Why do many Protestants think that because they memorized one verse from the bible that that's all they need?

Question

I am a Catholic. I work with a Protestant who thinks that my knowledge of the bible can't compete with his memorization of one verse in the bible (which he takes out of context). He still thinks that he knows Jesus better than me simply because I am a Catholic. I asked him if he wanted me to pull out a bible so that we could look into it, but he showed no interest. He also believes that he should not even try not to sin because of his Protestant belief of "faith alone". Even Satan and the demons believe that Jesus is the Lord and tremble at it, but they will not be in Heaven.

Ok, I probably should have said some Protestants because I know there are a lot who love to study the bible. Sorry about that.

Just wanted to say thanks to all those who gave serious thought to their answers whether I agree with them or not.

Answer 1

I'm Protestant but have to go with you on this one.

Answer 2

How can you accurately extract the bahaviour of "many Protestants" based solely on the actions of one Protestant?

I am more curious about the underlying debate between the two of you. Based on the "faith alone" comment, it sounds like you were debating what it takes to get into Heaven (i.e., are works a requisite cause or an implicit effect?).

Sadly, faith alone is the only rational answer. Reliance on works undermines the act of Jesus dying on the cross. If works are required, then obviously Jesus' death and resurrection wasn't enough. Well, if that wasn't enough (assuming the individual accepts Jesus as their personal saviour), then all the works in the world won't cut it.

After all, what can all the Catholics in the world accomplish that God cannot do for himself?

Answer 3

Sounds like you have a much firmer grasp of the entire word of God. Perhaps you should point out that there is a scripture in the bible that says that scripture is not for any person's personal interpretation. Tell him that if he is not excited about rebukes and reproofs he needs to scan a few more pages. Cos the scriptures tell him lots more than John 3:16. There is even a few verses in there that indicate there will be some who stand before Christ who will hear those terrifying words "Depart from me because I never knew YOU!" How devastating it will be for your friend if he finds out he memorized the WRONG verse. They don't call the bible the "bittersweet book" for nothing. You just keep praying for your friend and I read the question in its entirety. You said "many protestants" not all----so you just let go of the criticisms because people didn't read the whole question. Just keep looking up---religion doesn't save you. FAITH and your relationship to the Author and Finisher of your faith will get you there. :-)

God Bless you....

Answer 4

Your friend is wrong to judge you thus but you should also not judge his or her motives either. Your Catholic Bible also contains a few more books than the Protestant Theologians accepted as scripture. Most Protestants have more a problem with asking forgiveness through another man (Father) and the thought that you have to pray through Mary when as a Christian you have the Holy Spirit of God within your body to perform intercession in words that can't be spoken by a physical voice. No one should, however, judge another's personal faith for that is impossible to know. As for one persons interpretation of scripture verses another's interpretation that can more divide two believers than bring them together. Arguments should converge and not diverge in order to remain friends. You can't do anything more than be certain of your own faith for you may never convince your friend otherwise but you can refuse to argue about spiritual things when your arguments or discussions diverge and grow more further apart rather than converge toward a common result even if you just choose to agree to disagree you still remain friends.

Answer 5

That's not how most protestants are. I've always thought that's how Catholics are lol! It's obviously not true of all, but it does seem that a lot of Catholics are Catholic in name only. Most protestants I know think that while faith alone is all we need, if we are really saved by grace we won't want to sin. The Holy Spirit lives within us and acts as a "conscience" of sorts to help us not to sin. There has to be a combination of faith PLUS works. But that combination will naturally come to those who accept the gift of salvation that Jesus/God gave us.

Answer 6

Well, I'm a WASP and I really don't know why some Protestants have this anti-Catholic bent. There are just people who want God to be their own personal super natural muscle and to justify their own views. Last time I checked. both were pretty clear violations of the commandment to not take the Lord's name in vain (Is that the Second or Third Commandment in Catholicism? I know it as the Second) Maybe you should make a gentle suggestion to that effect

Answer 7

You can't put all Protestants into one category, any more than with any other group. Being a believer, one should be daily in the Word. Being Protestants, we believe that we are saved by faith alone, but that doesn't give us a license to sin. If someone is living in sin, always doing the same things, maybe he should question whether he's really saved.

Answer 8

I am Catholic and fellowship with Christians of other faith traditions. They have taught me to investigate the written word, because nearly everything the Catholic Church teaches is found in the Holy Bible.

I have taught them that Faith without works is dead. Scripture alone is not biblical, and that our Catholic Faith is truly the faith of Jesus Christ.

We have a great time discussing respectfully our beliefs, our disagreements, and enjoying our common Love of Jesus Christ.

Do I wish we were all Catholic? Yes. I wish the Body of Christ was One Body. Understand, sharing, and learning are the keys.

Answer 9

You seem to be judging the entire protestant culture by this one person you know. I couldn't care less who has memorized more Bible verses. I'm interested in a personal relationship with my Lord Jesus and though I will never be perfected while alive on earth, it is indeed important that I continue to grow toward that perfection and avoid the occasion of sin. You might want to check on the tenets of faith from several protestant sects to see just how much you really know about our beliefs.

Answer 10

My family is happily protesters, and a few years ago my mother memorized verses alphabetically and says them to herself to fall asleep. A few nights ago she found she was having a hard time remembering them and realized that she hadn't gotten that far down her list for a while, however when we have discussions lots of Bible verses get quoted because we like to challenge each others knowledge. We also know that as Jesus teaches, faith without works of goodwill is a dead faith, while works of law damns one even more.

Answer 11

why do many catholics think that just because they confess their sins to a priest that they can sin all they want to? does that sound like a fair question to you? it does not to me, I don't care to catorize Christians, whether they be catholic of protestant. I don't believe that going to a protestant church makes you a christian! and the same goes for the catholics! being a christian means believing that Jesus died for our sins and accepting that sacrifice, and trying to live a life that Jesus would be proud of. not that we can do it all the time but we try our best.