Why do some Christians view Catholics as non-Christians

[Brandall]

I must have overlooked this.

Catholics are asked not to attend Protestant small groups because those small groups become a “converting session” rather than a study of Scripture. Protestant view Sacred Scripture much differently than a Catholic. I have attended Protestant small groups in the past and they never work out.

I’ve added the pertinent sections below to serve as a reminder to the conversation. So, it’s okay for Catholics to avoid going to a bible study with protestants but protestants should pray with Catholics? Yes to it being apples and oranges but I still can’t see be offended by one while holding to the other. Protestants see much of Catholic prayer as being wrong. They don’t agree with praying to saints and most misunderstand the veneration of saints as worship. Perhaps they are afraid that praying with a Catholic, that he\she will break out a Hail Mary, which would make them uncomfortable and many think it blasphemous and\or idolatrous. Rather than have that, they’ve decided not to pray with a Catholic.

I’m sure the reason you’ve pointed out, that it might be turned into conversion session, is probably partially true. Plus there are differences in interpretation, etc. Regardless, it’s out there that Catholics shouldn’t participate in bible studies with non-Catholics. My point in all of this is there is disharmony on both sides. Why complain about one side refusing prayer when you’re side is refusing bible study?

As to them wanting to convert Catholics, well, they think you’re going to hell because of all the disinformation, deceit, ignorance and differences of interpretation. While I would disagree with them, they are trying to save your soul from an eternity in hell. They are trying to do the right things for the wrong reasons. I can’t fault them for that. As far as I can tell, the evangelical sects are more welcoming and have surpassed the CC in attractive outreach.

Hi ephesians4,

How do you reconcile this with the fact that there are many who will not pray with us. I’m not saying “will not come to our service” but will not come to a communal prayer service?

Most people will attribute this to “well that’s just a very small majority” and it very well may be but I disagree.

Peace!!!

I’m sorry to hear you were treated that way. In the same type of vain, or at least similar, there are “answers” here in the “Ask An Apologist” section that Instruct Catholics to not attend a non-denominational or protestant bible study.

What is your, or anyone else’s, opinion on that? Does that seem similar? Is that close minded and dismissive of the Catholic Church.

 

[aidanbradypop]

I’ve added the pertinent sections below to serve as a reminder to the conversation. So, it’s okay for Catholics to avoid going to a bible study with protestants but protestants should pray with Catholics? Yes to it being apples and oranges but I still can’t see be offended by one while holding to the other. Protestants see much of Catholic prayer as being wrong. They don’t agree with praying to saints and most misunderstand the veneration of saints as worship. Perhaps they are afraid that praying with a Catholic, that he\she will break out a Hail Mary, which would make them uncomfortable and many think it blasphemous and\or idolatrous. Rather than have that, they’ve decided not to pray with a Catholic.

Well the Hail Mary is based Scripture so I do not see how that prayer would be an issue.

Regardless, it’s out there that Catholics shouldn’t participate in bible studies with non-Catholics. My point in all of this is there is disharmony on both sides. Why complain about one side refusing prayer when you’re side is refusing bible study?

There is not doctrine or Church teaching that bans a Catholic from going to a Protestant small group. Many priest wil advice against such a thing, but in the end, it is left up to the individual. I had a priest that said it was not a good idea and another told me that it would be a great time to do some apologetics if they are open to that sort of thing. The majority of Protestant small groups that invite Catholics are of the sole intent on “bringing them into the light.”

As to them wanting to convert Catholics, well, they think you’re going to hell because of all the disinformation, deceit, ignorance and differences of interpretation. While I would disagree with them, they are trying to save your soul from an eternity in hell. They are trying to do the right things for the wrong reasons. I can’t fault them for that.

Neither can I. Do you fault the JW and Mormons who come to your door with their tracts and trying to convert you? Would you invite them in for a small group?

As far as I can tell, the evangelical sects are more welcoming and have surpassed the CC in attractive outreach.

Is this a fact based on proof or simply an opinion of yours?

 

[KathleenGee]

I can go to a Bible Study with Protestants…But I want the full deck.

I want the Bible that we have always used…for example, Proverbs, Sirach, Wisdom, Maccabees. The Church was inspired by earliest times to use them.

We follow the Septuagint tradition, which is the tradition of interpretation that SS Peter and Paul used.

The other tradition was another Hebrew tradition – correct spelling…Mizoret??..that did not expect the same kind of Messiah as the apostles.

So I want to study the Bible with the correct interpretation that follows the tradition of the Apostles who told us in Peter’s second letter to not follow personal interpretation, but that which they have given us because they were chosen by Him before they were even born, that He came at the chosen time, and that they witnessed “His Majesty”.

When you break off 1500 years later, it is shakey then with new interpreters, irregardless of their good intentions, to come out thinking you are reading something that would ‘jive’ with the apostles if they were present hearing it.

So this issue we have as Catholics regarding Sacred Scripture…and our concerns about being in a Protestant Bible group should not be taken personally as if we don’t want to be with them…we see their witness of the Holy Spirit with their love Christ. That is wonderful.

It is a matter of interpretation. And we know and experience that the Church was intended to be the sole interpreter of Sacred Scripture. I find the Church’s interpretation trumps the world around us, the Word and Sacraments restore us to perfect harmony of the Word of God transcending and nourishing us in the world we live in.

We are more of the Oral Tradition. And we look at Scripture in context of its whole. Meaning, every phrase and every part is all connected to each other and what you understand must connect to everything else written. And this is not the work one person can accomplish. Such reading and understanding of Sacred Scripture must go back to Jesus Christ and His apostles, connecting the Old Testament to the New Testament, and this requires the work of many, many people in communion with the Holy Trinity and each other. Super natural work.

 

[guanophore]

So I was just told last night that I cannot attend a Bible small group study because I am Catholic. hmmmmmmm

Never mind. Get Fr. Barron’s series and start one in your own parish.

 

[aidanbradypop]

Never mind. Get Fr. Barron’s series and start one in your own parish.

 

[guanophore]

I don’t consider protestants christians.

This position is inconsistent with the Teaching of the Catholic Church.

1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: “For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.” “Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn.”

 

[guanophore]

Unfortunately it seems to be a trait of some sectarian style people.

I’ve been accused on a different forum of not being a Christian because I’m protestant/Anglican.

I’m sure these types of events, mainly motivated by stereotypes and basic mis-understanding between different branches and churches of Christianity, will unfortunately continue for the foreseeable future.

As insulting as it is, it is a good opportunity to discuss what it means to be “christian”. Many of these fundamentalists have to admit that we do meet the criteria.

 

[rfournier103]

I don’t consider protestants christians.

That is your perogative. However, I will remind you that a Christian is ANYONE who follows Jesus Christ, His teachings, His ministry, etc…

If we demand respect from Protestants to be (RIGHTFULLY) recognized as Christians, we owe them at least that much in return.

We still have serious differences in theology, and practice; but we are all Christians. It’s just that simple.

 

[benjohnson]

I don’t consider protestants christians. Only by God’s grace will they make it into purgatory. The same goes with me.

We all fall short of God’s desire for us, so in a sense, I can see why you say that.

It true that’s it’s only God’s grace that will save any of us, so I invite you to view the people of the world in that way:

Rather that view others as beyond the faith, view them as people who need to be directed to the Gospel in varying degrees. If you’ve already decided that they are beyond the faith, it makes it harder to reach out to them an proclaim what is in your heart.

 

[nickybr38]

Originally Posted by Slowride View Post
I don’t consider protestants christians. Only by God’s grace will they make it into purgatory. The same goes with me.

---

Why judge ANYONE’s state of salvation? That’s not for me to do.

 

[aidanbradypop]

Originally Posted by Slowride View Post
I don’t consider protestants christians. Only by God’s grace will they make it into purgatory. The same goes with me.

---

Why judge ANYONE’s state of salvation? That’s not for me to do.

And it is not a very Catholic thing to do either. You can judge the error in doctrine, but you cannot judge their heart

 

[Brandall]

This position is inconsistent with the Teaching of the Catholic Church.

1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: “For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.” “Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn.”

Thanks so much for this. We were discussing Christ’s Church - Body of Christ the other night in my inquiry class and this helps clarify the position of the CC. I’ve forwarded the passage of the CCC to the inquiry teacher as it fits well with the discussion.

 

[ephesians4]

If we demand respect from Protestants to be (RIGHTFULLY) recognized as Christians, we owe them at least that much in return.

We still have serious differences in theology, and practice; but we are all Christians. It’s just that simple.

Hmmm. There may lie the rub, y’know.

Is it not the Catholic church which considers other churches to not be churches, other people’s Eucharist to not be proper, etc. - and in earlier less enlightened days was probably much more hard-line at the grass roots than it is now.

I wonder if that might be an underlying factor in how the “not proper Christianity” sentiment came about.

 

[nickybr38]

Hmmm. There may lie the rub, y’know.

Is it not the Catholic church which considers other churches to not be churches, other people’s Eucharist to not be proper, etc. - and in earlier less enlightened days was probably much more hard-line at the grass roots than it is now.

I wonder if that might be an underlying factor in how the “not proper Christianity” sentiment came about.

Well, in all fairness before the Protestant ‘deevolution’, churches that broke off from the main source didn’t last long (excepting, of course, the Orthodox church). In 1500 years there were only TWO Christian Churches, the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church (and they don’t vary THAT much in belief) and then suddenly there are all these variations.

I don’t really blame my Catholic brothers and sisters for saying, at the time, ‘Those aren’t REAL Christian churches’…

BUT, with time, we adapted and accepted our separated Protestant brothers and sisters are genuine Christians.

 

[adf417]

I’ve added the pertinent sections below to serve as a reminder to the conversation. So, it’s okay for Catholics to avoid going to a bible study with protestants but protestants should pray with Catholics? Yes to it being apples and oranges but I still can’t see be offended by one while holding to the other. Protestants see much of Catholic prayer as being wrong. They don’t agree with praying to saints and most misunderstand the veneration of saints as worship. Perhaps they are afraid that praying with a Catholic, that he\she will break out a Hail Mary, which would make them uncomfortable and many think it blasphemous and\or idolatrous. Rather than have that, they’ve decided not to pray with a Catholic.

I’m sure the reason you’ve pointed out, that it might be turned into conversion session, is probably partially true. Plus there are differences in interpretation, etc. Regardless, it’s out there that Catholics shouldn’t participate in bible studies with non-Catholics. My point in all of this is there is disharmony on both sides. Why complain about one side refusing prayer when you’re side is refusing bible study?

As to them wanting to convert Catholics, well, they think you’re going to hell because of all the disinformation, deceit, ignorance and differences of interpretation. While I would disagree with them, they are trying to save your soul from an eternity in hell. They are trying to do the right things for the wrong reasons. I can’t fault them for that. As far as I can tell, the evangelical sects are more welcoming and have surpassed the CC in attractive outreach.

Hi Brandall

As aidanbradypop correctly points out:

There is not doctrine or Church teaching that bans a Catholic from going to a Protestant small group. Many priest wil advice against such a thing, but in the end, it is left up to the individual.

For a long time tried to see both sides of this reasoning. Of course many non-Catholic would be uncomfortable with praying a Hail Mary. That is why we have communal prayer services as well as communal funeral services, communal weddings and so on. The Catholic Church (and most Catholics) are sensitive to other faith traditions in this way.

traditioninaction.org/religious/m012rpRatzingerInMosque.html

Here you see Catholic popes praying with non-Christians. Stepping out of their comfort zones and showing unity and compassion for other faiths. When do you think all Christians can enjoy this kind of unity? I don’t see the disharmony you speak of here.

I have, and continue to go, to Protestant prayer groups and/or bible studies. I enjoy them and gain much from them but it is sad how it is one sidedly welcoming. As sad as it is we don’t understand why everyone (even some Catholics) do not take advantage of all forms of prayer, but that’s them.

So if you, a Christian, cannot come to a Christian communal prayer service are you not denying God?

Peace!!!

 

[Brandall]

Hi Brandall

As aidanbradypop correctly points out:

For a long time tried to see both sides of this reasoning. Of course many non-Catholic would be uncomfortable with praying a Hail Mary. That is why we have communal prayer services as well as communal funeral services, communal weddings and so on. The Catholic Church (and most Catholics) are sensitive to other faith traditions in this way.

traditioninaction.org/religious/m012rpRatzingerInMosque.html

Here you see Catholic popes praying with non-Christians. Stepping out of their comfort zones and showing unity and compassion for other faiths. When do you think all Christians can enjoy this kind of unity? I don’t see the disharmony you speak of here.

I have, and continue to go, to Protestant prayer groups and/or bible studies. I enjoy them and gain much from them but it is sad how it is one sidedly welcoming. As sad as it is we don’t understand why everyone (even some Catholics) do not take advantage of all forms of prayer, but that’s them.

So if you, a Christian, cannot come to a Christian communal prayer service are you not denying God?

Peace!!!

Though born a Baptist, I have been attending a Catholic church and am in inquiry, I personally have no problem with it at all. Thanks for asking though.

 

[aidanbradypop]

Since I have been attending a Catholic church and am in inquiry, I personally have no problem with it at all. Thanks for asking though.

Glad to hear you have interest in the Catholic Church!

 

[adf417]

Though born a Baptist, I have been attending a Catholic church and am in inquiry, I personally have no problem with it at all. Thanks for asking though.

I picked up on that in an earlire post.

My question was to the gereral Christian - including Catholics.

 

[cheezey]

:clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

Sister in Christ, you are definitely not alone and feelings of hatred are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. We are living in a time when Christian unity is needed more than ever before. The faith’s greatest enemies are not the folks worshiping at other churches, but outside the faith entirely. Muslims are not the enemy either, not in my opinion anyway; they could probably be useful allies, but that is another issue. Everyone who reads this should read John 17 immediately and in it’s entirety, before you forget. Christ wants us united and petty little differences shouldn’t divide us any longer. A united front with us respecting each others practices is precisely what is needed. This divisiveness only prolongs this great ungodly and unchristian behavior, as well as provides fuel for our enemies.

 

[Doxiemom]

Sister in Christ, you are definitely not alone and feelings of hatred are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. We are living in a time when Christian unity is needed more than ever before. The faith’s greatest enemies are not the folks worshiping at other churches, but outside the faith entirely. Muslims are not the enemy either, not in my opinion anyway; they could probably be useful allies, but that is another issue. Everyone who reads this should read John 17 immediately and in it’s entirety, before you forget. Christ wants us united and petty little differences shouldn’t divide us any longer. A united front with us respecting each others practices is precisely what is needed. This divisiveness only prolongs this great ungodly and unchristian behavior, as well as provides fuel for our enemies.

Thank you for your kind words. I have this scene in my head of our Father standing up there in Heaven and looking down upon ALL His children. The out-right naughty, well, there are plans for them, should they not come about. The ones who ran away,He’ll run to meet them half way home should that happen. For the rest of us, the “good ones” He. is just shaking His head at us all, pointing our fingers at each other. He ought to just give us one good smack.We deserve it.

Instead He smacked His First Born, most beloved Son. Why can’t that be our fogus?