Where do they differ and why?
Do both lead to salvation? Why or why not?
How should we treat each other?
This is my first time on the thread and I haven't read most to all of it, but this has always been a really touchy issue for me. My mom's family is of Catholic background, I was raised Catholic, but have not been "confirmed"...and there is a reason for that. I don't identify myself as a Catholic at all, even though I was raised in that atmosphere. I don't like to identify with any denomination; I just call myself a Bible-loving follower of Jesus. But practically all of my opinions align with those of a Protestant.
I am in NO place to say whether or not Catholics are saved. I really do believe that some can be, but only God truly knows the heart and can make that judgment. I just have many issues with their doctrine and the heart of their functioning as a Church; I have concerns over their esteem of man-made tradition, their perception of the role of works in salvation, their [appeared] denial of grace as a means of salvation, praying to Mary and saints, carved images, the idea of a pope who is called "Holy Father," and is seen as an authority not to be questioned [people literally call the pope the "vicar" of Christ, which means instead of or in place of], confession/absolving of your sins to/by a priest....there are many things that the Church practices that I believe are not Scriptural, BUT I go back and forth on whether or not they are matters that jeopardize ones salvation. Because at the end of the day, Romans 10:9 tells us that "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." So, I bet there are many Catholics who have done this, and from the outside looking in they are "saved," but I cannot seem to feel okay with the fact that these same people practice/DO things that seem to go against what we are told is okay and Godly in the Scriptures. I encourage everyone to read through the Catechism and compare it to Scripture. Compare it to the word of God. See for yourself if you think it is okay.
I don't mean to offend anyone, and I do not want to argue with anyone at all - I just wanted to share my first impression! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the thread and fellowshipping with you all. God bless!