Originally Posted by
Darknes
Basically, all Christian religions have the same beliefs in Jesus and the trinity (there might be some wacko ones I don't know of, lol). All believe Jesus was the Son of God, died for our Sins, and was Resurrected.
As far as differences, they mainly lie in the rites and traditions rather than in beliefs. I'm Catholic, and don't know all the details of other Christian religions, but I can give you a list of things Catholics do/believe that other religions disagree with:
Catholics follow the pope, cardinals, bishops, and priests.
Priests lead a life of celibacy and are not allowed to marry.
Only men can be priests or bishops.
Catholics follow both the Bible and tradition (this is where many Christian religions are different)
We believe in the Sacraments - Communion, Reconciliation, etc.
Mortal sins must be confessed during Reconciliation in front of a priest.
We believe in praying to Mary and the other Saints in Heaven (we don't worship them, but ask for them to intercede and pray for us).
We believe that during Mass, the bread and wine become Jesus' body and blood (every Mass is a miracle).
We don't necessarily take the Bible literally as many fundamentalists do.
We believe in the infallibility of the Pope.
We also don't believe salvation comes from faith alone, but from faith AND acts of good will (this is probably the biggest difference).
We also believe in a difference between venial and mortal sins, which many Protestants do not.
We believe in Purgatory as a place everyone goes after death before Heaven.
As a former Catholic for most of my life, now turned Baptist, I've always had a hard time believing in the Catholic mentality. I respect your beliefs as a Catholic, but I had some issues, and still do, with my parents and extended family. Issues that made me leave Catholicism. (sp?)
1. Baptism as a child.
As a child, I had no choice in acceptance of the Holy Spirit. My parents had a priest pour some water over my head and I was "baptised." I did not accept the Holy Spirit as an infant. I was not fully immersed. Recently, I followed the example of Jesus, and was fully immersed, and I made a cognitive decision to accept the Holy Spirit into my life.
2. Sacraments.
Who made up the Catholic sacraments? Are they in the bible anywhere? Bapatism, Confirmation, Marriage, ....etc., etc.,. Why are the a must have? What gives priests, bishops, cardinals or the pope, whom are mortal men, the power of turning wine and bread into the body and blood of Christ? What gives them the authority (or business for that matter) to forgive me of my sins? My confession is to Jesus Christ, my savior. HE will forgive my of my sins. Not a mortal man.
3. Why are priests not allowed to be married?
They are men, and therefore, human. Humans with needs and simply put, desires. Allowing them to marry, might have prevented the inevitable.
4. Recited prayers.
These prayers are not from the heart. I was told what to pray, what to say, and when to say it. I was told went to sit, stand and kneel. A priest friend of mine called it "Catholic calistenics." (sp?)
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5. Catholics follow both the Bible and tradition.
Big issue here. Catholics follow more the tradition of their parents and grandparents, than the teachings of the Bible. How so...well I was Baptized as an infant, like my parents were, and had a confirmation as a teen, like my parents did, and their parents before them.
6.Catholics follow the pope, cardinals, bishops, and priests.
They do this without any question or hesitation. Their word, instead of the Bible, is what is expected of the followers.
I'm sorry if I've upset you. But again, I respect your and my families beliefs. I just do not like being told how or what to believe. Tradition may work for turkey dinners on Thanksgiving, and presents for birthdays, but when it comes to the salvation of my soul..........the Bible is my souls owner manual.
