The Roman Catholic/Protestant Divide: Does it Matter?

When you hear or read about Christianity in the news or an analysis of Christianity around the world, the groups that are represented include Roman Catholicism, Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Church of the East, Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Jehovah Witnesses. What you quickly realize is not all that is identified as Christianity is true Christianity.

We can doctrinally remove the Latter Day Saints and Jehovah Witnesses from the Christian list since they do not believe in the Triune God or have the same Christ among other doctrinal errors. But what about the others like Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Coptic churches), Oriental Orthodox (Coptic, Ethiopian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, etc.), and Church of the East (Nestorian churches)? Are they truly in the tent of Christianity?

Remember, we are protestants because we protested certain beliefs and abusive practices (e.g., the selling of indulgences) that had corrupted the medieval church. Protestantism aimed to restore wholeness and truth by pointing people back to God and the true gospel (by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone).

I recently read a great article by Pastor Kevin DeYoung (8 Key Differences Between Catholics and Protestants) that I would recommend you read to better understand some of the key differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants. It is helpful to clarify the foundational issues that divide us, and learn how we can become better informed in helping those around us understand the true gospel and how a person is truly justified (declared right with God) by faith in Christ alone apart from any personal works.

Our foundational beliefs about Christ and His gospel and how it is received will have eternal ramifications. May the following article enlighten you.

8 Key Differences Between Catholics and Protestants

Pastor Jeff

Foundational Faith Statement #38: What is prayer? Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, for the glory of His name, with praise, thanksgiving, confession of sin, and requests (Ps. 62:8; John 14:13; 1 John 5:14; Phil. 4:6; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 145:19).