Why are Protestants so Anti-Catholic?

[mercygate]

I think for the most part it is sincere zeal, albeit misdirected.
they are still our brothers. and they feel that they NEED to ‘save’ us from ourselves.
What have you used to de-fuse the situation with friends and family?
Ravyn

You were right above when you mentioned the core of protestantism is protest. Also, ex-Catholics may have had a bad experience along the line with a priest, a nun, or a bully of a grandparent or parent. They were hurt or even seriously wronged by someone in the Church or in their families.

Often, if you take any anti-Catholic argument three steps along the road toward its root, you will find that root about six inches below the belt: fornication, masturbation, contraception, and divorce. The edifice of hate rises from that in 80% of cases.

 

[lak611]

I wouldn’t call mine fights, just loud conversations.

Actually, same here. There never were any threats or violence involved.

 

[IanCorrigan]

Why are Protestants who have bias against the Catholic Church so Anti-Catholic. There are numerous Non-Catholic Members here who are extremely Anti-Catholic. I won’t mention their names.

As a non-christian, I may have a more objective take on this historical problem. I agree that much of the issue is mere ignorance on the part of protestant membership and leadership, but there are big historical reasons why the two churches have despised each other, as well.

First the church of Luther’s age was a pretty nasty business, wrapped deeply in the government of its age, holding to the privilege of the feudal times as the new wave of formative mercantilism was growing (especially in the germanies and england). People were in a mood to be free of the strictures of the old system, and religion just went along on the wave in many ways.

Of course, it was the Roman church that rejected Luther’s proposed reforms, and which led him to his fateful decision to continue to ordain priests outside the authority of the Pope.

As I understand it, the Roman church began military persecution of the dissident churches almost immediately. This led to a long period of mutual war, which is, of course, a fine way to develop generational hatreds between families and thus between churches. I believe one of Luther’s huge errors was to insist on ‘doctrinal agreement and purity’ in order to share communion with another sect - this led to the splintering that Catholics tend to dilike in prot sects.

By the time we get to more recent ages, we have the prot and roman sects generaly excommunicating one another. Even when I was a lad in 1960s america, the issue of whether ‘catholics/protestants would go to heaven’ was still current - I note that the question is still asked by christian believers even now.

Then there are the theological issues. One of theings I appreciate about the Roman church is that by having a living source of doctrine in each age, the church can (could) actually change to meet modern needs. But those gradual changes have only looked, to prots, like continuing drift toward heresy, with the rise of mariolatry, etc. And more recent, more extreme prot sects just can’t dissociate the use of images and formulaic prayer from ideas of Paganism Hinduism, etc. In the meantime, Roman churches have preached that all prots go to hell, and nobody likes to be told that…

Anyway, that’s how I’d answer the ‘why the hate’ issue
Ian

 

[St_Violet]

I ask them why they believe their interpretation is correct and others are wrong. I’ve found it’s important to get them to understand that all using the same argument and getting different answers. They’ll usually say something to the extent “Well, that’s what you’re doing.” Then I have a chance to explain the idea of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradidion, and the Magestrium, along with their interrelation. Sometimes they’re receptive other times they get defensive. I believe those who get defensive are sincere, but it’s based on the fact that their whole view of what Christianity is would be shattered if my position were correct. I know mine was. My mom used to ask me if I thought everything I’d been taught was wrong. I’d tell her that a lot of it was, then I’d use scripture to support my position and explain why the idea that everyone could interpret scripture as they saw fit was wrong, and all of the other issus stem from that one thing.

Anyway, that’s what I’ve found to be the case. Some are going to remain anti-Catholic, others won’t be.

I also have asked many protestants why they believe their “understanding” of scripture is valid, and non of them have yet to even try to explain why and when they do, I also remind them that there are many protestants who say the same exact thing and yet contradict them
( such as , it’s important to let the holy spirit guide you and clear your mind of the clogs, but yet they have no problem bashing the catholic church )

some who know that I am a catholic and they will say " well I have been a catholic for this many years debated with catholic priests, my family member is a nun , etc etc" and then I begin to remind them how that makes their understanding more valid, and I also remind them being a Catholic for a few years does not make them a theologan. and still they just weren’t able to prove how their understanding is more valid, but it’s sad how they have to resort to bashing my faith which I lovingly remain calm about.

Protestants sure love to hear themselves talk

 

[St_Violet]

I think catholics mostly leave the Church because of issues like divorce, abortion, birth control, ordaination of women.

I think a lot of the women including nuns have left the church because the Church cannot ordain women, which I think was a disaster for the Catholic Church, because the nuns are one of the backs bones of maintaning a Parish and Body, they break their backs for Christ and the Church.

God Bless those nuns were remained with the Church, I pray those who have left will find their way back to the Church.

 

[Mannyfit75]

As a non-Christian, I may have a more objective take on this historical problem. I agree that much of the issue is mere ignorance on the part of protestant membership and leadership, but there are big historical reasons why the two churches have despised each other, as well.

It is due to ignorance of the faith, and many of them have misconception of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Some Evangelical Christians preached false misconception about the Catholic Church, and many of them have never been to a Catholic Mass, nor read articles about Catholicism from a Catholic or read conversion stories concerning them.

Of course, one must take into account that there are Protestants will educated and can give you fair view of Catholicism without being to bias against it.

First the church of Luther’s age was a pretty nasty business, wrapped deeply in the government of its age, holding to the privilege of the feudal times as the new wave of formative mercantilism was growing (especially in the Germanies and england). People were in a mood to be free of the strictures of the old system, and religion just went along on the wave in many ways.

It wasn’t actually feudal. The Reformation took place during the Renaissance. Feudal times occurred in Medieval Times, with Lords, princes, knights.

Of course, it was the Roman church that rejected Luther’s proposed reforms, and which led him to his fateful decision to continue to ordain priests outside the authority of the Pope.

They rejected Luther’s propose reforms because his teachings is contrary to the Gospel message and Church teachings. There were abuses by selling indulgences. Church authority has never approved of such sells and I’m sure they were set straight.

As I understand it, the Roman church began military persecution of the dissident churches almost immediately. This led to a long period of mutual war, which is, of course, a fine way to develop generational hatreds between families and thus between churches. I believe one of Luther’s huge errors was to insist on ‘doctrinal agreement and purity’ in order to share communion with another sect - this led to the splintering that Catholics tend to dilike in prot sects.

Not really. The Catholic Church did not begin a military campaign against dissidents. It was rather Secular governments who were Catholic who remain loyal to Rome.

By the time we get to more recent ages, we have the prot and roman sects generally excommunicating one another. Even when I was a lad in 1960s America, the issue of whether ‘catholics/protestants would go to heaven’ was still current - I note that the question is still asked by christian believers even now.

Who decides who goes to heaven is God. Once you die, your are in the hot seat. The Catholic Church can only help you to get there provided that you keep the Lord’s Commandments with love and pure charity.

Then there are the theological issues. One of things I appreciate about the Roman church is that by having a living source of doctrine in each age, the church can (could) actually change to meet modern needs. But those gradual changes have only looked, to protestants, like continuing drift toward heresy, with the rise of mariolatry, etc. And more recent, more extreme protestant sects just can’t dissociate the use of images and formulaic prayer from ideas of Paganism Hinduism, etc. In the meantime, Roman churches have preached that all prots go to hell, and nobody likes to be told that…

The Catholic Church can change disciplines, but she has no authority to change the deposit of faith. That is the teaching of moral and faith cannot change. For example, abortion, homosexuality, fornication, contraception, adultery, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell, and death penalty cannot changed. The belief in the Trinity, Real Presence of the Eucharist, Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Perpetual Virginity of the Virgin Mary, the Resurrection, and Papal Infallibility cannot change.

The deposit of faith is not dictated by social norms. It is dictated by the Holy Spirit, who is immutable. He can’t change his mind.

On the charge that the Roman Catholic Church says that Protestants will go to hell is not very accurate either.

Let me quote the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."272

In other words, they can attend heaven if they keep loving God, and by loving God, they should obey the Lord’s Commandments. For if a Christian truly love Jesus, he would follow him all the say and take up his own cross.

Anyway, that’s how I’d answer the ‘why the hate’ issue
Ian

Hate can only be resolve with agape love.

 

[Mannyfit75]

I think catholics mostly leave the Church because of issues like divorce, abortion, birth control, ordination of women.

I think a lot of the women including nuns have left the church because the Church cannot ordain women, which I think was a disaster for the Catholic Church, because the nuns are one of the backs bones of maintaining a Parish and Body, they break their backs for Christ and the Church.

God Bless those nuns were remained with the Church, I pray those who have left will find their way back to the Church.

Actually in the US, there is a surge of young women coming into the convent and becoming nuns. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for priest. We need more priest.

 

[xmydreamsfadex]

being in the bible belt the door to door people usually look at you weird when you want to talk about Mary. they take the bible literally except for John 6 and Mary being blessed.
whatever…
anyway, as a convert i really haven’t heard much of the anti-cathoic rants but from my grandparents. my one grandmother said i belonged to the whore of babylon. on the other side my grand dad said the Church and paganism were one in the same.
all i do is smile and let it go.

 

[RevDrNorth]

First, certainly not all are anti Catholic. Next for those that are it is in my experience because of misunderstanding. They have a stereotype that is re enforced by converts who really did not know their Catholic faith that well. Many see Catholics as supersitious, unbiblical, ignorant of scipture and even…as some sort of a cult. I kid you not. I have met more than one who thought the RC church was an unbiblical cult. Mind you people that believe Chick pubs are not the brightest bulbs.

One Catholic Church I attended (military) had an adult bible study and it was fasacinating because it traced Catholic practices back to Jewish/early church practices. I think if more Protestants realized this they would be surprised and much more charitable. What the RCC needs to do is educate more of its parishioners through adult bible studies so that when a Baptist says “XYZ”, they can say…“Well actually…” Example, the Eucharist was laid out in a document by Justin the Martyr in 147 (AD) relatively close to Jesus time and not that long after John’s death. In other words not some sort of 8th century RC heresy.

North

 

[catholicmarsh]

This is a good question to raise. As a former Protestant and a former Anti-Catholic I believe that I am equipped to help provide some insight into this issue. Believe it or not, most Protestants are not Intending to be Anti-Catholic when discussing faith with Catholics. They are led to believe in their own Churches that the Catholic faith is a false faith, and as such preach what they see as the truth. Many of them sincerely wish to get Catholics to see the “Truth,” and this is comendable. They care enough about our Souls that they wish us to see the Light. Perhaps an approach when dealing with someone like this could be, “I want to thank you for taking time enough to care about my soul.” You will be amazed at how disarming this can be. Mother Teresa once said that difficult people are simply “Jesus in Distressing disguise.” This is obviously easier said than done, as sometimes we do not wish to treat people with kindness when they are bashing our faith, or we perceive them as bashing our faith. John Henry Cardinal Newman once said, “People do not hate what the Church is they hate what they Think it is.” This was very true in my own case. Try to focus on what we do agree on and work from there. I usually ask my Protestant Brothers if they can accept the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds. If the answer is “Yes,” Then I smile and say “I do too” Invite Protestants to join you in a prayer, preferably the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer as this is a prayer that ALL Christians can agree on. And remember the Protestant vs. Catholic schism is very old; and very political too. I would venture to say MORE has to do with Politics than actually dogma and doctrine. Many Protestants are angry at what they perceive Catholicism to be. Many honestly believe that Catholicism is blinding people to the truth, so this is why they so dilligently and adamantly preach to us. It is also wise to be humble enough to listen to those you are speaking to. Often in the Protestant vs. Catholic dialogue we talk past people and don’t take the time to actually hear and understand what they are trying to convey. As a Legionary of Mary I always try to imagine how the Blessed Virgin Mary would tell someone about her Son. I imagine she would be humble, gentle, and kind even with difficult people. Like I said this is ALL easier said than done. I have to work on it EVERYDAY and when I fall I ask God to forgive me, I go to Confession, and I seek forgivness from that other person. Remember God loves the Protestants as well as you. I know I went into some areas that you really didn’t ask about but I hope this helps. God Bless And believe me WE ALL need to work on it.
Sincerely,
A former Anti Catholic
CatholicMarsh

 

[lak611]

This is a good question to raise. As a former Protestant and a former Anti-Catholic I believe that I am equipped to help provide some insight into this issue. Believe it or not, most Protestants are not Intending to be Anti-Catholic when discussing faith with Catholics. They are led to believe in their own Churches that the Catholic faith is a false faith, and as such preach what they see as the truth. Many of them sincerely wish to get Catholics to see the “Truth,” and this is comendable. They care enough about our Souls that they wish us to see the Light. Perhaps an approach when dealing with someone like this could be, “I want to thank you for taking time enough to care about my soul.” You will be amazed at how disarming this can be. Mother Teresa once said that difficult people are simply “Jesus in Distressing disguise.” This is obviously easier said than done, as sometimes we do not wish to treat people with kindness when they are bashing our faith, or we perceive them as bashing our faith. John Henry Cardinal Newman once said, “People do not hate what the Church is they hate what they Think it is.” This was very true in my own case. Try to focus on what we do agree on and work from there. I usually ask my Protestant Brothers if they can accept the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds. If the answer is “Yes,” Then I smile and say “I do too” Invite Protestants to join you in a prayer, preferably the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer as this is a prayer that ALL Christians can agree on. And remember the Protestant vs. Catholic schism is very old; and very political too. I would venture to say MORE has to do with Politics than actually dogma and doctrine. Many Protestants are angry at what they perceive Catholicism to be. Many honestly believe that Catholicism is blinding people to the truth, so this is why they so dilligently and adamantly preach to us. It is also wise to be humble enough to listen to those you are speaking to. Often in the Protestant vs. Catholic dialogue we talk past people and don’t take the time to actually hear and understand what they are trying to convey. As a Legionary of Mary I always try to imagine how the Blessed Virgin Mary would tell someone about her Son. I imagine she would be humble, gentle, and kind even with difficult people. Like I said this is ALL easier said than done. I have to work on it EVERYDAY and when I fall I ask God to forgive me, I go to Confession, and I seek forgivness from that other person. Remember God loves the Protestants as well as you. I know I went into some areas that you really didn’t ask about but I hope this helps. God Bless And believe me WE ALL need to work on it.
Sincerely,
A former Anti Catholic
CatholicMarsh

Excellent post. Being charitable toward everyone is the best example we can give.

 

[catholicmarsh]

St. Francis said to, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words.” So many people think that sharing the faith means destroying protestants. This is NOT sharing the faith, all it is; is making someone bitter and angry. Witnessing to the Truth should be about TRUTH not about some ego trip, Boy do I have to remind myself of that every day. As the old hymn goes, “they will know we are Christians by our love.”

 

[truthnlight]

][SIGN]

This is a big part of it. So many Protestants that get involved in trying to convert Catholics, have zero understanding of Church history. I’ve heard many Protestant pastors saying that they basically didn’t study Church history in seminary. When faced with the reality that their beliefs were first taught around the 16th century, protestants tend to get very defensive. That’s a natural reaction. Once the initial shock has worn off, some began truly questioning what they’ve been taught and searching for the truth. That’s what I did. Others follow the old technique used by some preachers. When your point is weak, get louder. When the question is posed as to why their individual brand of Protestantism is correct and other interperterations are wrong, there’s no answer they can give besides to say “…the Bible says XYZ…” Seeing how that’s the same argument people who disagree with them will use, it’s not a good answer. When they can’t answer your question, they have to start attacking you and your beliefs. This is what I’ve found to be the case when talking to friends and family.

[/SIGN]

No. While the Catholic Church was seeking to control the world through religion, Bible Christians were running for their lives from the Catholic holocaust that ran for centuries.

God has always had His people, faithful to Him and His Word. They had no part in the Roman Catholic Church. Through much of history, organized religion has hunted and slaughtered Bible Christians. For an excellent overview of this, read the classic work, “The Trail of Blood,”

users.aol.com/libcfl/trail.htm

 

[RevDrNorth]

][SIGN][/SIGN]

No. While the Catholic Church was seeking to control the world through religion, Bible Christians were running for their lives from the Catholic holocaust that ran for centuries.

God has always had His people, faithful to Him and His Word. They had no part in the Roman Catholic Church. Through much of history, organized religion has hunted and slaughtered Bible Christians. For an excellent overview of this, read the classic work, “The Trail of Blood,”

users.aol.com/libcfl/trail.htm

Ummm…is this a joke

Actually, thanks to the RCC and the Holy Spirit…the bible and learning was preserved.

North

 

[catholicmarsh]

I know your name is Rev. Dr. North, but is it Fr. North? Just curious. Anyway, many Baptists attempt to trace an “Apostolic Succession,” through what was posted above. They attempt to show an historic contituity of the Baptist sect through martyrology, that is Christians being martyred and hence being traced to Jesus. The Baptist sect traces its roots to the 16th century as an offshoot of the Anabaptist movement, whereby certain reformers rejected the notion of infant baptism. The very word Anabaptist means to “baptise again.” John Smyth was one of the largest proponents of Anabaptist doctrine and it is from where the Mennonite and the Amish ultimately come from.

 

[mercygate]

]

No. While the Catholic Church was seeking to control the world through religion, Bible Christians were running for their lives from the Catholic holocaust that ran for centuries.

God has always had His people, faithful to Him and His Word. They had no part in the Roman Catholic Church. Through much of history, organized religion has hunted and slaughtered Bible Christians. For an excellent overview of this, read the classic work, “The Trail of Blood,”

users.aol.com/libcfl/trail.htm

Thanks for the laugh o’ the day. It’s been a while since anybody brought up The Trail of Blood. Trouble is, there are people who actually believe it’s true. Baptists I know run screaming when people mention it because it’s so embarrassing.

Anyway, you summed up the typical a-C rant in the shortest post I have ever seen . I’ll have to save it for future use.

 

[catholicmarsh]

Truth in light my friend I would like to ask you one question. By what authority do you assert that your interpretiation of Sacred Scripture is more correct than my interpretation of Scripture? I’m not trying to trick you or to be argumentative, I simply wish to hear your defense for the Doctrine of Sola Scriptura.
-CatholicMarsh

 

[meanolemelissa]

This may well be one of many posts from my newbie cruising of this site that say the same thing…

Oh, what joy. How nice to see a patient and kind discussion. And respectful. Providing answers without insults. Intelligence. Christians behaving as Christians. Non-Christians and non-Catholics posting replies with open minds, behaving as we all should. Loving our neighbors.

I feel like I have just been in the shower, and the grime of CARM keeps shedding from my fingernails and knuckles…dirtied from the battles. I feel weight lifting from my weary Catholic shoulders. The sky seems bluer, the sun warmer, and my faith in humanity more inspired.

Ya’ll simply rock for me right now. Please do nothing to dampen my new cyber-crush!!

 

[Zooey]

I’m not ex-catholic and he was referring to me!!

Now look…There was no name mentioned. No one was being singled out.
With all respect, may I remind you of something? There is an old saying, “Don’t take names to yourself; someday one might stick”. In essence, volunteering as the (supposed) reason for this thread kinda puts you in that position, dontyasee??
This is a perfectly reasonable topic for discussion, which is not about personalities.
God bless.

No. While the Catholic Church was seeking to control the world through religion, Bible Christians were running for their lives from the Catholic holocaust that ran for centuries.

God has always had His people, faithful to Him and His Word. They had no part in the Roman Catholic Church. Through much of history, organized religion has hunted and slaughtered Bible Christians. For an excellent overview of this, read the classic work, “The Trail of Blood,”

users.aol.com/libcfl/trail.htm

[SIGN] Piffle. Poofle. Pshaw. Pfui!! [/SIGN]
This “trail of blood” is just a myth. I speak as one who, growing up Methodist, learned to love & honor my predecessors in faith…Most of whom were Catholic, because up until the Orthodox/Catholic split in the 11th Century, Catholics were all the Christians that there were!!!

 

[mmortal03]

The people you are probably referring to are actually ex-Catholics. I have encountered more hostility from ex-Catholics, both on the forum and in my everyday life. The Protestant posters here on the forum are for the most part charitable and not anti-Catholic. I’ve had the same experience in my everyday life with cradle Protestants; they typically are charitable and not hostile toward the Catholic Church. Ex-Catholics are bitter because of some bad experience they had or some conflict between Church teaching and what they wish to do, and they tend to be less charitable.

It isn’t all ex-Catholics, though. There are Protestants that have been raised by their parents and taught by their churches that Catholicism is wrong, and often the misinformation builds up to the point where these people hate or fear Catholics due to only these rumors and falsehoods. It is often a largely emotional problem, not something that is built upon logic or reason, but then they try to rationalize it by coming up with verses to prove us wrong. It is a self-perpetuating problem, but it isn’t something that is chiefly protestant. It is a human problem.