Why do we condemn our brother and sister religions?

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Hi everybody! I’m new here and my name is Melani, I’m sixteen years old, and I have grown up in a Christian household since the day I was born. For six months I have been dating a Catholic boy, who has brought my attention to many interesting things about Catholicism that I would like to further discuss on here!

Considering that I am not Catholic, my boyfriend and I like to have discussions about the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. I have a close friend of mine that is a non-denominational Christian that seems to be just so bitter towards Catholicism. Now, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 states, “Do everything in love.” I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for? Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?

I, for one, am very understanding and respectful to the Catholic church - I really like it! My sister-in-law is Catholic, while my sister and brother-in-law are slowly converting to Orthodoxy. Personally, I feel as though one day I could possibly convert to Catholicism, but in order to do so I must learn a lot first. Maybe it’s just me, but often I feel as though there is a certain bitterness to it all. What’s in the way of feeling loving and accepting our brothers and sisters in Christ??

God bless and many smiles to you 🙂
Melani
 
Melanilove said:
Hi everybody! I’m new here and my name is Melani, I’m sixteen years old, and I have grown up in a Christian household since the day I was born. For six months I have been dating a Catholic boy, who has brought my attention to many interesting things about Catholicism that I would like to further discuss on here!

Considering that I am not Catholic, my boyfriend and I like to have discussions about the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. I have a close friend of mine that is a non-denominational Christian that seems to be just so bitter towards Catholicism. Now, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 states, “Do everything in love.” I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for? Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?

I, for one, am very understanding and respectful to the Catholic church - I really like it! My sister-in-law is Catholic, while my sister and brother-in-law are slowly converting to Orthodoxy. Maybe it’s just me, but often I feel as though there is a certain bitterness to it all. What’s in the way of feeling loving and accepting our brothers and sisters in Christ??

God bless and many smiles to you 🙂
Melani
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Hey welcome! With Catholicism it’s important to remember to always look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That is the authoritative teaching. Some people, even Catholics, don’t understand their own teachings or act on other impulses and may appear nasty to you or perhaps holier-than-thou. Don’t worry- some people I know appear that way to me too. Sometimes it’s a misreading of other people, other times some people do think they’re better.

However the Church does not condemn anyone as a parent may say to his child, “I condemn you to go to your room without dinner.” What the Church does is proclaim the truth it’s been given. The Church was founded by Christ with Peter as the first Pope. The Church therefore is strictly speaking the only legitimate Christian church and other churches are in error - some in minor error, some in larger error. They lack the full truth of the faith. That’s not to say individual Catholics or clergy are perfect. No way. But the truth has to be proclaimed. Imagine a situation you may have with a Muslim or Hindu. The person wants you to accept some form of universalism i.e. no need for Jesus. “You believe in Jesus, I believe in Shiva and we all go to heaven to God.” Of course such teaching would be in error and would be dangerous. Hence you would correct it, you’d step up and say “Hold on guys, that’s not true, etc.” You wouldn’t be condemning the universalist for saying this yourself, you’d be telling him the truth. You’d be a kind of “Danger: slippery surface ahead” sign ahead of a slippery, wet floor. You didn’t make the floor slippery by your own actions, you’re just warning others.

There are people who can explain this better than me. 🙂
 
Tenofovir said:
Hey welcome! With Catholicism it’s important to remember to always look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That is the authoritative teaching. Some people, even Catholics, don’t understand their own teachings or act on other impulses and may appear nasty to you or perhaps holier-than-thou. Don’t worry- some people I know appear that way to me too. Sometimes it’s a misreading of other people, other times some people do think they’re better.

However the Church does not condemn anyone as a parent may say to his child, “I condemn you to go to your room without dinner.” What the Church does is proclaim the truth it’s been given. The Church was founded by Christ with Peter as the first Pope. The Church therefore is strictly speaking the only legitimate Christian church and other churches are in error - some in minor error, some in larger error. They lack the full truth of the faith. That’s not to say individual Catholics or clergy are perfect. No way. But the truth has to be proclaimed. Imagine a situation you may have with a Muslim or Hindu. The person wants you to accept some form of universalism i.e. no need for Jesus. “You believe in Jesus, I believe in Shiva and we all go to heaven to God.” Of course such teaching would be in error and would be dangerous. Hence you would correct it, you’d step up and say “Hold on guys, that’s not true, etc.” You wouldn’t be condemning the universalist for saying this yourself, you’d be telling him the truth. You’d be a kind of “Danger: slippery surface ahead” sign ahead of a slippery, wet floor. You didn’t make the floor slippery by your own actions, you’re just warning others.

There are people who can explain this better than me. 🙂
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Thanks for the absolute GREAT answer! It’s great to know that thankfully not ALL Catholics are like that, and not ALL Protestants are like that. You explained it real well for my understanding, and now I have an even better understanding of it. I have met a lot of Christians that seem to think of themselves as the highest of all, or the best, and I find it quite rude and obnoxious, but we have to remember to love, love, love! 😉
 
I grew up Protestant. The ecclesial community I belonged to (there’s only one Church, one ekklesia founded by Christ) spent a great deal of time teaching me that the Catholic Church was the Whore of Babylon (described in Revelation) and that the Pope was the anti-Christ. Fortunately, I unlearned all that and am now Catholic. But it took many years and left a very bitter feeling in my heart. You’ll never find the Catholic Church herself criticizing other religions (though individual Catholics – like me 😛 – do).

You’re in a great place for learning. But always look to the official teaching of the Church for verification of what you’re told here. Some of us know our faith better than others. The Catechism of the Cathlolic Church is on line at vatican.va and at scborromeo.org, to name only two sources.

The first thing you might like to know is where the Bible came from. Here’s a link to a little book, Where We Got the Bible - Our Debt to the Catholic Church. This is available in print from Catholic Answers and from Amazon.

catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm

May you find your time here worthwhile.
 
Melanilove said:
…Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?
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At the time (16th and 17th centuries), there were a lot of inflamitory attacks written by people (including Luther and many others). Namecalling, insults, referring to others as “antichrist” or “whore of Babylon,” and so forth…there was also a lot of persecution, and nearly every faction did things toward others that we certainly wouldn’t do today. These sorts of things led to a great deal of bitterness and bad blood among Catholics and the various Protestant groups. The Thirty Years War drove deep, deep divisions between Protestants and Catholics in Europe. It’s safe to say that there was plenty of blame to go around.

Of course, those things were centuries ago. Why does bitterness and division still remain? In many cases, it’s because a certain group misrepresents what another group believes. Even though everyone was free to come to America, long-held suspicions or factional thinking might still remain in some circles. Sometimes people are taught this history or theology from a very specific or faction-centered point of view, and they may not really know the truth about their “opponents.” Misrepresentation quickly becomes vilification. These days, at least where I live (Alabama :D), Protestants are the ones who are usually involved in this behavior. Some folks - some of whom mean well - misunderstand Catholic teaching and use that misunderstanding to scare others about Catholicism! And there are always people who are so full of hate, venom, and just plain old sin that they don’t want to know the truth and reconcile in love.

So there’s a long & tragic history there, but that’s no reason for us to live in the past. It’s a matter that requires much patience and prayer! I do think that, slowly but surely, things are getting better between Catholics and Protestants.
I, for one, am very understanding and respectful to the Catholic church - I really like it! My sister-in-law is Catholic, while my sister and brother-in-law are slowly converting to Orthodoxy. Personally, I feel as though one day I could possibly convert to Catholicism, but in order to do so I must learn a lot first. Maybe it’s just me, but often I feel as though there is a certain bitterness to it all. What’s in the way of feeling loving and accepting our brothers and sisters in Christ??
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Hopefully, things will continue to improve! If more folks will be like you, approaching others with the love of Christ, we are sure to see the unity that Christ would have for us! 👍
 
Melanilove said:
Hi everybody! I’m new here and my name is Melani, I’m sixteen years old, and I have grown up in a Christian household since the day I was born. For six months I have been dating a Catholic boy, who has brought my attention to many interesting things about Catholicism that I would like to further discuss on here!
Click to expand...
Welcome to CAF!
Melanilove said:
Considering that I am not Catholic, my boyfriend and I like to have discussions about the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. I have a close friend of mine that is a non-denominational Christian that seems to be just so bitter towards Catholicism. Now, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 states, “Do everything in love.” I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for? Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?
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My mother is protestant and my father is Catholic. I am discerning the Priesthood and I, too, am 16. I often get into arguments with some of the more “extreme” protestants (namely pentecostals and baptists). They claim the illegitimacy of the Catholic Church as well. I don’t proclaim the illegitimacy of Protestantism because they are, indeed, our Christrian Brothers. Catholics must be reminded of Dignitatis Humanae and its declaration of Religious freedom
Melanilove said:
I, for one, am very understanding and respectful to the Catholic church - I really like it! My sister-in-law is Catholic, while my sister and brother-in-law are slowly converting to Orthodoxy. Personally, I feel as though one day I could possibly convert to Catholicism, but in order to do so I must learn a lot first. Maybe it’s just me, but often I feel as though there is a certain bitterness to it all. What’s in the way of feeling loving and accepting our brothers and sisters in Christ??
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I feel most of the anger towards fellow Christians is often directed towards Catholics from Protestants. The problem is when protestants begin teaching and perpetuating heresies and errors that lead the Faithful astray. It foments distrust among the Faithful and must be dispelled immediately.

I urge you to research Dignitatis Humanae (and Quanta Cura to hear of a slightly older promulgation of the subject), as that clarifies church teaching on your question.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask or PM me.

~ Pius :knight1:
 
Melanilove said:
I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for?

God bless and many smiles to you 🙂
Melani
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There are a lot of things that happened in history, Protestants killing Catholics, Catholics killing Protestants. In America, Catholics weren’t allowed to vote or get married in their own Church for a long time.

But the real answer to your question for today is: the same reason two people will get into a big stupid argument about what football team is best. Because people want to be right.

Avoid negative people and let Christ be your Light.

Welcome to CAF
 
I am new to this forum and have been reading the responses to the question. I am a “cradle Catholic” and have just recently started to have some questions regarding our religion/church. A response posted to the question included this statement:

With Catholicism it’s important to remember to always look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That is the authoritative teaching.

That concerns me. Isn’t the authoritative teaching Jesus and the Bible? Not the Catechism of the Catholic Church? I am starting to wonder if in fact the Catholic Church does place their traditions and man made rules above the words of Christ. I am nearly in tears as I write this because I feel as if my whole life of believing one way is starting to crumble. I have so many questions. Please help!
 
ajandej said:
I am new to this forum and have been reading the responses to the question. I am a “cradle Catholic” and have just recently started to have some questions regarding our religion/church. A response posted to the question included this statement:

With Catholicism it’s important to remember to always look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That is the authoritative teaching.

That concerns me. Isn’t the authoritative teaching Jesus and the Bible? Not the Catechism of the Catholic Church? I am starting to wonder if in fact the Catholic Church does place their traditions and man made rules above the words of Christ. I am nearly in tears as I write this because I feel as if my whole life of believing one way is starting to crumble. I have so many questions. Please help!
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I think by that statement they mean that the Catechism is an approved summary & explanation of Catholic Christian teaching. Catholics aren’t saying that the CCC replaces the Bible (or the Tradition that has been passed down since the days of the Early Church). It simply means that if one has a question about Catholic teaching, the Church worked hard to compile the CCC as a place where the answers can be found.

Lutherans have the Book of Concord & their catechisms, Calvinists have the Westminster Confession of Faith & their catechisms, many Christians use the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed as a summary of faith…don’t worry, this isn’t an uncommon thing or some Catholic novelty. 🙂
 
I would like to thank everybody for the kind answers and the suggested readings 👍 I really needed some suggested readings since I’m going to be doing lots of research in the upcoming years. I will get started as soon as possible, and I’m excited to learn more!

Melani
 
Melanilove said:
I have a close friend of mine that is a non-denominational Christian that seems to be just so bitter towards Catholicism. Now, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 states, “Do everything in love.” I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for? Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?
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Well, the reason why Anti-Catholic Protestants condemn Catholicism is of their view of salvation. According to Anti-Catholic Protestants, only Protestants go to Heaven and people of other religions like Catholics are endanger of eternal damnation. They often condemn Catholicism because of they think they are saving Catholics.
 
followingtheway said:
Well, the reason why Anti-Catholic Protestants condemn Catholicism is of their view of salvation. According to Anti-Catholic Protestants, only Protestants go to Heaven and people of other religions like Catholics are endanger of eternal damnation. They often condemn Catholicism because of they think they are saving Catholics.
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Wow! I never knew that Anti-Catholic Protestants really believe that they were the only ones that would go to Heaven. Thankfully, I was not raised in an Anti-Catholic home nor will I ever teach my children in the future to be “Anti-Catholic”. I also think that they are far off when they say that they are the only ones going to Heaven.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
 
Melanilove said:
Hi everybody! I’m new here and my name is Melani, I’m sixteen years old, and I have grown up in a Christian household since the day I was born. For six months I have been dating a Catholic boy, who has brought my attention to many interesting things about Catholicism that I would like to further discuss on here!

Considering that I am not Catholic, my boyfriend and I like to have discussions about the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. I have a close friend of mine that is a non-denominational Christian that seems to be just so bitter towards Catholicism. Now, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 states, “Do everything in love.” I feel as though many Protestants condemn the Catholics (and I also feel that Catholics do the same to Protestants at time) and I have always wondered, what for? Was it something that happened when people broke away from the Catholic church? Is it because of Luther’s teachings?

I, for one, am very understanding and respectful to the Catholic church - I really like it! My sister-in-law is Catholic, while my sister and brother-in-law are slowly converting to Orthodoxy. Personally, I feel as though one day I could possibly convert to Catholicism, but in order to do so I must learn a lot first. Maybe it’s just me, but often I feel as though there is a certain bitterness to it all. What’s in the way of feeling loving and accepting our brothers and sisters in Christ??

God bless and many smiles to you 🙂
Melani
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I feel the same way — I am not a Protestant or Catholic, recognizing how some feel about my faith today, which at times I think some wish they could literally eliminate us and the missionary effort, despite how in my view it brings a course of life that is better than a road with sin and unhappiness.

I would believe our biggest critics see the benefit of happiness versus sin and its effects on those that fall into it web.
 
Hi ! I am 16 too and glad your exploring the faith ! If you do have any questions feel free to ask away in here or any specifics you can Pm me . I did go to a baptist church I recently started to grow in the catholic faith becuase I discovered that everything I thaught was wrong about the church like Mary and the saints ,the rosary,the order of mass,the teachings,pergotory etc but then I thaught why is that so wrong it actually makes sense! And some people I some countries get caught up in the smells and bells of it all but there just there to help you grow in yor faith and they all have meaning like the candles ,insense,what’s in the mass it’s all just beautiful but I did have my reservations and did alot Of research beforehand and then I went to my first mass sure it was werid the first time but the more I lernt the more I grown to love it ! So maybe if you grow to like it more you could attend a mass with your boyfriend maybe ? Anyway what ever you do the lord be with you !
Hope I have helped your in my prayers 🙂
 
Melanilove said:
Thankfully, I was not raised in an Anti-Catholic home nor will I ever teach my children in the future to be “Anti-Catholic”. I also think that they are far off when they say that they are the only ones going to Heaven.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
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👍
 
I don’t think Catholicism condemns any religion. Rather, we speak the truth about other religions. Other religions do not have the fullness of the truth as Catholicism does. Other religions have varying degrees of truth but they do not have the full truth.
 
Melanilove said:
I would like to thank everybody for the kind answers and the suggested readings 👍 I really needed some suggested readings since I’m going to be doing lots of research in the upcoming years. I will get started as soon as possible, and I’m excited to learn more!

Melani
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But carry on the reading even if you dump your Catholic bf, ne? 😉
 
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