Which Protestants regard Catholics as non-Christian?

  • Thread starter Thread starter yermanyonda
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
How can say a pentacostal person who claims that a catholic worships Mary consider a catholic a christain when they beleive that the catholic worhips some other than God?
Or those that call the Catholic Church the “whore of babylon” call individual catholics christains?How can following a “whore” lead one to God?

I never knew of any venom towards catholics from Anglicans till i came here…After reading some history i have found that there was plenty of venom from Lutherans and Anglicans in the past,even up to killing one for pratiscing Catholism.

I have to chew on my tongue for a while when i get accused of worhipping some other than God…Once sharing with another person they accused me of trying to get them into bed with me,that hurt a lot,yet when conforted on this matter latter all this person had to say was that they were misled by their pastor, but they got a new pastor and this now once misleading church is now a leading church, i can’t get that one:shrug:
I wasn’t aware that Pentacostals, in general, considered Catholics to be Christian. I don’t know that they DON’T, mind you–but the few that I have spoken to have a problem with it. I have no idea what their official position on this is.

However, the whole thing rides on what you consider the definition of “Christian” to be. Frankly, the word can include a universe of different ideas about God, as long as the one thing, a belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ (as the person claiming to be Christian believes them to be) is present.

What I can say is what the meaning of “Christian” is NOT.

It does NOT mean 'saved."
It does NOT mean “correct.”
It does NOT mean 'he who agrees with me."
 
i admire the dedication of devout Mormons, Muslims and all others of faith.

We Catholics should all work as hard to spread the Truth of Jesus Christ so that everyone in the world will be given the Grace and Blessings of the Fullness of Truth that we have inherited!

Anyone can say i am not a Christian, but do they love Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Do they try to follow His teachings? Do they believe in the Church He founded to lead them to the fullness of His Truth?

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

mark
 
Watch the language there. There is a HUGE difference between disagreeing with a belief, and calling the believers 'abomination to God." No statement by any of our leaders does that, and none of them say that believing inaccurate things about Christ makes them ‘unChristian.’ That’s a POV that the Evangelicals and Catholics have, but we don’t.

Here you go - from Joseph Smith’s vision: 19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; etc…”

And to reiterate B. Young “Should you ask why we differ from other Christians, as they are called, it is simply because they are not Christians as the New Testament defines Christianity”. So how is one to then interpret “…as they are called” and “…because they are not Christians as the New Testament defines Christianity”? Seems pretty clear.

And another from McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine: “All the millions of apostate Christendom have abased themselves before the mythical throne of a mythical Christ…as much so as was the worship of the Athenians who bowed before the Unknown God.”

I get your point and appreciate it. Again, I’m not saying you believe that - I don’t think you do. Many Mormons I used to work with didn’t believe that, but some did, so it does exist. If you’re saying your leaders never specifically called Christians an abomination to God, that may be true. If your point is that your leaders never maligned Christians, that is false, the statements above malign us. Your leaders said what they said - very unkind and uncharitable things about Christian people. This doesn’t necessarily bother me but I think it needs to be brought to light and it goes beyond just our beliefs - McConkie’s statement is mean and insulting - and I think he meant it to be.

Likewise, for a RC or Evangelical to say a Mormon is not a Christian because of LDS beliefs is not an attack on that person unless the person saying it means it that way. You seem to imply that all RC and Evangelicals always mean to attack LDS and LDS never mean to attack us when talking about whether or not we’re Christian. If that is what you’re saying it’s simply not true.

Our Creed is the summary of what we believe - to call that an abomination is about the same thing as calling our church an abomination and we are the church. I get your point and thanks for the clarification.
You don’t understand this correctly. The “Church of the Lamb of God” consists of all those who sincerely believe in Him, and have a personal relationship with Him, no matter where they are doctrinally. It also includes all those who might not believe in Him, but do the best they can with what they DO believe. That means that, from the sheer numbers of people involved, there are probably more Catholics in the “Church of the Lamb of God” than there are Mormons, if only because there are about a billion Catholics and only 13 million Mormons. It might even mean that there are more non-Christians in the Church of the Lamb of God than there are Christians, but perhaps not.
Thanks for the info, I’ve heard that before from LDS, I’ve also heard it put the way I stated it in my post. These folks weren’t attacking me, but they did think that I was in the devil’s church because that was what they thought the BoM was saying. My question would be can you point us to a statement from the LDS Church that states in the affirmative that LDS do see us as Christians and our churches as Christian.
Those of the church of the devil are the liars, hypocrites, evil doers, deliberate mockers of God, those who hurt others…you know what I’m talking about, I’m certain.
Wow - why you attacking me?
Bruce McConkie, a member of the Quorum, in “A New Witness for the Articles of Faith” said “The false gods of Christendom bear the same names as the true Gods of the Bible. Beyond that they have little resemblance.” Well now, that’s pretty strong language. No stronger than the language I have heard HERE accusing Mormons of believing in a ‘false Christ’ and a 'false God." You will notice that McConkie, even as he characterizes these beliefs as ‘false gods,’ still acknowledges that they are CHRISTIAN. That’s more than those who accuse me of believing in a ‘false Christ’ do in return.
Yes it is strong language - meant to be insulting don’t you think? I can’t agree with your characterization of McConkie’s intent. I think his point is to separate LDS from Christendom - I don’t think he wants any part of Christendom. Regarding that both sides believe the other believes in false gods yes, we both share that belief about each others faith. Instead of getting upset about someone who was perhaps insensitive on a post, why don’t you discuss it with them? You never reach understanding if you just get mad.
Well, you have certainly drawn yours. I wonder if my responses make you relieved that you are mistaken about what we think in this matter?
MercyMia implied she didn’t know much about LDS beliefs. I thought she needed to know some things that hadn’t been brought up about LDS views of Christians. I think she’s capable of drawing her own opinion - don’t you? I appreciate your clarifications and there are certainly things I don’t know about LDS, but many of my experiences and discussions with LDS do not agree with what you’re stating. Regarding your snub, I have not impugned you. Why do you attack me this way?
We don’t. However, we are quite aware that the Catholic church is responsible for the preservation of what we do have, and for that we thank you deeply. Just because we don’t think you did a perfect job of it doesn’t mean that we believe you failed greatly, either.
Thanks! So if you think the Bible is less than perfect it’s ok for us to think the same of the BoM, right? Although LDS obviously don’t think so. My point is not to fight, my point is that unless we can talk about these types of things in an open and honest way, then most of the discussion is simply at a surface level of little value.
Gee, shall I ask an ex-Catholic to interpret your stand on excommunication?
Wow - you really are defensive! I’d have no issue at all listening to an ex-Catholic talk about any topic related to the Church. They may be right about a lot of it, if they’re not, we’ll talk. Likewise, an ex-Mormon learned what they learned and experienced what they experienced - they have important things to say just as you do. This wasn’t even meant for you - why did you feel the need to respond to it?
 
Wow - why you attacking me?
I wasn’t. Assuming that you know the sort of thing that Christ would not want His believers to participate in is not an attack. It is an assumption that you know something about Christian thought and expectations of behavior. I was assuming that I didn’t have to make all that comprehensive a list, because you understand who would go into it, having a background in Christian thought and some common sense.
Yes it is strong language - meant to be insulting don’t you think?
No. Meant to be a strongly stated opinion…rather kinder than opinions I see posted here every single day describing my beliefs, come to think of it…
I can’t agree with your characterization of McConkie’s intent
It is your right, of course, to disagree with it. However, you might want to examine your motive for disagreeing with it. Is this Mormon wrong because he was using deliberately insulting langauge, or is the language insulting because a Mormon was using it? I have noticed that many people do that, even if they don’t recognize it themselves; a statement made by a Mormon is considered to be insulting, but the same statement, in the same words, made by a Catholic is not.

.
I think his point is to separate LDS from Christendom - I don’t think he wants any part of Christendom. Regarding that both sides believe the other believes in false gods yes, we both share that belief about each others faith. Instead of getting upset about someone who was perhaps insensitive on a post, why don’t you discuss it with them? You never reach understanding if you just get mad.
I don’t get mad first. I don’t insult first, either. In fact, I’m pretty slow to insult, period, and my worst is considerably milder than some of the stuff said TO me about my faith. I believe that my posting history bears that out.
MercyMia implied she didn’t know much about LDS beliefs. I thought she needed to know some things that hadn’t been brought up about LDS views of Christians. I think she’s capable of drawing her own opinion - don’t you? I appreciate your clarifications and there are certainly things I don’t know about LDS, but many of my experiences and discussions with LDS do not agree with what you’re stating. Regarding your snub, I have not impugned you. Why do you attack me this way?
I was not attacking you. Believe me, if I ever do, there would be no mistake about it. THAT was an honest musing; if you do accept my explanations, change your mind about what we really believe, and improve your knowledge about our beliefs (and use that) you will be almost unique. That very seldom happens. Mostly, I get 'You do TO believe this or that…" and then I will get some quote from someone, generally taken out of context, or I’ll get referred to some anti-Mormon website, or someone will quote Ed Decker at me. My comment to you was actually a statement of hope, not an attack.
Thanks! So if you think the Bible is less than perfect it’s ok for us to think the same of the BoM, right?
Of course. We don’t think it’s perfect either. Says so on the title page.
Although LDS obviously don’t think so
We ‘obviously’ don’t think what?
. My point is not to fight, my point is that unless we can talk about these types of things in an open and honest way, then most of the discussion is simply at a surface level of little value.

Wow - you really are defensive!
People under siege tend to be that way, yes. Remember, I’m not here discussing what I think is wrong with Catholic doctrine. We are here in non-Catholic religions, literally defending my faith against attacks. You will notice that I restrict my posts, mostly, to those threads that specifically address Mormonism, or in the case of this one, threads that deal with issues of silliness like one group of Christians attempting to deny other Christians the right to call themselves such.
I’d have no issue at all listening to an ex-Catholic talk about any topic related to the Church. They may be right about a lot of it, if they’re not, we’ll talk. Likewise, an ex-Mormon learned what they learned and experienced what they experienced - they have important things to say just as you do. This wasn’t even meant for you - why did you feel the need to respond to it?
…because this is a public forum. I have never seen an ex-Mormon (well, I’ll take that back, there may actually be one here on this forum…) who came to forums like this and attempted to be fair and truthful about Mormonism. If ex-Mormons have this problem, then ex Catholics are equally likely to be accurate about their old faith.

That is, probably not all that accurate. Their perceptions are filtered by their own decisions, choices and need to justify their change of beliefs. It’s human nature. That’s fine and all, but it does mean that ex-members of any faith are not good primary sources about that faith. So your request to get information from EX Mormons about our beliefs in preference to the ‘true believers’ is, to me, like preferring to get the story of the divorce from the guy who ran off with his secretary over the wife he left–or preferring to get an analysis of a company’s personnel department from the guy who was just fired than from the folks who have worked happily there for years.

So who WOULD you rather I got my information about Catholic policies on excommunication from? Should I get it from the Catholic that was just ex’d, or should I get it from the local parish priest, or from Catholic canon law?

Since when is a hostile secondary source ever preferable to a primary source?
 
Hi

Following a recent question in the AAA forum I would like to know which Non-Catholic Churches regard Catholicism as Non-Christian and why?

I was brought up in the Catholic Faith and go to church but I am quite ignorant of Non-Catholic Churches who, The Holy Father tells us, are Brother Christians on a different road to God; even though The R.C. road is the best road.

Thats good enough for me and I wouldn’t at any stage make derogatory remarks about Non-Catholics; its pointless.

However I do get the impression that there is a continuous, and disappointing, trend among Non-Catholics to attack The R.C.Church; its almost as if some think that the only way to promote their own Church is to attack the R.C. Church.

Whereas subjects like Ecumenism and different interpretations of Scripture are interesting and, sometimes, enlightening I cannot see the point in deliberately attacking another Church; unless, of course, you are dealing with extremists.

What think ye?
I have heard some protestants say that catholicism is a cult but to say that they are anti-christian is just absolutely stupid.
 
I wasn’t aware that Pentacostals, in general, considered Catholics to be Christian. I don’t know that they DON’T, mind you–but the few that I have spoken to have a problem with it. I have no idea what their official position on this is.

However, the whole thing rides on what you consider the definition of “Christian” to be. Frankly, the word can include a universe of different ideas about God, as long as the one thing, a belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ (as the person claiming to be Christian believes them to be) is present.

What I can say is what the meaning of “Christian” is NOT.

It does NOT mean 'saved."
It does NOT mean “correct.”
It does NOT mean 'he who agrees with me."
I am pretty sure that oneness pentacostals believe they are the only christians the rest of us are pagans.

Now the last one there " It does not mean’he who agrees with me’" at first glance it seemed incorrect to say that but on second thought it doesn’t…
 
I have heard some protestants say that catholicism is a cult but to say that they are anti-christian is just absolutely stupid.
Yes I agree that it does sound daft; which is why I posed the question. As I have stated I am pretty ignorant of Non-Catholic Churches which is why I regard forums such as this so instructive. But it is not my opinion that matters in a case like this.

The original question on the AAA forum was:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=365719

I think it is apparent that the answer is not straight forward and generally depends on the individual branch of each Church and the Pastor involved.

I think as Christians we should remember the word ‘tolerance’ with regard to other Churches and that even those that hold these views can be committed Christians; though misguided.
 
Let me start by explaining that I just became a Roman Catholic this past Easter. It was a long spiritual journey over many, many years that lead me here. Over the course of this time I investigated a huge number of churches, and I think it safe to say that the “newer” the church, the less likely they are to consider us Catholics as Christians. I have to admit that in the early years I was a victim of this popular bias myself. I was initially attracted to Anglicanism because of it rich ceremonial liturgy. Then, as the church drifted into the arms of secular liberalism (at least here in Canada), I started considering what I hoped were more conservative alternatives… but I didn’t think for one second of checking out the RC at that time because too many people (not Anglicans) had said “they’re not Christian”! So, instead, I took the LONGEST possible road to Rome sweet home.

The baptist church I attended for a while lost me when they sent “missionaires” into Catholic countries; somehow it just didn’t seem right to me. The Presbyterians and Methodists didn’t have very many kind words for Catholicism either. But the most anti-catholic were the churches that aren’t even recognized by the World Council of Churches; the Mormons and the JW’s (yes, I looked into both!). In fact, the more questions I asked the JW’s, the more I began to realize how important it was to stand firm with traditional interpretations of scripture! After all, how could Christ found His church on the “Rock” of St. Peter… and then allow it to go wildly astray for 1900 years until the JW’s came “to the rescue”!!!

Then I started giving careful study to Martin Luther and his reasons for starting the Reformation in the first place. I started attending Lutheran services. I attended Bible study once a week with the pastor. They regarded Catholics as Christians, but misguided and naive, serving a power-hungry papacy in ignorance. I watched an old B&W film about Luther and was horrified to see one scene in which he ADDED the word “sola” to a verse from the book of Romans with his own pen, all while exclaiming “by faith ALONE!”. Sorry Mr. Luther, but you’re not allowed to ADD your own words to scripture! That’s when I stopped attending the Lutheran church.

Then I discovered Catholic Radio (EWTN), and for the FIRST TIME I actually heard Catholicism skillfully defended by Catholics. Imagine that! Getting information about Catholicism directly from Catholics!😉 It’s great to be home!
Very interesting post indeed.

You obviously have forgotten more about Non-Catholic Churches than I know; to my discredit.

And welcome to The Catholic Church.
 
I am pretty sure that oneness pentacostals believe they are the only christians the rest of us are pagans.
Persons that hold such an opinion, no matter what protestant sect they belong to, are not only ignorant about other faiths, such as the Catholic faith, they are often totally ignorant of their own faith. They commonly have the prejudices “down pat” but very little if any support for them. I have never found it productive to engage in any sort of dialog with persons that do not even know their own faith well enough to defend it.
 
Persons that hold such an opinion, no matter what protestant sect they belong to, are not only ignorant about other faiths, such as the Catholic faith, they are often totally ignorant of their own faith. They commonly have the prejudices “down pat” but very little if any support for them. I have never found it productive to engage in any sort of dialog with persons that do not even know their own faith well enough to defend it.
Not nescesaarily so for oneness pentacostal believe that Jesus is the Father,Son and Holy Spirit,there is no Holy Trinity just Jesus.And once convinced of this novel teaching they do defend it with scripture…
 
Not nescesaarily so for oneness pentacostal believe that Jesus is the Father,Son and Holy Spirit,there is no Holy Trinity just Jesus.And once convinced of this novel teaching they do defend it with scripture…
And what scripture would that be exactly? The Bible? A book compiled by those pagan Catholics? 😉

This is what I mean by being ignorant of their own faith.
 
I wonder if this question should be stated another way.

Let me explain - the words “religion” and “relationship” begin with the same 3 letters.
When I was a Protestant - I was taught that the most important thing was our relationship with God. Hopefully, everyone is on the same page, right 👍

Here’s what I have observed within just the past few years.

The traditional Baptist religion - places emphasis on the Bible - and the concept repent, place your faith in Jesus, and surrender to Jesus as Lord.

More and more of the “mega” religions - work the emotional aspects of the human nature, ask their congregation if they have accepted Jesus into their heart with little mention of sin or repentance. And as one person recently told me emphatically the only thing the matters is that we believe in God. Hmmm…after some discussion seems like the Bible is becoming obsolete!!

Now for the Catholics. Not all believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist - heck, some people say not even all the priests. Some Catholic Churches do not support a pro life position anymore

Perhaps instead of RELIGION, we should use the word PATH. and then ask. Which Path provides the closest possible relationship with Jesus? I suspect, if we would just lay still that path would point us toward the Catholic Church

Ron
 
And what scripture would that be exactly? The Bible? A book compiled by those pagan Catholics? 😉

This is what I mean by being ignorant of their own faith.
lol good one:)
Actually some say that they themselves wrote the bible in that those who wrote the NT held the same beliefs as they do.
 
I wonder if this question should be stated another way.

Let me explain - the words “religion” and “relationship” begin with the same 3 letters.
When I was a Protestant - I was taught that the most important thing was our relationship with God. Hopefully, everyone is on the same page, right 👍

Here’s what I have observed within just the past few years.

The traditional Baptist religion - places emphasis on the Bible - and the concept repent, place your faith in Jesus, and surrender to Jesus as Lord.

More and more of the “mega” religions - work the emotional aspects of the human nature, ask their congregation if they have accepted Jesus into their heart with little mention of sin or repentance. And as one person recently told me emphatically the only thing the matters is that we believe in God. Hmmm…after some discussion seems like the Bible is becoming obsolete!!

Now for the Catholics. Not all believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist - heck, some people say not even all the priests. Some Catholic Churches do not support a pro life position anymore

Perhaps instead of RELIGION, we should use the word PATH. and then ask. Which Path provides the closest possible relationship with Jesus? I suspect, if we would just lay still that path would point us toward the Catholic Church

Ron
Ron, if someone, even a priest, does not believe in the Real Presence, they are a heretic. If they support abortion or anything that interferes with the natural progression of life to a natural end, they are not Catholic. It doesn’t matter what they call themselves or what is written on the sign outside the building they’re in, they have separated themselves from communion with the Holy Father, they are no longer Catholic.
 
lol good one:)
Actually some say that they themselves wrote the bible in that those who wrote the NT held the same beliefs as they do.
You’re proving my point about ignorance of their own faith!

But if someone is going to call us Catholics “pagan” or any other sort of “non-Christian” label, then they’ve just gotta get rid of that evil pagan book the Bible! 😃

At which point their “Bible believing” faith falls completely apart, way to go! 🤷
 
Melanie Anne

I could AGREE with you whole heartedly!!!

I believe that the Catholic Church complete with the original traditions and values presented by the Apostles some 300 years before the Cannon of the Bible was approved (by would you believe - the Catholic Church) is the only True and complete path.

Thats why I suggested focus on a Relationship with God vs a Religion. You can’t be more closely to Jesus than the moment when you receive the Eucharist. If you really cherish the Eucharist, then when you sin - you will have to make use of the Sacrament of Confession (re John 20 et al.) and the extra time that you will need to prepare yourself to be properly disposed to the Eucharist will work to weaken one’s sin life. The deeper the belief in the Eucharist; the stronger the regret for one’s sins. This I can attest from experience. I did not have this “asset” in my spiritual arsenal either as a Baptist or Fundamentalist!!! Ironic isn’t it.

Hea, one might even do something totally un Catholic and read Luke 1 and gain an appreciation for Mary.

Read John 6 carefully. Over 5000 energetic followers wanted Him after the loaves and fishes miracle. Soon as the Eucharist discertation was made by Jesus. The number dropped to the original 12. What protestant church today would run the risk of reducing their congreation by promulgating the Truth of the Eucharist. I don’t believe that its a lack of knowledge on the part of Pastors - many of them know the Greek verb meaning in John 6 very well - and are keeping their mouth shut for whatever reason
 
Read John 6 carefully. Over 5000 energetic followers wanted Him after the loaves and fishes miracle. Soon as the Eucharist discertation was made by Jesus. The number dropped to the original 12. What protestant church today would run the risk of reducing their congreation by promulgating the Truth of the Eucharist. I don’t believe that its a lack of knowledge on the part of Pastors - many of them know the Greek verb meaning in John 6 very well - and are keeping their mouth shut for whatever reason
Now if they said anything they would be saying that they and their congeration are wrong and we can’t have that cause the Spirit has been guiding them all along.😃
 
I am pretty sure that oneness pentacostals believe they are the only christians the rest of us are pagans.

Now the last one there " It does not mean’he who agrees with me’" at first glance it seemed incorrect to say that but on second thought it doesn’t…
I have come to the conclusion that nobody is Christian. After all, there is some Christian, somewhere, who will deny another their Christianity: Catholics deny it to the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Certain Protestants deny it to Catholics and each other. I don’t think that there is a single Christian religion out there that isn’t denied the right to call themselves "Christian’ by some Christian group.

Well, Christians can’t be wrong about this, can they? Therefore–they are all right. None of us are Christians and we are all going to hell.
 
I have come to the conclusion that nobody is Christian. After all, there is some Christian, somewhere, who will deny another their Christianity: Catholics deny it to the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Certain Protestants deny it to Catholics and each other. I don’t think that there is a single Christian religion out there that isn’t denied the right to call themselves "Christian’ by some Christian group.

Well, Christians can’t be wrong about this, can they? Therefore–they are all right. None of us are Christians and we are all going to hell.
No, you’re wrong. I AM a Christian…everybody ELSE is going to hell.😃

See, now, that’s all settled.

…Hmmmm…not only am I a Christian, but, apparently, I just made a confession of faith into Calvinism…will have to get that checked out…
 
No, you’re wrong. I AM a Christian…everybody ELSE is going to hell.😃

See, now, that’s all settled.

…Hmmmm…not only am I a Christian, but, apparently, I just made a confession of faith into Calvinism…will have to get that checked out…
Yes. You should. Perhaps you can cure it if you catch it early enough…
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top