What does it mean to be Protestant?

[Jimmy_B]

Then I am not Protestant, as I am bound as a Lutheran to hold to the Lutheran Confessions, not my own interpretation. Jon

Neither as all scripture is to be interpreted in the Light of the revelation of God in Christ.

Excellent points, as usual from both JonNC and Publisher… It is posters like you two who give me… and I’m sure, other Catholics here, hope for true ecumenicalism one day. You are both always a “class act” and always insightful. Thank you for your posts.

 

[Nicea325]

The term protestant comes from the second Diet at Speyer, and was a protest against political authorities, not the Catholic Church, per se. I’m no expert, but it appears more a protest against the restriction of religious freedom. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestation_at_Speyer

Religious freedom? I think the word is used and practiced very,very loosely among many non-Catholics.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Religious freedom? I think the word is used and practiced very,very loosely among many non-Catholics.

Catechism of the Catholic Church
**1747 **The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in religious and moral matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of man. But the exercise of freedom does not entail the putative right to say or do anything.
**1738 ****Freedom **is exercised in relationships between human beings. Every human person, created in the image of God, has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being. All owe to each other this duty of respect. The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person. This right must be recognized and protected by civil authority within the limits of the common good and public order.
**1782 **Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions. “He must not be forced to act contrary to his conscience. Nor must he be prevented from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters.”
**109 **In Sacred Scripture, God speaks to man in a human way. To interpret Scripture correctly, the reader must be attentive to what the human authors truly wanted to affirm, and to what God wanted to reveal to us by their words.

 

[JonNC]

Religious freedom? I think the word is used and practiced very,very loosely among many non-Catholics.

What do you mean?

Jon

 

[Dokimas]

What does it mean to be Protestant?

What does the word “Protestant” mean? I ask this question, because I constantly read posts here at CAF, where people claim to be non-Catholic Christians but not Protestant. What, in your opinion is the true definition of “Protestant”?

Below, is a list of various definitions of the word “Protestant”, found on an internet search.

PROTESTANT -

· an adherent of Protestantism

· of or relating to Protestants or Protestantism; “Protestant churches”; “a Protestant denomination”

· protesting

· Any of several denominations of Christianity that separated from the Roman Catholic Church based on theological or political differences during the Reformation; Someone who is a member of such a denomination; A modern Christian denomination not belonging to the Catholic or Orthodox traditions

· noun: a. a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth b. a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church

· Christian faith, denies the authority of the Pope, worship focused on the Bible

Here is the search result for “Protestantism” from the on-line, Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent.

Your thoughts?

It doesn’t mean much to me. I call myself, as a non-catholic Christian, a Christian.

 

[SteveVH]

Then I am not Protestant, as I am bound as a Lutheran to hold to the Lutheran Confessions, not my own interpretation.

Jon

Jon, with all due respect, wasn’t Luther the picture of a Protestant? Did he not protest against the Catholic Church? I mean to ask this with all charity as I’ve always respected your beliefs and your insightful posts.

Thanks and God bless.

 

[JonNC]

Jon, with all due respect, wasn’t Luther the picture of a Protestant? Did he not protest against the Catholic Church? I mean to ask this with all charity as I’ve always respected your beliefs and your insightful posts.

Thanks and God bless.

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope my response is viewed with the very same respect.

But that is not the origin of the term. The origin of the term protestant is not a protest against Rome.

In the beginning, he felt he was protesting for the Church. But yes, he did protest, or at least disagree. The Augsburg Confession makes it clear that the intention was not division. The conclusion states that the teaching sof the evangelical Churches (Lutheran) was not outside the Church Catholic. And that is my point.

Jon

 

[SteveVH]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope my response is viewed with the very same respect.

But that is not the origin of the term. The origin of the term protestant is not a protest against Rome.

In the beginning, he felt he was protesting for the Church. But yes, he did protest, or at least disagree. The Augsburg Confession makes it clear that the intention was not division. The conclusion states that the teaching sof the evangelical Churches (Lutheran) was not outside the Church Catholic. And that is my point.

Jon

Thanks Jon. I also went back and re-read your Post #11 in which you explained your position very well. I should have read it more carefully the first time.

 

[gcnuss]

Coming late to this discussion (as I often do), I have a few thoughts on the subject.

First, as has been noted, is that the term Protestant is basically synonymous with “Western non-Catholic.” As such, it covers so much ground that it doesn’t say much else.

Second, as has also been noted, the origin of the term is rooted in political protest, not theological protest.

Third, I don’t think that it is correct to say that each and every non-Catholic is protesting against the Catholic Church. As a Lutheran, I am not on a campaign to protest Catholic teachings even though I may not accept all that the Church teaches. In fact, I would hope that all Catholics remain faithful to the Church’s teachings.

Fourth, I would never discourage anyone from exploring Catholicism as they seek to come into a closer relationship with God. Back in the days when I was working through my own call to ministry, I had the occasion to discuss Catholicism with a Lutheran who was contemplating entering the Catholic Church. I encouraged her in that exploration and rejoiced with her when the Holy Spirit led her on that path.

What does it mean to be a Protestant? Aside from not being subject to the Bishop of Rome, I’m not sure. To be sure, there are “Protestants” who are anti-Catholic and make no bones about it. On the other hand, I pray for the unity of the followers of our Lord and know that Catholics are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[larkin31]

Coming late to this discussion (as I often do), I have a few thoughts on the subject.

First, as has been noted, is that the term Protestant is basically synonymous with “Western non-Catholic.” As such, it covers so much ground that it doesn’t say much else.

Second, as has also been noted, the origin of the term is rooted in political protest, not theological protest.

Third, I don’t think that it is correct to say that each and every non-Catholic is protesting against the Catholic Church. As a Lutheran, I am not on a campaign to protest Catholic teachings even though I may not accept all that the Church teaches. In fact, I would hope that all Catholics remain faithful to the Church’s teachings.

Fourth, I would never discourage anyone from exploring Catholicism as they seek to come into a closer relationship with God. Back in the days when I was working through my own call to ministry, I had the occasion to discuss Catholicism with a Lutheran who was contemplating entering the Catholic Church. I encouraged her in that exploration and rejoiced with her when the Holy Spirit led her on that path.

What does it mean to be a Protestant? Aside from not being subject to the Bishop of Rome, I’m not sure. To be sure, there are “Protestants” who are anti-Catholic and make no bones about it. On the other hand, I pray for the unity of the followers of our Lord and know that Catholics are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

As a former Protestant, and one who grew up in a Protestant minister’s household (parsonage), I would fully agree with this description and the others here like it.

 

[rinnie]

Father told me to be protestant is quite simple. To protest the teachings of the CC.

 

[JonNC]

Father told me to be protestant is quite simple. To protest the teachings of the CC.

rinnie,
I have dialogued with you often, and found you to be strong in intellect and faith. Your priest’s position seems so simplistic to me. Do you take his statement as truth, or are you just putting it out here for discussion?

Jon

 

[rinnie]

rinnie,
I have dialogued with you often, and found you to be strong in intellect and faith. Your priest’s position seems so simplistic to me. Do you take his statement as truth, or are you just putting it out here for discussion?

Jon

Hi Jon, Are you enjoying this heat wave It is going to be over 90 here today. I LOVE IT.

Now to your question, Yes I do take it as the truth here is why. to be protestant is to be any other faith but Catholic. It divides them from the Catholic faith. Do you agree?

Father said that there is quite simple protestants and Catholics. Now the Catholic faith has a very wide range of Catholics. But the one thing that we have in common is our common bond in belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are our sister and brothers united with us in communion with Rome.

Now to be Protestant there is something in the Catholic faith that you do not accept. Which would mean protest. No disrespect to any Protestant faith and I am sure they will indeed agree with me, there is a teaching in the Catholic faith that they cannot accept and it makes us separated in brethren.

But when I say they protest the teachings I do not mean ALL of them, but there is something that is taught by the Catholic Church that they cannot understand,or accept.

So looking at it that way, would you not agree that a protestant is someone who protests a teaching or teaching’s of the CC?

 

[larkin31]

Hi Jon, Are you enjoying this heat wave It is going to be over 90 here today. I LOVE IT.

Now to your question, Yes I do take it as the truth here is why. to be protestant is to be any other faith but Catholic. It divides them from the Catholic faith. Do you agree?

Father said that there is quite simple protestants and Catholics. Now the Catholic faith has a very wide range of Catholics. But the one thing that we have in common is our common bond in belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are our sister and brothers united with us in communion with Rome.

Now to be Protestant there is something in the Catholic faith that you do not accept. Which would mean protest. No disrespect to any Protestant faith and I am sure they will indeed agree with me, there is a teaching in the Catholic faith that they cannot accept and it makes us separated in brethren.

But when I say they protest the teachings I do not mean ALL of them, but there is something that is taught by the Catholic Church that they cannot understand,or accept.

So looking at it that way, would you not agree that a protestant is someone who protests a teaching or teaching’s of the CC?

Now you have limited your claim from protesting “the teachings” to protesting at least “a teaching.” This is much more reasonable and accurate.

 

[JonNC]

Hi Jon, Are you enjoying this heat wave It is going to be over 90 here today. I LOVE IT.

Now to your question, Yes I do take it as the truth here is why. to be protestant is to be any other faith but Catholic. It divides them from the Catholic faith. Do you agree?

Father said that there is quite simple protestants and Catholics. Now the Catholic faith has a very wide range of Catholics. But the one thing that we have in common is our common bond in belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are our sister and brothers united with us in communion with Rome.

Now to be Protestant there is something in the Catholic faith that you do not accept. Which would mean protest. No disrespect to any Protestant faith and I am sure they will indeed agree with me, there is a teaching in the Catholic faith that they cannot accept and it makes us separated in brethren.

But when I say they protest the teachings I do not mean ALL of them, but there is something that is taught by the Catholic Church that they cannot understand,or accept.

So looking at it that way, would you not agree that a protestant is someone who protests a teaching or teaching’s of the CC?

Hi rinnie,
Here in the mountains, not quite so hot.

Based on your premise, rinnie, the Catholic Church is protestant, because it protests, or does not accept, some teachings of Orthodoxy. And they because they do not accept some of yours. If we talk of disagreement in terms of protest, then we are all protestant to one degree or another because we all “protest” some teachings of the other.

Here is where your point makes sense: the roots of Lutheranism are clearly founded in the Catholic Church. Our existence is historically linked to Rome, 1st because we she a common history of 1,500 years, and also because we share a 500 year division. And that division is based on a disagreement regarding some doctrines (or at least their interpretation). Is that protest?

Maybe so, maybe not. But I can promise I will not be out in front of the nearest Catholic parish with banners and signs next October 31st.

Jon

 

[Jimmy_B]

Hi Jon, Are you enjoying this heat wave It is going to be over 90 here today. I LOVE IT.

Now to your question, Yes I do take it as the truth here is why. to be protestant is to be any other faith but Catholic. It divides them from the Catholic faith. Do you agree?

Father said that there is quite simple protestants and Catholics. Now the Catholic faith has a very wide range of Catholics. But the one thing that we have in common is our common bond in belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are our sister and brothers united with us in communion with Rome.

Now to be Protestant there is something in the Catholic faith that you do not accept. Which would mean protest. No disrespect to any Protestant faith and I am sure they will indeed agree with me, there is a teaching in the Catholic faith that they cannot accept and it makes us separated in brethren.

But when I say they protest the teachings I do not mean ALL of them, but there is something that is taught by the Catholic Church that they cannot understand,or accept.

So looking at it that way, would you not agree that a protestant is someone who protests a teaching or teaching’s of the CC?

True… and to “not accept”, is the same as, to reject.

“*Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” *

• Luke 10:16

 

[diggerdomer]

Neither as all scripture is to be interpreted in the Light of the revelation of God in Christ.

What does that mean? How does it relate to this Thread? Thanks.

 

[AmateurPianist]

Now to be Protestant there is something in the Catholic faith that you do not accept. Which would mean protest.

Just to comment on this sentence.

Disagreement (or nonacceptance) of something is not the same as protest.

My wife and I disagree sometines, but that does not mean she is “protesting” me or I her.

Now maybe me coming on this forum and arguing can be taken as “protesting” but I do make an attempt to try to word things that do not cross the line between disagreement and protest. I hope I am relatively successful in doing so. I really come here because I am bored and this is a bad habit.

 

[rinnie]

Just to comment on this sentence.

Disagreement (or nonacceptance) of something is not the same as protest.

My wife and I disagree sometines, but that does not mean she is “protesting” me or I her.

Now maybe me coming on this forum and arguing can be taken as “protesting” but I do make an attempt to try to word things that do not cross the line between disagreement and protest. I hope I am relatively successful in doing so. I really come here because I am bored and this is a bad habit.

Hi Amateur, What I mean is to protest is to be against. Like even if you and your wife disagree you may not really be protesting what she says, unless you really strongly disagree.

But the word PROTESTant did come from that word. That is how the Church did indeed get the word Protestant from Catholic.

When the reform. became about there were many or few teachings of the CC that were not accepted. And as we know the RCC will never change its teachings, and like a disagreement it could not be rectified.

And so if this was a very big disagreement for you and your wife, and you could not come to a agree to disagree place your marriage would become a divorce. Because you could not get pass this problem.

Thats kinda what happened to the Church. A disagreement could not be rectified and became a protest between 2 party’s and became a Protest. And unfortunately when this happens and there is no way to unite both partys they become separated.

Something that I always thought was pretty neat is, start with the newest Church today, and compare the difference to it and the CC. Then move on down the line. The older the Church the closest to Catholic it will be.

And something that will really blow your mind is compared to some of the so called Church’s today. The Protestatant Churchs that started from the reform. back then, and the CC are almost united today Its like we could almost overcome our differences and ban together today after seeing these new things that are happening.

 

[AmateurPianist]

Hi Amateur, What I mean is to protest is to be against. Like even if you and your wife disagree you may not really be protesting what she says, unless you really strongly disagree.

But the word PROTESTant did come from that word. That is how the Church did indeed get the word Protestant from Catholic.

Perhaps.

Then maybe I am just not an orthodox Protestant, but the idea of Christians “protesting” other Christians seems just…wrong.

I mean if you want to protest something, at least make it worth your while like the local abortion mill.