Why Do Protestants think They Know Everything There Is To Know About The Catholic Faith?

[Lilyflower]

I have to agree with you Lily! I have Catholic friends who don’t have strong faith formation, but they have good intentions. They do pray and all but their intellect is not trained well enough. Whenever they are pointed out wrong, they will try and be on the defending stand. They feel what they are saying is right cause it is what they feel. Faith is more than feelings. Where has the humility of Christianity gone?

Sometimes my Protestant friends are more understanding. Thus, it works both ways, Catholics do think they know alot more as well. And Martin Luther was a Catholic before he converted. I am saying that we should try and see what similarity we have and cherished the common things we have first. At least from there, we can share our differences and try and accept each other’s differences.And the common things which all christianity has is that there will be a small majority of ppl who thinks they know alot. Humbleness is rarely seen in this world

Amen

By the same token cafeteria Catholics are juxtapositioned by a large body of Catholics who know their Bible inside out

I know of Catholics who for example would not recognise the Divine Office if they saw it.

A few rarely ever open the Bible.

Some possess only one copy of the Bible

Much less so Concordances and other books in support of Sacred Scripture.

But by the same token there are lots of Catholics who daily read and meditate on the Scriptures. Who can recite whole tracts off my rote they have read them so many times. I know lots of the Canticles and used to be able to recite some 40-odd psalms, this was not from any attempt to learn them, rather, reading praying and meditating on them so many times.

I am not alone in that by any means.

All Christians Catholic and Protestant have a duty to know their Bible and looking up references, know roughly where to look or which Gospel to look in. How many times do we hear the Bible mis-quoted. How can we correct error if we do not know it ourselves?

Blessings and peace

 

[eucharist04]

Because Protestant preach false doctrines.

Although I am Catholic, I know this is a blatantly false statement.

 

[reteeks21]

Could this not be said of all religions or denominations?

Might it be just possible that some of us need to lean back away from the keyboard and monitor, take a couple of deep breaths…and slowly exhale…say a little prayer for guidance… and take a moment to remember why we are here on this forum…

(And that all coming from me…one who knows he has an “evil twin” that needs to be kept under wraps… )

Oh, one added thought… Methodi… my comments were not aimed at you in particular…but at all of us.

ABSOLUTELY! You couldn’t be more right! I think that being Catholic, Baptist, and Jewish is more of an ethnic thing now than it is a faith thing. The Baptists and Catholics who I know that have argued the most are just that.

 

[SIA]

I absolutely agree with you.

I have had more hotly debated discussions with ‘cultural’ Catholics than I have with Protestants.

I think there is nothing worse than a Catholic who is so by name only and profess no real practice or belief. They also get the Church a bad name.

Blessings and peace

There are tons of them.

 

[SIA]

Although I am Catholic, I know this is a blatantly false statement.

Consider the source.

 

[SIA]

It’s funny that you can dish it but you can’t take it. He didn’t accuse anyone or all Catholics of it. He just stated a fact, a sad but true one. Any child molested by any clergyman is a tragedy no matter what church you go to.

And if the priests have nothing to do with the faith, why do you listen to them? I doubt you do since you seem to know everything already.

You’re right, I never opened another issue here, I merely used this as a comparison. You surely can tell where the hotbeds of issues lie when someone wears their emotions on their sleeve.

 

[SIA]

reteeks21;4258573:

It’s funny that you can dish it but you can’t take it. He didn’t accuse anyone or all Catholics of it. He just stated a fact, a sad but true one. Any child molested by any clergyman is a tragedy no matter what church you go to.

And if the priests have nothing to do with the faith, why do you listen to them? I doubt you do since you seem to know everything already.[/QUOT

reteeks, **he mentioned it first, I defend my church against you and others who are constantly bashing it and bashing Catholics if you do not like our answers. It is a fact that the CC has the LOWEST molestation rate THAN ANY OTHER CHURCH.
www.reformation.com

. Look it up, I’m sure you’ll see your own church there.

AND you are the one getting into the debate here about molestation. I am not. I am not going to at this point in this thread. My whole point was that there are no fewer opinions and thoughts that circulate amongst Catholics than do Protestants. That doesn’t mean that it is doctrine running willy nilly. It means that people do think and they do wonder and they do long to be close to Christ IN ALL CHURCHES, yours included. Although I disagree with much in the Catholic faith, I don’t believe that it is intrinsically evil or fudamentally wrong in all facets as do some backwood roadside trailer churches. My Anglican church is about 90% in shared belief and doctrine with the RCC which is a world more than those roadside trailer churches. When you say Protestant, you are literally saying a mouthful.

 

[RobHom]

churchcamefirst;4259496:

AND you are the one getting into the debate here about molestation. I am not.

But yet you fired that gun in another thread…

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=273593&page=6

Wanna talk about improper sexual acts? 107 convicted sex offenders against children who were Catholic clery have been prosecuted. Do they speak for the rest of the Catholic faith? according to your own theology here, they must.

Although I disagree with much in the Catholic faith, I don’t believe that it is intrinsically evil or fudamentally wrong in all facets as do some backwood roadside trailer churches. My Anglican church is about 90% in shared belief and doctrine with the RCC which is a world more than those roadside trailer churches. When you say Protestant, you are literally saying a mouthful.

What you have said there has a slight tendency to belie much of what you have said in these forums. And while you claim that your Anglican Church is about 90% shared belief and doctrines … you spend an inordinate amount of time proving that wrong…

 

[Methodi]

Hello everyone, this is my first post after I have join this forum. Do apologize if i sound rude but keep in mind that I’m trying to sound as polite as possible in every posts.

First of all, I’m very sad while reading the posts here as unity is actually the emphasis of our christian faith and it seems this thread is getting worst and far from the goal of unity. Of course, this goal can only be achieved by looking at Jesus alone. As he is the head of the Catholic Church and we are part of his mystical body. In truth, faith should lead us to salvation but this alone is not enough and that is why Jesus consituted the first church (He knew of the difficulty). Since there should be only One Church, why should there be divisions in the first place? If you disagree with one of your family members, you do not just cut ties with him, just like that. True, the Catholic Church did some grave mistakes, and thus there came about Protestants. But shouldn’t there be forgiveness among family members?

Regarding why we are called Catholics and why we say that Jesus is Catholic (Of course he’s Jew) is because those term or names came later after the Bible was formed(If i’m wrong, do help point out as history is not my strong point). For example, the word apostle was first coined by St Paul and wasn’t used by the apostles when Jesus was with the apostles on earth. We are descendants from the early apostles, back when they did not call themselves catholic, but we are Catholic thanks to them, and unity has been the importance of our Church. (both Catholics and Protestants)

“Brothers, I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, not to have factions among yourselves but all to be in agreement in what you profess; so that you are perfectly united in your beliefs and judgements.”
(1 Cor 1:10)

From here, I want to say to my Catholic Brothers and Sisters;
Do preach in gentleness, do not use harsh words. Imitate the Saints when you are doing God’s work. Just because one of us are not in the Catholic Church, does not mean they wont have salvation (Refer to CCC under I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church). It is just harder for them since they do not receive the full Sacraments. (Mind you that certain baptism if done correctly is recognised by the Catholic Church) Thus, it is only right for us to tell them and share with them what we have. Pray for each other so that we can meet again in heaven. Condemnation and judging each other is the work of the Devil. God sent his son down to earth to save, not to condemn. And from there, we should learn the things that are appropriate for us to do. Preach not just with your mind, but with your heart. You can know God through readings and knowledge but it is knowing God through your heart that one is transformed.

Sorry if I have given wrong info on certain points as my knowledge is limited. I’m just 23 years, so spare me some slack. I still have a long journey ahead.

With regards to the title, some Catholics do think they know everything. Might as well change Protestants to Catholics since Catholic means Universal. And I think everyone thinks they know everything. Haha

Beautifully set down, thank You!
A whole lot of truth to what You have writtenOn your short journey thus far , Your already a long ways into the faith

 

[hays1122]

Hi,
I am Protestant and I don’t know everything about the Catholic Church. That is why I am here…to learn!

Hi Carolyn, I am also a protestant who came here to learn about the catholic faith and church. It’s a great place!
What was it that peaked your interest?
For me it was finding EWTN, a radio station. They have so many great programs. Great preaching and “Catholic Answers Live”. People call in and ask questions.
I am finally learning about other religions besides the one I was trained to follow since childhood.
I wonder how many people go through life with blinders on. Never taking the time to see what the other folks are doing at their church. I wish there wasn’t the division of Protestant and Catholic.
We should all be Christians. That’s what Christ wanted.

 

[Lilyflower]

Hi Carolyn, I am also a protestant who came here to learn about the catholic faith and church. It’s a great place!
What was it that peaked your interest?
For me it was finding EWTN, a radio station. They have so many great programs. Great preaching and “Catholic Answers Live”. People call in and ask questions.
I am finally learning about other religions besides the one I was trained to follow since childhood.
I wonder how many people go through life with blinders on. Never taking the time to see what the other folks are doing at their church. I wish there wasn’t the division of Protestant and Catholic.
We should all be Christians. That’s what Christ wanted.

My emphasis:

I’l say AMEN to that. I just do not understand why there is such animosity between the two and there is and it comes from both directions.

But there is also a lot of unity and joint worship too. There are endless examples where the two co-exist, co-celebrate Christ and in the Spirit of the living Lord, co-love!

Blessings and peace

 

[hays1122]

Hey guess what?
Today I met the first catholic who actually wanted to share her faith with me. I mean a real life person,face to face.
I am so excited to have made a new friend. She is going to bring me a couple of books tomorrow. She said her husband used to be protestant till he read these books.
She explained so many things to me about how the Catholic church works. First thing was the reason she wouldn’t take me to church and let me take communion. She said I could certainly sit in and watch what they do, But that I’d have to go to classes so I’d learn about the faith before I could take communion. We had a very nice conversation about our faith in God and how we feel about our church.
She’s been a catholic all her life and so have her parents.
She loves her church so much. I can’t wait to read these books she’s bringing.

 

[coleraine]

Hey guess what?
Today I met the first catholic who actually wanted to share her faith with me. I mean a real life person,face to face.
I am so excited to have made a new friend. She is going to bring me a couple of books tomorrow. She said her husband used to be protestant till he read these books.
She explained so many things to me about how the Catholic church works. First thing was the reason she wouldn’t take me to church and let me take communion. She said I could certainly sit in and watch what they do, But that I’d have to go to classes so I’d learn about the faith before I could take communion. We had a very nice conversation about our faith in God and how we feel about our church.
She’s been a catholic all her life and so have her parents.
She loves her church so much. I can’t wait to read these books she’s bringing.

thats great. its good you have someone you can talk to face to face.

 

[hays1122]

thats great. its good you have someone you can talk to face to face.

It’s amazing really how many people I’ve met who were Catholic but didn’t want to talk about religion or their church.
I think maybe because they feel like it would get to be a match of “which is right”. Another thing is the fact that they aren’t encouraged to “bring someone to church” , like we are in the protestant church.
Protestants are encouraged to proselytize anyone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, or who belongs to a different religion even if it is one that practices the Christian faith.
It seems that each denomination believes that their dogma is the correct way to do things and follow. Everyone else has it wrong!

 

[Methodi]

It’s amazing really how many people I’ve met who were Catholic but didn’t want to talk about religion or their church.
I think maybe because they feel like it would get to be a match of “which is right”. Another thing is the fact that they aren’t encouraged to “bring someone to church” , like we are in the protestant church.
Protestants are encouraged to proselytize anyone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, or who belongs to a different religion even if it is one that practices the Christian faith.
It seems that each denomination believes that their dogma is the correct way to do things and follow. Everyone else has it wrong!

I have run into the same thing, no one wants to talk about or share their religion. Catholics spend an hr a week at mass & leave it at the door when they leave

 

[Lilyflower]

I have run into the same thing, no one wants to talk about or share their religion. Catholics spend an hr a week at mass & leave it at the door when they leave

You are wrong on BOTH counts

JHow many Catholics do you know who spend only an hour a week at Mass?

I would say at least 4-hours a week is the norm, some spend less others more.

As for debating, I am fed up with trying. As soon as I start quoting chapter and verse of Sacred Scripture, they run a mile. So I just don’t try anymore.

Even the JW’s got up from my settee and left without saying a word or a ‘Good bye’.

Blessings and peace

 

[Methodi]

You are wrong on BOTH counts

JHow many Catholics do you know who spend only an hour a week at Mass?

I would say at least 4-hours a week is the norm, some spend less others more.

As for debating, I am fed up with trying. As soon as I start quoting chapter and verse of Sacred Scripture, they run a mile. So I just don’t try anymore.

Even the JW’s got up from my settee and left without saying a word or a ‘Good bye’.

Blessings and peace

In my church, sometimes the mass is only 45 minutes, & Not only catholics but most people dont want to talk about religion, even Mother Angelica said If U want to clear out a room fast, start talking about God, Mother didnt have to tell me this via tv I already knew it. I was a man who always wanted to talk with others about their religion but they look at You Like U have two heads& whisper behind your back

 

[RobHom]

It’s amazing really how many people I’ve met who were Catholic but didn’t want to talk about religion or their church.

I understand why many are like that… Its partly because many Catholics feel that their religion is very personal and just aren’t “into” discussing it. Others have, and found themselves in the midst of yelling matches, or ending up the target of someone’s ire or outright anger. If I am talking with someone about religion, the first and foremost rule is: The first person to raise their voice is the immediate loser. Second rule: The first person to interrupt another while speaking is the immediate loser. You’d be surprised how many people have trouble with those rules.

I think maybe because they feel like it would get to be a match of “which is right”. Another thing is the fact that they aren’t encouraged to “bring someone to church” , like we are in the protestant church.

That is correct. Many Catholics aren’t interested in debating who is right or wrong. For the most part I am quite content not to myself. No, we generally are not encouraged to bring a non-Catholic to Mass, but then there are no signs on the doors of the Church restricting access to anyone.

Protestants are encouraged to proselytize anyone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, or who belongs to a different religion even if it is one that practices the Christian faith.

But Catholics generally do not “proselytize”… we believe that “sales pitches” and “hustling” does not benefit anyone. Sorry to put it that way…but often times thats how it comes across from some of them. We believe that the Holy Spirit leads people to the Church.

It seems that each denomination believes that their dogma is the correct way to do things and follow. Everyone else has it wrong!

How true, how true…and whats even more amazing is that each and every one of the 33,000+ denominations think that each and every other one hasn’t a clue

 

[a_mirror_dimly]

But Catholics generally do not “proselytize”… we believe that “sales pitches” and “hustling” does not benefit anyone. Sorry to put it that way…but often times thats how it comes across from some of them. We believe that the Holy Spirit leads people to the Church.

How do you reconcile that with the Great Commission, or the extensive missionary efforts of the early apostles?

It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can know God, that is true, but God has instructed us to go into the world and preach the gospel: who am I to oppose Him?

Of course, there are certainly ways that we can try to spread the gospel which do more harm than good (sometimes we are all too quick to forgot o speak the truth in love). However, that fact that it can be done wrongly isn’t license to avoid doing it at all.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

It’s interesting that you mention that. It seems like all Protestants are like that, huh?

Well, my take: It’s a little childish of them to think this way. It’s funny for them to think they’re way is the “right” way, when in fact, they broke off from the Catholic Church (which happens to be the *first *organized Christian church).

I gladly see and agree with your view, though. I truly do wish that people of different faiths concentrate on their own. They can share, but they shouldn’t push.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood