I've noticed that a lot of Catholics are clueless about Protestantism... why is this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to all girls catholic school with nuns. Regarding "go-betweens ": isn't this also the purpose of praying to saints? And Mary? I understood Protestantism rejected that.

I'm not exactly sure what the PP means by the term "go-between," but the purpose of asking Mary or the saints to pray for you is the same as asking the person in the pew next to you to pray for you.

As Christians, we believe that asking others to "storm heaven" with prayers on behalf of a particular petition will have the effect, we hope, of convincing God to help those we pray for. It doesn't matter whether the friends and relatives we ask to pray for us are here on earth with us or already in heaven, we feel the more prayers, the better.

When we ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, to pray for us, we say, "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." In the same way that we ask those close to us to pray for us. I know that both my mother and my mother in law prayed for me and my family every day when they were alive, and I am just as sure that they pray for us in heaven, and I regularly ask them to pray for us and their ggrandchildren.

Google "intercession of Saints" -- big difference between Catholicism and most Protestant churches. Catholicism tends to have more intermediates (saints, priests) than Protestant churches.

Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints, in simple terms, meaning that we are all the children of God, as one community, whether here on earth or in heaven. Many Protestant churches believe in the same concept: I was at a funeral at an Episcopal church recently and the minister mentioned the concept during the service. He stated that the deceased was now with those who had gone before and would be able to pray for us in heaven.

You can ask your friend across the street to pray for you and you can also ask your friend who has already died to pray for you. You can also ask people who have died a long time ago who lived particularly admirable lives to pray for you. We are all part of the Communion of the saints and we can all pray for each other.

There is a meaningful difference between the communion of saints and the intercession of saints. Probably the proverbial "angels dancing on the heads of pins" for most non-Christians, but the belief in the possible intercession of saints is a significant difference between Catholicism (and Orthodox) and most Protestant faiths.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Protestants know about Catholicism because it's part of our history. Catholics don't need to learn about Protestant beliefs in order to learn about their own. Whereas Catholic beliefs are a critical part of explaining the Protestant movement and why Protestants believe as they do.

I also think it's the nature of the religions. Catholics have go-betweens. They don't need to know the ins and outs of their religion, because they have an actual personal authority they can go to. Protestants have a personal relationship with god, no go betweens. Sure, you can talk to your pastor, and he or she can give you guidance, but there's no absolution or anything. It's between you and god.

Ok, Catholic school from K to law school and I have no idea why you think I don't have a personal relationship with God. What the heck are you talking about? What's a go-between?

A priest.

And Protestant churches have ministers and pastors. Same thing.

No, they aren't. Catholic priests can forgive sins. Protestant pastors can't. That's between the person and god.

Also, a priest has the ability to consecrate the Eucharist (transubstantiation).

As do, e.g., Lutheran ministers. Consubstantiation.

Maybe you as a Catholic don't believe this, but Lutherans do. Nor do we believe that the Catholic Church has a monopoly on the Real Presence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to all girls catholic school with nuns. Regarding "go-betweens ": isn't this also the purpose of praying to saints? And Mary? I understood Protestantism rejected that.

I'm not exactly sure what the PP means by the term "go-between," but the purpose of asking Mary or the saints to pray for you is the same as asking the person in the pew next to you to pray for you.

As Christians, we believe that asking others to "storm heaven" with prayers on behalf of a particular petition will have the effect, we hope, of convincing God to help those we pray for. It doesn't matter whether the friends and relatives we ask to pray for us are here on earth with us or already in heaven, we feel the more prayers, the better.

When we ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, to pray for us, we say, "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." In the same way that we ask those close to us to pray for us. I know that both my mother and my mother in law prayed for me and my family every day when they were alive, and I am just as sure that they pray for us in heaven, and I regularly ask them to pray for us and their ggrandchildren.

Google "intercession of Saints" -- big difference between Catholicism and most Protestant churches. Catholicism tends to have more intermediates (saints, priests) than Protestant churches.

Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints, in simple terms, meaning that we are all the children of God, as one community, whether here on earth or in heaven. Many Protestant churches believe in the same concept: I was at a funeral at an Episcopal church recently and the minister mentioned the concept during the service. He stated that the deceased was now with those who had gone before and would be able to pray for us in heaven.

You can ask your friend across the street to pray for you and you can also ask your friend who has already died to pray for you. You can also ask people who have died a long time ago who lived particularly admirable lives to pray for you. We are all part of the Communion of the saints and we can all pray for each other.

There is a meaningful difference between the communion of saints and the intercession of saints. Probably the proverbial "angels dancing on the heads of pins" for most non-Christians, but the belief in the possible intercession of saints is a significant difference between Catholicism (and Orthodox) and most Protestant faiths.

So, are you saying that you don't think that most Protestants ever, when they are in prayer, ask their friends and relatives who have already died to pray for them? They don't believe that their friends and relatives in heaven are praying for them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

As a lifelong Catholic and therefore insider (which you are not), I can tell you that the majority of Catholics know and understand all of this.

The Catholics you "have talked to" are a non-representative sampling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

As a lifelong Catholic and therefore insider (which you are not), I can tell you that the majority of Catholics know and understand all of this.

The Catholics you "have talked to" are a non-representative sampling.

My experience also. In my Catholic school in the 70s, we spent a lot of time learning about the Jewish faith and traditions. It was emphasized that they were the Chosen People and that Jesus, the apostles and most of the early disciples were all Jewish.

We learned about the tribes of Israel and their history and it was always made very clear that Christianity was founded upon the basis of Judaism. I can't imagine a Catholic who goes to church regularly not knowing these things because they are mentioned in homilies at various times during the year when the topics come up in the three bible readings at each Mass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't get into theological discussions with my Protestant friends. If you were my friend you'd have no idea how much I know about your religion. If conversation veers into religion, ie. "How about that crazy pope Francis?" I'd laugh and steer conversation away. I am very conscious of prejudice from Protestants- "Mariology". If you open a conversation like that I will shut it down. Let's talk about the weather.

+1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

Then the Catholics you've talked to have received very limited catechesis. This happens more and more as people baptize their kids out of "tradition" then don't make any effort to give them any solid religious education. Sure they are "Catholic" but do not understand the fundamental elements of their faith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

Then the Catholics you've talked to have received very limited catechesis. This happens more and more as people baptize their kids out of "tradition" then don't make any effort to give them any solid religious education. Sure they are "Catholic" but do not understand the fundamental elements of their faith.

Maybe this is why a lot of priests won't baptize babies unless the parents are parish members who commit to raising their kids catholic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.usccb.org/bible/liturgy/index.cfm?refresh=1

You are very unfamiliar with Catholicism and clearly do not know much about it beyond stereotypes and falsehoods.

Are you familiar with the structure of the mass? The fact that is is common knowlege and covered in the Catholic church of the link between Palm Sunday and the Passover (I mean, seriously).

Are you familiar with the liturgical cycle? Of the amount of scripture read during daily and Sunday Mass and feast days?

I think that before you start slamming other faiths, it is best to become informed about the basics of that faith.

Anonymous wrote:

Protestant here, and I find Catholics ignorant of the life of Jesus. The sermons in our church focus a great deal on Jesus and the life and politics of the Jews. Often they don't even understand how Palm Sunday and Passover are related. Catholics services are all pomp and circumstance with little religious meat.

Agreed. The Passover meal is celebrated at every mass. The majority of Catholics definitely know this. And during Easter particularly Holy Thursday they celebrate with a sedar and washing of feet which were two jewish traditions.

Not the Catholics I've talked to. There's a huge disconnect even truly understanding that Jesus was Jewish!

The Catholics that you have spoken with are apparently idiots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't get into theological discussions with my Protestant friends. If you were my friend you'd have no idea how much I know about your religion. If conversation veers into religion, ie. "How about that crazy pope Francis?" I'd laugh and steer conversation away. I am very conscious of prejudice from Protestants- "Mariology". If you open a conversation like that I will shut it down. Let's talk about the weather.

+1.

This is spot on. The prejudice from Protestants is real. I experienced it in my family, both from my own Protestant grandparents (staunch Southern Baptists) and my in-laws (also Baptists).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've encountered quite a few Catholics who know absolutely nothing about being Protestant. They didn't have the first idea how it happened or what Protestants (in general) believed. I'm a Protestant, but I certainly know about Catholicism.

What's up with this?

What do you know about Catholicism, OP?

Well, I know about the pope and the Vatican, Mariology, the rosary, Catholics needing to go to confession, etc.

And what is this knowledge based on? Movies? Or, do you remember confirmation classes or something? (When we were going through confirmation we studied other religions).

You think you know but you my dear, I am sure, don't know.


A little knowledge is dangerous.

Perhaps we Catholics are more honest.


It's based on the religion classes I've had over time, and from Catholics I've known.

[Anonymous]

I think part of the challenge is that Catholicism is one thing. Different people may practice it differently, and different parishes and priests execute it differently, but the fundamental belief system is consistent worldwide. Condensed in many ways into the Apostolic Creed.

Protestantism isn't one religion. It's dozens of religions from Episcopal to Methodist to evangelical Baptist to Pentacostal sects. Each of these has their own approach to God, Jesus, and the Christian faith. Think National Cathedral and McLean Bible Church - big difference but both Protestant. When you say that as a Catholic I'm clueless about Protestantism, which part do you mean exactly? The why of the Reformation, or the particular doctrine of a given Protestant tradition? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

[Anonymous]

What about the orthodox? Have any you super educated heard about them?
The original church was persecuted up until the Roman emperor converted and then provided the church with priesthood and traditions from the Roman religion, which included Dec 25 as a gods birthday and a female goddess

The church was considered catholic as the word simply meant universal, but split in 1024 into eastern and western catholic, which became roman catholic and greek orthodox

I do not think there is such a thing as a first church anymore, the religion has evolved too much, and the catholics have to share that 'place' with the orthodox.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband grew up Catholic in New Jersey, and didn't even meet a Protestant until he was 12. Everyone in the town was Catholic or Jewish.

My mom, a Methodist, grew up outside of Pittsburgh in the 1950s and didn't go to school with any Catholics. Jewish kids, yes, but the Catholics all went to parochial schools. Very self-segregated within neighborhoods, too.