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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.
- 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.
Sep 12, 2017 · 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. Catholic teaching also elevates tradition more than Protestants do.
- Theological Approach. Roman Catholic theology is characterized by an et . . . et (and . . . and) approach. In Kreeft’s own words, “Whenever two positive things seem to conflict, the Church sorts them out as some kind of a ‘both-and’ instead of a simple ‘either-or’” (11).
- Justification. The Roman Catholic Church maintains the Reformation is finished due to “the greatest ecumenical achievement in the 500 years since the Reformation” (17): Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999).
- Scripture and Tradition. Roman Catholic theology embraces the broad category of Tradition, part of which is Scripture. For Kreeft, this perspective on divine revelation prevents the debate from being framed as sola Scriptura versus Scripture plus Tradition.
- Theology of Mary. Roman Catholic theology maintains that Mary, “in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin” (Ineffabilis Deus, December 8, 1854).
Digging Down Deep into Protestant-Catholic Differences. Two books—one Catholic, one Protestant—show how the conversation should be engaged. Chris Castaldo December 1, 2017. Image:...
1. Scripture. 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.
Jan 8, 2024 · by Jim Manheim. Last Updated on January 8, 2024. Protestantism and Catholicism are two of the largest groups within Christianity, each with its own traditions and theological beliefs. Understanding the key differences between Protestant and Catholic beliefs is vital for a comprehensive grasp of Christian doctrine and practice. Table of Contents.
