“Getting Protestants as such to ramp up mission is not that easy, since there are so many, often bickering, voices in the mix of Protestantism. Whether we Protestants like to admit it or not, though, there is a single person in Rome who can influence Christians of every stripe to work more heartily in the cause of Christ, sometimes together (even with Catholics) and sometimes faithfully in their own theological tradition. That’s why even non-Catholics are praying fervently for the new pope. Given the monumental challenges of the 21st century, it is more important than ever that Protestants and Catholics figure out how to work together.”
The differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, however, are the same differences between life and death. The Roman doctrines of works-righteousness, prayer to saints, the devotion to Mary, and many other doctrines, are utterly incompatible with the scripture. It is not a mere difference in “traditions,” as the author claimed.
I have no problem with the Catholics doing their own thing and electing their Pope; however, he is certainly not MY Pope, nor do I even consider the Pope’s message to truly be the Gospel.
Of course he is not your Pope if you are not Catholic just like a Rabbi is not my Rabbi if I am not Jewish.
However, you have to admit that the Pope is the most influential person in the world as far as Christianity goes, and even the many Protestant faiths look to the Pope for guidance on issues of Christianity.
Dogma of each faith may be different, but Christianity is born of the same roots.
AMEN!