Catholicism vs Protestantism

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jan 17, 2020
4,792
736
113
#61
Most Non-Catholics believe just as Catholics do in free will salvation. They differ in how people choose to save themselves. The Catholics say it is by the sacraments. The others say it is through "choosing to believe" or "making a decision". But it all comes down to salvation by free will.

Historically, the Protestants believed God saved the helpless by giving them a new heart that could discern and love the true Christ. And hatred of sin and hunger for righteous living.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#62
@Roughsoul1991 - there is no one true denomination that has it all right.

However, the true Church - the Bride of Christ is scattered all over the globe, sprinkled amongst all denominations. You’ll know His disciples by the love they have for one another.
Yah I know lol just probing the questions in order to soften the hearts so that thinking may arise over emotion.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#63
Yah I know lol just probing the questions in order to soften the hearts so that thinking may arise over emotion.

And to which destination should we arrive at with regards to Catholicism in your view?
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#64
And to which destination should we arrive at with regards to Catholicism in your view?

Catholics simply have another foundation "necromancy" other than all things written in the law and the prophets. . . sola scriptura as the reforming tool in any generation

"Necromancy" worshiping or what they call venerate workers with familiar spirits that lord it over the pew sitters faith . (Tell what I should believe)

Which they must as a law of their fathers, mere commandments of sinful men, called patron saints, a legion (3500 and rising picking up speed ) needed to support their belief.

The same kind foundation that was made to no effect by the first century Reformation (copy cats)The 15 century reformation was a carbon copy of the 1st century reformation ..A oral tradition of men that make the word of God (sola scriptura) without effect.

The unbelieving Jew looked to the flesh of Abraham just as the Catholics look to the flesh of Peter. No difference other than the name used to take away the authority of our True Father not seen...... same idealism. Murder the mis-perceived competition on as in out of sight out of mind .as if the kingdom of God was of this world
 

Dan_473

Senior Member
Mar 11, 2014
9,054
1,051
113
#66
Where do they differ and why?
There's many different ways to answer that question, but here's how I like to look at it.

Catholics tend to see God's revelation as coming through the church. If you want to know God's will, join the church and participate in the life of the church sincerely.

Protestants tend to see God's revelation as coming through the Bible. If you want to know God's will, read the Bible and study it sincerely.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#67
And to which destination should we arrive at with regards to Catholicism in your view?
Your destination is wherever the path takes you. I have purposely left my view out to promote a healthy forum where hostility is minimal and the topic can be thought through from different perspectives. We often see divisions in this area. If one was to see it as a salvation issue then this changes how a Christian should respond. If one just sees it as denominational differences but grounded in Christ then this should equally change how a Christian should respond.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#70
Where do they differ and why?
Do both lead to salvation? Why or why not?
How should we treat each other?
How does that answer the 3 questions?
First, one must have an accurate understanding to answer the questions, Catholicism is dressed up with the words of Christianity and that is about it.

So that takes care of the first two.

I believe we should treat all people caught up in false religions (Catholic, Muslim, Buddist, JW's, Mormons) atheists, agnostics, any and all non-believers as people who are lost who need to hear the Gospel.

Pretty simple really.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#71
@Roughsoul1991 - there is no one true denomination that has it all right.

However, the true Church - the Bride of Christ is scattered all over the globe, sprinkled amongst all denominations. You’ll know His disciples by the love they have for one another.
So in your view no one denomination or church is 100% right in doctrine but God knows the heart of who seeks Him. God knows who is looking to Jesus more than anything else. And who is actively ingesting the Words of Jesus and His Apostles/followers?
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#72
First, one must have an accurate understanding to answer the questions, Catholicism is dressed up with the words of Christianity and that is about it.

So that takes care of the first two.

I believe we should treat all people caught up in false religions (Catholic, Muslim, Buddist, JW's, Mormons) atheists, agnostics, any and all non-believers as people who are lost who need to hear the Gospel.

Pretty simple really.
Explain dressed up with the words. Do you have examples? Opinions are good but evidence is always better for a reader who takes a opposite view seriously as some on this site do.

So how would you evangelize to a Catholic?
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
2,309
1,006
113
#73
So figures like Mother Teresa, St Nicholas, St Patrick, St Valentine, etc are in Hell?
They put their pants on like anyone else, who has the right to proclaim or designate they are Saints ? Today modern tech and communications can expose anyone and makes it harder, back then the RCC could get away with and commit murder anytime ..
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#74
Explain dressed up with the words. Do you have examples? Opinions are good but evidence is always better for a reader who takes a opposite view seriously as some on this site do.

So how would you evangelize to a Catholic?
When it comes to Catholicism one has to look at the official documents and it's "official" teachings.

Let us start with the sacraments.

The Catholic Encyclopedia discusses the nature and functions of the sacraments as follows:

It is necessary to set forth the essential elements of a sacrament. These are: (a) a sensible sign instituted by God, which gives sanctifying grace; (b) both matter and form present with each sacrament; the matter is the material used, the form the accompanying words and action; and (c) a minister, someone authorized to give the sacrament with the intention of doing what the Church intends…. the sacraments produce grace…. Sanctifying grace is given by reason of the rite itself (ex opere operato), and grace is not given if the sacrament if not received with the necessary moral disposition. In addition, each sacrament confers a special grace, called sacramental grace. As defined by the Council of Trent, it is the teaching of the Catholic Church, that every one of the sacraments of the New Law was instituted by Christ…. Vatican II declares: “The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ, and finally to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct.”[12]


Not easy at all to evangelize to a Catholic, I know because I was one and am surrounded by them, they find it very hard to get past their works gospel.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#75
They put their pants on like anyone else, who has the right to proclaim or designate they are Saints ? Today modern tech and communications can expose anyone and makes it harder, back then the RCC could get away with and commit murder anytime ..
Yah but how many Christians actually evangelize, take care of the poor, hungry, or bring pagan nations to atleast the understanding of who Jesus was like those individuals.
 

bojack

Well-known member
Dec 16, 2019
2,309
1,006
113
#76
Yah but how many Christians actually evangelize, take care of the poor, hungry, or bring pagan nations to atleast the understanding of who Jesus was like those individuals.
More than you'd know about .. They just don't run around bragging about it .. Same as many things of God going on right under the noses of the world ..
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#77
When it comes to Catholicism one has to look at the official documents and it's "official" teachings.

Let us start with the sacraments.

The Catholic Encyclopedia discusses the nature and functions of the sacraments as follows:

It is necessary to set forth the essential elements of a sacrament. These are: (a) a sensible sign instituted by God, which gives sanctifying grace; (b) both matter and form present with each sacrament; the matter is the material used, the form the accompanying words and action; and (c) a minister, someone authorized to give the sacrament with the intention of doing what the Church intends…. the sacraments produce grace…. Sanctifying grace is given by reason of the rite itself (ex opere operato), and grace is not given if the sacrament if not received with the necessary moral disposition. In addition, each sacrament confers a special grace, called sacramental grace. As defined by the Council of Trent, it is the teaching of the Catholic Church, that every one of the sacraments of the New Law was instituted by Christ…. Vatican II declares: “The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ, and finally to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct.”[12]


Not easy at all to evangelize to a Catholic, I know because I was one and am surrounded by them, they find it very hard to get past their works gospel.
Awesome opportunity then. You as a ex Catholic, where would you start if you had the opportunity to evangelize a Catholic who is willing to listen to you.

If a Catholic was to read this what would you say? What resources would you give them?
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,844
4,496
113
#78
More than you'd know about .. They just don't run around bragging about it .. Same as many things of God going on right under the noses of the world ..
Those I listed ran around bragging about their deeds?
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#79
More than you'd know about .. They just don't run around bragging about it .. Same as many things of God going on right under the noses of the world ..
Agree, Catholics often show case their good works, perhaps not so much today but in the past many worked to achieve sainthood, a special class above the rest.
Best I leave this thread.. I absolutely hate (dogma) how it has destroyed the Gospel.

They failed to reform in 1517, when truth was plainly set before them (the despots of that religion) they proved they valued power, money and control over truth.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#80
Awesome opportunity then. You as a ex Catholic, where would you start if you had the opportunity to evangelize a Catholic who is willing to listen to you.

If a Catholic was to read this what would you say? What resources would you give them?
I am not trying to be difficult .. but can I piggy back on your thoughts, what you would state to them, and then I will add to that based on my experience and knowledge of Catholicism.