What is the big difference between catholics and protestants that makes them hate each other?

Answer 1

Most Catholics and Protestants in the world get along just fine.

+ Similarities +

"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.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic
Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm

+ Northern Ireland +

The issue in Northern Ireland is political not religious. The media, who is always looking for short cuts and not the whole story, calls the participants Catholics and Protestants.

The conflict is about whether the British territory (probably the wrong word) of Northern Ireland should remain British or should become part of Ireland.

The majority of people in Ireland are Catholics. The majority of people in England and Northern Ireland are Protestants. There are actually Catholics and Protestants on either side.

The terrorists on either side of the issue are not Christian in any sense of the word.

+ With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Essentially, it comes down to the interpretation of the New Testament. There are even some large differences between some of the protestant denominations.

In most countries, protestants and Catholics do not hate each other. The only example I can think of in the last 100 years would be in Ireland, where the fight was about government and self-rule more than religion.

Answer 3

in 1517 Martin Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses, a criticism of the Catholic Church's habit of selling indulgences, he wanted to reform the church, but the church did not respond well, and a splinter group split from the catholic church. (Luther was not the first, John Wycliffe and Jan Hus had come before him, Luther was just more successful, and backed by the humanist Erasmus.) Another important break with the Catholic Church was Henry the VIII of England's formation of the Church of England, formed after the pope denied him an annulment from his wife. This era in time was also a period of general discontent with the church, anti-clericism was rampant. The Catholic Church was often seen by learned men as corrupt. They hate each other because of their differences. The argument over transubstantiation, their differing opinions on sacraments, predestination, how to get into heaven, whether a person needs an intermediary (priest) to interpret the bible for him or not. (In other words, the same reasons that all religions hate other religions.) Check out information of the german or Protestant Reformation for more information.

Answer 4

Where does hate come in between them? Most disagree with their differing beliefs, but agree on those that are shared. I'm around Catholics and Protestants, and other religious believers and non-believers on a daily basis, but I don't hate them because of their preferences.

Thanks to 'The Constitution' and that we have the 5th ammendment.

Answer 5

I use to be catholic and am not any longer. I can say that very rairly have I found any protestants that dislike Csholics. We may disagree with them on issues but I think the hate thing may be more of a lingering problem that can be rooted to Ireland and England during earlier ages and the the problems that arose when one particular monarch who was one faih was replaced by another who was opoosite. Most f these issues have to do with the rights being trampled over by others. As a believer I have no problem with disagreeing with those who hold other view points without hating them. I think it is a black spot on those who call themselves believers to allow themseles to hate anyone. In fact the bible teaches if you hate your brother who you see how can you love God who you don't see.

Answer 6

The Catholics believe the Catholic Church is the original Church of Jesus. The Protestants believe only in the Bible. The Protestants protest the Catholic Church. That is where their name came from.

Answer 7

There is that "disagree means hate" thing again. Catholics and Protestants disagree on Doctrine... we don't hate eacother.

Answer 8

The Catholics believe the church, with the Pope as its head, is infallible and Protestants know the people in church, inc. the Pope, are just people like anyone else, and that only the Bible is infallible.

Answer 9

I don't hate Catholics or other Protestants, so you have it all wrong.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you

Matthew 19:19
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Answer 10

They have both strayed from the truth because of the "traditions of men." What we disagree on is not important; it is what we agree on, that is what is important. Namely that Jesus Christ is the door, the pathway, and the key through which all must go to be accepted into His kingdom.