Catholics vs Protestants?

Question

The more I think about the differences the less important I think they are - if the point of both are to be saved and both agree that one is saved by believing in Christ as Lord and savior then I think the rest is kind of secondary - as long as a person has God at the center of their worship does it really matter if they are in a Catholic or Protestant church - as long as a person truely has God in their heart and truely wants to please Him then I think whatever worship one chooses is ok - it is all about what is in your heart not if you follow a bunch of "rituals and rules" if your point of worship or whatever is to earn "credit" with God then you are not in the right frame of mind and that is not pleasing to God
unfortunetly I think this is what most Catholic churches teach - just show up and go through the motions and you will be ok - i dont think that is correct at all

Answer 1

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much.

A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

It sounds to me as though you are trying to be fair to both sides, but at the end there I feel as if the whole point of you saying this was to attack the Church.

First, what you say is true about what the most important thing is: To have God at the center of your life, worship Him, believe in Him, ect. Yet, I do think it needs to be explained that the Catholic
Church does not teach that it's followers earn "credit" by doing traditional practices. The Catholic Church is the expression of the fullness of the Christian faith, what is practiced now, has always been since Peter, traditions and all.

Unfortunatly, I hear often, and once thought (just for the record, i was protestant) that same thing about the Catholic Church, but was ignorant enough that I based my opinions of off the few Catholics i knew and didn't do any true, unbiased research myself. I will admit, there are plenty of Catholics who do not follow nor represent thier faith well, but that comes also from a lack of knowledge and understanding.

I recommend that for more on this you look into 2 authors/speakers: Scott Hahn and Peter Kreft. Both are very intelligent and easy to understand men, and i believe that the information you recieve there can help answer or develop your question more fully.

Answer 3

You were doing pretty good until you got to the point where you stated "unfortunetly I think this is what most Catholic churches teach - just show up and go through the motions and you will be ok"

This is NOT what the Catholic Church teaches. Do a Google search on Spiritual Acts of Mercy, Corporal Acts of Mercy, and Catholic Social Teaching. Go to http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/byname.asp and read some of the biographies of some of the saints that the Catholic Church shows as role models. These are not people who "just showed up"

Answer 4

Peace!
I am a Catholic, but I do not go to Church to earn "points". I was baptized a Protestant (Presbyterian) and grew up under the tutelage of a Protestant missionary. When I was 23 years old, I converted to Catholicism.
One reason I became Catholic is because I came to the conclusion that the Catholic theology behind Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, instituted by Jesus Christ, is correct. Read the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians and the Bread of Life discourse of Jesus in the gospel of John. Read also church history. The theology behind this celebration has not changed.
God bless!

Answer 5

I agree to some extent. it is generally Catholics who wont to say they are different or better but I do think the catholic church has a lot to answer for. where Protestants are taught ( generally ) too seek God them self and know Jesus personally the catholic church encourages member to go through the priest or saints that is all I see wrong with it. Not all who think they are christian know Christ and that is the main point to be born again of the spirit.

Answer 6

Well works and good deeds will not get you into heaven if that is what you mean. Neither will worshipping false idols and praying to anyone other than God. But you are right In that as long as youhave accepted Jesus as the savior and taken him up on the free gift of salvation he paid for already then you should be okey. The thing is, you must continually repent of your sinning nature and for one whose faith requires them to sin as a daily ritual I do not see how that can be accomplished.

Answer 7

Catholics in a 1st round knockout

Answer 8

Don't Catholics have, like.. Flaming swords or something?

Answer 9

Splitter!

Answer 10

Moonies!