Differences Between Catholicism and Protestantism

This video discusses the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, including theological beliefs, religious practices, and the role of Mary and the Pope.

The Role of Mary

• Catholics believe that Mary is not only the mother of Jesus but also the mother of every Christian who ever lived. They take this literally from one of Jesus' last words on the cross.

• Catholics believe that Mary is the new Eve and new Ark of the New Covenant based on Revelation 12. Protestants deny this claim.

• Protestants see Mary as a good woman who was sinful like everyone else.

Different Bibles

• Catholic Bibles have 72 or 73 books while Protestant Bibles have only 66 books.

• Books missing in Protestant Bibles include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus (also called Sirach), Baruch, First and Second Maccabees. There are also extended texts in Daniel and Esther.

Structure of Christianity

• For Catholicism, Jesus Christ is at the top as king but has delegated his authority to Peter (Saint Peter). Catholics identify successors of Peter throughout time as popes.

• Protestants see the church more as a democracy where clergy or pastors are authorized teachers rather than actual leaders with divine binding authority over laity.

The Pope

• In Catholicism, the pope is important because he is seen as having divine authority over all Christians. He is considered infallible when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith or morals.

• Protestants reject papal authority and do not recognize any human being as having divine authority over others.

Other Differences

• Catholics practice confession to priests while Protestants confess directly to God.

• Catholics believe in purgatory while Protestants do not.

• Catholics use statues and images of saints while Protestants do not.

• Catholics have a hierarchical structure with bishops, archbishops, and cardinals while Protestants do not.

Catholic vs Protestant Beliefs

This video discusses the differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs.

Jesus' Role in the Church

• Catholics believe that Jesus gave Peter a name that signified God, making him a representative of God on Earth.

• Protestants reject this idea and believe that no one is infallible on Earth.

• The Bible itself comes from the action of a pope, Pope Damasus in the year 382.

Holy Eucharist

• Catholics believe in transubstantiation, which means that when the priest says "this is my body" and "this is my blood," the bread and wine actually transform into the essence of Jesus's body and blood.

• Catholics also believe that the Eucharist is the holy sacrifice of the mass, where Jesus's sacrifice on the cross is made present in our time.

• Protestants view communion as just a memorial or symbol of Jesus's body and blood.

Saints

• Catholics can invoke people in heaven to pray for them. They believe they have a connection with anyone who is in heaven through the Holy Spirit.

• Protestants only pray to or through Jesus and do not talk to anyone who is a saint.

Authority

• Protestants follow Martin Luther's belief of Sola Scriptura, meaning they go by scripture alone. They reject any authority outside of scripture.

• Catholics believe in both scripture and tradition. They see tradition as an important part of their faith.

Salvation

• Catholics believe salvation involves faith, good works, and the sacraments.

• Protestants believe salvation is by faith alone.

Conclusion

• Catholics and Protestants have significant differences in their beliefs, but they both share a love for Jesus Christ.

Catholicism vs Protestantism

This section discusses the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, including their beliefs about the Bible, traditions, sacraments, salvation, and life after death.

Beliefs about the Bible

• Catholics follow the Bible and traditions that have been passed down over time.

• Protestants believe in sola scriptura or "Scripture alone," meaning they only follow what is explicitly stated in the Bible.

Traditions

• Catholics accept traditions such as making the sign of the cross, electing a pope, liturgy, and sacraments.

• Protestants do not accept these traditions.

Sacraments

• Catholics believe in seven sacraments instituted by Christ that confer interior grace. These include baptism, confirmation, Holy Eucharist (Communion), Penance (confession), anointing of the sick (Extreme Unction), holy orders (ordination of men to deacon or priest), and matrimony.

• Protestants believe in only two sacraments - baptism and Holy Communion.

Salvation

• Protestants believe in justification by faith alone. They believe that belief in Jesus instantly justifies a person and leads to salvation. Some Protestants believe that salvation cannot be lost while others believe it can be lost.

• Catholics believe in justification by faith and works. They see salvation as a process unfolding through good works done with faith. They also point out that James says we are not justified by faith alone but by faith and works.

Life After Death

• Protestants see life after death as binary - either heaven or hell.

• Catholics believe in heaven, hell, purgatory, and limbo. Protestants reject these beliefs.

Overall, Catholicism and Protestantism differ in their beliefs about the Bible, traditions, sacraments, salvation, and life after death.

Understanding Limbo and the Differences Between Catholics and Protestants

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of limbo in Catholicism and how it relates to the afterlife. The differences between Catholicism and Protestantism regarding life after death are also explored.

Limbo in Catholicism

• Catholics believe that limbo is a place where good and righteous people who believed in God before Jesus died on the cross went.

• This place was called Abraham's bosom or Paradise, but it wasn't heaven until Jesus died on the cross.

• Limbo is also used for babies or young people who were not baptized or did not believe in God.

• Those in limbo are neither punished nor rewarded; they are simply excluded from heaven.

Differences Between Catholics and Protestants

• Catholics have a dynamic understanding of life after death with different terrain, geography, and departments.

• Protestants have a clean understanding of heaven and hell as two distinct places.

• There are ten differences between Catholics and Protestants regarding their beliefs about life after death.