L
lak611
Guest
In another thread, a poster mentioned that Lutherans, Anglicans and Baptists who named their churches after Mary were not Protestant. Who is considered to be a Protestant, and what is your definition of Protestant?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
R
RC_Matt
Guest
Some Anglicans might disagree, but I think the general definition is any non-Catholic or non-Orthodox Christian church. Lutherans and Baptists are absolutely Protestants.In another thread, a poster mentioned that Lutherans, Anglicans and Baptists who named their churches after Mary were not Protestant. Who is considered to be a Protestant, and what is your definition of Protestant?
M
mschrank
Guest
Anyone who thinks you can change the rules of the game 1500 years after play begins?
To be serious though, it depends who you ask. Anglicans do not like to be called Protestant, they believe that they are a “branch” co-equal with the Roman and Orthodox Church. IMHO (and the Church’s), this is nonsense (even the EO reject the “branch theory”).
I think in reality, Protestant means anyone who follows after the teachings of Luther and his spiritual descendants. They often have gravely erroneous conceptions of the sacraments in particular.
Lutherans of course qualify. Their spiritual teachings are heretical, which means they are incorrect and in oposition to the “Catholic” (universal) faith. This is different than schismatic. Schismatic means that they do not accept legitimate authority but are not deviants in terms of doctrine and sacraments. Eastern Orthodox and SSPX (Mel Gibson’s church) are good examples of this.
To be serious though, it depends who you ask. Anglicans do not like to be called Protestant, they believe that they are a “branch” co-equal with the Roman and Orthodox Church. IMHO (and the Church’s), this is nonsense (even the EO reject the “branch theory”).
I think in reality, Protestant means anyone who follows after the teachings of Luther and his spiritual descendants. They often have gravely erroneous conceptions of the sacraments in particular.
Lutherans of course qualify. Their spiritual teachings are heretical, which means they are incorrect and in oposition to the “Catholic” (universal) faith. This is different than schismatic. Schismatic means that they do not accept legitimate authority but are not deviants in terms of doctrine and sacraments. Eastern Orthodox and SSPX (Mel Gibson’s church) are good examples of this.
C
Catholic_Dude
Guest
Since Sola Scriptura is the “formal principle” of the Reformation I would say that Protestantism is in reference to the specific heresy which sprung from Luther and his claim of Sola Scriptura. All groups who originate from a Sola Scriptura foundation are Protestants.In another thread, a poster mentioned that Lutherans, Anglicans and Baptists who named their churches after Mary were not Protestant. Who is considered to be a Protestant, and what is your definition of Protestant?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_solas
C
Catholic_Dude
Guest
Luther (formal heretic) and Lutherans (mostly material heretics) most certainly are Protestants, in fact as you already noted they are the original Protestants.Thank you all, so far. It seems like there is a fair understanding of who is considered to be a Protestant. I started this thread in response to this post and several others before and after it. Now, I am hoping that this poster responds over here in this thread.
T
Thomas63116
Guest
A very broad, functional definition would be any self-identified Christian who is not a member of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox churches. I think this is how most people use the term in daily conversation. This term would include Anglicans, non-denominational Christians, and possibly members of the LDS movements (Mormons). Some individuals in these groups may not use the term Protestant to describe themselves.
A slightly narrower definition would be members of those denominations that grew out of the 16th Century Protestant Reformation.
A slightly narrower definition would be members of those denominations that grew out of the 16th Century Protestant Reformation.
S
Syele
Guest
So Arminians are not Protestant? Arminians include:Since Sola Scriptura is the “formal principle” of the Reformation I would say that Protestantism is in reference to the specific heresy which sprung from Luther and his claim of Sola Scriptura. All groups who originate from a Sola Scriptura foundation are Protestants.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_solas
O
oneGODoneCHURCH
Guest
If the church is not of the Latin or Eastern Rites or a church in communion with Rome other that the Orthodox it is a Protestant church. Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and on and on and on…
Catholic and Orthodox split over Papal authority for the most part but there was not a rejection of the Apostolic lines form either. So Orthodox would not be Protestant.
Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and on and on and on… these denominations were founded be who to be in heresy and rejection of the Church teachings on many many thing of faith. Some would have an easier time returning to the Church than other. Many of them have ever split off from the original denomination to the point that they no loner resemble were they started.
Catholic and Orthodox split over Papal authority for the most part but there was not a rejection of the Apostolic lines form either. So Orthodox would not be Protestant.
Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and on and on and on… these denominations were founded be who to be in heresy and rejection of the Church teachings on many many thing of faith. Some would have an easier time returning to the Church than other. Many of them have ever split off from the original denomination to the point that they no loner resemble were they started.
C
Catholic_Dude
Guest
Do they accept or reject Sola Scriptura? Last time I checked they accepted it.So Arminians are not Protestant? Arminians include:
S
Syele
Guest
I used to think we accepted it… but once i Was on this forum long enough, I was corrected… my definition of sola scriptura is not what most of the Catholic here mean when they say it. Can you define it so I can answer truthfully if I accept it or not?Do they accept or reject Sola Scriptura? Last time I checked they accepted it.
C
Catholic_Dude
Guest
Here is the definition of Sola Scriptura:I used to think we accepted it… but once i Was on this forum long enough, I was corrected… my definition of sola scriptura is not what most of the Catholic here mean when they say it. Can you define it so I can answer truthfully if I accept it or not?
Using the Bible ALONE, you are allowed to believe just about whatever doctrine you want to believe, AS LONG AS your interpretation does not agree with the Catholic Church.
S
Syele
Guest
Then NO I definitely do not believe that.Here is the definition of Sola Scriptura:Using the Bible ALONE, you are allowed to believe just about whatever doctrine you want to believe, AS LONG AS your interpretation does not agree with the Catholic Church.
I do believe the Bible is inerrant, and the final authority (superceeds all other authorities):
The “typical” definition which I do not agree with is from the Cambridge Declaration:eefweb.com
- It does not mean that the Bible is the only place where truth can be found.
- It does not mean that the Bible is equally clear to all people.
- It does not mean that the instruction of Church is not helpful and authoritative.
Sola Scriptura
We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured. We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
H
HannahLisa
Guest
I hope that definition of Sola Scriptura (post #12) is not meant to be an accurate or typical description, because it strikes me as insulting more than anything…
Catholics are Catholics.
Orthodox are Orthodox.
Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christian.
Everyone else is Protestant.
Catholics are Catholics.
Orthodox are Orthodox.
Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christian.
Everyone else is Protestant.
G
GKC
Guest
You’re right. Some Anglicans disagree. But not all.Some Anglicans might disagree, but I think the general definition is any non-Catholic or non-Orthodox Christian church. Lutherans and Baptists are absolutely Protestants.
OTOH, all RCs disagree with me.
Fair’s fair.
GKC
Anglicanus Catholicus
I
IrishAm
Guest
Anyone who says they are a Protestant is. Ergo, the Lutherans, Anglicans and Baptists would be Protestant because, in general, they say they are.
G
GKC
Guest
Except those of us who don’t.Anyone who says they are a Protestant is. Ergo, the Lutherans, Anglicans and Baptists would be Protestant because, in general, they say they are.
GKC
Anglicanus Catholicus
A
Aramis
Guest
Not everyone else; Universalists are non-Christian, despite typically protestant trappings (at least one such group uses Byzantine trappings). Those groups claiming descent from John the Baptist are likewise actually outside the heritage of the Church Christ founded, and properly are not Christians.I hope that definition of Sola Scriptura (post #12) is not meant to be an accurate or typical description, because it strikes me as insulting more than anything…
Catholics are Catholics.
Orthodox are Orthodox.
Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christian.
Everyone else is Protestant.
The surviving Gnostic groups (mostly in the middle east) likewise are neither properly Christian nor protestant, despite their ancient heritage and apostolic origins; they have as different an understanding of Christ as to be incompatible with the rest of Christianity.
I
IrishAm
Guest
That was the point.Except those of us who don’t.
GKC
Anglicanus Catholicus
G
GKC
Guest
- Status
- Not open for further replies.