We call it the “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion.” They call it the “Eucharist.” We are non-denominational. They have a Pope and a complicated hierarchical structure. We pass the bread and juice among ourselves. They only let the priest give it to you. They have confessionals. We don’t. They have sacraments. Most of us don’t know what that means. We pray only to the triune God. They pray to Mary and saints too. We are called “Protestants.” They are called “Catholics.” Some of “we” are also some of “them,” or used to be. You might wonder what the differences are and if it is right to have a “we” and a “they.” The questions have answers.
During the Protestant Reformation a formal and passionate break happened within the Christian church. The result was Catholicism and Protestantism, two branches that held similar beliefs on some things and different beliefs on others. Many people are launched into one of those branches without any choice and without any explanation. It is the church their family goes to, and it has always been that way. But often questions come and they need answers. We all need to understand our faith and how the beliefs of others are different.
This mini-lecture doesn’t pit Catholicism with Christianity, as the title might imply. It looks into what the Catholic Catechism teaches and compares it to what the Bible teaches, finding agreement and disagreement. It does discuss what it takes to be a Christian and asks if Protestants and Catholics believe that. If you are interested, you can listen and take notes. If you have questions or observations, please dialogue in the comment section below. Exploring with vigorous dialogue can produce learning and increase our faith in Christ.
Good presentation, Rodney, with the primary sources and a great explanation of the difference between primary sources and secondary sources!!
Posted by: Dean W. Parker | March 28, 2011 at 06:52 AM