Protestants are not a different "religion" from Catholics

[LDNCatholic]

Now here is a question to the Catholics:

If someone asks you if you are Christian, what do you say?

• Yes
  – No, I’m Catholic
• Yes, Catholic

Just curious.

Yes, I am a Catholic.

For a variety of reasons, some cultural, some religious (the latter being more important) I recognise that Protestants are fellow Christians, however, there is a distinction between us and I don’t like being lumped in with Protestants as some generic Christian hodgepodge.

Answering that also allows me a chance to explain the faith to someone who may be unfamiliar with it.

 

[mark_a]

Protestants are not a different “religion” from Catholics.

I feel like I’m in bizarro world! Up is down! Day is night! Black is white!

What a breath of fresh air from a non-Catholic!

 

[ChrisRedfield47]

“We must hold to the Christian religion and to communication in her Church, which is catholic and which is called catholic not only by her own members but even by all her enemies. For when heretics or the adherents of schisms talk about her, not among themselves but with strangers, willy-nilly they call her nothing else but Catholic. For they will not be understood unless they distinguish her by this name which the whole world employs in her regard” (The True Religion 7:12 [A.D. 390]).

-Augustine

“It is, therefore, the Catholic Church alone which retains true worship. This is the fountain of truth; this, the domicile of faith; this, the temple of God…Because, however, all the various groups of heretics are confident that they are the Christians and think that theirs is the Catholic Church, let it be known that this is the true Church, in which there is confession and penance and which takes a health-promoting care of the sins and wounds to which the weak flesh is subject” (Divine Institutes 4:30:11–13 [A.D. 307]).

-Lactantius

“In the Catholic Church . . . a few spiritual men attain [wisdom] in this life, in such a way that . . . they know it without any doubting, while the rest of the multitude finds [its] greatest safety not in lively understanding but in the simplicity of believing. . . . [T]here are many other things which most properly can keep me in her bosom. The unanimity of peoples and nations keeps me here. Her authority, inaugurated in miracles, nourished by hope, augmented by love, and confirmed by her age, keeps me here. The succession of priests, from the very see of the apostle Peter, to whom the Lord, after his resurrection, gave the charge of feeding his sheep [John 21:15–17], up to the present episcopate [of Pope Siricius], keeps me here. And last, the very name Catholic, which, not without reason, belongs to this Church alone, in the face of so many heretics, so much so that, although all heretics want to be called ‘Catholic,’ when a stranger inquires where the Catholic Church meets, none of the heretics would dare to point out his own basilica or house” (Against the Letter of Mani Called “The Foundation” 4:5 [A.D. 397]).

-Augustine

 

[SedesDomi]

My friend I think you may have taken this further than the Church entends???

Beleif in Christ remains a condition for everyone’s salvation so LONG as they have HAD [not chose to accept] But had NO real opportunity to know Christ and have accepted Him.

So, you agree with me that someone who dies a Hindu, for instance, may be saved.

 

[Windfish]

These forums are filled with hardcore Catholics. I saw a thread on here asking whether or not all Protestants go to hell or not.

It is a legitimate question. Heresy and schism are serious sins - in the words of our Lord, woe to that man by whom they (i.e., heresy and schism) come. Thankfully, most Protestants are not too culpable for the errors into which they have fallen.

 

[ChrisRedfield47]

The creeds were made by the Catholic Church herself. And since there can only be One (not thousands but One), Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church u should therefore ask yourself if the Episcopalian church is of that church, which in reality is not

 

[PJM]

=SedesDomi;7743993]So, you agree with me that someone who dies a Hindu, for instance, may be saved.

We can judge actions BUT NOT motivations, Not what is in the HEART… So it’s God’s call.

As technology grows so do the opportunities to come to Know Christ. … it’s a call ONLY God can make…AMEN!

Is it possible… sure; likely …FAR LESS SURE!

God Bless,
Pat

 

[zaffiroborant]

My dear friend in Christ;

I disagree with your asscessment: To be part of 'One Church" requires holding unto the same set of beliefs; which is God’s desire; but not the reality of the world we live in.

The NT has over 100 refferences to only One church… But Christ forsaw the future of schism and the Protestant revolt:

My friend this is something we need to pray about; but thinking falls short of reality as these verses show:

John 10:16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.

1 Cor. 1: 10” I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

**Eph. 2:19-20 **“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, ***Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, *** in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. “

Eph. 4: 4 -8“There is one body Only One Church] and one Spirit, [Only One set of beliefs*] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, Only One God] ONLY one faith***, [Only One set of doctrine and dogma****] one baptism,*** By water in the Trinity]*** one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. "

There are many CRITICAL to salvation issues on which Catholics and Protestants are FAR apart in there understanding:

OSAS, Faith Alone; The forgiveness of sins THROUGH the Sacrament of Confession; The Real Presence; The Seven Sacraments; The Primacy of Peter and Rome; Saints and Devine Worship, to name some of the more evident ones.

We too would love to see God’s desire of one church become a reality; BUT friend communion requires FULL COMMUNION; that’s God’s way. Let us pray!

God Bless,
Pat

So are you saying that Protestantism is a different religion than Catholicism?

 

[Bob_Crowley]

Protestants are CHRISTIANS.

Now here is a question to the Catholics:

If someone asks you if you are Christian, what do you say?

• Yes
  – No, I’m Catholic
• Yes, Catholic

Just curious.

“Yes” and then usually qualify it with “Catholic” so the person knows where I stand. If I’m talking to an atheist, he knows I’m Christian. If I’m talking to a Protestant, he knows I’m Catholic. If I’m talking to a Jehovah’s Witness, he knows I’m Catholic.

It’s a bit like my old pastor. I can hardly ever remember him not wearing his clerical garb. I once overheard someone asking him why he hardly ever wore anything else. His response was “People know what I stand for.”

 

[waxwing]

My dear friend in Christ;

I certainly agree that this discussion is not about WINNING; and ONLY God can say with certainty if it’s about losing [That is the official position of the CC]

But not saying “we are right” would be to Deny the One True Faith given to us by Christ. SEE Above post!

I also agree that it’s not about braging rights! But there can only be ONE truth on any given issue; and clearly and biblically on ALL MATTERS touching Faith and in regards to Morals and Morality; that truth has been intrusted to the CC by Jesus Himself [Jn.14: 16-17; Jn.17:15-19 and Mt. 16:19].

IMO saying it is “so” not only does not make “it” happen; but makes it more difficult to accomplish.

May our Lord continue to Guide us, Bless and LEAD us to where He wants us to be!

Pat

Hi

Well part of my response was to relay that the folks and discussions on CAF is not representative of Catholicism as it is in real life. The part of the response referencing the term ‘we are right’ is part the usual gist of many Prostestant V Catholic Discussions here. The other half of ‘we are right’ language is that ‘you are wrong’ and when there are broad discussions, like the title of the thread I don’t find it usefull to engage in discussion with that type of mentality. I am not disagreeing that the Catholic Faith holds the fullness of truth, I just don’t see the relationship between Protestant’s and Catholic’s as Mathematical Equation, its not as simple as 2 + 2 = 4 and 4 - 2 = 2…and that’s that. I see it as more qualitative discussion rather than a quantitative one.

 

[paxlily]

Thats sad many protestants feel this way towards Catholics.
Hang in there paxlily, All we can do is pray for those with that point of view.

My God Bless you and yours…

Matthew

Thanks Matthew!

 

[guanophore]

I am disappointed at the title of this forum. Protestants are not a different “religion” from Catholics. That’s a misuse of the term “religion.” Islam is a different religion from Christianity, but Protestants are part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. This is acknowledged by most RC scholars.
Tom

Why are you posting on it? Why not post over in Apologetics?

Besides, our faith is not based upon RC “scholars”, some of whom believe and teach heresies. It is based solely upon the Teachings of Jesus that have been handed down from the Apostles.

Protestants, by definition, have rejected various parts to various degrees of the One Faith of the Apostles. They embrace what the Apostles teach us is “a different gospel”.

 

[guanophore]

I belong to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church, the same church that confesses all of the ancient Creeds of the Church. That is the best answer I can give. A less helpful answer is that I am an Episcopalian.

Thank you for asking. It’s an important question.
Tom

The Episcopalian ecclesial community has lost some of the essential four marks of the church, and separated from elements of the Apostolic instruction and Tradition to the extent that their beliefs and practices represent a significant departure from what they believed and taught.

 

[MartinJordan]

The Episcopalian ecclesial community has lost some of the essential four marks of the church, and separated from elements of the Apostolic instruction and Tradition to the extent that their beliefs and practices represent a significant departure from what they believed and taught.

What troubles me is Epicopalians call themselves Protestant and Catholic; that means you can pick and choose the way one feels fit?..I don’t think so.

MJ

 

[stormy99]

These forums are filled with hardcore Catholics. I saw a thread on here asking whether or not all Protestants go to hell or not.

**Since when is faithfully practicing my religion as a Catholic, hardcore? I’m a convert and I love my religion and hardcore sounds rather harsh.

stormy**

 

[StTommyMore]

**Since when is faithfully practicing my religion as a Catholic, hardcore? I’m a convert and I love my religion and hardcore sounds rather harsh.

stormy**

Don’t worry about the names. Keep practicing your faith and remember the words of the Lord:

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Matthew 5:10-12)

By simply practicing your faith, you will face opposition. Just keep you eyes on the Lord, and do what you can to ignore the detractors.

 

[JRRTFAN]

I am disappointed at the title of this forum. Protestants are not a different “religion” from Catholics. That’s a misuse of the term “religion.” Islam is a different religion from Christianity, but Protestants are part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. This is acknowledged by most RC scholars.
Tom

I think we can all agree, with the Church, that all the baptised are Christians. However, all the baptised are only imperfectly part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church which is the fullness of the Christian religion.

A protestant is, by the very meaning of the word, protesting something about the one, holy, catholc and apostolic church. Some more than others. None of them are one, there are thousands.

Many of the practionaers may be holy, but their doctrines and practices (as a visible community) may not be, e.g. Presbyterian Church in the United States (PC-USA) permits divorce and remarrieage as well as abortion. The Episcopalian communion was founded on the sin of divorce and remarriage, Methodism allows abortion and any number of other sins. So the basic precepts of these communities are not always or ever completely holy. Those of the Catholic Church are; which does not mean, by a very long shot indeed, that the members are all or always followers of it’s precepts - that’s why we have confessionals.

They are not catholis, i.e., universal. Most are western European and American in expanse.

None are apostolic, holding to apostolic authority and the unbroken succession of the apostles. In fact, each and every one of them eschews the authority of the Supreme Pontifs and the Bishops in communion with him.

Very few, none that I’ve ever seen, hold to the entirety of the creeds (i.e., one baptism for the forgiveness of sins - ask a Baptist or and Evangelical if he believes that one!) How about laying a little “communion of the saints” on a Protestant? They generally do not belueve in the intercession of the “dead” saints.

It just ges on and on. But you get the point. Protestants Christian? They sure are, and many are great ones, practice the same religion? - Nope. Much of it is “roll your own and make it up as the details emerge”.

 

[buffalo]

Protestant “churches” are Ecclesiastical Communities.

 

[PJM]

=zaffiroborant;7744129]So are you saying that Protestantism is a different religion than Catholicism?

Actually you give ME way too much credit

That is precisely what the Bible and God himself says… we are not alike but do hold to the Trinity; Baptism and eternal life togeater. So yes; as practiced Protestantism IS a different and seperate religion than is Catholism… and how can it not be: Given all of the changes is Theology and Philosophy…

a short list of NOT the same as the CC on:

OSAS
Faith Only
The Seven Sacraments
How Sins are forgiven
The Eucharist and REAL Presence
The Complete Bible
Primacy of Peter and Rome

THESE are HUGE issue difference friend and the positions of the CC are well documented and recorded in the Bible. So we ought to pray for unification but it’s far off…

John 10:16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.

1 Cor. 1: 10” I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. “

Eph. 4: 4 -8“There is one body [Only One Church] and one Spirit, [Only One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, [Only One God] ONLY one faith, [Only One set of doctrine and dogma] one baptism, By water in the Trinity] one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. "

God Bless my friend,
Pat

 

[StTommyMore]

my comments in red

a short list of NOT the same as the CC on:

OSAS Some of the more “fundamentalist” sects hold to this, but it is a rarity among most mainline denominations
Faith Only Well does “faith” mean “belief”, or is obedience implied. It depends on who you ask
The Seven Sacraments Lutherans have 2 Sacraments. Baptists don’t have any, but rather they have "ordinances"
How Sins are forgiven There are as many opinions on this as there denominations
The Eucharist and REAL Presence Some think it is purely symbolic, others hold “consubstantiation”. Still no real agreement
The Complete Bible **Believe it or not, there is disagreement here as well! Some view the OT as “background” but does not hold the same authority as the New Testament. Some even relegate anything not directly spoken by Jesus as “optional” **
Primacy of Peter and Rome This is something that they all agree on: the Papacy is an invention. Even so, not all take as extreme a view as Jack Chick and his ilk. So I guess it can be argued that there isn’t real agreement here either.

This is quite the interesting list. What is most striking is that Protestants are not even in agreement with each other on any of these.