Roman Catholics and Protestants

[EverlastingWinter]

Good Morning,

This will be a short message by someone who is a Follower of Jesus Christ our Lord, at the very least... this is one similarity between us all.

Those that are both Protestant and Catholic please be careful and not gullible when you read this thread.

Their are many issues with the comparisons on this thread however do not wish to comment if it will be deleted anyways. Talk Jesus is a protestant forum as per the Statement of Faith and thus will be more bias when it comes to stating 'facts' about Catholics and so on. Before people take offense, the fact is when someone from a denomination wants to pin point bad things about another denomination due to what other people have told them or past trauma, they tend to state 'facts' , without evidence and links to appropriate sites. Thus as this is protestant , it will lead to protestant views. That's all, no bias their, I have seen the same in Catholic forums. It happens, we are all human.

As this is a site that does not approve of Catholicism I will not reference any catholic sources,I will keep to protestant. And again, I will respond as a follower of Christ Our Lord, neither Protestant nor Catholic

I will also not type and provide hours of research for it just to be removed again, I have more important ventures for the new year. I will only spend 30 mins on explanations. .

Differences:
The protestant bible has less books then the Catholic bible, The RCC has more in the old testament which the Protestant do not recognize and thus do not recognize as scripture. Catholics do recognize this as scripture.

The reason:
The reason for this difference lies in the historical development of the biblical canon. Early Christian communities used various collections of sacred texts, and over time, different regional churches accepted certain books while rejecting others. The formation of the biblical canon was a gradual process influenced by theological and historical factors.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century prompted a reevaluation of the biblical canon. Reformers, such as Martin Luther, questioned the inclusion of certain books in the Old Testament and decided to follow the Hebrew canon, which did not include the Deuterocanonical books. Therefore, Protestant Bibles typically align with the Hebrew Bible's canon, containing only the books that are universally accepted by Jews.....
On the other hand, the Catholic Church, at the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), reaffirmed the inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books in its canon. Later, at the Council of Trent (1546 AD), the Catholic Church formally declared these books as part of the canon, solidifying their presence in the Catholic Bible.

Their are books explaining the changes, websites and so on. Ensure your sources are accurate when reading. I would always avoid wiki as it can lead to rabbit holes. Here is one such site: Protestantism | Definition, Beliefs, History, & Facts

These are the additional deuterocanonical books within the catholic bible. These are not within the protestant and again, no protestant will accept this as scripture.
1. Tobit
2. Judith
3. Wisdom of Solomon (or simply "Wisdom")
4. Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
5. Baruch
6. First Maccabees
7. Second Maccabees

If you go onto BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. , feel free to try and look up a book using KJV and so on, you will see that they do not exist. These books include more information about priests, purgatory and so on.

Depending on where you get your information there are hundreds of different Protestant denominations. Roman Catholics would say there is only one denomination in Catholicism, however in practice that isn't really true.
The word "Protestant" was originally a derogatory word coined by the Roman Catholics. It comes from the word "protest". What were the Protestant protesting? The Roman Catholic church. Most of this came from the
Protestant reformation by Martin Luther and others. The 95 Thesis was a core part of this. Martin Luther's 95 Theses , but there are many more differences also.

This has been discussed at length here on TalkJesus before. Usually these type of discussions don't end well, and can cause strife and division. In this case, there is already the division of denominations.
There really weren't denominations back in the BIble times. But somehow over the centuries it seems the church has grown more apart, than together.

So what are some of the things Protestants don't see eye to eye with Roman Catholics? Probably the biggest thing is putting things between people and God/Jesus. Here are some examples.

Jesus isn't the head of the church, the Pope is.
Jesus isn't our primary mediator, Mary also is.
You don't confess you sins to Jesus, you confess them to a Priest.
Jesus doesn't forgive your sins, the church does.
God isn't our only heavenly Father, your priest also is.
The Priest is a Vicar ( Vicar means substitute ) a replacement for Jesus is many cases.

There are more, but the jist here is... instead of directly dealing with Jesus, you go through.. the pope/the church/a priest/Mary etc...
Another big difference is, how churches are named. Protestant churches are typically named something like... Church of God, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Church of Our Redeemer, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Apostolic Church or
something similar. Roman Catholic churches, it seems more often that not, are named after Mary.
Church of the Virgin Mother. Church of the Rose of Lima. Church of our Lady of Guadalupe. Church of the Blessed Mother. Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. etc...
An interesting note here is The Roman Catholics believe there have been "apparitions" of Mary through the centuries. Where Mary appears to someone for a brief period of time. Usually giving them a message of some type.
There has never been an apparition of Jesus.

In fact the veneration of Mary itself is another big difference. Roman Catholics often pray to Mary. She is officially called the "Mediatrix" by the Roman Catholic Church. She is the mediator between Christians and God.
Protestant believe Jesus/The Holy Spirit are the only mediators. Roman Catholics believe Mary was sinless until her death. Roman Catholics believe Mary remained a virgin until her death. Roman Catholics have a term
called the "Immaculate Conception". This is about an impregnation of a baby. However in this case, it isn't Jesus. It's Mary. The Immaculate Conception was Mary's conception. t seems Roman Catholics like statues.
Over 90% of the time, this statue is Mary. Not Jesus. They acknowledge Jesus has brothers and sisters, but they believe Joseph had other children before being engaged to Mary.

Intercessory prayer is also viewed differently. Roman Catholics sometimes pray to dead Saints. Some of them even have "patron Saints". As mentioned earlier they pray "through" Mary.
In Protestantism, intercessory prayer is done through the living, for the living. I pray for someone ( who is alive ) to Jesus. In Roman Catholicism, I pray to my Patron saint, or more frequently to Mary ( instead of Jesus )
for someone. In many cases, this person doesn't even have to be alive. Some Roman Catholics pray for relatives who have been dead for generations.

Then there is the concept of Purgatory. This is a tricky subject, because even Protestants don't agree on where the dead are. Many Protestants believe that Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.
It's difficult to get exact numbers, but likely an equal number believe in "soul sleep". That is, you lie in the ground until the rapture or resurrection. But all Protestants believe once you are dead, you're dead.
The die is cast, and your fate for eternity has been sealed the moment you die. Roman Catholics believe there is a place the unsaved dead go. They believe the living Christians can pray for them, do penance for them,
and pay indulgences for them to get them out of Purgatory and into heaven, even though they are already dead.

The concept of "indulgences" is a Roman Catholic thing. My understanding is that this has largely been eliminated from the Roman Catholic church, but still exists at a global level. In Protestantism, if you commit
a sin. You simply ask for forgiveness. In Roman Catholicism, you can give the church items of value ( usually money ) to "pay" for your sins. Much like the Old Testament practice of making a sacrifice or offering for
your sin(s).

I need to stop here for a moment. So far it seems the post is about "hard core" Protestant and "hard core" Roman Catholics. But there are some "middle ground" denominations. They usually consider themselves to
be Protestants, but most other Protestant denominations do not consider them to be. Some examples would be the Lutheran ELCA branch, and the Anglican church. Episcopal church, and Church of England.
These churches aren't really Roman Catholic, but they follow many Roman Catholic practices. For example they still have Priests, and they still have a human leader of the church like the Pope (i.e. the Archbishop of Canterbury ).

The Eucharist is also viewed differently. Catholics call this Mass. Protestants call this "communion". Every so often, the believers in the church gather together to take a piece of bread ( usually unleavened ) and a small
drink of wine ( usually grape juice ). Roman Catholics believe that the bread and wine literally become they body and blood of Jesus during Mass. (transubstantiation) Protestants simply believe these are symbols of Jesus's body and blood.
In Roman Catholicism, this has to be performed by a Priests ( who's main job was sacrifice in the old Testament ) So in a way, they are crucifying Jesus over and over again every time they have Mass. In Protesantism
communion is a ceremony of "remembrance". Remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Protestant believe sin is sin. There are greater and lesser sins. But all sins lead to hell. Roman Catholics believe that there are "mortal" and "venial" sins. Mortal sins are bad enough to send you to hell. But venial sins, are just things
you shouldn't do, but have no bearing on your eternal future.

There are some other differences here as well, but I'm running out of time this morning. Perhaps I can get back to this soon.

Mr BAC,

Please provide evidence of your findings, I would love to read about this Catholic Church That thinks that Holy Mary immaculately conceived herself so I can glady report them for... so many reasons. It makes me nauseous. Its borderline blasphemy.

Additionally you are correct about the immaculate conception. This was not implemented on the beginning of the church though. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, stating that Mary was conceived without original sin, was officially proclaimed as dogma by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, through his encyclical Ineffabilis Deus. It is still a hot topic between Catholics and quite a few Catholics left due to this as their is no biblical evidence. Protestents naturally do not agree with this as again, no biblical evidence. Their are many sites and Books discussing this, and most of them are indeed catholic, thus I will not put the links here.

With regards to your statement on some protestant churches calling their vicars priests, that is not correct. I am Anglican, the churches that I have been to call themselves vicars or be asked to be called by their first names. If they are called father or priest, the vicar corrects them immediately. They do allow Catholics for communion as any follower of Christ our Lord is welcome. So please ensure you fact check any 'knowledge' you have to share on this subject to prevent misconception about Both the Catholic denominations and the protestant denominations.

When you do provide evidence do so on each of your posts, I will glady re-read it all. Until then, 80% of what you have stated is just gargon and slander for me. I have studied both Anglican and Catholicism in my life, I am still in the process of learning RCC as an over 18 year old. Thus, please go ahead and implement your research. I would genuinely appreciate it.

I will leave with the following, I stay it completely every day, even the last three lines.. after all I was born and raised in an Anglican church.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.

Amen.

Kind Regards,

Winter.

 

[Christ4Ever]

They do allow Catholics for communion as any follower of Christ our Lord is welcome.

Dear Sister,
As an eye opener for you. As a Protestant you cannot receive Communion in a Catholic church though you profess to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Yet, if you profess to be saved a believer in Christ Jesus, the Protestant churches that I know of are more than willing to allow you to receive it without having to dot the "i's" or cross the "t's" before doing so. Sometimes the differences though minute are quiet telling to say the least!

Don't get me wrong, I understand the reasoning for it, but that reasoning is an add on and not Scriptural. Yes, even in the Catholic Bible! Because the differences between the 73 canonical books of the Catholics and the 66 of the Protestants are all in the Old Testament. We agree with all in the NT books, just not necessarily with how the Word is interpreted to mean by what is included in them. I know that "sola scriptura" is a difficult road to travel, but it truly helps one in not being led astray by winds of the adversary who works through man even to this day.

1 Corinthians 11:26-29 - For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the [same] night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks [this] cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Notice I didn't even speak of transubstantiation!

Special Note: Oh, and as others here who have commented and said "I was Catholic, duly confirmed etc., etc., etc.," but do not practice beliefs that are meant to put the yokes back on one that in Christ is light (Matthew 11:30) and not onerous as many denominations attempt to do. My opinion of course. However, please do not believe that you have some greater insight then the Christian Brothers who taught me have because of some research that you have done. For you have a tendency to do that every now and again when someone disagrees with you on a point concerning Catholicism or to make a point that those who are not Catholic cannot understand x, y, or z. I would not dimmish you in that way.

There are other comments I could make to what you have shared above but will give others their fair opportunity to comment as they will as well.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[EverlastingWinter]

Dear Sister,
As an eye opener for you. As a Protestant you cannot receive Communion in a Catholic church though you profess to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Yet, if you profess to be saved a believer in Christ Jesus, the Protestant churches that I know of are more than willing to allow you to receive it without having to dot the "i's" or cross the "t's" before doing so. Sometimes the differences though minute are quiet telling to say the least!

Don't get me wrong, I understand the reasoning for it, but that reasoning is an add on and not Scriptural. Yes, even in the Catholic Bible! Because the differences between the 73 canonical books of the Catholics and the 66 of the Protestants are all in the Old Testament. We agree with all in the NT books, just not necessarily with how the Word is interpreted to mean by what is included in them. I know that "sola scriptura" is a difficult road to travel, but it truly helps one in not being led astray by winds of the adversary who works through man even to this day.

1 Corinthians 11:26-29 - For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the [same] night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks [this] cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Notice I didn't even speak of transubstantiation!

Special Note: Oh, and as others here who have commented and said "I was Catholic, duly confirmed etc., etc., etc.," but do not practice beliefs that are meant to put the yokes back on one that in Christ is light (Matthew 11:30) and not onerous as many denominations attempt to do. My opinion of course. However, please do not believe that you have some greater insight then the Christian Brothers who taught me have because of some research that you have done. For you have a tendency to do that every now and again when someone disagrees with you on a point concerning Catholicism or to make a point that those who are not Catholic cannot understand x, y, or z. I would not dimmish you in that way.

There are other comments I could make to what you have shared above but will give others their fair opportunity to comment as they will as well.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

Hi,


Oh yes, I know a little story about me. When I went to my first mass in Catholic school, a Catholic friend had to pull me away, saying "you can't take it!" Afterwards, she explained this to me. Instead, the priest blessed me. This is because in Catholic Mass, they believe that you are taking the Eucharist, the literal body of Jesus, while in Anglican Mass it is a symbol. Thus, Catholics will only permit Catholics to take the Eucharist, as Protestants and other denominations do not believe it is the Eucharist itself.

It is not to smite those; it is to protects their beliefs as a denomination as well as protecting others. I went to the chapel afterwards and had a nice conversation with the bewildered priest. It was quite comical for one 11-year-old girl screaming to another, "You can't take it! Not now! Oh nooo." I look back at that fondly; she really was so sweet. (She was the only one that knew I wasn't Catholic, thus everyone in the year thought I must have eaten before mass or the list of reasons why one cannot receive the Eucharist, especially for a young lady.)

Let me ask you, brother in Christ, if you truly believed someone was about to do an act that could insult the Lord, would you prevent them from doing so? Would you discuss your belief with them? I completely understand both sides, aside from some embarrassment. Catholics questioned why one student out of 103 couldn't take the Eucharist, but it was rather sweet. Also, I had many Catholics ask me about Anglican. Many were born into Catholicism, thus they rather enjoyed knowing more about the Anglican church.

So, in summary, RCC mass is different from a Protestant communion.Like very much all of you are aware/ They have different concepts and reasons for doing what they do. Catholics believe they need to stop people from taking the Eucharist if they do not believe it's the body or blood of Jesus, while Protestants welcome Catholics as Catholics still believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence why I stated on another thread that I would prefer to go to both, as I was raised Anglican but also know of the RCC.

Naturally, I do not recommend Protestant denominations to take the Eucharist. I still have not. I like to be blessed though, respecting one another's beliefs is important.

I am aware of the scripture, as stated before, in the Protestant Reformation, many scriptures were pulled. Catholicism did add in Bible as well. I am not stating this is correct; it may very well not be. Though with my schooling and education, I do believe for me, part of this path is correct. Though my very much Anglican parents strongly disagree with this. Like most, they do not believe in the additional scriptures, and I have heard the term 'brainwashing' many times.

A note: I do not claim superiority in any denomination. I have learned a significant amount about Catholicism in the 5 years I was in RCC School, yet I do not know everything related. I have only memorized aspects of the Bible. Besides, I am one that agrees with tradition, that my husband would be my guide when it comes to Christianity and faith. The issue I have is when I see statements that I know are downright false and make me feel unwell continuing to read. When you see a statement you know is incorrect, I have seen you state calmly "please provide evidence." maybe even add a joke or two. I have yet to have the enlightenment of calmly saying that after seeing a statement such as "Jesus is the head of the church and so is the Pope," or "some Catholics believe Mary conceived herself." I do think this comes with wisdom, the holy spirit and each persons spiritual journey with Our Lord.

It's similar to a Protestant hearing an outright rude comment; some people may take offense.Many of you are wiser and more enlightened and can brush of certain comments, I am still in the process of learning this. I thank you for your patience. So all I ask is that when you or anyone discusses a denomination, provide the information.

Feel free to removes these posts as you see fit.

Kind regards,
Winter

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear Sister,
Yes, the little story is really about transubstantiation, which I was not going to get into, but I guess is necessary since what you believe to be true is not. Mysticism is nothing new. Not something promoted in most churches, because the line with witchcraft, numerology, etc., blur the lines into mysticism. As long as you understand that miracles as found in Scripture are not the same as what the Catholics call transubstantiation since it is repetitive at each mass does not fall into the miracle category, but rather mysticism.

Now, I do not think you believe that God approves of cannibalism, which is really what is being talked about here, though in truth not unheard of happening in the OT. Yet it was not approved and spoken of as something to do, but rather a statement of fact due to war and its consequences that forced the Jewish people to do so in the direst of circumstances, starvation. They cooked and ate their own children.

Now do you really believe that cannibalism was what Jesus was talking about in the following. Also think of the prohibition in the Jewish religion about consuming blood, and even Paul continued that with an admonition to the Gentiles concerning animals. How much more the eating of human flesh and blood, wouldn't you say even if its Jesus?

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke [it], and gave [it] to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Matthew 26:26-29 NKJV or pretty much any version you'd care to use.

In the above, when Jesus blessed and broke the bread, was it actually His body that they were going to eat and the wine His blood that they were drinking? Keeping in mind that He had not yet been crucified, and they did not have the understanding that He would be either!!! At least not until later, when He had risen, and they were at the tomb did they remember that He told them this would happen (Luke 24:8).

If you are willing to go along to get along. Sure, you go for it and believe what they are telling you! That is one of the issues that I have with their dogma. Salvation is not by the Church, but through Jesus, period! Practicing the crucifying of Christ over and over again at every Mass, is not Scriptural, and actually goes against Scripture. Remember the Eucharis is Communion that we are talking about here and how Catholicism sees it verses Scripture and why you could not partake of it as a child.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For [the death] that He died, He died to sin once for all; but [the life] that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:8-11 NKJV

Moving on...In truth this angers me, because it is an abomination to believe that cannibalism is okay, no matter how you phrase it, define it, it is still wrong. That in each Mass they are crucifying Jesus Christ over and over again just makes it that much worse. Their reasoning they use is because Jesus said so??? He said "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24 & 25) In the Greek anamnēsis which means recollection, a remembering. Check out the Catholic Bible and you will see it says the same thing!!! Even better go to the actual manuscripts which can be found online! The Catholic church could not hide them, because they were all around the World in bits and pieces, each confirming the basic writings themselves!!!

I know the Anglican church has problems. What denomination doesn't! Just don't go jumping out of the frying pan into the fire! I am sorry I am not giving you a nice talk up with pretty words to entice you to see it my way, and I am not protecting any church, or denomination! I been to and even studied under different ones, even some that are classified as cults!!! Oh, keep in mind that you will be falling under the authority of the pope! And that is another story all in and of itself!!!

What you fail to understand is that you, me, and every believer in Jesus Christ is part of the church with Jesus at the Head. I'll stick with Him and allow Godly men to talk the sermons to me. If the pope is His representative, over the years, and the current one too, have been less Christ like then many sitting in the pews thinking the pope uniquely represents Jesus! So, like I said I'd rather be listening to those who not just talk the talk but walk the walk too. Mind you, not that anyone but Jesus is perfect!

Let me ask you, brother in Christ, if you truly believed someone was about to do an act that could insult the Lord, would you prevent them from doing so? Would you discuss your belief with them?

The problem is how do you know it could insult the Lord? Are we talking probabilities here? I mean Jesus forgives murderers, rapists, etc. Otherwise, you believe that He would be in the instance you mentioned insulted because...they told you it will!!! Gosh, you think the Lord would be insulted if you as a Child of God, took communion and were doing it with the purity that a child has? (Luke 18:16) You can still find Pharisees' and Sadducees in this day and age. Remember you have to dot those "i's" and cross the "t's" or you can't come to Jesus! (Sarcasm)

What did Jesus tell the woman at the well about worshipping God!
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. John 4:24 NKJV

Side note: Oh, and you better not miss Mass!!! You sinner!!!!!! Sorry couldn't resist, saying that, even though it's true Then again as an Anglican it's not just based alone on God's Grace either. So, you shouldn't have a problem adjusting to salvation by sacraments in the Catholic church as well. (shrug)

As far as your questions go. Again, I do not think our Lord has a thin skin like we want to believe He has and would have had no problem in allowing you to receive communion...sadly not in the Catholic Church apparently. Good thing it's not mandatory!!! Though heavily encouraged!!! (must frown when saying that)

Oh, by the way. I really hate what if questions. They are really meant more as gotcha questions.
Now if you were more specific like "person comes into the church with a gun" What do you do? I might want more specificity like how close I am to the person, is the gun in their hand, are they in a PD uniform, things that you would notice if it were to happen, that would dictate what you would or not do next.

Still "could insult the Lord"??? Really!!!

Feel free to removes these posts as you see fit.

As a fellow member, I can't do that...at least not until I switch my hat to the one that says Moderator! Then I'll consider it...

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[NoHype]

I am a Protestant Christian; my ancestors were French huguenots that fled persecution by the Catholic Church and came to Virginia Colony in America in the 1600s, and settled in what became South Carolina. Many Protestant Christians that came to America in the period had fled Catholic persecution, as the Catholic Church was literally murdering Protestant believers. They sought to execute Luther also, but he escaped, no doubt by God's hand.

So I'll not make excuses for the evil behaviors of the traditional Catholic Church. Yet that does not mean I am against all their members. I well understand there are some truly God fearing, Bible believing Christian brethren in that 'system of man', just as it also is within those of the Protestant Churches of which some denominations and factions are almost as bad, but many of the people in them are not.

Lord Jesus in His Book of Revelation gave the historical 7 Churches in Asia each a Message. Those 7 Messages still apply to ALL Churches today. He revealed that 5 of those Churches in Asia had problems, and He warned them to repent. Only the 2 Churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia He had no problem with, which points to His faithful elect. So if you want to know what 'kind' of Church you are in today, apply those 7 Messages and you may begin to find out.

 

[NoHype]

Going back and reading my posts in this thread, I don't anywhere I condemned the Roman Catholics, or even said they were wrong. I simply pointed out the differences between Protestants and Roman Catholics.
I did not even post any scripture to support or condemn one side or the other. I was merely showing the differences.

I think you've done a good job in that too.

For me though, I won't hide that I cannot agree with many of the false doctrines of the Roman Church. Yet there are also false doctrines in some Protestant denominations that I cannot agree with either. I say... stick with what God's Word says as written, and let the chips fall where they may.

It is obvious, even on this Forum, that someone who determines to keep to the actual written Word of God is not going to be very popular. That's because God's Word full strength is not popular. The bitter parts of The Book that Apostle John said made the belly bitter, is hard for many to receive. Most only want to hear the sweet as honey parts of God's Word instead, and thus those are not prepared against being deceived in these latter days.

My French ancestors came to the Americas in the 17th century, having fled the Catholic persecutions against Protestants in France. They were called huguenots, the first French Protestants. They first settled in Virginia colony, and then eventually settled in South Carolina.