[proxy_user]

These are the fundamental point of difference between Protestants and Catholics.

The priesthood of all believers. According to Protestant doctine, ministers of religion have no special power or authority that is not available to everyone else. Catholics maintain that priests are the heirs of the Apostles, and were indirectly appointed and authorized to perform special functions.

Justification by faith alone. Protestants maintain that belief is the sole criteria for salvation. While good behavior is a logic consequence of belief, it is not of any value. Catholics have a different position on free will that enables them to say that good works and holy living are spitirually valuable.

This is all old stuff, going back to Luther and Calvin.

[Dean Baker]

These are the fundamental point of difference between Protestants and Catholics.

The priesthood of all believers. According to Protestant doctine, ministers of religion have no special power or authority that is not available to everyone else. Catholics maintain that priests are the heirs of the Apostles, and were indirectly appointed and authorized to perform special functions.

Justification by faith alone. Protestants maintain that belief is the sole criteria for salvation. While good behavior is a logic consequence of belief, it is not of any value. Catholics have a different position on free will that enables them to say that good works and holy living are spitirually valuable.

This is all old stuff, going back to Luther and Calvin.

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Interesting!

In all this time, and through all the arguments I've seen online (Before I got online, I didn't even know Catholics and Protistants had a problem with each other), I've never seen a reason as to why they argue. Let alone such a concise one.

Thanks! (Who's Luther and Calvin?)

[tdewey10]

"These are the fundamental point of difference between Protestants and Catholics"

But both agree that salvation is attainable only via Jesus Christ.

[Dean Baker]

A question, if you're so inclined...

What about the Jews??

I see people of all faiths (Cept for maybe Islam, I guess) refer to them as "God's chosen people". Yet, they've not "Accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior" (Obviously).

Do they go to Hell? Or, just hang-out in Heaven's waiting room until the Rapture (Or whatever it is)?

[Joann37]

Your posting does a great job of explaining the differences in theology between Protestants and Catholics. I know MANY Catholics who are basing their salvation on their works alone, and have never even heard of John 3:16 and it's incredible significance to the Christian faith.

I think that's what the Baptist preacher was trying to communicate with the sign in front of his church. But his tactics were certainly inflammatory.

[Chode]

According to Protestant doctine, ministers of religion have no special power or authority that is not available to everyone else. Catholics maintain that priests are the heirs of the Apostles, and were indirectly appointed and authorized to perform special functions.

no... Priests/Ministers DO have power not available to anyone else... the can MARRY people and YOU not I can't, they can Baptize babies where we can only do it in an emergency etc... so there are things only they can do.

Protestants maintain that belief is the sole criteria for salvation. While good behavior is a logic consequence of belief, it is not of any value. Catholics have a different position on free will that enables them to say that good works and holy living are spitirually valuable.

Good works and Holy living ARE spiritually valuable... if only to the one who believes it...
i can't help but believe that the Trinity doesn't look on those who truly try to help their brothers and sisters more kindly than those who could care less what happens to them... that's where pergatory comes in... the better life you lead here the less time you'll spend there before going to Heaven!!!

but then again... that's just me 8^)

[AD from SpringBay]

This is all old stuff, going back to Luther and Calvin.

There were believers who didn't agree with Catholic teachings before Calvin and Luther. There are better things to do with faith and Bible teachings than protest.

[narses]

"?This is all old stuff, going back to Luther and Calvin."

Exactly. Before that, just about ALL of Christendom believed in the Apostolic Succession and the seven Sacraments.

[Right in Wisconsin]

Although I am Catholic, I do think that Protestants believe in good works as one is judged by those works once in Heaven and is given their place in Heaven based on those good works.