Christine,
It is very clear to me the introduction of Protestantism in the 16th Century is completely an erroneous doctrine. It teaches new doctrine no different than Mormonism.
New concept of Protestantism:
- Sola scriptura (Latin ablative, “by scripture alone”) is the assertion that the Bible as God’s written word is self-authenticating, clear (perspicuous) to the rational reader, its own interpreter (“Scripture interprets Scripture”), and sufficient of itself to be the final authority of Christian doctrine.
- Sola Fide: The doctrine of sola fide or “faith alone” asserts that it solely is on the basis of God’s grace through the believer’s faith alone that believers are forgiven their transgressions of the Law of God.
None of these two doctrines were ever taught in the Bible itself nor did our Early Church Fathers taught it. These beliefs are completely man-made created by the Fathers of the Reformers.
In the course of time, we see Protestantism itself splinter into hundreds, and then into thousands.
From its Sola Scriptura Doctrine, it produce new faiths like Mormonism and the concept of Rapture Theory. Though Mormonism themselves would not be consider Protestants or Christian. Joseph Smith, however was Protestant.
None of these are doctrines are taught by the Apostles, or Jesus. Like Paul said. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So, therefore, my brethrens, don’t carry any strange doctrine.”
The fractured sects of Protestants is 33,000 and growing. They just splinter into more sects base on personal private interpretation. Protestants in a way have made themselves the Magisterium and Popes. It’s also very individualistic religion.
It’s always, its me, Jesus, and Bible. I once heard a Protestant say. “I don’t need the Church. I don’t have to go to Sunday service. I have Jesus in me and I read the Bible. Why bother?” So by his self-interpretation, he can excuse himself by not going to Sunday service. Oh the errors of Protestantism.