Just for the way they talk, or dress, or look?
2007-04-27 01:10:11 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let me frst state that I am about to make some sweeping generalizations, which are not proof by any means. In some way you can make some educated guesses about a person's faith.
Most (generalization alert) Italian, Polish, Irish, Philippinos and hispanics are Roman Catholic.
I agree that Catholics tend to dress more casually in church than Protestants.
Catholics attend "Mass" while Protestants attend "Services"
Catholic Sunday Mass may be held on Saturday evening.
Some Catholics attend Mass seven days a week. I am not aware of Protestant churches holding services seven days a week.
Anyone going to Wednesday Bible study is Protestant.
Catholics baptize their children, Protestants Christen their children.
Anyone who goes to "Stations of the Cross" or "Stations" or "Confession" is Catholic.
Anyone who carries their own Bible to church is a Protestant.
Anyone who uses the words "The sixth commandment" in a sentance is a Protestant.
Catholics and Protestants use different translations of the Bible.
A Catholic clergyman is most commonly called a Priest. Protestant clergy can be called Minister, Pastor, Reverend, Vicar or others. This is extra confusing because, strictly speaking, a Priest's title is Reverend John Doe. The Priest in charge of a Catholic parish is the Pastor.
Anyone who talks about souls in pergatory is Catholic.
Anyone who prays the Rosary is Catholic.
Anyone who refers to Mary as "The Mother of God" is a Catholic.
I guess I could go on, as you see there are differences if you know what to look for or what to ask.
2007-04-27 03:32:41 · answer #1 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no difference at all if both are not practicing believers, i.e. if they are Catholic or Protestant only in names, or if they are Catholic or Protestant only because they feel they must have a religious affiliation.
If they both are practicing believers, a Catholic generally does not follow a dress code; a Protestant belonging to most sects seems to be conservative and does not show lots of skin or does not wear body hugging clothes.
A serious Protestant is always biblical in his language; a Catholic more philosophical and tends to find humor in everything. The former is prone to religious debate; the latter leaves the debate to his priest or theologian.
A serious Protestant looks serene, and yes, serious. A serious Catholic does not always look serious as he does this only inside the church, like me.
Of course, talk, dress or look are mere accidents. The basic difference lies really in what and who they believe in and its consequent practice of worship.
2007-04-27 01:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by mandysun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By the way they talk; yes. If a Catholic states their beliefs, they will say that they are Catholic. If a Protestant states their beliefs, they will say that they are a Christian.
This is not meant to be offensive to anyone. It is just how they refer to their religious beliefs.
2007-04-27 03:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently so. My Grandfather grew up in a very devout Catholic family. All were dedicated to the church so that they became priests or nuns. He was the only one in the family who married and raised a family. He forbid his children to attend the Catholic church because of the extremes he grew up with. His children forbid their own from that church as well, yet very often remarks were made among school friends that we were Catholic. Why?
There must be an identifiable life-style associated with this denomination?
2007-04-27 01:27:05 · answer #4 · answered by marian 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes. If someone is dressed up really nicely on a Sunday, that is a sign they are a Protestant (Catholics today are less likely to dress up for church).
2007-04-27 01:14:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
If you have read, studied and know the scriptures, then yes, when speaking to either one of them, if they are devout, you can tell the difference.
For me the difference would be similar to talking to two men, one a football player and the other a tennis player; they will speak from their heart on what they love and you will be able to discern between the two of them.
2007-04-27 01:18:19 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly W 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Traditionally.... Only from the waist down!
Circumcision! Also from Judaism, and Muslims.
2007-04-27 01:24:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most cases you can't. However, it is often easier to distiguish a fundamentalist woman by the clothes she wears.
2007-04-27 01:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by David G 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Catholics are much more pleasant and polite.
2007-04-27 01:17:48 · answer #9 · answered by U-98 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
protestant - plain cross
catholic - crucifix
protestants will be fatter
2007-04-27 01:13:30 · answer #10 · answered by fippypoo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋