Catholics and Protestants
Conservative Roman Catholics and evangelical
Protestants seem to hold much in common, but they also seem very divided.
At what points do they agree - and at what points do they disagree?
It is true that conservative Catholics and
evangelical Protestants have a lot in common. In fact, evangelical Protestants
have much more in common with conservative Catholics than they do with
liberal Protestants.
So just what are these points of agreement?
Let me mention a few. To begin with, both sides accept the Old and New
Testaments as the infallible, inerrant Word of God. Contrary to what
a lot of Protestants think, Catholicism holds an incredibly high view
of Scripture. Next, both Protestants and Catholics accept the full theistic
attributes of God (God is considered all-powerful, all-knowing, just,
holy, etc.). In addition, both churches affirm that God is triune, that
He is one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
It's also important to point out that both Catholics and Protestants
affirm Christ's deity and humanity, His virgin birth, atoning death,
bodily resurrection, ascension, second coming, and his judgment of mankind
- not to mention the pro-life movement.
Now with so much in common, what in the world
could possibly divide the Protestants and Catholics? Let me make a few
points. First, Catholics and Protestants disagree over what the ultimate
authority is for the believer. Catholics not only affirm the Scriptures,
but also apostolic traditions as authoritative which results in a major
point of contention.
Another major area of difference is focused
on the question of salvation (specifically on justification). Protestants
believe that salvation is by grace alone in Christ alone - and through
faith alone. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that salvation is
by grace alone in Christ - but (and this is a big but) it is appropriated
through faith and works. This is also a major difference.
Much more could be said...but for now these
are some of the points on which Protestants and Catholics agree and
disagree.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information on this
controversial topic, we recommend the book, Roman Catholics and Protestants:
Agreements and Differences (Baker) by Norman Geisler and Ralph MacKenzie
(B196/$25). This resource is available through CRI. For shipping and
handling information, please refer to our Resource Listing. To place
a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free
copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (714) 858-6111 or write us with
your request at P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000.
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