Why do Protestants hate the Catholic Church?

[Dorothy]

Love is the greatest power in the world.

We need patient prayer for ourselves, and for others.

 

[Gara3987]

… He then said that the Bible was formalized by the Council of Laodicea and that it has nothing to say about the Catholic Church. …

Actually, the Canon was selected during the Council of Rome 382 A.D. Research Decretum Gelasianum.

The early Bible had several books which were considered to be apocryphal [hidden] (not to be confused with Pseudepigrapha works) in them e.g., 3 & 4 Esdras, 3 Machabees, the Prayer of Manasseh, Psalm 151, &c. However, as time went by, and the Bible was hand copied, these works fell out; as the most important books were focused on. Consequently, when the Catholic Church responded to Protestantism at the Council of Trent, the Latin Vulgate that was made official on April 8, 1546, did not include these works.

I have a Douay Rhiems which has 3 & 4 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh. To which the translators explain :

THE PRAYER OF MANASSES with the third & fourth Books of Esdras, extant in most Latin and vulgar Bibles, are here placed after all the Canonical Books, of the old Testament: because they are not received into the Canon of Divine Scriptures by the Catholic Church.

 

[ptisme]

What you stated (that are bolded) is absolutely true but there would have to be concessions on either side in order for us to become ONE strong Church. You’ll see that there are many of us in here that agree wholeheartedly with wanting this and, maybe it will happen someday.

If we were to attend a Mass, we would not be welcome at the communion table and rightly so because there are some significant doctrinal differences between us. It would be the same if a Catholic were to worship in an LCMS communion service - the elders and Pastor would not allow their receiving the eucharist from our table, either.

I would say that the majority of we Protestants do love Mary as she was the mother of our Lord here on Earth. She had an important and somewhat difficult job to do, especially when she had to reveal to those around her (Joseph, family, and friends) that she was with child. That’ being said,** I know there are a lot of Protestants who would not feel comfortable with saying the rosary**. If you’re comfortable then that’s okay - you are the one that needs to feel that way.

As the others have said, Welcome to the forums! There is a lot of discourse between the lot of us and, I know I have learned a lot during the time that I have been a member.

Take care, and God bless!!

Rita

Rita, Did you know that while reciting the rosary we are to focus on the different aspects of the life of Christ and salvation? Everything Mary and the Rosary is not to take focus off God but to put our Savior into clearer focus…You can fact check by googling: “how to pray the rosary”… God bless…
PT

 

[spedteacherita]

Rita, Did you know that while reciting the rosary we are to focus on the different aspects of the life of Christ and salvation? Everything Mary and the Rosary is not to take focus off God but to put our Savior into clearer focus…You can fact check by googling: “how to pray the rosary”… God bless…
PT

Oh, yes, I am aware of it and I can appreciate a person who wants to do that and can focus on the particular intentions with each decade…I myself - probably too long a Protestant could not do that without forgetting my intention D) along the way. I know that it takes great focus to do the reciting and keep the object of your intention in the forefront while praying.

Marian doctrine is probably the biggest stumbling block that I have (and praying to saints) and need more study in that area in order to make a positive decision one way or the other. Thank you, PT for sharing that information because I know it’s out of Christian concern of wanting me to understand.

In Christ,

Rita

 

[ptisme]

Oh, yes, I am aware of it and I can appreciate a person who wants to do that and can focus on the particular intentions with each decade…I myself - probably too long a Protestant could not do that without forgetting my intention D) along the way. I know that it takes great focus to do the reciting and keep the object of your intention in the forefront while praying.

Marian doctrine is probably the biggest stumbling block that I have (and praying to saints) and need more study in that area in order to make a positive decision one way or the other. Thank you, PT for sharing that information because I know it’s out of Christian concern of wanting me to understand.

In Christ,

Rita

That it is… God Bless… PS, If ever you lose concentration or perhaps even fall asleep during prayer don’t worry, your guardian angel will continue praying on for you

 

[spedteacherita]

That it is… God Bless… PS, If ever you lose concentration or perhaps even fall asleep during prayer don’t worry, your guardian angel will continue praying on for you

Gotta keep that Guardian Angel on his/her toes!!

 

[ptisme]

Gotta keep that Guardian Angel on his/her toes!!

I really feel for mine PS, Catholics revere Mary as someone who said yes when Eve said no… We try to emulate her in our lives but we are fully aware she is human… Mary is nothing without Jesus. Have you seen this circulating around here regarding Mary in scripture as Ark of the New Covenant and Queen of Heaven?youtube.com/watch?list=PLBB49D26866278F74&feature=c4-overview-vl&v=xg2OQ_iPTv8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dxg2OQ_iPTv8&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLBB49D26866278F74&app=desktop

 

[icamhif]

Why hasn’t this thread been at least renamed to “Why do some Protestants hate the Catholic Church”? This is so offensive. I’ve been Protestant, and I didn’t hate the Catholic Church.

 

[spedteacherita]

I really feel for mine PS, Catholics revere Mary as someone who said yes when Eve said no… We try to emulate her in our lives but we are fully aware she is human… Mary is nothing without Jesus. Have you seen this circulating around here regarding Mary in scripture as Ark of the New Covenant and Queen of Heaven?youtube.com/watch?list=PLBB49D26866278F74&feature=c4-overview-vl&v=xg2OQ_iPTv8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dxg2OQ_iPTv8&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLBB49D26866278F74&app=desktop

Thanks for the link. I have heard the comparison of Eve and Mary and I think it’s an interesting connection - just not totally convinced that she is as Catholics define her. Before anyone jumps on this and gets upset with me I know that the Catholic Church does not teach the act of worshiping Mary but believes her role as Queen of Heaven who directs us toward Jesus. It is a doctrine that I would have to know more about before I am convinced that the Catholic Church were to hold the “fullness of faith.” Too many things are involved at this point for me to truly commit. If I cannot accept one of the doctrines then I would question others.

At this point also, I believe the Lutheran Church (M.S.) still is the best place for me to continue to grow as a Christian.

Again, thanks and God bless, PT,

Rita

 

[ptisme]

Thanks for the link. I have heard the comparison of Eve and Mary and I think it’s an interesting connection - just not totally convinced that she is as Catholics define her. Before anyone jumps on this and gets upset with me I know that the Catholic Church does not teach the act of worshiping Mary but believes her role as Queen of Heaven who directs us toward Jesus. It is a doctrine that I would have to know more about before I am convinced that the Catholic Church were to hold the “fullness of faith.” Too many things are involved at this point for me to truly commit. If I cannot accept one of the doctrines then I would question others.

At this point also, I believe the Lutheran Church (M.S.) still is the best place for me to continue to grow as a Christian.

Again, thanks and God bless, PT,

Rita

Fair enough… If you get a chance check out the 11 minute video… It’s rather compelling… Time for bed. Take care, PT

 

[ptisme]

Why hasn’t this thread been at least renamed to “Why do some Protestants hate the Catholic Church”? This is so offensive. I’ve been Protestant, and I didn’t hate the Catholic Church.

Your right… I’m guessing the OP was aware this isn’t the case for all Protestants and it was just an over site… I’m trying to be a “benefit of the doubt” person

 

[Riser]

I really feel for mine PS, Catholics revere Mary as someone who said yes when Eve said no… We try to emulate her in our lives but we are fully aware she is human… Mary is nothing without Jesus. Have you seen this circulating around here regarding Mary in scripture as Ark of the New Covenant and Queen of Heaven?youtube.com/watch?list=PLBB49D26866278F74&feature=c4-overview-vl&v=xg2OQ_iPTv8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dxg2OQ_iPTv8&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLBB49D26866278F74&app=desktop

Thank you so much for posting this link. I copied it to share with others - a view that I have never seen before!

 

[Dorothy]

Why hasn’t this thread been at least renamed to “Why do some Protestants hate the Catholic Church”? This is so offensive. I’ve been Protestant, and I didn’t hate the Catholic Church.

I appreciate what you said. Thank you. And I am aware and know men and women of denominations who do not hate the Catholic Church

 

[ptisme]

Thank you so much for posting this link. I copied it to share with others - a view that I have never seen before!

You’re welcome. I was actually shocked the first time I saw this. It really introduced me to Bible typology

 

[Dorothy]

Thanks for the link. I have heard the comparison of Eve and Mary and I think it’s an interesting connection - just not totally convinced that she is as Catholics define her. Before anyone jumps on this and gets upset with me I know that the Catholic Church does not teach the act of worshiping Mary but believes her role as Queen of Heaven who directs us toward Jesus. It is a doctrine that I would have to know more about before I am convinced that the Catholic Church were to hold the “fullness of faith.” Too many things are involved at this point for me to truly commit. If I cannot accept one of the doctrines then I would question others.

At this point also, I believe the Lutheran Church (M.S.) still is the best place for me to continue to grow as a Christian.

Again, thanks and God bless, PT,

Rita

Rita,

I am not upset with you.

I would like to share this link that speaks of Luther’s devotion to our Blessed Mother:

catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=788

Peace,

Dorothy

 

[icamhif]

Your right… I’m guessing the OP was aware this isn’t the case for all Protestants and it was just an over site… I’m trying to be a “benefit of the doubt” person

I appreciate what you said. Thank you. And I am aware and know men and women of denominations who do not hate the Catholic Church

Thanks for the support, you two

 

[Peter_J]

Why hasn’t this thread been at least renamed to “Why do some Protestants hate the Catholic Church”? This is so offensive. I’ve been Protestant, and I didn’t hate the Catholic Church.

One word: the Internet. (Okay two words counting “the”.)

I’ve been Catholic all my life, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard even a homily titled “Why do Protestants hate the Catholic Church?”

P.S. For comparison, try googling “Why do Catholics hate Protestants?” and see that there are hundreds of results for that phrase as well.

P.P.S. To be fair, I’m guessing that I would be as offended as you if I participated on a Protestant forum and saw a thread titled “Why do Catholics hate Protestants?” … but first I would have to participate on a Protestant forum.

 

[spedteacherita]

Rita,

I am not upset with you.

I would like to share this link that speaks of Luther’s devotion to our Blessed Mother:

catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=788

Peace,

Dorothy

Thanks, Dorothy. I sometimes like to include an “apology” or something in order to not set off some Catholics who may take my words as disrespect to the devotion given to the Virgin Mary. I actually became aware of Luther’s devotion to Mary a couple of months ago here and was glad someone brought it up.

It may seem crazy but, for the most part Lutherans do not have that same devotion that Luther had - I mean we definitely respect her as the mother of our Lord but, as you know, we don’t direct prayers to her or saints, but directly to God. I wonder if that devotion stayed with him over the years that he continued his studies and writings. Would be an interesting direction to explore…Perhaps JonNC, Don, or Lutheran Scholar would know.

I appreciate your kind words. It’s nice to be able to discuss and share what we know and understand with others in order to gain knowledge of each’s perspective and teachings.

Thanks!

In Christ’s love,

Rita

 

[Dorothy]

Thanks, Dorothy. I sometimes like to include an “apology” or something in order to not set off some Catholics who may take my words as disrespect to the devotion given to the Virgin Mary. I actually became aware of Luther’s devotion to Mary a couple of months ago here and was glad someone brought it up.

It may seem crazy but, for the most part Lutherans do not have that same devotion that Luther had - I mean we definitely respect her as the mother of our Lord but, as you know, we don’t direct prayers to her or saints, but directly to God. I wonder if that devotion stayed with him over the years that he continued his studies and writings. Would be an interesting direction to explore…Perhaps JonNC, Don, or Lutheran Scholar would know.

I appreciate your kind words. It’s nice to be able to discuss and share what we know and understand with others in order to gain knowledge of each’s perspective and teachings.

Thanks!

In Christ’s love,

Rita

Peace!

Dorothy

 

[steido01]

I wonder if that devotion stayed with [Luther] over the years that he continued his studies and writings.

From what I know, it did not. And that’s not to say that his respect for the Theotokos diminished any, simply that he focused ever stronger on Jesus and the Cross. Luther’s thinking was more in line with Article XXI (IX) in the Apology to the Augsburg Confession;

Granting that the blessed Mary prays for the Church, does she receive souls in death, does she conquer death [the great power of Satan], does she quicken? What does Christ do if the blessed Mary does these things? Although she is most worthy of the most ample honors, nevertheless she does not wish to be made equal to Christ, but rather wishes us to consider and follow her example [the example of her faith and her humility].

This has generally become the practice of most Lutherans.

Several bloggers have good articles about this topic. Swan has one that takes a bit of a Reformed bent to it, but his ample sources are a good staring point for further study. Like most folks in history, Luther was a complex man.