Ascension Presents: Key Differences Between Catholic and Protestant Churches

By Fr. Mike Schmitz

Introduction

• Main Topic: Difference between the Catholic Church and Protestant denominations
• Key Focus: Authority

The Concept of Authority

• Authority Defined: The Church's ability to teach in Jesus' name through the power of the Holy Spirit
• Jesus Establishing the Church:
  • Matthew 16: Jesus calls Simon "Peter" and gives him the keys to the kingdom of heaven
  • Reference to Isaiah 22: King appoints a prime minister who has authority in the king's absence

Role of the Church

• Visible Structure & Hierarchy: Jesus ensures a structured church hierarchy
• Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 15): The issue of circumcision and baptism among Gentiles
  • Apostles come together to decide without Jesus' direct input
  • Final decision: Gentiles do not need to be circumcised before baptism

Sola Scriptura (Bible Alone)

• Challenge of Interpretation: The Bible does not cover all issues explicitly
• Authority to Teach: The structured Church has the ability to teach definitively
• Historical Decisions:
  • Docetism Heresy: Jesus fully God but not fully human – Church corrects this
  • Arian Heresy: Jesus partially God – Council of Nicaea (325 AD) corrects this

Unity in Doctrine

• Belief in the Trinity: Derived from Church Councils' interpretations (e.g., Council of Constantinople)
• Importance of Accurate Teaching: To prevent misunderstandings about God
• Role of Councils: Examples where Church unified teachings for clarity

Infallibility of the Church

• Analogy of God’s Approach: How God would preserve His teachings and ensure accurate transmission
• Infallible Book vs. Infallible Interpreter: A correct interpretation of Scripture requires an authoritative teaching body
• Example of Denominations: Over 30,000 Christian denominations due to differences in interpretation
  • Quote by G.K. Chesterton: Importance of a Church that corrects errors

Conclusion

• Key Difference: Authority is central to distinguishing the Catholic Church from Protestant denominations
• Final Blessing: Fr. Mike concludes with a blessing.