Sola Scriptura

[Blessed_Hope]

I agree. It is unlikely that any devout and thoughtful Protestant will be convinced that he is doctrinally “wrong” any more that the same would likely be true of a thoughtful and devout Catholic.

I also agree that “Christian vs Catholic” is an inappropriate and unnecessarily polarizing characterization. But, do you think this is a purely Protestant fault? Is it possible that a Catholic might describe the differences between them as Christian vs Protestant?

In fact, it seems like the Pope declaring that Protestant churches are not churches at all and that they are, rather, mere “ecclesial communities” (whatever that is) without the right to administer sacraments is pretty close to the same thing isn’t it? I’m sure such a position allows for a certain amount of gray area, but it is still very close to suggesting that Protestants are not Christians. It might fall short of calling them pagans, but in effect what are they if they cannot be baptized or take part in Communion?

And what does it mean if the Protestant churches are not a “Church”? Does that mean that they are not part of the catholic (small ‘c’) church? They certainly profess to believe in it in the Apostle’s Creed. Does it mean that the Protestant church at large is not part of the body of Christ? If not, how can they be Christians?

why is it that you are always so sure that we are wrong…seems to me that according to the Bible…its the other way around. And I am sorry, but the pope is not God and does not have the authority to declare any church to be or not to be a church. I am sure that is offensive to you all, and I really dont mean it to be…but if we can all speak our mind in here freely…then so be it.
And I dont understand why you get upset when Catholic and Christian are referred to as two separate things…because it is. You dont believe in salvation in the shed blood of Christ alone for your salvation. imho…that is what my salvation is based on…accepting Christ’s payment on the cross for my sin.
I do not mean to come across mean spirited…that is not productive at all…and I humbly apologize, but I dont apologize for WHAT I say…I just dont understand why you guys say the things you do about us non catholics.
God bless you all the same!