” because you can’t just simply believe… etc

My Protestant Bible says:.that ‘everyone who has faith in Him [my capitals] may not die but have eternal life’, the ngoes on in verse 18 to say ‘Who puts faith in Him does not come under judgment’.

you must also repent, obey, love, humble yourself,

and I would add PASS NO JUDGEMENT Mt 7: 1

AMEN

 

[Bishopite]

You must believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel means good news. So what’s the good news? The good news is that almighty God took care of our sin problem through Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus paid for our sin in full with His blood and was resurrected by the power of God. The forgiveness of our sin is accessed by faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s payment.

That’s what you have to believe in. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which was committed to Paul.

That would be for the one dies immediately after accepting Christ. For we know that there is much more to Christianity than just saying we believe in the gospel.
Are sacraments part of the gospel?
Is the papacy?
Apostolic succession?
Sola fide?
Sola scriptura?
What is baptism, a symbol or regenerative?
You see it’s not just as simple as saying we I believe in Jesus. That’s a great start but what about the rest of “the gospel?”

 

[believers]

That would be for the one dies immediately after accepting Christ. For we know that there is much more to Christianity than just saying we believe in the gospel.
Are sacraments part of the gospel?
Is the papacy?
Apostolic succession?
Sola fide?
Sola scriptura?
What is baptism, a symbol or regenerative?
You see it’s not just as simple as saying we I believe in Jesus. That’s a great start but what about the rest of “the gospel?”

You just listed a gospel of religion. I personally don’t subscribe to religion.

I don’t believe in any other gospel but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentiles was committed to Paul not Peter.

 

[jmcrae]

You just listed a gospel of religion. I personally don’t subscribe to religion.

“Religion” is the means by which we work out our relationship with God. If you don’t have a religion, then you don’t have a relationship with God, since that’s what a religion is.

Your religion might consist of simply praying in your own words whenever you are moved to do so, being kind to people whenever that seems like the right thing to do, and reading the Scriptures whenever you feel like it, without attending Church or doing anything beyond that, but even the notion that this is all that is required is, in fact, a religious precept.

I don’t believe in any other gospel but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentiles was committed to Paul not Peter.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is lived out in the Catholic Church. Paul was of the same religion as Peter - Catholic.