What is the main difference between protestant and catholic? (beliefs)?

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

During the times of Martin Luther and the Reformation, Protestants objected to or "protested" the infallible authority of the Catholic church and believed in the Bible and the Bible only as the only infallible authority by which every teaching is to be measured.

Many individuals were venerated (regarded as gods) by the Roman church such as the Virgin Mary for example. Also priests were confessed to and offer pardons and forgiveness (assumed attributes of God). Images and statues are prayed to and worship (forbidden by Scripture as there is only one God). Priests also had to be celibate and perform other rites (none of which are required in scripture) which further asserted the church's authority to make whatever rules/laws it she saw fit. This is also why Luther discovered that the "just shall live by faith" and not works. Hence, a breaking off of believers from the Roman dogmas and a return to the tenets of the Scriptures.

Of course this is the short version, there are many other elements I cannot get into here, however this information is readily available in the records of history. Feel free to email me if you want the long version

Answer 3

Protestants protest against Catholics

The Roman Catholic Church made the new testament of the bible by adding and censoring past letters and books

Answer 4

Protestants believe that the Bible is the ultimate and final authority and Catholics believe that the Pope and Catholic tradition are equal to the Bible in authority.

Answer 5

Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic church. Primarily because he did not agree with the Pope.

He protested against the Pope. His followers became known as Protestors or Protestants.

Martin Luther believed in the following:



We can be forgiven for our sins by praying directly to God, in the name of Jesus.

We are saved by grace and not of our own works.

We should not bow down to any man; not even the Pope.

Answer 6

16th century Catholic priest Martin Luther founded the reformation he believed you do not need a priest to achieve salvation "bible only" is their logic, they protest the hierarchy of the Catholic church however if you were to investigate the Lutheran church they do indeed have a leader as the Pope is my spiritual leader they call him "first among equals" as a Catholic I believe our current Pope is descended form our first Pope St. Peter whom we believe was instructed by Christ to form a universal "Catholic" church and to prevent dissension among believers , we believe Protestants base their beliefs on a mans statements (Luther)that contradicted the Message of Jesus, we believe we have the uncorrupted version of Jesus teachings however keep in mind some of our leaders in the past have made mistakes as ANY man is prone to but we are aware that the Catholic catechism is the word of God/Jesus and our faith should remain strong despite corruption by a few sinners over the course of two thousand and six years. .I only mention the Lutherans because they were the first to protest against the Catholics since then many arrogant men(thousands) have established other religions based on their interpretation of the bible and in the Catholic Church's view is heresy and subverts the original teachings, see Catholic encyclopedia for definitive theological answers.The only other acceptable church is the Orthodox church which God wiling we will be united with soon.ESTHER you are correct in that we are loyal to the Pope and the church, you overlook the fact that the
'church" is the universal church that Jesus founded and appointed St. Peter as first Pope, the heritage going back to 33 A.D. you pervert the facts of sound Catholic theology, God gave you the ability to choose between good and evil and it certainly is not easy being Catholic.PHOEBHART you are ignorant in regards to Catholic theology see Catholic encyclopedia for reference before you spread your lies, Catholics do not worship Mary or any other saint, they are shining examples of Christianity and we ask them to intercede in our behalf to God/Jesus...we simply DO NOT worship saints.You need to study more and get your facts straight of course if you hate Catholics (is that not a Christian virtue) nothing will change your black heart.CAIRO, you simply have your theology wrong..you thinking about starting your own protestant religion? you sound arrogant enough to think you can pervert and change the word of Jesus with your biased opinions you spew here, what is it with you people on this blog? read the Catholic catechism and the Catholic encyclopedia before you state your "facts" on my beliefs.

Answer 7

1. Catholics revere Mary the mother of Jesus to the point of worship; Protestants respect Mary as a saint and the mother of Jesus but they do not revere her to the point of worhip - in fcat Protestants are offended by the cult Catholics have built around Mary.

2. Catholics have the doctrine of Transubstantiation (the beleif that the elements of the Eucharist become the literal body and blood of Christ); Protestants reject this doctrine as unScriptural.

3. Catholics pray to the saints. Protestants reject this practice as unScriptural.

4. Catholics beleive in the infallibility of the POPE when he is speaking ex-Cathedra. Protestants reject this notion as unScriptural.

5. Catholics teach that there is a Purgatory where the souls of dead Christyians go in order to be purified bfore entering heaven. Protestants reject this doctrine as unScriptural.

6. Catholics beleive that water baptism imparts salvation which is maintained by a person exercising personal faith and doing works of merit. Protestants beleive that salvation is obtained by the exercise of personal faith ALONE.

7. For Catholics, (Roman Catholic) Tradition and the Scriptures as interpreted by the Magisterium comprises the final authority for faith and practice. Protestants recognize only the Scriptures as the final authority on faith and practice.

this is all I can think of for now.... sorry... am a bit tired tonight.

Answer 8

Catholics look more to the leaders of their church for guidance; protestants look to the bible for guidance. Catholics confess to priests; protestants confess to God, as the bible says there is only one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. Catholics believe to be saved you not only have to have faith in Christ, you have to be a member in good standing of the Catholic church and perform certain sacraments. Protestants believe the bible, which says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Catholics' loyalty is to their pope and their church. Protestants loyalty is to Jesus Christ and the word of God, the bible.