Fact-Checking Theological Claims and Reflecting on Personal Beliefs in the Catholic-Protestant Debate
I recently watched a video breaking down the main differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. [If you would like to watch this video to better understand this article, you can watch it here]. Watching this, I made several notes. One, I am not entirely sure I agree with the video creator’s analysis entirely. For example, some of the claims he made about Catholicism seemed overly dogmatic, and his claim that Protestantism consists of only Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Reformed, Baptists, Episcopalian, and Congregationalists is debatable at best. Nonetheless, this video had me curious: how would I align with this? Therefore, I have decided to break down the sections of that video, fact-check the claims (as any journalist should), and then assert my opinion on the subject.
Firstly, let me very briefly introduce my Christian background. I am a devout conservative Christian (as you likely know), I am a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance movement with backgrounds in the Nazarene church, Assemblies of God, and Free Methodist. My theology is occasionally deviant from these, and I believe I have a theology unique to my own based on intense biblical study. I would share all of my theological beliefs to help you understand where I am coming from, but then we would be here for weeks.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it is very important to understand the tiers of Christian beliefs. The first of these is considered absolutes (the core values of Christianity), the second are convictions (matters that have a highly significant impact on the Christian and the church), the third are opinions (less-clear issues that are considered less divisive), and fourthly are questions (being matters that are considered unsettled issues). Many Protestants I speak with make what I believe to be a false blanket assumption that all Catholics believe in “grace plus works” theology, but I struggle to agree with that. While Catholics may emphasize certain works to a greater extent for salvation than I agree with, per se, I do not think this argument is true. Consider this excerpt from Catholic Answers:
We turn away from our sins, we are sorry for them, and we believe in Jesus Christ and the gospel. Repentance shows our willingness to turn from things that keep us from God, and baptism renews us, filling us with the grace necessary to have faith and to live it. This belief is more than just “head knowledge.” Even the demons have that (Jas 2:19). It’s more than just believing you’re saved. Even the Pharisees had that (Jn 5:39). True, saving faith is one lived and exhibited daily: It is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6, cf. Jas 2:1-26). Sometimes the Church is accused of teaching “salvation by works,” but this is an empty accusation. This idea has been consistently condemned by the Church. Good works are required by God because he requires obedience to his commands (Mt 6:1-21, 1 Cor 3:8, 13-15) and promises to reward us with eternal life if we obey (Mt 25:34-40, Rom 2:6-7, Gal 6:6-10, Jas 1:12). But even our obedience is impossible without God’s grace; even our good works are God’s gift (Rom 5:5, Phil 2:13). This is the real biblical plan of salvation.
Largely, excluding the belief in baptism, I, as a Protestant, agree with this. After a study of theology, I would dare make a bold claim: I expect, when I enter Heaven, to see many, albeit misguided, Catholics in my midst. Shocking to many, I am sure, but the Bible is clear: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Therefore, if a Catholic does what the above process from Catholic Answers says, they are just as much a Christian as you or I. With that, I have heard many Catholics say the same, in reverse, about Protestants. With this in mind, let us understand the differences listed in that video between Catholicism, those seven Protestant denominations, and perhaps me as the outlier.
Papacy
This is, perhaps, one of the most obvious disagreements between Protestants and Catholics. The Catholic Church believes Peter was the first Pope. They believe the pope can be infallible, but only on certain issues. Protestants, alternatively, believe none of that. I would agree with the classic Protestant view on this. The popes for the last considerable length of time have been liberal and highly questionable. If a pastor were like this, the elders would straighten him out, or you would change churches. In the Catholic church, this is not an option with the pope. Further, the biblical basis for the pope is rather weak, in my opinion, and leads and has led to many problems.
Ecumenical Councils
There are 21 ecumenical councils. Of these, the Catholics hold to all of them, Protestants hold from 3 to 7 of them, and other branches/denominations believe in a varying number of them. There is a distinct difference in the interpretation of these councils, though, with Catholics believing that councils that are approved by the pope have magisterial authority and cannot be changed, while Protestants believe they have ministerial authority, helping us understand the Bible but can still be fallible as they were run by fallbile men. I admit, I am not strongly versed in the ecumenical councils, but I do agree with the ministerial view of them. From a very basic overview of the first seven councils, I would say I likely agree with all of them.
[Brief commentary:] While I know many Christians who prefer to ignore such theological topics, such as the ecumenical councils, not because they are wrong, but simply not necessary (sola scripture), and I don’t disagree with that in premise, I do see great value in these councils for greater theological understanding and historical precedent.
Sacraments
This itself is a discussion of considerable controversy, misunderstanding, and a large variety of views and interpretations. The Catholic Church has 7 sacraments: ordination, baptism, confirmation, marriage, anointing the sick, confession, and communion. According to our source (the video), the Protestant church has 2: baptism and communion. The Catholic view is that sacraments are the channels of God’s grace, instituted either directly or indirectly by Jesus. According to our source, Protestantism views baptism and communion as necessary for salvation under ordinary circumstances (as many Protestants do), while viewing the other sacraments as basically, lower-sacraments, being important, but not necessary. Below, I will break down each sacrament, and expound upon each of them with additional resources.
- Baptism: The Catholic Church holds that baptism is a necessary part of salvation, removing original sin. The Protestants have varying views on this, some believing it is fully symbolic (but ordained and commanded), some believing it is necessary for salvation, and every view in between. Some believe in infant baptism, others believe in believer’s baptism.
- My view: I believe baptism is symbolic, being an outward expression of an internal transformation (being salvation). It is essentially a way of expressing that you are saved. It is ordained by God, and it is an act of obedience, but it is not necessary for salvation. I also believe only a believer should be saved.
- Confirmation: This is what some Protestants will refer to as infant baptism. Catholics believe this is a sacrament that strengthens baptismal grace, imparting the Holy Spirit for maturity in faith. Protestants have varying views on confirmation. Some denominations (such as Lutherans) perform this as a catechetical rite to affirm the baptismal vows, while other denominations completely reject the premise of it entirely.
- My view: I do not believe in this. Rather simply, I see no biblical precedent for infant baptism or confirmation as a sacrament or as a rite.
- Eucharist (The Lord’s Supper): This is an area that, in my experience, Catholics take rather seriously. They believe in transubstantiation, meaning the wine and bread literally become body and blood when it is consecrated by the priest. According to our source, Protestants believe transubstantiation is not true, but have varying theories saying we still receive Christ’s body and blood through them, according to their official confessions, even if not widely known. From further research, I also found that Calvinists believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist spiritually, not physically.
- My view: I believe (like a broken record) that communion (the Eucharist) is symbolic. While this is widely debated, it makes the most logical sense. Christ did say, “This is my body and blood,” but like many people, Jesus was known for not always speaking literally. As a matter of fact, He spoke figuratively quite frequently. It makes logical sense to believe this was a metaphor for His body and blood, especially considering the longstanding Jewish tradition of the Passover.
- Confession: The Catholics believe that confession is a sacrament in which sins are forgiven after baptism through confession, absolution, and penance. They say it is a way to restore grace after sinning and reconcile to God. To do this, they confess their sins to a priest, who then absolves them in the name of Christ. Protestants, alternatively, do not believe this. They believe forgiveness is offered through God through repentance and faith.
- My view: I believe in the prevalent Protestant view. We have, as I heard it explained by a Catholic once, a “hotline to God.” This is the biblical precedent set and makes the most biblical and theological sense. However, I have heard it posited that the act of verbal confession to another person is extremely beneficial in actually healing from sins (for repentance, acknowledgement of sins, et cetera), and I think this is very true. But, I believe this acknowledgement should happen with fellow believers (which may happen very rarely in Protestant churches).
- Anointing of the Sick: Catholics believe this is a sacrament that imparts grace for healing and strength to the seriously ill. They believe it unites them to Christ’s suffering, forgives sins, and prepares one for death if necessary. Protestants believe in various versions of this, but less sacramentally. Their views include a pastoral rite, the laying of hands, anointing with oil, simple prayers, et cetera.
- My view: My view on this is rather simple (because I have not formulated a rather complex view on this). I believe it is the duty of Christians to pray, lay hands, and even anoint a fellow believer if they are sick. I believe people can be miraculously healed. But I do not believe it is a pastoral rite nor a way to impart grace.
- Holy Orders: This is a view held by Catholics that consecrates men as bishops, priests, or deacons, imparting grace for ministerial service. This sacrament, they believe, enables these men to act in the person of Christ. Most Protestants believe this is a calling for these Christians, and may view their ordination/consecration as a rite or human act to set apart these leaders.
- My view: This is one area in which my view is rather divergent. I believe in what I see as the original model set by the first church. I do not believe in explicit “callings” as many Protestants profess. I believe we are all called to the same mission for Christ, and that we may be led to do certain things. I also do not believe in the ordination of Christian leaders, and largely disagree with the present model of Christian leaders that is based on seminary/Bible college and involves collegiate ordination through denominations.
- Matrimony: The Catholic Church holds that this is a sacrament that unites a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant, imparting grace on their vocation, reflecting Christ’s union with the church. The Protestant view would seem very similar, though not viewed as a sacrament that can impart grace. Most Protestants view marriage as a biblical ordinance blessed by God, often with pastoral blessing.
- My view: I believe in a rather complex view of marriage. Firstly, I believe it is something most believers are called to at some point in their lives, and it fulfills two main purposes: to bear children and to edify the couple in a holy relationship, ultimately leading them closer to God. But, I also believe in the gift of celibacy, meaning that some are gifted the ability to be celibate to live out their mission through Christ. Paul taught that if one can resist marriage without falling to temptation, it would be better, but that it would be much better they get married than to fall into temptation. Combined with my belief in the gift of celibacy (which, if you consider it, all people are granted this for some period of time), this encompasses my belief. This contrasts with many Protestants I meet, who seem to believe their main purpose in life is to be married.
Relics
The Catholic Church holds that relics are important objects from the past that are still holy. Many will travel to see these relics, and some have reported miraculous healing from them. Protestants, however, do not tend to reject the relics, but are suspicious of them. During the Reformation, there was a high number of fake relics, producing a branch that largely disregarded them altogether. Some Protestants are known for outright rejecting relics entirely. Personally, while I would not say that relics are holy in the sense that they are spiritual items or something of that nature, I have an extremely high view of relics and see an extraordinary importance in them, to the extent that I would certainly travel to see them and have a desire to see more found. Further, I do believe in the sincerity of many relics, contrasting with many Protestants.
Monasticism
Is the belief in Catholicism where monks and nuns live apart from the rest of the world, usually in monasteries. This is designed for people who desire to spend their entire life devoted to God, cutting themselves off from the rest of the world. Protestants, however, reject this, believing a life dedicated to God and family/work/etc. can exist together. Further, they believe creating an “overman” of Christians is a dangerous precedent and can potentially lead to many Christians who simply do very little. I personally do reject the idea of monasticism under most circumstances (I could likely think of an exception), but for different reasons. I reject it because the Bible is very clear we have been called to “Go,” and “Make disciples of all nations,” “Baptising them,” and “Teaching them His commands.” That is several commands within the Great Commission, and just one of the many communal commands in the Bible for Christians, and I simply do not see how one can fulfill this if they separate themself from the world.
Priestly Celibacy
This is rather simple. Catholic priests cannot get married. Protestant pastors can. My view was basically summed up under the matrimony sacrament section, and to save you time, I would simply say that my view there applies here. Further, I would also argue that the emphasis of collegiate pastors (and missionaries along with other church roles) is emphasized over other believers, which really makes no biblical sense anyway.
The Virgin Mary
According to our source, Catholics have four views of the Virgin Mary. These are 1) She is the mother of God, 2) she was a virgin her whole life, including after the birth of Jesus, 3) she was conceived without sin, 4) her body was assumed into Heaven. Considering I had never heard of this Marian Dogma, I decided to fact-check it (again, as any good journalist should). Apparently, they are all true. Protestants, according to our source, still officially teach that Mary was indeed the mother of God (to say otherwise would be committing the Nestorian heresy). They usually teach the perpetual virginity of Mary, but do not emphasize it (this is especially historically true). They rarely teach that she was conceived without sin (because this would contradict that all are dead in sin), and few teach the bodily assumption of Mary. Personally, I disagree with much of this. Yes, I do believe in the first point, otherwise, my very Christianity would be in question. The second point is highly questionable, considering Jesus is said to have brothers, but I would be willing to warrant a Greek word study for this. Nonetheless, if she was married to Joseph, and the scriptures say Jesus has brothers, it does indeed make logical sense. I do not believe Mary was born without sin, as this is simply unbiblical, risks placing her on par with deity, and is anti-Adamic curse. If Mary was born to an earthly father (which she was), she inherited the Adamic curse and was thus not conceived without sin. Finally, there is no biblical evidence to suggest Mary was assumed into Heaven, therefore, I have no reason to believe this. Both this point and the third point are also late dogma in Catholicism, increasing my reason to question it.
The Saints
In Catholicism, saints are canonized (saying they are assuredly in Heaven), and believe the Saints watch us on Earth, thus explaining how we can pray to them. An extremely important point of clarification here is that Catholics do not believe in prayer to the Saints as deities, but asking for intercession. I heard it explained once by a Catholic that they view praying to Saints the same as asking someone from your church to pray for you that week, as justified in Hebrews 12 (a sentiment remotely shared by many Protestants as well). Protestants believe, as all Christians in Saints, though they do not canonize any of them. They do not believe in praying to Saints, as they cannot see what is happening on Earth. My view is that, while the justification I shared from the Catholic is compelling, I believe the Saints cannot see what is happening here on Earth, and our prayer to them is thus useless. I believe all Christians are also saints (though I have heard some Catholics argue that they do as well, just do not word it that way). That said, I do look forward to the day when I enter Heaven and get to meet major historical Christians.
Holy Images and Icons
Catholics believe in the veneration (meaning honor) of people, thus seen when they kneel before certain images and statues. They say that this is simply an act of honor for those people, believing this honor is passed onto the person the image is of. In a study I have recently done on honor, I will attest that this, from a historical basis, truly does make logical sense. Protestants, however, rarely believe in veneration, fearing it may lead to idolatry. Some accept having images of Jesus, while others outright reject them. My view is that I do not believe that honor can be passed onto the original person, but, from my very small understanding of this matter, I do not take any problem with the honor of deceased people, and I do not think having images would be likely to lead to idolatry. That seems like a bizarre concept to me. It is simply always important we remember to worship the true Creator.
Religious Intermarriage
Also, rather simple. The Catholic Church believes that it is sometimes okay for a Catholic to marry a Protestant (or other branch), as long as the kids are raised Catholic, while Protestants believe it is a very bad idea (or biblically forbidden). My opinion is also that it is likely a foolish idea unless the Catholic willingly chooses to convert from Catholicism for purposes of theology and doctrine, and not just because of the potential spouse.
Purgatory
There is a misconception that Catholics believe in Purgatory because Christ’s sacrifice is not sufficient to cover all of the sins of people, thus one must go to Purgatory to suffer more to pay off the rest of their sins. This is not true, though. Catholics believe in the process of sanctification (something most Protestants believe in), meaning one should get closer to Christ as one ages. But, because one must be perfect to enter Heaven, they believe one must enter Purgatory to reach full sanctification to enter Heaven, a painful process akin to the painful process in life on Earth. Protestants reject this idea, though, citing things such as the thief on the cross next to Jesus who would “be with [Him] today in Paradise.” Bear in mind, this is a very complex issue that our source barely scratches the surface of. My view is that Purgatory is not biblically supported and is simply nonexistent.
Justification
Ironically, as said in our source, this is the topic people think is the most distinct between Catholicism and Protestantism, but mainly, it is not at all. Catholics, as explained before, do not believe in salvation plus works, and most Protestants (with exceptions not cited in our source) do not believe one can be saved without good works. Both believe in salvation through Christ on the cross. Catholics, however, believe in salvation through infused righteousness (us becoming righteous), while Protestants believe in imputed righteousness (us being declared righteous, while not actually being through justification, but rather through sanctification, but without sanctification, one does not have justification [which is debated amongst Protestants]). There are many beliefs amongst Protestantism (that is not discussed in our source, considering his limited view of true Protestants) on this subject. I believe in initial sanctification upon salvation (justification), thus being the beginning of one’s walk with Christ and their journey of progressive sanctification (leading to the desired entire sanctification, although that is technically not actually achievable in our Earthly bodies suffering the Adamic curse). I also believe in imputed righteousness.
So there you have it. Am I a Protestant? I am not really sure anymore. If the definition of Protestantism is really what this fellow in the video says, I am not really sure. Frankly, I would like to transcend the confines of the Christian branches (Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism [despite, according to our source, I am a pseudo/neo-Protestant], and Restorationist). As I said before, if you believe in the Lord Jesus with your heart and confess with your mouth that God raised Him from the dead, are you not saved? Yes, you are. This is what the Bible says. And frankly, I look at Catholics with the same view as Protestants: are you saved, or not? If you are, I am happy to entertain your thoughts. Do I agree with Catholics on a lot of their theology? No. But do I think they can have excellent insight, and do I think Protestants can learn from them? Yes, I do. And I can say the same about a lot of Protestants (especially from the perspective of our source). I weigh theology on the Bible, through the spirit, and through praying, not on what branch or denomination proclaims it. If we based our beliefs on this, I think we would be in a much better place.
What are your thoughts? Comment down below!
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