Similarities and Differences of Catholics and Protestants
Since the Protestant Reformation in the 1600s, Catholics and Protestants have been at odds about fundamental issues that define their beliefs. At first glance, many aesthetic differences are immediately obvious: a traditional Catholic Mass, for example, is much more solemn and symbolic than most Protestant services. Although both Catholics and Protestants accept that Jesus Christ is God, they are nonetheless still separated by a vast distance in terms of basic doctrines regarding Scripture, salvation, authority, and morality.
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The Role of Scripture and Tradition
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Both Catholics and Protestants accept the four Gospels (the Biblical books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) as valid. Additionally, both religions accept the Old and New Testaments and most of the books contained in each. Many Protestants, however, do not accept the Apocrypha.
More significant than choice of books, however, is each religion's fundamental stance regarding Scripture's role in salvation. Protestants adopt the "Sola Scriptura" approach, which means that Scripture is the only means necessary for salvation from eternal death. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that Scripture, although it contains the fullness of truth, is on equal grounds with the Tradition of the Church, which began with Christ and continues into today. Therefore, Catholics believe in many doctrines that are not explicitly stated in Scripture, but which they believe are nonetheless inspired by the Holy Spirit, who continues to work in the Church even today.
Salvation
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The term 'salvation' refers to the saving of the soul from eternal death or punishment. Both Protestants and Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. However, while Protestants believe that this salvation can be attained purely by an individual's faith in God, Catholics believe that an individual's faith must be combined with good works here on Earth in order to inherit heaven.
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Authority
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Authority within the church marks a significant difference between Catholics and Protestants. Protestants believe that Scripture is the only authority given by Christ. Catholics also believe that authority is given only by Christ, but differ as to how far that authority extends. Catholics believe in the authority of Scripture as well as the authority of the Pope, who is considered to be the "Vichar of Christ" on earth. In other words, Christ's mission continues to be carried out today both through Scripture and through the teaching and authority of the Pope, who is elected by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Moral Issues
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Morality marks another difference between Catholics and Protestants. Both religions believe that morality is dictated by the Holy Spirit. However, interpretations of this belief vary. For example, Catholics are much more accepting of certain issues such as evolution and homosexuality than Protestants. However, it is difficult to generalize about Protestant morality, since there are many different congregations and interpretations. Catholics, however, can appeal to the authority of the Pope regarding most moral issues.
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References
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Comments
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And no, I'm not going to "Like" this article, because it is highly prejudicial and biased against Catholicism by implying that the Protestants are doing it right, and the Church that Christ established is wrong. Protestantism was created by men to promote their own particular variety of theology. Think now? Then why are there 38,000+ Protestant denominations, including the so-called "non-denominational" denominations. Christ wanted a unified Church. 38,000+ denominations, many which hold conflicting theologies, is not unity.
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It is easy to see that a Protestant wrote this article. For one thing, they referred to the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible that Protestants stripped from it as "Apocrypha". That is an incorrect term for those books because they are inspired and were accepted by most Jews as such, and were included in the Septuagint. Protestants removed them because they prove theology they object to. Concerning Salvation, Jesus always required some action for salvation, and James is clear in teaching that Faith without works is dead. Faith alone does not save. You must believe, be baptized, and obey the Commandments. Those are works, people. Regarding Authority, anyone who reads the New Testament can (or should) clearly see that Jesus gave His authority to the Apostles, the hierarchy of His Church, and to Peter, specifically in Matthew 16:18-19 and John 21:15-19, Jesus conferred the title of Chief Shepherd and Leader of the Church.
