Protestants are from Mars, Catholics from Venus?

Question

Or something like that...

There's lots of writing on the so-called 'Protestant Ethic' and 'Catholic Worldview.' But what does that all mean? How do Catholics and Protestants view the world so differently and in what ways? I'm not talking theology--Mary, Saints, Pope, Transfiguration etc., I'm talking basic worldviews. Do Protestants view money, politics, thrift, etc. differently? Are Catholics more likely to drink alcohol? Are Protestants more chilly and reserved?

Answer 1

The best answer I can probably give you is that judging the differences of worldviews between catholics and protestant is probably not the way to go, since every single person will have a different view about everything.

Instead, I'd suggest studying and imitating the lives of the saints. These people modeled themselves after Christ in profound ways (ultimately because they allowed themselves to be instruments of our Lord). If anyone wanted a "correct" worldview, I'd say they are a very good place to start. How many lives and how much of society was made better because of their sacrifices, charity, and kindness?

God bless.

Answer 2

This is a very interesting thing, because we used to all sit in the boat together more comfortably than we do now. I think there has been so much apostasy and aetheism, materialism and hedonism, that each side held tight to their own view rather than give up the ship. I think of the Protestants as the Ox and the Catholics as the Lamb, and they don't pull together very well, but they do often work together quite well, each in their own right. I believe that divisions had to be, but most Catholics wouldn't like me to say that. I see the goodness and the value in each side. I will give some examples.

Protestants believe in hard work as the means to creating common good and developing the resources of the world.
Protestants believe in a fundamental set of principals and they claim these as foundational. They often will not discuss their point of view, but will quote the Bible. Protestants view good in terms of character.

Catholics believe in grace through a sacramental way of life.
They believe that God shapes the world and that their labor is in union with His Grace. Catholics believe in virtue as the distinguishment of good. Catholics often shape their point of view around the Catechism, which is a deep study of the Bible and Sacred Tradition of the Saints, all based on teachings through the Holy Spirit.

Both Catholics and Protestants are concerned about integrity and morality. Neither group believes in excessive indulgence in alcohol, both wish they could save more and give more.

Both are disappointed in the state of the world and in the state of the nation. Both believe in metanoia, conversion of heart and having a personal relationship with God. Catholics believe in sacramental confession and the Mass as instituted by Christ. Protestants see the Holy Spirit as instrumental in their lives and believe that God's grace works in them also.

Both revere the Apostles and consider Jesus Lord of All. Catholics hold special reverence for the Mother of Jesus as the model of the Church and instrumental in God's grace.

It seems that the more traditionalist they are, the less they can appreciate their special role in shaping the world together. And if they are not true in their faith, then their collaboration is more about having more than becoming more. But if we ever took hold of these reigns the way we should, what wonderful world we would live in.

The word Catholic means universal, so all of us revolve around the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. It's time we begin to act like it, huh?

Answer 3

Catholicism was the only "Christianity" until not quite 500 years ago when the Protestant church was invented. Both Protestants and Catholics constantly violate the rules of their respective churches, though I think Protestant clergy generally go a little easier on their young men.

Answer 4

I am a Protestant , which is the way I was raised. My dad' half brother and half sister raised their children Catholic. There are differences, the one that comes to mind is my cousin's went to the priest to confess their sins and I go directly to God in prayer.
Mostly I choose to see the things we have in common. It's all the same God.
Having two different faiths in our family was never a problem.
Many years ago a Native American chief , Chief Jospeh on the Nez Pierce said something to the effect: We do not want churches because they will teach us to quarrel about God, as the Catholics and Protestants do. We do not want that.
I agree with him that I don't want to quarrel about God.

Answer 5

Catholics can be more liberal,will follow anything the pope says,believe catholics are right.

Christians are more believing that Jesus and the bible are the final authority,No man(men) can decide for God,Christians believe Jesus is the only way to salvation.(and those other things you listed):
John 14:6 (Jesus)
Romans 10
Eph 2
John 3:15-21
Job 19

Answer 6

I think you meant "Transubstantiation" - not "Transfiguration".

Both Protestants and Catholics believe in the Transfiguration of our Lord. It's in Matthew, Mark and Luke's Gospel

Answer 7

Having been both Protestant and Catholic, I can tell you that Catholicism places far greater emphasis on helping others than does Protestantism, which has more of a "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" take on life.

Answer 8

I think you question has merit--more merit in other countries. I don't believe American catholics and protestants are that politically different. Both religions are tolerant of each other in America. Other countries are divided politically by religion.
I have no in depth knowledge of those countries or people.

Answer 9

Forget both of them and keep the bible. don't look to the right or left but keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Catholics put their traditions above the Word and Protestants put their own understanding above the Word.

Answer 10

Protestants also drink and not all catholics drink. I think you are stereotyping.