Unity of Catholic Church and other Christian (Protestant) churches

[TRee2016]

Hello I have been searching for teachings on the Catholic church in relation to other Christian denominations. Is there anywhere in the canons or other catholic teachings that I could reference for more information on the church’s view on it’s position alongside other Christians. I am confident that I am where I am supposed to be (as a protestant) and as unity is important to me, I am wanting to learn more about my place as a spouse of a catholic. I have struggled with feeling like I cannot be equal in faith. Do I have to settle with always being either less enlightened or invincibly ignorant according to catholic teaching because of my difference of faith or am I missing something? Thank you

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Three of the most important documents are:

Mortalium Animos, Encyclical of Pius XI on religious unity, issued in 1928. This is about not compromising.

Unitatis Redintegratio Decree of Vatican Council II on ecumenism, issued in 1964. This includes a section on rapprochement with Protestants: what we have in common and where some lines are drawn.

Ut Unum Sint, That They May All Be One, Encyclical of St. John Paul II on the Church’s commitment to ecumenism. This is essentially an outgrowth of U.R. and similar in nature.

To answer your question, the Church has always, will ever teach, that she was entrusted by her Lord with the fullness of saving truth. If she taught otherwise, she would lie.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Do you go to Mass with your spouse? Are you invincibly ignorant?

newadvent.org/cathen/07648a.htm

Do you have any desire to learn more about the Catholic Church?

Sorry for all the questions, but as a convert to Catholicism, the above are some of the questions that I came across when I was Protestant (my spouse is a cradle Catholic).

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Here is the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Church:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm

Read the whole section, but especially:

817 In fact, "in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame."269 The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ’s Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism270 - do not occur without human sin:

Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.271

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."272

819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth"273 are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements."274 Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him,275 and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."276

 

[ynotzap]

Hello I have been searching for teachings on the Catholic church in relation to other Christian denominations. Is there anywhere in the canons or other catholic teachings that I could reference for more information on the church’s view on it’s position alongside other Christians. I am confident that I am where I am supposed to be (as a protestant) and as unity is important to me, I am wanting to learn more about my place as a spouse of a catholic. I have struggled with feeling like I cannot be equal in faith. Do I have to settle with always being either less enlightened or invincibly ignorant according to catholic teaching because of my difference of faith or am I missing something? Thank you

You have received very good references. I don’t know which protestant denomination you belong to, but being a Christian I can quote the scripture to you. John 10:16 Jesus said " I have other sheep not of this fold, and these I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd" The Catholic church makes the claim that she is One, Holy and Apostolic. Heresies have caused divisions and splits in the Church (and are the work of Satan) which formed other churches. There are similarities, and and there major differences. Since Vatican 11, the Catholic church stressed ecumenism, promoting a coming together to reach a better understanding of different faiths, and to agree where we can, and to disagree where we must, in the spirit of Christian love. This will help to bring about the desire of Christ, to makes us one. We do share the Sacrament of Baptism, so we are united to that degree, which is essential. But we are not united in some profound means of grace, eg. the true interpretation of the Eucharist (our Communion) which we believe is the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ (a Divine Mystery of Faith). There is also different belief on the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). There exists the personal interpretation of Scripture, and no recognition of the appointment of Jesus,about the teaching authority of the Church or his words about the Pope, and the power to forgive, given by Jesus. So you ask are you missing something, we know that you are. You may feel comfortable where you are because you are not aware of some of these major differences. I can assure you if you seek to know, and become more informed you may be very surprised. I received this reaction from a person from another christian faith I just sponsored who just became a Catholic, and now from her companion.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Greetings,

The Catechism is your best bet. Very informative teaching there and helped me out when I wanted to learn about the faith.

And many catholics here are former protestants and can help answer any questions.

We have a lot in common with you but also some differences.

You are in the right place to find answers.

 

[rcwitness]

I have struggled with feeling like I cannot be equal in faith. Do I have to settle with always being either less enlightened or invincibly ignorant according to catholic teaching because of my difference of faith or am I missing something? Thank you

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

I am a convert from the E-Free community. I believe (and the Church Teaches) that there is genuine saving faith in many Christian communities. Remember not to confuse personal faith with the “body of teachings” from any particular Christian community. There is only ONE faith. Something is either springing from genuine faith, or it is not.

Many Catholics are members of the Church, yet are not very faithful. And many non-Catholic Christians are in communities which hold to things which are not from faith, yet they themselves are very faithful.

I was raised E-Free, but i never rejected the Catholic faith. I suggest taking articles of the faith, one at a time. Give them each alot of research. find put why the Catholic faith believes and practices what she does.

Don’t be too proud to acknowledge ignorance! There are plenty of ignorant Catholics in the Church! And you may be surprized to learn that much of your genuine faith is Catholic! Só you may not be as ignorant as you think the Church is charging you as!

The Catechism has some sections dealing with the brotherhood of legitimate non-Catholic Christians. I believe some chapter Numbers are 818, 819, 839.

 

[TRee2016]

Do you go to Mass with your spouse? Are you invincibly ignorant?

newadvent.org/cathen/07648a.htm

Do you have any desire to learn more about the Catholic Church?

Sorry for all the questions, but as a convert to Catholicism, the above are some of the questions that I came across when I was Protestant (my spouse is a cradle Catholic).

Thank you for this, yes that definition is what I came across as well. I do go to mass with my husband as we both go to each others’ church. I wouldn’t label myself either ignorance because I am aware of the fundamental teachings and their differences and have had no doubt that my faith is genuine and growing so am not seeking a change but rather want to know that this whole time I’ve been attending mass, my faith hasn’t been seen as less valid according to the church. I would then find it hard to attend. I am happy to learn about the catholic faith but not join it as I thought most Christian denominations were one on salvation and that was enough for me.

 

[TRee2016]

Three of the most important documents are:

Mortalium Animos, Encyclical of Pius XI on religious unity, issued in 1928. This is about not compromising.

Unitatis Redintegratio Decree of Vatican Council II on ecumenism, issued in 1964. This includes a section on rapprochement with Protestants: what we have in common and where some lines are drawn.

Ut Unum Sint, That They May All Be One, Encyclical of St. John Paul II on the Church’s commitment to ecumenism. This is essentially an outgrowth of U.R. and similar in nature.

To answer your question, the Church has always, will ever teach, that she was entrusted by her Lord with the fullness of saving truth. If she taught otherwise, she would lie.

Thank you this is helpful

 

[TRee2016]

Here is the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Church:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm

Read the whole section, but especially:

Thank you for taking the time to post this

 

[TRee2016]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

I am a convert from the E-Free community. I believe (and the Church Teaches) that there is genuine saving faith in many Christian communities. Remember not to confuse personal faith with the “body of teachings” from any particular Christian community. There is only ONE faith. Something is either springing from genuine faith, or it is not.

Many Catholics are members of the Church, yet are not very faithful. And many non-Catholic Christians are in communities which hold to things which are not from faith, yet they themselves are very faithful.

I was raised E-Free, but i never rejected the Catholic faith. I suggest taking articles of the faith, one at a time. Give them each alot of research. find put why the Catholic faith believes and practices what she does.

Don’t be too proud to acknowledge ignorance! There are plenty of ignorant Catholics in the Church! And you may be surprized to learn that much of your genuine faith is Catholic! Só you may not be as ignorant as you think the Church is charging you as!

The Catechism has some sections dealing with the brotherhood of legitimate non-Catholic Christians. I believe some chapter Numbers are 818, 819, 839.

Thank you it is nice to see that genuine faith is recognised in other denominations. I am E free. I will continue to read

 

[TRee2016]

You have received very good references. I don’t know which protestant denomination you belong to, but being a Christian I can quote the scripture to you. John 10:16 Jesus said " I have other sheep not of this fold, and these I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd" The Catholic church makes the claim that she is One, Holy and Apostolic. Heresies have caused divisions and splits in the Church (and are the work of Satan) which formed other churches. There are similarities, and and there major differences. Since Vatican 11, the Catholic church stressed ecumenism, promoting a coming together to reach a better understanding of different faiths, and to agree where we can, and to disagree where we must, in the spirit of Christian love. This will help to bring about the desire of Christ, to makes us one. We do share the Sacrament of Baptism, so we are united to that degree, which is essential. But we are not united in some profound means of grace, eg. the true interpretation of the Eucharist (our Communion) which we believe is the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ (a Divine Mystery of Faith). There is also different belief on the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). There exists the personal interpretation of Scripture, and no recognition of the appointment of Jesus,about the teaching authority of the Church or his words about the Pope, and the power to forgive, given by Jesus. So you ask are you missing something, we know that you are. You may feel comfortable where you are because you are not aware of some of these major differences. I can assure you if you seek to know, and become more informed you may be very surprised. I received this reaction from a person from another christian faith I just sponsored who just became a Catholic, and now from her companion.

Thank you for this. I have read extensively on Catholic teaching from non biased views or Catholic views and that has helped me understand the differences and similarities. I will continue to read more.

 

[guanophore]

Thank you for this, yes that definition is what I came across as well. I do go to mass with my husband as we both go to each others’ church. I wouldn’t label myself either ignorance because I am aware of the fundamental teachings and their differences and have had no doubt that my faith is genuine and growing so am not seeking a change but rather want to know that this whole time I’ve been attending mass, my faith hasn’t been seen as less valid according to the church. I would then find it hard to attend. I am happy to learn about the catholic faith but not join it as I thought most Christian denominations were one on salvation and that was enough for me.

I think the Catholic understanding of salvation is one of the areas where we differ the most from most Christian Denominations.

It is not your faith that would be seen as deficient but your understanding of what the Apsotles believed and taught.

Thank you for this. I have read extensively on Catholic teaching from non biased views or Catholic views and that has helped me understand the differences and similarities. I will continue to read more.

May God bless your research!

 

[Dmitri77]

There are two books I read when I was first deciding to become a Christian that had an impact on me. The first one (don’t laugh) was Catholicism for Dummies. Very informative and easy to under. The other was a book called Religions of America by Leo Rosten. It gives a condensed but thorough treatment of most of the major religions in the US.

Oh, and kudos for being a good spouse by learning about their faith tradition.

 

[Abu]

TRee2016#8
I am happy to learn about the catholic faith but not join it as I thought most Christian denominations were one on salvation and that was enough for me.

Many Protestants have a view that they are “saved” already because they “believe in Christ as their Saviour”. However, St Paul clearly teaches how false that is.

St Paul for by His Crucifixion, death and Resurrection, Jesus has REDEEMED us. So long as one realises that we are not “saved” in this life, but we are redeemed – and we have to listen to St Paul in that what is lacking is our co-operation. That is precisely why St Paul teaches: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12). We don’t achieve salvation in one fell swoop by accepting Christ as our personal saviour as some are misled to feel.

What is lacking among Protestants is what Christ has provided in His Catholic Church – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with Holy Communion, all seven sacraments and the fullness of truth in dogma and doctrine in both faith and morals, including what moral issues have arisen that the authors of the N.T. could not foresee to teach.

 

[TRee2016]

Many Protestants have a view that they are “saved” already because they “believe in Christ as their Saviour”. However, St Paul clearly teaches how false that is.

St Paul for by His Crucifixion, death and Resurrection, Jesus has REDEEMED us. So long as one realises that we are not “saved” in this life, but we are redeemed – and we have to listen to St Paul in that what is lacking is our co-operation. That is precisely why St Paul teaches: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12). We don’t achieve salvation in one fell swoop by accepting Christ as our personal saviour as some are misled to feel.

What is lacking among Protestants is what Christ has provided in His Catholic Church – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with Holy Communion, all seven sacraments and the fullness of truth in dogma and doctrine in both faith and morals, including what moral issues have arisen that the authors of the N.T. could not foresee to teach.

According to Catholic teaching can a non Catholic Christian be redeemed if they have chosen not to be Catholic and aren’t just not Catholic due to upbringing?

 

[guanophore]

According to Catholic teaching can a non Catholic Christian be redeemed if they have chosen not to be Catholic and aren’t just not Catholic due to upbringing?

Catholics preserve the teaching that was committed to the Church once for all by the Apostles. The Apostles’ taught that Jesus’ death on the cross redeemed the whole earth. Not all those whose lives have been bought with His price choose to take advantage of this redemption. Those who are made children of God do so.

God has chosen that all who are saved will be saved through His One Body, the Church. There is no salvation outside of Christ, and He is One with HIs Bride.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

According to Catholic teaching can a non Catholic Christian be redeemed if they have chosen not to be Catholic and aren’t just not Catholic due to upbringing?

The Church teaching, which doesn’t give a simple yes or no answer, can be found in the documents cited above.

Can a man live on bread and water, not because he was brought up that way, but because he chooses to? Yes, it is possible, at least for a time. Could God miraculously supply you with nutrition? Of course. But here we have a banquet hall filled with nourishing food, and it would be wrong for us to tell you to stay out in the cold.

So it’s not that we see you as a second class citizen in the kingdom of God. It’s rather that we see you as having been robbed and deprived of many necessities which we are in a position to provide.

 

[Abu]

TRee2016 #16
According to Catholic teaching can a non Catholic Christian be redeemed if they have chosen not to be Catholic and aren’t just not Catholic due to upbringing?

Christ has redeemed all of mankind – see post #15.

As we do not know what has occasioned the “choice” or what knowledge of Catholicism is present the reality of salvation is this:
“By Faith it is to be firmly held that outside the Apostolic Roman Church none can achieve salvation. This is the only ark of salvation. He who does not enter into it will perish in the flood. Nevertheless, equally certainly it is to be held that those who suffer from invincible ignorance of the true religion, are not for this reason guilty in the eyes of the Lord. Now, then, who could presume in himself an ability to set the boundaries of such ignorance, taking into consideration the natural differences of peoples, land, native talents, and so many other factors” (Pope Pius IX, Singulari Quidem, 1863 A.D.).[My emphasis].

The use of that phrase was as Saint John Paul II explains in Threshold of Hope (Random House, 1994, p 140-1):
“Besides formal membership in the Church, the sphere of salvation can also include other forms of relation to the Church. Paul VI expressed this same teaching in his first encyclical, Ecclesiam Suam, when he spoke of the various circles of the dialogue of salvation (Cf. p 101-117), which are the same as those indicated by the Council as the spheres of membership in and of relation to the Church. This is the authentic meaning of the well-known statement ‘Outside the Church there is no salvation.’ ”

However an individual is saved, it is only through Christ’s Catholic Church, whether they know that or not.

 

[TRee2016]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. That is all very helpful