Catholics vs. Protestants

[Kabowd]

The title is startling no? Just the mention of a these two groups battling it out in one topic I'm sure will raise a few eyebrows. Why wouldn't it? There has been annymosity between the two for CENTURIES. Sure, this should be in the Controversial Forum, but I figured since chrismarc has already started these topics all over the Doctrinal Forum, why not just combine them and put them into one? Why do we need multiple topics highlighting the major differences between Catholics and Protestants all over the forum? Here at Worthy, we've had several discussions on many of these issues. We have many catholics and protestants alike who have been here a long time, and although we don't always agree...we at least have given eachother time to get to know one another and learn some of the common beliefs we hold before we rush to point out the various differences.

I'm honestly not sure why we've had a sudden influx of catholics dead set on stirring things up. I know it's not representative of most catholics, but it's disturbing nontheless. But if you guys insist on re-hashing issues that haven't been resolved for centuries, at least please do it in the Controversial Forum, or at the very lease in ONE topic. Capische?

[Kabowd]

Well actually, that wasn't my point. I have no interest in catholic vs. protestant debates. They are fruitless, and generally lead to division, not unity. That was my point. However, since chrismarc and his friends seem intent on discussing the various points of contention (and fail to do so in the proper forum), I just decided to give them a place to do it, so as not to destroy the Doctrinal Forum with numerous pointless fights.

[eric]

Tess,

When I became a member of this board in2002, there was a special forum set aside for Catholc/Protestant debates, but over time it became too heated and friends were falling out, becauase of the intensity of the debates. I would not like to see it start over again. In the long run it turns out to be a no win situation and heckles are raised. People like Chrismarc dont tend to hang around very long after they have stirred the pot. Their remarks are mostly copy and pasted from catholic websites anyway.

e

[Elihu's Girl]

I think it's more profitable to come together in love and the things we do agree on.

[st. Worm]

Actually I think the great divide in Christianity now is not so much between Roman Catholics and Protestants as between Confessional believers and fundamentalists. This is obviously a new way of looking at it but when you consider that Protestants like Lutherans and Reformed believers (both Presbyterians and Reformed Baptists) have almost nothing in common with charismatics, Arminian (free will) baptists, so-called non-denominational movements and other fundamentalists, I think it might make more sense to divide it that way. That seems to be where the real disagreements are especially when we talk about things like original sin and the Sacraments.

[Guest]

I am not denominational, not non-denominational, and not anti-denominational. As I see it, denominations exist, because people are comfortable being with people who share the same errors as they do. Let's be honest, we all believe what we believe, but non of us probably has it 100% correct.

Whether we are talking about the differences between Catholic or Protestant, Charismatic or or non, Liberal or Orthodox, or any way one wants to distinguish beliefs, what is important, is what all Christians believe.

There is one God in three persons, Jesus was born of a virgin, lived sinlessly and died as a sacrifice for my sins, because I was incapable of saving myself. He rose again and is coming back. If you believe things like that, you are my brother or sister, and I do not care where you go to church.

There is only one church, those that God chose in Christ.

I will hapily debate theological differences with anyone, but if they choose to disown me as a fellow saint, then they are small minded, and need to reconsider that decision. You may not like me, but you have to love me, and I you, because we are the family of God..

[Leonard]

Let's be honest, we all believe what we believe, but non of us probably has it 100% correct.

Yeah, none of YOU guys is 100% correct..............

[st. Worm]

horizoneast says:

"Or does your real motivation have much to do with the formation of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Working Group that morphed out of the Second Vatican Council and whose goal is "full pulpit and altar fellowship, and full communion

[Arthur Durnan]

Gee whiz, guys, I'm STILL trying to find out what specific "denomination" or persuasion the Apostle Paul adhered to! Was it "R.C.," "Protestant," "Lutheran," "Charismatic," Arminian," "Orthodox," whatever? Why not just be what one surely happens to be when in Christ - a believing Christian?! Who does all the dividing anyways? "Let names & sects and parties fall, And Jesus Christ be All in all!" AMEN & AMEN!!

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your salvation full & free! John 3:36; John 5:24.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[st. Worm]

Arthur says:

" "Let names & sects and parties fall, And Jesus Christ be All in all!" AMEN & AMEN!!"

SW says:

Arthur, the word denomination may not appear in the Bible but the term doctrine surely does and that's how denominations spring up. I think the terms are quite comparable. Obviously you are a big tent guy. Is your tent big enough to allow heretics in just because they say "Jesus is Lord"?