[NYer]

You are correct, and it alarms me that some Catholics, including authorities, are getting more brazen lately in their bashing based those poor impressions of what a Christian "should be" according to their Catholic "traditions"...

That is a rather nebulous statement; can you be more specific by citing an example of Catholic tradition?

[ravingnutter]

A good article to explain it is:

What Divides Catholics and Protestants?

There are many differences in the belief systems, some on the Catholic side are not considered Biblical by non-Catholics, myself included. However, lest I be accused of Catholic bashing, which is certainly not my intent, I agree with the following statement in the article...

Differences aside, Protestants and Catholics do share several core beliefs including the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, and the fact that he was sinless, that he died on the cross for man’s sin and rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

In light of that, I just don't understand the recent vitriol coming from the Catholic side of the fence, it seems to be increasing.

I have taken charge of my own soul and whether or not I am saved isn't up to interpretation by the Catholic authorities or any other Church for that matter. I have a personal relationship between myself and Jesus Christ and no one, especially a mere mortal (of which the Pope is included), can tell me that won't get me to my heavenly reward.

Anyone up for a round of Kumbaya? ; )