10 Differences Between Catholic and Protestant Christians

Introduction

• Video requested by viewers.
• Focus on differences in doctrines.

1. The Split

• Origin of Catholicism: Began with Jesus Christ's teachings in the 1st century CE.
• Catholic view: Continuation of the early Christian community.
• Reformation began in 1517 with Martin Luther's protests against the Catholic Church.
• Followers of Luther became known as "Protestants."
• Protestant ideas were seen as more aligned with the Bible.

2. The Pope

• Catholic View:
  • Pope is the Vicar of Christ, infallible representative, and head of the global Catholic Church.
• Protestant View:
  • No belief in human infallibility; only Jesus is the head of the Church.

3. The Eucharist

• Catholic View:
  • Eucharist is central to worship; doctrine of transubstantiation (bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ).
• Protestant View:
  • Known as Lord’s Supper or Communion; seen as a commemoration of Jesus’s death.
  • Some hold to consubstantiation, where body and blood coexist with bread and wine but remain separate.

4. Praying to Saints

• Catholic View:
  • Intercessory prayer to saints who are considered holy; can pray through them.
• Protestant View:
  • Direct access to God without intermediaries; no veneration of saints.

5. Authority of the Church

• Catholic View:
  • Claims to be God's continuing voice; tradition and Scripture hold equal authority.
  • Quote: "It is not from Sacred Scripture alone..."
• Protestant View:
  • Individuals interpret the Bible; less emphasis on traditions beyond Scripture.

6. Sacraments

• Catholic View:
  • Seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.
• Protestant View:
  • Typically two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist (Lord’s Supper).

7. Salvation

• Protestant View:
  • Salvation through faith in Jesus; declared righteous immediately upon faith.
• Catholic View:
  • Salvation is a process dependent on grace received through church traditions.

8. Priesthood

• Protestant View:
  • Horizontal priesthood; everyone is considered a priest (1 Peter 2:9).
• Catholic View:
  • Ordained priests with authority to forgive and administer sacraments.

9. Tradition

• Catholic View:
  • Tradition holds equal authority with Scripture.
  • Quote from the Catholic Catechism regarding tradition and Scripture.
• Protestant View:
  • Scripture alone is authoritative; no other traditions.

10. View of Mary

• Catholic View:
  • Mary is the mother of Jesus and the Church; believed to be conceived without original sin (Immaculate Conception) and assumed into heaven.
  • Continues to intercede for the Church.
• Protestant View:
  • Mary is honored only as Jesus's earthly mother; believed to have sinned and awaits resurrection.

Conclusion

• Recap of differences explored.
• Encouragement for viewers to ask questions or suggest further topics.
• Invitation to follow on social media for more content.