What Do You Like About Protestantism?

[distracted]

I hate virtually everything about Protestantism :whacky: :hypno: except this one thing:

A lot of Protestants are focused on a “personal relationship with Christ”. Though these words are not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, we CAtholics know that we can have a very intimate relationship with Christ through the Blessed Sacrament…

Yet i don’t think most Catholics actually SPEAK to Jesus, as they would the poeple in their lives. I read this one book wherein Jesus was supposed to have told someone that this grieves Him…

So, do you actually talk to Jesus??

God bless.

 

[inthecloud]

Catholics also tend to be more Trinitarian. They pray to God more instad than only Jesus. And they use Christ more than Jesus to put emphasis on the divine aspect. (Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, Rice’s Christ the Lord). Also Catholics at least the mystics try to get to found Jesus inside them. The idea of a personal (read A meet B instead oe a mystic’s A inside B) relationship is superseeded.
But the Church should make emphasis in Christ, sometimes people tend to loose their bearings.

 

[Roguemelody]

Every day I believe that Jesus is with us all the time, so I talk to him as if he’s sitting there in front of me.

But I was also raised Baptist, so this was taught a lot as I was growing up. We were taught to talk to Jesus, tell Him about our day, issues, asked for help etc.There were no “traditional prayers”. It’s something that I have carried into the Catholic Faith.

Also, something that I didn’t know about before my conversion. is Our Blessed Mother. We were taught that Mary was just a “good woman”. Since then, I’ve realized how seriously wrong and misguided their views were and I turn to Mary ALL the time now. Especially when I am very upset…after all that’s what Moms are for…and She’s the best Mom ever!! So now when I “call home”, (several times a day) I talk to both Mom & Dad

I still pray traditional prayers however, I usually pray them when I am at loss for words about something.

Aside from that, it is really the only thing I can think of that I “like” about the Protestant Religion…there may be other things…but nothing is coming to mind atm

 

[rwoehmke]

Talk to Jesus? Yes, frequently. The notion of Jesus as “personal savior” in my opinion is a very valid one as we as Catholics are taught and believe that Jesus died for each one of us individually as well as collectively.

When non-Catholic Christian friends are not bent on trying to pull me away from the Church, they have many attractive qualities. They believe in and seem truly dedicated to Jesus. They love immersing themselves in the Word. They are often more open and friendly than many of my fellow Catholics. The hospitality and spirit of fellowship in some of their local congregations far outshines what many of us experience in our local parish.

The tragedy of this is that not a few cradle Catholics, weak in their Faith, are attracted by this and leave for these churches as they seem to better personify the love of Jesus. While the Eucharist is everything to many of us, it sure would not be amiss if we were better able to put on the loving face of Jesus in our own Church.

To hate all things protestant seems to me to be a little overdone as most of those churches retain large parts of what we as Catholics believe and try to practice. Many of them are good people trying to live as Jesus teaches. They have lost parts of the whole Truth.

 

[Roguemelody]

Personally, I pray (actually it’s more of a conversation) to Jesus as if he was sitting there beside me. It has to do with how I was taught to pray growing up in a Baptist Home.

I also find that I tend to pray differently depending on the circumstances. Again, something that was taught growing up. For example, I pray to the Holy Spirit when I need to examine my conscience or if I need strength to face something. I pray to God when faced with something that seems to big for me to handle and I feel like I’m crumbling under the weight.
And Jesus…well for me, Jesus is my Heavenly Father…my Dad if you will And I “call home” several times a day. Tell him how my day was, ask questions, seek advice, etc. Just like I would with my Biological father. And since my conversion, guess what I found out? I have a Mom too!! And the best mom ever!! I talk (pray) to Mary all the time, especially when I am upset.

Not really sure why I “separate” them like I do when I pray because I believe fully in the the Trinity. Again, I really believe that it has to do with how I was raised and some habits are hard to break. Though I really don’t think it’s a “bad habit” which is why I still do it.

Anyway, that’s my two cents. As for anything else I like about Protestantism, there is nothing I can think of off the top of my head but I’m sure they have other qualities that I like.

 

[distracted]

When non-Catholic Christian friends are not bent on trying to pull me away from the Church, they have many attractive qualities. They love immersing themselves in the Word.

The only problem is, they don’t know about immersing themselves in the Real Presence of Christ. I mean, they immerse themselves more mentally, even emotionally, but not physically… as Catholics do.

They are often more open and friendly than many of my fellow Catholics. The hospitality and spirit of fellowship in some of their local congregations far outshines what many of us experience in our local parish.

Very true. And in fact, this was one thing i forgot when i made that Post. In fact, i have been thinking of going to some non-Catholic "church " just for the fellowship. I am still thinking about it. Do you ever do that?

. While the Eucharist is everything to many of us, it sure would not be amiss if we were better able to put on the loving face of Jesus in our own Church.

i totally agree

To hate all things protestant seems to me to be a little overdone as most of those churches retain large parts of what we as Catholics believe and try to practice. Many of them are good people trying to live as Jesus teaches. They have lost parts of the whole Truth.

I agree. I am sorry i put things the way i did. The reason i said it that way (aside from the fact that i was in a hurry at the time i said it) was that I have seen the damage breaking away from the True Church has done in the lives of many people. I believe we need ALL of what the Church offers in order to stay on the Narrow Road to Salvation… It is dangerous to tell ourselves or anyone else that we don’t need this or that thing the Church has to offer (Confession, other sacraments, etc…).
God bless.

 

[chrisb]

Grace and Peace,

What Do I Like About Protestantism?

Their simple piety.

Their simple Trust in God and in His Word.

Very admirable I dare say.

Peace.

 

[distracted]

And since my conversion, guess what I found out? I have a Mom too!! And the best mom ever!! I talk (pray) to Mary all the time, especially when I am upset.

Yes, it is good to have Mary, who is the embodiment of purity and motherly love… She has great power against the formidable powers of the devil…

Not really sure why I “separate” them like I do when I pray because I believe fully in the the Trinity. Again, I really believe that it has to do with how I was raised and some habits are hard to break. Though I really don’t think it’s a “bad habit” which is why I still do it.

No, i don’t think that is a bad habit… though it is one i can’t immediately relate to as i have never tried it… All i know is that I’ve been Catholic all my life and have never been encouraged to just talk to Jesus… had to learn on my own… and when i first did that, i felt uncomfortable. But only for a minute or two . Another thing that helps, especially when i am confused about what to do about something or other, is i try to envision a Church wherethe Blessed Sacrament is Exposed… that really makes me feel close to Jesus… One time i did this when i was trying to figure out how to spend some extra time i had. I heard these words in my head, as i envisioned the Church: “Come visit me.” I had a hard time believing it was Jesus speaking to me… It always amazes me that He would do that… but why should it when HE suffered and died a terrible death for me. Go figure human nature… or my nature, i should say…

 

[Marsha_Adams]

What do I like about Protestantism? Absolutely nothing. Even those things that they retain from Catholicism since leaving the Church are like vitamins in polluted water, they lose all benefit.

What do I like about Protestants? They are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I wish they would return to the family.

 

[distracted]

What do I like about Protestantism? Absolutely nothing. Even those things that they retain from Catholicism since leaving the Church are like vitamins in polluted water, they lose all benefit.

What do I like about Protestants? They are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I wish they would return to the family.

Amen. We should pray the rosary over all Protesters.

 

[Crumpy]

The arrogant anti-catholicism ranks highest on my list of dislikes.

The arrogant reluctance to discuss anything is next highest on my list of dislikes.

I also dislike the intellectual dishonesty that they believe in the bible alone. That’s the easiest fault to find with protestants.

I think it’s great to hear protestants who truly are devoted to scripture; I think you have to be careful of those who make that claim but do not actually devote themselves to all of scripture (which would be most of them).

I like their use of traditional hymns, not only for the emphasis on Christ, but on the practicality of the melodies that can actually be sung by people who are not sopranos.

 

[Cathryn]

There’s nothing good in Protestantism that I don’t find in Catholicism. The idea of me and the Lord, without the idea of the Body of Christ, the Communion of Saints is very incomplete to me. I can’t say I “like” anything about Protestantism. I however, love as well as like many Protestants and pray for them. I also welcome their prayers.

 

[Mannyfit75]

I hate virtually everything about Protestantism :whacky: :hypno: except this one thing:

A lot of Protestants are focused on a “personal relationship with Christ”. Though these words are not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, we CAtholics know that we can have a very intimate relationship with Christ through the Blessed Sacrament…

Yet i don’t think most Catholics actually SPEAK to Jesus, as they would the poeple in their lives. I read this one book wherein Jesus was supposed to have told someone that this grieves Him…

So, do you actually talk to Jesus??

God bless.

We talk or mediate to Jesus when I received him at Mass. I think Catholicism is** far superior than Protestantism itself.** Not only does the Catholic Church contain the fullness of truth. But we have Real Presence of Jesus Christ. It is true they boost about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What they lack is Real Presence of Jesus Christ. They don’t even received the Body and Blood of the Lord weekly.

Catholics received Jesus weekly and if they are able too, they can received Jesus Christ daily. Nothing is more personal than receiving Jesus on my mouth when we eat His flesh and drink his blood. He remains in us. Protestantism is a inferior form of Christian and lack many truths… it only have parts.

 

[JuanCarlos]

From what I have observed, the average protestant sitting in the pew (or rather, chair) will have more knowledge of the Bible than the average Catholic sitting in the pew (or what is becoming alarmingly common, chair).

However, Catholics who are actually serious and immerse themselves in theology are MUCH better read than well-read Protestants. My father was a well-read protestant, but knew absolutely zero Church history (besides the fact that the Catholic Church was evil and corrupt, of course).

I critisize protestantism on the grounds that I have no idea who they are praying to- they say “Lord, Lord”, but who is their Lord? I was in a Christian (Protestant) club at my school, and I swear they say the word “Lord” after every other word, but their theology is so undefined I don’t even know if they are trinitarians.

Catholics, on teh other hand, begin knowing exactly who we are praying to- “In nomine Patri…”

 

[contramundum7]

The arrogant anti-catholicism ranks highest on my list of dislikes.

Yeah - i had kind of forgotten about that (probably because i am staying away from most Protesters i know these days…

The arrogant reluctance to discuss anything is next highest on my list of dislikes.

What is worse is those who DO discuss things but then refuse to do any thorough investigation of the Catholic claims, which, of course, they cannot refute (and sometimes don’t evne try to). I mean, if you have no argument to speak of against the Catholic faith, it seems to me, you should be at least half interested in becoming Catholic… When people are not (or i should say don’t APPEAR to be!), it is downright weird…

I also dislike the intellectual dishonesty that they believe in the bible alone. That’s the easiest fault to find with protestants.

I feel some Protesters are actually lying to themselves (and/or others??) when they claim they go by the bible alone… because Once Saved Always Saved is NOT even remotely there!! Yet they cling to it like a sinking ship… Also: When bringing up the Catholic interpretation of Scripture, they don’t always seem so willing to use the bible to refute you… since they CAN’T… They seem to like to fall back on that old OSAS thing or whatever. So much for love of the Bible…

i think it’s great to hear protestants who truly are devoted to scripture; I think you have to be careful of those who make that claim but do not actually devote themselves to all of scripture (which would be most of them).

I know someone who resists the Catholic religion (unless wanting to make points w/ me??) doesn’t go to church anywhere anymore… probably doesn’t read scripture much anymore… yet whenever we discuss the onething we have in common (the Bible), picks and chooses which ones to focus on… can’t argue with me about the ones like John 6:27-5(7?) so just avoids those Catholic- sounding ones altogether. I don’t mean to be critical, but how can a person stand to be so uncertain about such an important hting as God/Christ/which Church is the right One? (much less the destiny of his eternal soul).
But oh…!! That’s right - Salvation is a sure thing… so why bother doing anything at all?? Just let the old soul roll along on that lonely, lost highway all the way to the end (?!). Again, i don’t see how anyone can live that way… because for one thing, i don’t think any Protestants really, 100% believe in OSAS… and if they have half a brain, they would at least question it once in awhilei!!
Ok, so i have to admit not all Protestants are like this. But its such a pain to deal with the ones who are…

 

[markadm]

Tricky question. Like other posters, I have come to find the “fulness” the faith I experienced as a nominal Anglican now as a Catholic.

There are some good ideas and traditions they have to do with liturgical aesthetics, but I don’t see any distinct benefits in Protestantism. Still, I’m grateful.

 

[contramundum7]

There is this one thing I (…think i) like about Protestantism (assuming i am on to something?? ): I am wondering if many of them don’t appreciate Jesus’ mercy somewhat better than we Catholics do?? - Or maybe a LOT better (?!). I don’t know, since I’ve never been Protestant, just observed things…

If that is true, then maybe that is the one thing they “have over us Catholics”… yet it is no small thing… because, as Jesus told St. Faustina… we must pass through His mercy in order to enter Heaven… and can never pass through His Justice…

**I would like to hear Protestants and former Protestants’ comments about this, particularly the latter, who know both worlds. Thank you very much. **

 

[Steve40]

Protestantism does not have an authority which tells them how to be heretic so by definition all Protestants are Cafeteria Protestants. This may make it possible to slip in some Catholic diet into their consumption. They also have no concept of Church history so it may be possible for them to understand Scripture through the Catholic view.

 

[contramundum7]

Protestantism does not have an authority which tells them how to be heretic so by definition all Protestants are Cafeteria Protestants. This may make it possible to slip in some Catholic diet into their consumption. They also have no concept of Church history so it may be possible for them to understand Scripture through the Catholic view.

I don’t quite understand that last statement (?).

 

[HannahLisa]

There is this one thing I (…think i) like about Protestantism (assuming i am on to something?? ): I am wondering if many of them don’t appreciate Jesus’ mercy somewhat better than we Catholics do?? - Or maybe a LOT better (?!). I don’t know, since I’ve never been Protestant, just observed things…

As a Protestant: I think this may have something to do with the fact that the general Protestant view of things is that Jesus died for all our sins, took all the punishments upon Himself, and made it possible for us to enter Heaven. It is purely because of Him that we can do that. There’s no way that we can ever pay for our sins, so Jesus did it for us. And all we have to do to be forgiven is simply ask Him.

From what I’ve learned of Catholicism, I don’t think any of this view is unlike Catholicism. The only thing is that Protestants don’t have Purgatory, whatever difference that makes: you all would know better than I!