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What’s the difference between what Protestants believe and what Catholics believe? While both Protestants and Catholics agree on who Jesus is, there are seven key issues which continue to distinguish their beliefs and practices.
Dec 30, 2023 · What is the primary difference between the Catholic and Protestant churches? The Catholic Church emphasizes papal authority and tradition, while the Protestant Church focuses on scripture and individual faith.
6 days ago · The Ten Commandments differ slightly between Protestant and Catholic (as well as Lutheran) traditions in terms of their numbering and grouping. Here, Protestant refers to members of the Greek, Anglican, and Reformed traditions.
Mar 29, 2024 · The Catholic Church emphasizes the sacraments, charity, and obedience to the Church’s teachings as part of the salvation process. Protestants, particularly those from the Lutheran and Reformed traditions, often adhere to the doctrine of sola fide, meaning “faith alone.”
- The Church. Since Vatican II, the Catholic Church has softened its stance toward Protestants, calling them "estranged brothers." Nevertheless, to be a part of the church in its fullness one must be immersed in the Roman Catholic system of sacraments, orders, and under the authority of the Pope.
- Scripture. Catholics have a larger biblical canon. In addition to the 66 books in the Protestant Bible, Catholic Bibles include the Apocrypha, with books like Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccebees, Sirach, and Baruch.
- Lord's Supper. Central to the Catholic faith is the Mass (their worship service), and central to the Mass is the celebration of the Eucharist. Catholics believe that bread and wine are transubstantiated into the actual, physical body and blood of Jesus Christ.
- Baptism. Catholics teach that "justification is conferred in Baptism." The waters of baptism wash away original sin and join us with Christ. Baptism is not merely a sign and seal of grace, but actually confers saving grace.
17 hours ago · Sometimes I hear Catholics brush aside the need to evangelize Protestants, saying they are already Christians, so what’s the use? However, our separated brethren are meant to be in full unity with the Body of Christ.
Catholics and Protestants differ in their approach to the Word of God. Catholic Bibles have 73 books compared to Protestantism’s 66 books. Protestants view Scripture through the lens of Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone in English), whereas Catholics don’t.
