When a question says 'catholics' why do protestants answer it?

Question

catholics are christians

and i agree with some of you, if the question is for one religion then why answer it if your not in the religion? The question im commenting about was for catholic confession, and some answers said only Jesus can do that. YOUR NOT CATHOLIC! DONT ANSWER

Answer 1

Jealousy?
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These thumbs prove 2 out of every 6 Christians is a Catholic

Answer 2

In some cases, the Protestants want to come here and tell us just how wrong they think we are and how we're all going to Hell for "worshipping Mary" or "listening to the Pope more than the Bible." Never mind that those things aren't true -- someone told them that we Catholics are all a bunch of non-Christian idolators, so it "must" be true. You can tell them differently and even use Bible verses to support your point, but their minds are closed.

And some are genuinely interested in why we believe what we believe. They may have heard people talk about our beliefs, and they want to find out the truth for themselves. I have no problems with people like that: they're willing to listen and learn.

The third group is just curious, I think. They really don't care one way or the other, but they want to see what all the hooraw is about.

Answer 3

I sometimes answer if someone has a question about Catholicism. If it says "Catholics-only", then I would not answer. However, as an avid learner of Catholicism, I often know more about the Catholic faith than many cradle Catholics.

When I do answer, I do not use my beliefs as a Protestant (i.e. Jesus is the only mediator, or Mary was not immaculately conceived, etc). I answer a Catholic question with a Catholic answer.

Answer 4

From the word go a major problem on R&S is the fact that so many fundamentalists think they are the centerpiece of Christianity and the only legitimate spokespersons for Christians. Most Christians are Catholic and fundies don't even consider us Christians at all,which is o.k. with me since I don't consider them Christian; theologically speaking they basically more akin to messianic Jews. I applaud you for being specific in addressing a particular denomination instead of just addressing yourself to "Christians". I've been promoting that for a long time,going both ways. If a person is addressing fundies,they should say so,and so on. The problem in the past was exacerbated by the fact that so many atheists are only really aware of fundamentalism and without realizing it kind of feed into their perception of themselves as the central body of Christianity by addressing questions to fundies as "Christians". The term is very general,given the level of diversity,so I've always striven to encourage atheists to specify denomination or at least a basic type (there must be about 500 fundie denominations and "ministries" - they are extraordinarily balkanized). As to why they would answer a question directed to Catholics,obviously they presume to speak for all Christians and perhaps also they seek an opportunity to revile us yet again. In any event,it is always rude behavior to answer a question directed to a particular group if you are not a member of that group and it's putting it mildly to say fundies are not Catholics. I might answer a question about Jews or Muslims - but never one addressed to Jews or Muslims. The question is for them. As far as some of the other responses are concerned,first of all that one fundie is totally out of line. Talk about rude - hey,buddy,try reading the community guidelines. On freedom of expression,ok,but there is also such a thing as courtesy. I say if it's addressed to specific groups - Pagans,atheists,Catholics,fundies,etc. - let them answer it. That is obviously the questioner's wish and it's also common courtesy - both to the questioner and to the group being addressed. But again I've always encouraged everyone to be specific in addressing Christians,professed or otherwise,so I am pleased to see people are beginning to do it more.

Answer 5

I'm a Buddhist/Hindu mix (sounds strange but it works) and I answer many religious questions. I practiced Catholicism for a long time and took many courses in Catholic theology and Tradition so I feel well qualified to answer the questions in a 'this is what the doctrine says' manner. I have moved beyond many of my 'issues' with the Church so I feel it's OK if I answer honestly and intelligently. I have a very devout Catholic birth family and am very respectful. Blessings.

Answer 6

Actually, the word "catholic" refers to all Christians. The word "Catholic" refers to those of the Roman Catholic Church. Just like "church" refers to the building where Christians meet, while "Church" refers to the members of the body of Christ.

Also, freedom of speech, open forums, and sometimes people just don't pay enough attention to things to know it's not for them. Although it could be that they have special knowledge of the subject despite them not being a member of that group. Could be any number of reasons.

Answer 7

Other than to be obviously sarcastic at times.. I think sometimes we answer just so we know the asker knows why its not the case among protestants. Like if the asker says "Why do Catholics pray to Mary" a Protestant might answer giving the reason why we don't incase the asker is wanting to make an educated choice about something.

Answer 8

830 The word "catholic" means "universal," in the sense of "according to the totality" or "in keeping with the whole." The Church is catholic in a double sense:
First, the Church is catholic because Christ is present in her. "Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church." In her subsists the fullness of Christ's body united with its head; this implies that she receives from him "the fullness of the means of salvation" which he has willed: correct and complete confession of faith, full sacramental life, and ordained ministry in apostolic succession. The Church was, in this fundamental sense, catholic on the day of Pentecost and will always be so until the day of the Parousia.

Protestants are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can benefit by listening to their wisdom and knowledge; despite they do not honor the seven sacrements as we do.

Answer 9

I answer question regardless of who they pertain to. Who cares? Do you think that just because you are the religion targeted on these questions, you'll have the right answers? Most Catholics don't know squat about their own religion as do most of the participants of other religions. They are in them just because their parents made them participate!

Answer 10

Protestants branched off Catholicism many years ago.