Why do Catholics believe that all non-Catholics hold the same beliefs?

[Singinbeauty]

You make no sense to me.

Protestant \Prot"es*tant, a. [Cf. F. protestant.]

1. Making a protest; protesting.
2. Of or pertaining to the faith and practice of those Christians who reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church; as, Protestant writers.

Wanna know something interesting though…

Many who are considered ‘protestant’ really aren’t, especially when you consider the definition you quoted above. I am included in this group. It isn’t that I reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, it is that I don’t have enough information nor have I grown up with one view or another of this church. I don’t reject it but I don’t accept it because I am still searching.

Does this make sense?

I hope so. I don’t prefer the term ‘protestant’ especially with the negative views and assertions brought on by both non-catholics and catholics alike. Mainly I don’t prefer it because I am not protesting anything. Just researching and verifying.

Now, as for the OP…

I feel your pain! If I have to hear one more time about how protestants (or non-catholics) need to clarify and justify Sola Scriptura or Sola Fide I am going to scream. Not all of us subscribe to either of these and it just drives me mad on how many catholics assume that if you ain’t catholic you believe this stuff.

Also, I don’t appreciate the assumption and assertion that if you are non-catholic you hate Mary. Of which I have seen many times on this board…

 

[racing59]

Good post! I feel the same way.

Wanna know something interesting though…

Many who are considered ‘protestant’ really aren’t, especially when you consider the definition you quoted above. I am included in this group. It isn’t that I reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, it is that I don’t have enough information nor have I grown up with one view or another of this church. I don’t reject it but I don’t accept it because I am still searching.

Does this make sense?

I hope so. I don’t prefer the term ‘protestant’ especially with the negative views and assertions brought on by both non-catholics and catholics alike. Mainly I don’t prefer it because I am not protesting anything. Just researching and verifying.

Now, as for the OP…

I feel your pain! If I have to hear one more time about how protestants (or non-catholics) need to clarify and justify Sola Scriptura or Sola Fide I am going to scream. Not all of us subscribe to either of these and it just drives me mad on how many catholics assume that if you ain’t catholic you believe this stuff.

Also, I don’t appreciate the assumption and assertion that if you are non-catholic you hate Mary. Of which I have seen many times on this board…

 

[rinnie]

If I may interject. What you are in truth saying is that the Roman Catholic church DOES in fact claim to have teh fullness of truth, and you agree with it’s reasoning. The point is, other Christian churches may wish to make the same claim, and if their followers so believe, then they have as strong a claim as any Roman Catholic does. Remember, the claim that Jesus designated ONE Church and that church is the RCC, is an INTERPRETATION, one made by your denomination. Other faith denominiations have different interpretations of the same text.

I’m not sure what you mean by the RCC being “revealed to you.” Some people are raised in a particular faith tradition and some in adulthood question that and find a tradition that more clearly agrees with their vision of God. I think you are suggesting that ONLY the RCC can “reveal” and then since you accept the teaching of your church that is has the RIGHT to claim fullness of truth, then to leave it would place one in some grave sin. You’re building assumption upon assumption, none of which can logically be proven.

I appeciate your beliefs, and certainly honor them, but you must understand that millions of others look at the entire thing quite differently.

I appreciate your very thoughtful comments.

Oh, Sorry I will try to explain it better. What I am saying is if you are a RC and you were taught the faith, and you understand it, then you turn from the Faith, your soul is in grave danger. It does not apply to other faiths (do you understand what I am saying) if it was not revealed to you, (you were not taught it, you cannot be at fault) then you are not held responsible. It is only if you were indeed taught the faith, and then you turn away from it.

 

[rinnie]

Also if I may add, it was not my Church that made that claim. It is in the Creed. ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH. What that means is God made one Church. He did not make many. It was one, church, the church is holy, the church is Catholic and the Church goes by the Apostolic teachings. If you read the bible its really in there.

There reason for one Church is if you read when saul was persecuting the Church Jesus said why are you persecuting ME. That is how we know Jesus is indeed the Church. Think about it, who was saul persecuting the Catholic Church. Jesus.

 

[TobyLue]

Robert in SD

The distinction is that there is** one set of universal doctrines** and dogmas that Catholics are called to hold as part of their faith.

This is true and if any non-catholic wishes to know what the CC teaches all they have to do is look in the CCC with scriptural/Tradition references. Now when somebody here says they are “Baptist”, where does one check to see what they hold to be true? There are Southern Baptist, American Baptist, General Baptist Convention, etc. Now they claim that even though they may differ, they hold true to the same essentials. But I have seen different lists of essentials. I used to work many years back with some Baptists who held to the OSAS doctrine. Yet some years later I worked with another lady who identified herself as Baptist who claimed that yes, a person can lose their salvation. I worked with some who said that drinking, smoking, even going to movies was not allowed, while other Baptist were told that they could do those same things. So that is the problem that Catholics here have with non-Catholics because we cant actually tell what and why they believe certain things. This is especially true of some that identify themselves as “Christian”, but their views can change from day to day.

Yes, regrettably, many Catholics do not follow the teachings of the CC to the fullest but that is not the fault of the CC. It may be the fault of some of the pastors but not of the Church as a whole.

AMOF, I used to know this person who identified himself strictly as “Protestant” and said that he prayed the Rosary on a daily basis. I felt so sorry for this elderly gentleman because he would attend Catholic mass on occassions and would cry because he was not allowed to receive the Eucharist. He wanted to convert but again regrettably some misinformed persons (and Catholic at that) told him that he should stay where he was because God put him there.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

Oh, Sorry I will try to explain it better. What I am saying is if you are a RC and you were taught the faith, and you understand it, then you turn from the Faith, your soul is in grave danger. It does not apply to other faiths (do you understand what I am saying) if it was not revealed to you, (you were not taught it, you cannot be at fault) then you are not held responsible. It is only if you were indeed taught the faith, and then you turn away from it.

Yes I think I see. You claim that the RCC tells people who have been RC and leave that they are in grave danger of damnation. I hear a few fundamentalist churches do the same, but mine does not, and you can understand why I would not be accepting of such an interpretation. Rather threatening I would say, and I don’t think faith should be threatening.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

Also if I may add, it was not my Church that made that claim. It is in the Creed. ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH. What that means is God made one Church. He did not make many. It was one, church, the church is holy, the church is Catholic and the Church goes by the Apostolic teachings. If you read the bible its really in there.

There reason for one Church is if you read when saul was persecuting the Church Jesus said why are you persecuting ME. That is how we know Jesus is indeed the Church. Think about it, who was saul persecuting the Catholic Church. Jesus.

Yes I say the Creed every Sunday. it is One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. It is the universal church of Christendom. You will find that many many non RCC denominations say the exact same Creed as you, and realize that it has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church. I was taught that first in RCIA many years ago.

I think you are stretching the interpretation a good bit here. Jesus did indeed tell Saul he was persecuting Him. But of course that as easily means when you persecute one who follows me, you persecute me, much as Jesus said, when you deny food or clothing to anyone, you deny me. Or was he talking about Church there as well?

And the bible makes no reference to the “Catholic Church.” If you studied some biblical exegesis, you might learn, or not as you choose to reject or admit, that the references to church in the NT writings were later additions meant to clarify what was by then in some truth, namely that “churches” had arisen wherein people gathered in homes to celebrate Jesus resurrection and to worship in his name.

I have read the bible for years, every single day. I’ve read it cover to cover six times, and obviously man more times through the daily readings, Office, bible study at church, bible studies at the Masters level in Catholic college, and so forth. I have yet to find mention of the “Roman Catholic Church,” anywhere in it.

 

[Snerticus]

Which Protestants are you talking about? Jack Chick would call my church a cult, so your analogy there doesn’t help.

LOL, I was being fececious. I was just “lumping all Protestants together” for the sake of argument.

For what it’s worth, I know many Protestants disagree with Jack Chick’s thinking, but nonetheless a seed has already been planted… a bad seen by my reckoning…

 

[scooter469]

Why so much anomoisity towards each other ? Are we suppose to hate each other’s different upbringings. It is our parents who took us to church and most of us stayed within that particulare religion

 

[Snerticus]

Why so much anomoisity towards each other ? Are we suppose to hate each other’s different upbringings. It is our parents who took us to church and most of us stayed within that particulare religion

Unfortunately, the nature of division is animosity. Not that I like it any, but have comfort in knowing that despite our division “down here” on earth, one day we will all be one in God with no animosity whatsoever.

That’s something to be thankful for, and to look forward to!

 

[racing59]

Unfortunately, the nature of division is animosity. Not that I like it any, but have comfort in knowing that despite our division “down here” on earth, one day we will all be one in God with no animosity whatsoever.

That’s something to be thankful for, and to look forward to!

The thing I don’t understand is that as Christians were are to have respect for one another, yet in many post I do not see this. My Christian faith is so different than others, yet I try to respect every ones differences. No one person has all the answers, we see God as through a clouded glass,yet there are those who believe they have all the answers,well I have a few questions for them.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

Why so much anomoisity towards each other ? Are we suppose to hate each other’s different upbringings. It is our parents who took us to church and most of us stayed within that particulare religion

I wish I knew the answer scooter. It seems some need to believe that they are first better best in order to feel good about their faith tradition. It makes it very hard to communicate when you are being asked to confess that you belong to a church that is somehow second rate. While I agree that a person should feel good about their chosen faith tradition, knocking others in order to feel good about yours seems rather a poor advertising methodology. Of course the other side claims they are 'trying to save our souls" but that of course is insulting in the extreme from the start.

Many of us have tried to bridge the gap, but we can’t get by the demand that we admit we got it all from the RCC and we are but imposters and wannabes. Of course in the real world, plenty of Roman Catholics and non work together just fine. Last Sunday a Sister from the local Franciscan Retreat center gave a lovely meditative presentation. I’m probably going to do spiritual direction through her, we really hit it off. But here, she would be vilified by most as doing something wrong.

 

[Snerticus]

The thing I don’t understand is that as Christians were are to have respect for one another, yet in many post I do not see this. My Christian faith is so different than others, yet I try to respect every ones differences. No one person has all the answers, we see God as through a clouded glass,yet there are those who believe they have all the answers,well I have a few questions for them.

I feel the same way, but when you get into so much adversity, it’s hard to not chime in now and again. The best thing to do is respect the fact that everyone has their own beliefs and can be passionate at times that theirs is the correct one.

If we all understood this all the time it would help a lot in debates. But unfortunately everyone’s different and everyone has different buttons that get pushed now and again that sets off our bad sides. I try to overcome it by posting positively as much as possible.

God Bless,
Snert

 

[pismopal]

And this is precisely the reason why dialogue between Catholics and others will probably never go anywhere…

And you spend a lot of time reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church…I’m guessin’?

 

[ICA04]

And you spend a lot of time reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church…I’m guessin’?

I referrenced it much in my years as a Catholic. You were being fececious I’m guessin’?

 

[pismopal]

I referrenced it much in my years as a Catholic. You were being fececious I’m guessin’?

When you “referenced” the Catechism…which part, if any, did you find fault? I read the Catechism from front to back before my conversion and found no error from my own perspective. Funny how people are moved isn’t it? Yes…I was being facetious…but not malicious.

 

[ICA04]

When you “referenced” the Catechism…which part, if any, did you find fault? I read the Catechism from front to back before my conversion and found no error from my own perspective. Funny how people are moved isn’t it? Yes…I was being facetious…but not malicious.

Ever think of it as peculiar at least that the Catechism is thicker than the Bible?

 

[Snerticus]

Ever think of it as peculiar at least that the Catechism is thicker than the Bible?

I personally don’t find that peculiar. When you have a large book, and another book tries to explain the first book, it’s bound to be larger.

I’m not saying the Catechism explains the Bible, I’m just using this as an example. The Catechism explains much more than just the Bible, it explains Catholic faith in light of the Bible, the Magisterium and Tradition. Which in itself would necessarily make it larger than the Bible. It’s amazing it’s actually so small considering all it could have in it.

 

[pismopal]

Ever think of it as peculiar at least that the Catechism is thicker than the Bible?

I am sure you are trying to make a point but I don’t get it…seriously…what does the size of the Catechism have to do with anything? I did ask you what were your objections…specifically, in the Catechism…as you “referenced” it? When I said I had read the Catechism I should mention that I also read the accompanying Bible references in support.
If you are happy with your new non Catholic denom then I am happy for you but I was wondering…how big is your new catechism? The point of my sarcasm is that you don’t have a new catechism. This fact is one of the reasons that I joined the Church that you left. I like clear cut beautifully written articles of faith which are published for all believers to read and answer questions that the believer may have. Have a nice day

 

[rinnie]

Yes I say the Creed every Sunday. it is One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. It is the universal church of Christendom. You will find that many many non RCC denominations say the exact same Creed as you, and realize that it has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church. I was taught that first in RCIA many years ago.

I think you are stretching the interpretation a good bit here. Jesus did indeed tell Saul he was persecuting Him. But of course that as easily means when you persecute one who follows me, you persecute me, much as Jesus said, when you deny food or clothing to anyone, you deny me. Or was he talking about Church there as well?

And the bible makes no reference to the “Catholic Church.” If you studied some biblical exegesis, you might learn, or not as you choose to reject or admit, that the references to church in the NT writings were later additions meant to clarify what was by then in some truth, namely that “churches” had arisen wherein people gathered in homes to celebrate Jesus resurrection and to worship in his name.

I have read the bible for years, every single day. I’ve read it cover to cover six times, and obviously man more times through the daily readings, Office, bible study at church, bible studies at the Masters level in Catholic college, and so forth. I have yet to find mention of the “Roman Catholic Church,” anywhere in it.

Well, Maybe you need to go over it again. Let me start here. Is the Church that Peter Started not Catholic, Did Peter not start the Church in Rome. Does the Pope not run the Roman Catholic Church. Is the Catholic Church not Holy, And does it not go by Apostolic Teachings. They did not teach you this in a Catholic college in Bible Study?