S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

There are several important differences between Catholics and Protestants. While there have been some attempts over the last several years to find common ground between the two groups, the fact is ...

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July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

Jesus left us with men capable of teaching all he commanded them to others. Some teachings were passed down orally, some were written down. c.f. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 

The three components to clearly knowing the truth about God are:

1. An official teaching body.
2. Teachings that were orally transmitted.
3. Teachings that were written down.

Catholics believe in #1, #2 and #3.

Anglicans believe in #2 and #3.

Protestants only believe in #3.

September 30 2013 • 15 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Doug Post Supporter

All doctrine was first taught orally by the apostles and then confirmed by miracles (Mark 16:17-20; Heb.2:1-4). The purpose of miracles, therefore. Ended, for they were for confirming the Word (the faith or gospel). The apostles then put these very teachings down in writing, so that they could earnestly contend for the faith ONCE for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 3) knowing that they had ALL THINGS pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter. 1:3). As noted above, it is the Scriptures that make a person complete and thoroughly complete unto every good work (2 Tim.3:16-17). Nothing else and certainly no other teaching, orally or otherwise, was and is needed, except the inspired Scriptures.

July 28 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

The differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants are theologically and historically monumental. Here are some of the theological distinctions that lie between the two groups:

First, Romans Catholics claim to trace their papal tradition to Apostle Peter whom they consider the first bishop of Rome. This claim cannot be historically proven. If anything, the contrary appears to stand against it. 

Raymond E. Brown, a Roman Catholic scholar, considers Peter's confession in Matthew 16:18 as evidence that Peter had "roles that would contribute in an essential way to the development of the role of the papacy in the subsequent church". This statement is theologically difficult to reconcile with Scripture because Jesus never assigned Peter the apostolic stature contemplated under Roman Catholicism. 

Secondly, Roman Catholic popes embrace celibacy but Apostle Peter was married (1 Corinthians 9:5). The Roman Catholics also insists on celibacy for their clergy yet Scripture nowhere commands the same for church ministers. Protestant traditions reject this Roman Catholic tradition for lack of biblical backing. 

Thirdly, Roman Catholics teach salvation by works. Protestant traditions teach salvation by faith alone in line with the authority of Ephesians 2:8-9. The Roman Catholics appear to devote their focus on traditions rather than the revelation of the word of God. 

Fourthly, Roman Catholics argue that their church tradition dates back to the Jerusalem church. This is historical difficult to verify because Roman Catholicism is estimated to have started about 400 AD. This is long after the Early Church had period. Besides, it is difficult to extricate the Roman Catholic traditions and practices from the influence of the Roman Empire. 

Fifthly, Roman Catholics teach that departed saints, including Mary the mother of Jesus, have the capacity to pray for the living believers. Protestant traditions reject this practice on the basis that departed believers have no priestly mediatorial roles for the church. They argue that Jesus alone is the mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). 

Seventhly, Romans Catholics insist that priests should hear confessions and forgive sins while acting in the person of Christ. Protestants traditions reject this practice and insist that forgiveness is a divine prerogative that rests in divinity and cannot be delegated to any mortal. 

Eighthly, Roman Catholics teach under the doctrine of Immaculate Conception that Mary was sinless and that she did not die but that she ascended to heaven under the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary and sits next to Jesus in heaven. Protestant traditions reject the two doctrines arguing that they do not find the support of Scripture. They teach that Mary was an ordinary mortal who needed a savior and that she died as a believer and awaits the resurrection of saints at the coming of Christ. They argue that no text or passage of Scripture affirms the Roman Catholic claims on Mary's sinless life. Besides, Protestants insist that Jesus alone was conceived and born sinless. They believe that Jesus was and is without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

There are countless other doctrines and practice embraced by Roman Catholics which are rejected by Protestant traditions.

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Bretz Supporter

The responses above are a good outline of a systematic approach to the question. No question. 

A more experienced based approach would be found in Ministers Fraternal groups or ecumenical theological colleges where various denominations choose to train their clergy together for core subject content. When moving to a pastoral context you might find that there is a bit less clear cut distinction and some healthy discussion. Enjoy the discussion.

October 05 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report