When people say all religions "are basically the same"

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When people kind of dismiss different sects of Christianity and Catholicism as “essentially all the same” or “all basically going after the same thing” or “so close it really doesn’t matter” in a conversation, do you let it slide or do you interject? If you interject, how so?
 
HeWillProvide said:
When people kind of dismiss different sects of Christianity and Catholicism as “essentially all the same” or “all basically going after the same thing” or “so close it really doesn’t matter” in a conversation, do you let it slide or do you interject? If you interject, how so?
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I don’t believe that “all religions are basically the same”. For instance, I don’t believe that Hinduism is the same as Christianity, or that they are both true. One of them must be true, and one of them must be false. I know which side I’m on 😉

As for the differences within Christianity (Mainstream Protestanism versus Catholicism), I do believe they are “basically the same” in the sense that they both lead to the Truth, namely, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and He died for our sins so that we may be saved. Of course, I believe that Catholicism is the direct path, but I don’t think Protestantism is really that much different in the sense God will damn a person simply because they were Protestant.

The only question we should ask ourselves is, “Why is so-and-so person Protestant”? For the most part, it’s a cultural issue, especially amongst the black community for instance. The only contention that someone could reasonably hold against Protestantism is if someone became a Protestant for the purpose of “copping out” from the nature of Truth, which is difficult to follow. Several doctrines of the Church that pertain to everyday life are quite counter-cultural, and I’m not going to mention it explicitly here. If someone converted for that purpose, then I think one could see it as wrong, as they knew the right thing to do and failed to do it (James 4:17).

But that said, I don’t really think God makes a huge distinction between Catholics and Protestants. I think He gives both groups a fair chance of salvation. To advocate that “only Catholics are going to Heaven” is simply radical at best and ignores reality as it actually is.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
I would first say, that Catholicism teaches that communion is the blood and body of Christ, and other religions teach that it is a symbol.

Also, we have sacraments like baby baptism, confirmation, and marriage to become “one flesh”, which are blessed and recognized by the church. other churches don’t have this or have only adult baptisms.

Catholic church is led by a Pope with bishops and clergy who are elected and who’s writings have theological merit within the church, other religions have pastors and go only by scripture.

If it’s “all the same,” then I guess you could be on birth control, have relations outside of marriage (without penalty/confession), and have lots of marriages, raise children buddhist-christians, and still be fine, but in Catholicism, that would be considered wrong (no communion, marriage invalid, must raise children catholic, etc), and that’s a lot of lifestyle differences-- you can also put it in those terms, so people can see you can have two very different “holy” lifestyles.

Also, we have the saints. We are pro-life, always (I think, though, most Christians are, but Catholics are very much so, I think-- correct me if I am wrong). This is an important one too! And no on gay marriage.

Yeah, tell em, unless it’s your boss! It will open up some nice conversation, I bet. If you don’t know the answer, look it up and get back to them. It’s good for learning!
 
HeWillProvide said:
When people kind of dismiss different sects of Christianity and Catholicism as “essentially all the same” or “all basically going after the same thing” or “so close it really doesn’t matter” in a conversation, do you let it slide or do you interject? If you interject, how so?
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I say there significant differences between Catholosism and Christian churches.The main difference is the Catholic Church is the only church that recognizes the authhority of the Pope.All other christian churches vary is different degrees tto the Catholic Church.
 
HeWillProvide said:
When people kind of dismiss different sects of Christianity and Catholicism as “essentially all the same” or “all basically going after the same thing” or “so close it really doesn’t matter” in a conversation, do you let it slide or do you interject? If you interject, how so?
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lol @ all the answers on this thread. when people say this, they mean the effect on one’s lifestyle is the same. all major religions say do not murder, do not have abortions, do not have extramarital sex, do not steal, do not lie etc.

its only the extra detail as to WHY we should do those things which differs. and that is important, because if for example one believes you shouldnt murder. by implication, abortion is prohibited. but unless there is a reason WHY, the argument stops there. but if you belive life begins at conception and was created by God, that also means the Pill is prohibited.

what gets on my nerves is those who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ - there was a famous guy who said those people do sin and feel a warm fuzzy glow inside of satisfaction thinkig wow, that must be Gods approval of what i’ve done. but actually that is the glow of temporary satisfaction to their detriment.

also worse still are the self proclaimed ‘non practicing’ XXX religion. a religion is a belief system. if you do not belive in it you are outside of that system. therefore you ARENT that religion, there is no non practicing about it .

people often positively associate spirituality or religion with beign a good or nice person and having good morals. they negatively associate religion with restriction and abstaining from fun things. so people who say ‘all religions are the same’ and ‘im spiritual but not religious’ mean they consider tehmselves a good person, but they are also a fun person and not willing to deprive themselves of good stuff in the name of religion
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
I don’t believe that “all religions are basically the same”. …

As for the differences within Christianity (Mainstream Protestanism versus Catholicism), I do believe they are “basically the same” in the sense that they both lead to the Truth, namely, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and He died for our sins so that we may be saved. Of course, I believe that Catholicism is the direct path, but I don’t think Protestantism is really that much different in the sense God will damn a person simply because they were Protestant.

…

But that said, I don’t really think God makes a huge distinction between Catholics and Protestants. I think He gives both groups a fair chance of salvation. To advocate that “only Catholics are going to Heaven” is simply radical at best and ignores reality as it actually is.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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Considering that Protestants differ from Catholics in the following areas of theology:
  1. Revelation (Tradition and our seven additional books, whereas they believe in sola Scriptura);
  2. the constitution of the Church (we believe it’s hierarchial, whereas they believe in complete autonomy – they deny the Petrine primacy – and allow major differences in creedal professions);
  3. Faith (we believe it’s a virtue which includes what is to believed, whereas many Protestants believe it to be confidence);
  4. Original sin (we believe man retained free will after the Fall, whereas many Protestants do not);
  5. Veneration of saints, relics and icons (Mariology could be its own topic);
  6. Justification (especially merit, but also penance and satisfaction);
  7. the seven Sacraments (most Protestant groups deny at least five of the sacraments, while many often distort the ones they do keep - Baptism and the Holy Eucharist);
  8. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (we have it, they’re unanimous in denying its existence);
  9. Eschatology (they deny Purgatory, and also have strange beliefs, such as the Rapture);
  10. Contraception and divorce (a sin in Catholicism, but permissible in most of Protestantism);
… you think that we’re basically the same? :confused: With all due respect, your opinion was condemned by Ven. Pius IX:

“Protestantism is nothing more than another form of the same true Christian religion, in which form it is given to please God equally as in the Catholic Church” – condemned (Syllabus of Modern Errors, n. 18; 8 December 1864).

According to the Catholic Faith, God does make a distinction between His Church and the various heretical sects:

“Some of these misguided people attempt to persuade themselves and others that men are not saved only in the Catholic religion, but that even heretics may attain eternal life” (Pope Gregory XVI, Summo Iugiter Studio, n. 2; 27 May 1832).

“Not without sorrow we have learned that another error, no less destructive, has taken possession of some parts of the Catholic world, and has taken up its abode in the souls of many Catholics who think that one should have good hope of the eternal salvation of all those who have never lived in the true Church of Christ. Therefore, they are wont to ask very often what will be the lot and condition after death of those who have not submitted in any way to the Catholic faith, and, by bringing forward most vain reasons, they make a response favorable to their false opinion” (Ven. Pius IX, Singulari Quadem, 9 December 1854).

May God bless you.
 
SouthpawLink said:
Considering that Protestants differ from Catholics in the following areas of theology:
  1. Revelation (Tradition and our seven additional books, whereas they believe in sola Scriptura);
  2. the constitution of the Church (we believe it’s hierarchial, whereas they believe in complete autonomy – they deny the Petrine primacy – and allow major differences in creedal professions);
  3. Faith (we believe it’s a virtue which includes what is to believed, whereas many Protestants believe it to be confidence);
  4. Original sin (we believe man retained free will after the Fall, whereas many Protestants do not);
  5. Veneration of saints, relics and icons (Mariology could be its own topic);
  6. Justification (especially merit, but also penance and satisfaction);
  7. the seven Sacraments (most Protestant groups deny at least five of the sacraments, while many often distort the ones they do keep - Baptism and the Holy Eucharist);
  8. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (we have it, they’re unanimous in denying its existence);
  9. Eschatology (they deny Purgatory, and also have strange beliefs, such as the Rapture);
  10. Contraception and divorce (a sin in Catholicism, but permissible in most of Protestantism);
… you think that we’re basically the same? :confused: With all due respect, your opinion was condemned by Ven. Pius IX:

“Protestantism is nothing more than another form of the same true Christian religion, in which form it is given to please God equally as in the Catholic Church” – condemned (Syllabus of Modern Errors, n. 18; 8 December 1864).

According to the Catholic Faith, God does make a distinction between His Church and the various heretical sects:

“Some of these misguided people attempt to persuade themselves and others that men are not saved only in the Catholic religion, but that even heretics may attain eternal life” (Pope Gregory XVI, Summo Iugiter Studio, n. 2; 27 May 1832).

“Not without sorrow we have learned that another error, no less destructive, has taken possession of some parts of the Catholic world, and has taken up its abode in the souls of many Catholics who think that one should have good hope of the eternal salvation of all those who have never lived in the true Church of Christ. Therefore, they are wont to ask very often what will be the lot and condition after death of those who have not submitted in any way to the Catholic faith, and, by bringing forward most vain reasons, they make a response favorable to their false opinion” (Ven. Pius IX, Singulari Quadem, 9 December 1854).

May God bless you.
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Note what I said. This is the problem of nitpicking lines out of a post rather than interpreting it holistically. Most people are Protestants for cultural reasons rather than theological ones. In the dreamworld of the internet, it seems however that every Protestant is well versed in Calvinism, understands the history of the Protestant Reformation and could tell you exactly why they are not Catholics. This is a mere mental exaggeration. In reality however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Most Protestants do not even know about transubstantiation.

You are free to quote several Popes, but if I’m not mistaken, whilst the Catholic Church teaches that it is the path to salvation, it also teaches that those who do God’s Will will be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven.

I used to believe what you believe, namely that “only Catholics will go to Heaven” and all that hard-line stuff. But I noticed that when I used to think like that, it only made me more of a worse person…to pass judgement on another group of people, who let’s face it, aren’t that different from you (are Protestants Hindus? or Buddhists?). I find that I am a marginally better person when I accept the fact that Protestants can also enter God’s Kingdom (of course, it’ll be much more difficult, but not impossible). And in the long-run, I think that’s what matters 🙂

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
SouthpawLink said:
May God bless you.
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On that note, it’s also noteworthy to point out that I have prayed and will pray for the conversion of several Protestants to Catholicism. I’m by no means complacent about the truth of Catholicism if that’s what you’re thinking.

I’m just not so “hard-line” about determining the salvation of an entire group (who are Christians at that) of people. I also have my own fate to worry about, and it isn’t looking too good at the moment 😛

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
SouthpawLink said:
Considering that Protestants differ from Catholics in the following areas of theology:
  1. Revelation (Tradition and our seven additional books, whereas they believe in sola Scriptura);
  2. the constitution of the Church (we believe it’s hierarchial, whereas they believe in complete autonomy – they deny the Petrine primacy – and allow major differences in creedal professions);
  3. Faith (we believe it’s a virtue which includes what is to believed, whereas many Protestants believe it to be confidence);
  4. Original sin (we believe man retained free will after the Fall, whereas many Protestants do not);
  5. Veneration of saints, relics and icons (Mariology could be its own topic);
  6. Justification (especially merit, but also penance and satisfaction);
  7. the seven Sacraments (most Protestant groups deny at least five of the sacraments, while many often distort the ones they do keep - Baptism and the Holy Eucharist);
  8. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (we have it, they’re unanimous in denying its existence);
  9. Eschatology (they deny Purgatory, and also have strange beliefs, such as the Rapture);
  10. Contraception and divorce (a sin in Catholicism, but permissible in most of Protestantism);
… you think that we’re basically the same? :confused: With all due respect, your opinion was condemned by Ven. Pius IX:

“Protestantism is nothing more than another form of the same true Christian religion, in which form it is given to please God equally as in the Catholic Church” – condemned (Syllabus of Modern Errors, n. 18; 8 December 1864).

According to the Catholic Faith, God does make a distinction between His Church and the various heretical sects:

“Some of these misguided people attempt to persuade themselves and others that men are not saved only in the Catholic religion, but that even heretics may attain eternal life” (Pope Gregory XVI, Summo Iugiter Studio, n. 2; 27 May 1832).

“Not without sorrow we have learned that another error, no less destructive, has taken possession of some parts of the Catholic world, and has taken up its abode in the souls of many Catholics who think that one should have good hope of the eternal salvation of all those who have never lived in the true Church of Christ. Therefore, they are wont to ask very often what will be the lot and condition after death of those who have not submitted in any way to the Catholic faith, and, by bringing forward most vain reasons, they make a response favorable to their false opinion” (Ven. Pius IX, Singulari Quadem, 9 December 1854).

May God bless you.
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Amen to that. Many have forgotten the words of Jesus who said: If he doesnt listen to the Church treat him as an anthema a heretic. heretics do not belong to the Church. It is not the same religion, period. St Paul also warned us not to follow those who separate themselves from the Church. People now and days wants to be more charitable then God Himself and more compassionate than God. Some selfrightneous people who takes upon themselves to make decisions for the CC. If Jesus says this we must follow and obey.
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
Note what I said. This is the problem of nitpicking lines out of a post rather than interpreting it holistically. Most people are Protestants for cultural reasons rather than theological ones. In the dreamworld of the internet, it seems however that every Protestant is well versed in Calvinism, understands the history of the Protestant Reformation and could tell you exactly why they are not Catholics. This is a mere mental exaggeration. In reality however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Most Protestants do not even know about transubstantiation.

You are free to quote several Popes, but if I’m not mistaken, whilst the Catholic Church teaches that it is the path to salvation, it also teaches that those who do God’s Will will be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven.

I used to believe what you believe, namely that “only Catholics will go to Heaven” and all that hard-line stuff. But I noticed that when I used to think like that, it only made me more of a worse person…to pass judgement on another group of people, who let’s face it, aren’t that different from you (are Protestants Hindus? or Buddhists?). I find that I am a marginally better person when I accept the fact that Protestants can also enter God’s Kingdom (of course, it’ll be much more difficult, but not impossible). And in the long-run, I think that’s what matters 🙂

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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The Church still here today teaching the Word of God to all. Jesus said, whoever hears you, hears me, and whoever hears me, hears My Father in Heaven. If anyone does not hear the Church Jesus found, I think we have a very big problem.
 
wisdomseeker said:
Amen to that. Many have forgotten the words of Jesus who said: If he doesnt listen to the Church treat him as an anthema a heretic. heretics do not belong to the Church. It is not the same religion, period. St Paul also warned us not to follow those who separate themselves from the Church. People now and days wants to be more charitable then God Himself and more compassionate than God. Some selfrightneous people who takes upon themselves to make decisions for the CC. If Jesus says this we must follow and obey.
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I’m not really sure if this is directed at me. I’m not trying to be “more charitable than God”. If anything, I’m emphasizing the very charitable nature of God, namely, that He will not send those to Hell who do His Will. To be honest, I’m getting a little bit sick of this forum and self-righteous people throwing the term “heretic” around. You do not know me so you can not judge me.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a great expert on Church documents (couldn’t tell the difference between a papal bull and an encyclical), but I’m going to start a new thread on this topic and I will post the link here.

Maybe I’ll learn something on Catholic soteriology.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
I’m not really sure if this is directed at me. I’m not trying to be “more charitable than God”. If anything, I’m emphasizing the very charitable nature of God, namely, that He will not send those to Hell who do His Will. To be honest, I’m getting a little bit sick of this forum and self-righteous people throwing the term “heretic” around. You do not know me so you can not judge me.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a great expert on Church documents (couldn’t tell the difference between a papal bull and an encyclical), but I’m going to start a new thread on this topic and I will post the link here.

Maybe I’ll learn something on Catholic soteriology.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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No, I was not thinking about you when I wrote this. It is not for you.
 
To be clear,
I
am not saying all religions are basically the same.
I’m saying,
others usually say this, and was wondering what your reaction would be.
 

… you think that we’re basically the same? :confused: With all due respect, your opinion was condemned by Ven. Pius IX:​

To be clear,
I
am not saying all religions are basically the same.
I’m saying,
others usually say this, and was wondering what your reaction would be.
 
HeWillProvide said:
To be clear,
I
am not saying all religions are basically the same.
I’m saying,
others usually say this, and was wondering what your reaction would be.
Click to expand...
I was responding to a different poster, not to your original post. Sorry for any misunderstanding. 🙂
 
I believe after all is said and done, God will “save” whoever He chooses. He has given us standards and guidelines for us to follow. He has given us a Family (the Catholic Church) to support us and Shepherds to guide us. However, It is up to us to make the journey to Him. Some will make it and some won’t. So I would say all religions are not the same. It matters more what you do than what you believe.

Joh 6:28,29 Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’
Jesus answered them, **‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ **

Mat 25:34-46 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you,** just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.**” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’
There are some serious scandals in the Church.
  1. The scandal of the Cross. Our Savior was nailed to the cross to show God’s love and to redeem us from sin.He said we must eat his flesh and drink his blood. He became bread to nourish us spiritually.
  2. We must become bread to nourish those starving around us, physically and spiritually.
  3. The third scandal is that Christ often comes to us in the form of the poor, sick and needy, but we are blind.
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us when we sin and fail to do thy will. Amen
 
Jesus has specifically said that he must gather those of a different pen also, which could most obviously mean those with a different perspective on the bible and authority,

Nothing is Impossible for our Lord, so i would not like to stand in the way of those on a different path, lets be open to the possibility of those of a different understanding being able to enter the kingdom of heaven also, it would seem only fair having been given the bible/truth from the Jews.

Most religions do seem to say the basics, but without they important part of being born again, and as Jesus has said they would not be guilty of sin for they can not see.

No Quotes please, just look and you will find.
 
I ask them if they are serious or if they include Frisbitarianism as a religion.

If they say they are serious, I ask them “explain: who is Jesus”.

And then I try to get the conversation, gently, to turn to … “… so, then, all religions are NOT basically the same. Interesting. So now where are we.”.

[Frisbitarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof.]

If they go door to door and are JV’s I ask them if they have a bible and take it and open it to John 6. And when they say it’s not literal, I ask them “why”.

If they go door to door and are JV’s and I say I’m Catholic and they say they used to be Catholic, I ask them some Catholic question or other and when they don’t know then I reprimand them for going door to door, and misrepresenting the Catholic Church while holding themselves out as “experts”. Generally, they are “smart alecs” and just want to do their own thing without having to be held accountable.

Or some people just don’t want to think about it too much.

But maybe I can get them to start thinking.
 
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