Which Doctrines Do All Protestants Agree Upon?

[Mt_28_19_20]

Actually, the interpretation that the Whore of Babylon in Revelation is in fact the Catholic Church is a doctrine which has been held by some Protestant communities.

Certainly, not all mainline Protestant communities did or do (correct me if I’m wrong but I think that was more common in Fundamentalist circles, although I’ve heard it in Pentecostal as well); and I’m not sure it is a necessity one believe that particular view in any of them.

Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith. At the time of the reformation, this was probably believed by most Protestants, though some of those who had been Catholic may have been discerning enough to know what was over-reaction. Surely some were able to reason

Michael

 

[scottm]

And the Apostles’ Creed doesn’t have that troublesome “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” line in it.

That line in the Creed is word-for-word from Acts 2 (Peter’s sermon). You’ll interpret the Creed however you interpret the Bible; hence, different Christian groups will interpret the Creed differently while simultantaneously affirming that the Creed is good theology. Don’t you love diversity?

As a Baptist, when I first heard the phrase “communion of saints” it translated in my mind as “all who know Jesus as Savior are members of the invisible church” and the idea that the communion of saints includes those saints no longer on earth, didn’t even register with me. So they might assent to “communion of saints” but they don’t mean the same thing Catholics do.

Aye, and the same holds for all the other Protestant groups – they all interpret the phrase one way, and Catholics interpret it another way, and we speak right over each others’ heads.

 

[scottm]

They don’t read the Bible?

Pentecostals do read the Bible, but they have a strong oral tradition. They have a distinctive tradition of focussing on the Holy Spirit in such a way that they believe that the Holy Spirit gives them words to say to others, and gives private messages to individuals. They’re very, very big on prayer, both solo and in groups. Because of this belief in their direct revelations from God they do not study the text of the Bible nearly as much as people in other denominations do.

Can you walk me through that please? Thank you.

Arminian, or semi-Pelagian, is the belief that (1) people are born with free will, and (2) that inherent free will includes the ability to wilfully accept God’s forgiveness – ie, “accept Jesus into your heart.” However, this act of will comes in response to a common grace that God sends out to the whole world. You’d be responding of your own free will, to a prompting of your heart that God has initiated.

I don’t believe that this belief contradicts “sola fide” - “faith alone.”

 

[estesbob]

That was not worth saying. Christians can disagree without having to think the other is satanic. Such false witness, even if joking, is uncalled for.

Michael

It is sad you do not know the venom directed at our church by your Protestant brethren:

mtc.org/

bereanbeacon.org/

itisfinished.vze.com/

pro-gospel.org/

iconbusters.com/iconbusters/index.htm

ianpaisley.org/

remnantofgod.org/

popedope.com/

freedomfromcatholicism.com/index.html

fly.to/truth

chick.com/default.asp

wayoflife.org/fbis/subscribe.html

ephesians5-11.org/

gospeloutreach.net/rcc.html

texemarrs.com/cgi-bin/miva?

contenderministries.org/catholicism.php

bibleheadquarters.com/Documents/Bible_Prophecy/Catholic_church_by_scripture.htm

catholicarrogance.org/

exposingsatanism.org/false_religions.htm

reformation.org/holocaus.html

users.stargate.net/~ejt/apostasy.htm

Can you find any similar sites where Catholics are attacking Protestants?

 

[MariaG]

Actually we would probably all agree that this is referring to the baptism of the HS and not water baptism.

Well all would agree except Lutherans, Anglicans and Episcopaleans and…

So I guess when one is born again is not an agreed upon doctine for all Protestants either

 

[MariaG]

From my vantage point, the only thing Protestants agree on is:

Jesus Saves.

However, the what, when, where, how and why varies from denomination to denomination.

So far, so good.

Salvation is by Grace alone
Salvation is through Faith alone
In Christ alone
Sola Scriptura
Canon of Scripture
Trinity
Sunday is Christian Sabbath
All humans require a savior
Crucifixion
Virgin Birth

Thats only a start…

I would have to disagree with the Sola Scriptura being an agreed upon doctrine with Lutherans and Pentecostals. While the same words may be used, the doctrine is very different.

What about the fundamentals of fundamentalism?

• The inerrancy of the Bible
• Sola Scriptura
• The virgin birth of Christ
• The doctrine of substitutionary atonement
• The bodily resurrection of Jesus
• The imminent return of Jesus Christ.

I am not sure if inerrancy could be included since some believe this would mean a literal 6 day creation and others would not.

So so far, unless otherwise posted in these thread gone astray (forgive me for missing it among all the off topic posts.)

would all agree that the major branches

Lutheran
Anglican
Episcopalian
Pentescostal

What were the other ones?

agree on

Jesus saves
Salvation is through Faith alone
In Christ alone
Canon of Scripture
Trinity
Sunday is Christian Sabbath
All humans require a savior
Crucifixion
Virgin Birth
The bodily resurrection of Jesus
The imminent return of Jesus Christ

What are the other ones that were missed or has everyone who is interested in the list gone since the thread was so far off track to it’s title?

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

It is sad you do not know the venom directed at our church by your Protestant brethren:

mtc.org/

bereanbeacon.org/

itisfinished.vze.com/

pro-gospel.org/

iconbusters.com/iconbusters/index.htm

ianpaisley.org/

remnantofgod.org/

popedope.com/

freedomfromcatholicism.com/index.html

fly.to/truth

chick.com/default.asp

wayoflife.org/fbis/subscribe.html

ephesians5-11.org/

gospeloutreach.net/rcc.html

texemarrs.com/cgi-bin/miva?

contenderministries.org/catholicism.php

bibleheadquarters.com/Documents/Bible_Prophecy/Catholic_church_by_scripture.htm

catholicarrogance.org/

exposingsatanism.org/false_religions.htm

reformation.org/holocaus.html

users.stargate.net/~ejt/apostasy.htm

Can you find any similar sites where Catholics are attacking Protestants?

Did you read what I said? “Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith.” If so why would you say “It is sad you do not know the venom directed at our church by your Protestant brethren:”

You stated “The one doctrine that unifies them all is the doctrine that the Catholic Church is the spawn of satan.”

That is indeed false witness.

I have personally been exposed to this by individuals, even though their denomination has corrected their official belief statement. Can you show me where the official Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Pentecostal statements teach what you insinuate?

Of note, your links look to be mostly splinter groups, like Mike Gendron and others who are anti-Catholic. These fringe groups, and groups like carm.org should not be viewed as representative of major Protestant denominations. That’s a bit selective to fit one’s purpose, and not a very charitable, good faith effort at understanding our seperated brothers and sisters.

Michael

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

It is sad you do not know the venom directed at our church by your Protestant brethren:

mtc.org/

bereanbeacon.org/

itisfinished.vze.com/

pro-gospel.org/

iconbusters.com/iconbusters/index.htm

ianpaisley.org/

remnantofgod.org/

popedope.com/

freedomfromcatholicism.com/index.html

fly.to/truth

chick.com/default.asp

wayoflife.org/fbis/subscribe.html

ephesians5-11.org/

gospeloutreach.net/rcc.html

texemarrs.com/cgi-bin/miva?

contenderministries.org/catholicism.php

bibleheadquarters.com/Documents/Bible_Prophecy/Catholic_church_by_scripture.htm

catholicarrogance.org/

exposingsatanism.org/false_religions.htm

reformation.org/holocaus.html

users.stargate.net/~ejt/apostasy.htm

Can you find any similar sites where Catholics are attacking Protestants?

A quick seach did not find any sites, only this article:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Protestantism

 

[estesbob]

Did you read what I said? “Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith.” If so why would you say “It is sad you do not know the venom directed at our church by your Protestant brethren:”

You stated “The one doctrine that unifies them all is the doctrine that the Catholic Church is the spawn of satan.”

That is indeed false witness.

I have personally been exposed to this by individuals, even though their denomination has corrected their official belief statement. Can you show me where the official Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Pentecostal statements teach what you insinuate?

Of note, your links look to be mostly splinter groups, like Mike Gendron and others who are anti-Catholic. These fringe groups, and groups like carm.org should not be viewed as representative of major Protestant denominations. That’s a bit selective to fit one’s purpose, and not a very charitable, good faith effort at understanding our seperated brothers and sisters.

Michael

You didnt read all the links , did you?. You accused me of bearing false witness. In 30 seconds I googled hundreds of sites sliming my Church. Of course not all protestant churh’s do so but then you are the only one who took my post literaly. You need to open your eyes to the bigotry and hate directed at pour Church on a daily basis.

 

[Teflon93]

Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith. At the time of the reformation, this was probably believed by most Protestants, though some of those who had been Catholic may have been discerning enough to know what was over-reaction. Surely some were able to reason

Michael

It’s still fairly widespread today—we’ve seen a number of threads on this in the forums.

It should also be noted that this is incorporated within the Westminster Confession which some point us toward as the wellspring of their faith in that itclaims the Pope is the Anti-Christ.

Thankfully, not all mainline Protestants agree on that score!

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

You didnt read all the links , did you?. You accused me of bearing false witness. In 30 seconds I googled hundreds of sites sliming my Church. Of course not all protestant churh’s do so but then you are the only one who took my post literaly. You need to open your eyes to the bigotry and hate directed at pour Church on a daily basis.

As I said “Of note, your links look to be mostly splinter groups, like Mike Gendron and others who are anti-Catholic.” So, no I did not read all the links. Why, do you claim to have a link to a current official statement by a major Protestant Church that describes the Pope as the anti-Christ?

As I have said, I have personally experience the hatred from both friends and aquaintances.

Again, you stated "“The one doctrine that unifies them all is the doctrine that the Catholic Church is the spawn of satan.”
So, yes this is false witness. Finding splinter groups that are anti-Catholic does not allow one to say what you said. Mt 12:36 "“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”

While I did not find an anti-Catholic website, I would say your words could be viewed as anti-Protestant, or at least uncharitable to Protestants in general. Would you really say that to a seperated brother or sister in Christ?

Michael

 

[Teflon93]

So far, so good.

I would have to disagree with the Sola Scriptura being an agreed upon doctrine with Lutherans and Pentecostals. While the same words may be used, the doctrine is very different.

I am not sure if inerrancy could be included since some believe this would mean a literal 6 day creation and others would not.

So so far, unless otherwise posted in these thread gone astray (forgive me for missing it among all the off topic posts.)

would all agree that the major branches

Lutheran
Anglican
Episcopalian
Pentescostal

What were the other ones?

agree on

Jesus saves
Salvation is through Faith alone
In Christ alone
Canon of Scripture
Trinity
Sunday is Christian Sabbath
All humans require a savior
Crucifixion
Virgin Birth
The bodily resurrection of Jesus
The imminent return of Jesus Christ

What are the other ones that were missed or has everyone who is interested in the list gone since the thread was so far off track to it’s title?

Methodist.
Baptist.
Presbyterian.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

It’s still fairly widespread today—we’ve seen a number of threads on this in the forums.

It should also be noted that this is incorporated within the Westminster Confession which some point us toward as the wellspring of their faith in that itclaims the Pope is the Anti-Christ.

Thankfully, not all mainline Protestants agree on that score!

You chose the 1646 version, and omit the modified versions. Why?

pcanet.org/general/cof_chapxxi-xxv.htm#chapxxv
CHAP. XXV. - Of the Church.

1. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.
2. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.
3. Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth, by His own presence and Spirit, according to His promise, make them effectual thereunto.
4. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular Churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.
5. The purest Churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth to worship God according to His will.
   **6. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof. **

opc.org/confessions.html
CHAPTER 25
Of the Church
6. There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor can the pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof.

Your link for the 1646 version:
reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/westminster_conf_of_faith.html
CHAPTER XXV.
Of the Church.
**VI. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God. **

Michael

 

[Teflon93]

You chose the 1646 version, and omit the modified versions. Why?

Because that’s what came up first when I googled it.

But let me get this straight:

The Apostles Creed is to be used because it’s the earliest form of what later became the Nicene Creed (earlier is better, more pure, less corrupt), but whatever the very latest version of the Westminster Confession is to be used (later is better, more pure, less corrupt)?

But thanks for confirming that the Wikipedia entry I referenced was valid on the “Pope is the Anti-Christ” score. One can never be too sure about Wikipedia, you know.

 

[estesbob]

While I did not find an anti-Catholic website, I would say your words could be viewed as anti-Protestant, or at least uncharitable to Protestants in general. Would you really say that to a seperated brother or sister in Christ?

Michael

I’m sure your mind there is a moral equivalence between the tongue-in-cheek comment I made and the vicious hatred and bigotry directed towards my church on a daily basis. You want to attack me rather admit that Protestantism was based on attacking the church and that this attack still goes on today.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Originally Posted by Mt 28 19_20
You chose the 1646 version, and omit the modified versions. Why?

Because that’s what came up first when I googled it.

Did you skip over my reply to you in post 201?

“Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith. At the time of the reformation, this was probably believed by most Protestants, though some of those who had been Catholic may have been discerning enough to know what was over-reaction. Surely some were able to reason”

An ex-Protestant and well read on Luther and history, and yet relies on their first google? Not very careful in representing others accurately.

 

[MariaG]

Did you skip over my reply to you in post 201?

“Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith. At the time of the reformation, this was probably believed by most Protestants, though some of those who had been Catholic may have been discerning enough to know what was over-reaction. Surely some were able to reason”

An ex-Protestant and well read on Luther and history, and yet relies on their first google? Not very careful in representing others accurately.

Hey, just a quick question.

Catholic in communion with the Bishop of Rome?

I have been trying to understand your posts and can’t figure out why you are taking offense when even the Protestants here understood the Satan comment was not a serious comment to mean that all Protestant denoms believed that, although there are many people within those denoms that may.

You don’t seem like you are defending your Protestant brethren from fellow Catholics but a catholic who is not in communion with the bishop of Rome.

Just wondering.

 

[Teflon93]

Did you skip over my reply to you in post 201?

“Some used to, and have since modified their statements. Some individuals have held to that belief, even after the corrections to the official denomination’s statement of faith. At the time of the reformation, this was probably believed by most Protestants, though some of those who had been Catholic may have been discerning enough to know what was over-reaction. Surely some were able to reason”

An ex-Protestant and well read on Luther and history, and yet relies on their first google? Not very careful in representing others accurately.

Perhaps specificity and links in your posts would improve clarity, if not charity.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

I’m sure your mind there is a moral equivalence between the tongue-in-cheek comment I made and the vicious hatred and bigotry directed towards my church on a daily basis. You want to attack me rather admit that Protestantism was based on attacking the church and that this attack still goes on today.

If you say something that is not accurate or not charitable, and then say, only kidding, that makes it acceptable?

Hatred and bigotry against the Catholic Church does not excuse uncharitable comments in return, even with the disclaimer of tongue-in-cheek. I didn’t attack you, I called you on your false witness. No worries, we all make mistakes and say things we wish we hadn’t or should have worded differently. And as my words themselves evidence, I have acknowledged personal experience that these “attacks” still go on, so don’t even think of accusing me of not admitting that this does go on, and has gone on. If someone came up to me today and told me that pope was the anti-Christ, I’d laugh. Not much of an attack, unless perhaps one is weak in their faith. Then perhaps they might even resort to uncharitable responses, or focusing on the other’s errors now and in the past.

Michael

 

[estesbob]

Hey, just a quick question.

Catholic in communion with the Bishop of Rome?

I have been trying to understand your posts and can’t figure out why you are taking offense when even the Protestants here understood the Satan comment was not a serious comment to mean that all Protestant denoms believed that, although there are many people within those denoms that may.

You don’t seem like you are defending your Protestant brethren from fellow Catholics but a catholic who is not in communion with the bishop of Rome.

Just wondering.

He claimed Protestants didnt attack Catholics, Then I gave him about 30 examples so he claimed they were just “splinter groups” now he is trying to change the subjectteflons alleged deficinet researc skills. I am sure references to the crusades and the inquisition will not be far behind.