Since 1517, Protestants have been Christians who are not Catholic nor Orthodox. They split from Roman Catholicism because of corruption in that church. Protestants are very diverse in beliefs, but they tend to believe that the Bible is the ultimate source of authority in matters of Christianity, not a pope or "Holy Tradition" as in Catholicism. Since Protestant is an umbrella term, one cannot discuss the specific beliefs of Protestants in depth.
Why do Protestants reject Catholic authority? I apologize if this offends you, but here's why. The Catholic Church asserts that the Bible is just as much a source of doctrine as "Holy Tradition," but the Bible makes the statement, (Colossians 2:8) "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Jesus once said, (Matthew 15:3) "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" to the Pharisees, because they elevated their traditions to the status of God's revealed Truth.
Catholics claim the pope is able to make infallible statements, but this obviously isn't true. It stands to reason that two infallible statements can never contradict each other, yes? In 1302, Pope Bonafice VIII, in his Bull Unam Sanctam, said, ""We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff." This infallible statement would have it that to be saved, all people must be Catholic. Remember, it's supposed to be INFALLIBLE. In the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which is supposed to be "infallible" in Catholicism, in the document Lumen Gentium, article 16, it is written, "But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.” This is an obvious contradiction! Therefore, neither the pope nor ecumenical councils are infallible.
Catholics frequently break God's commandments. For instance, Jesus said, (Matthew 23:9) "Do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." Yet Catholics call the bishop of Rome "Pope," from the Latin word for "father." Catholics often refer to their priests as "Father."
Catholics claim that Jesus said He would build His Church on Simon Peter, whom they say was the first pope. Yet, the original Greek reveals that He said no such thing. Jesus said, "And I tell you that you are Petros, and on this Petra I will build my church." Jesus used two different words. Petros means "a little rock," and Petra means "rock." Jesus was referring to Himself with Petra, as this is the word used to signify Jesus in the symbolism of a Stone (cf. ). Jesus calls Peter a "little rock" because He is, as a believer, a building-block in the Temple of God (cf. 1 Pet. 2:5, Rev. 3:12), but not the foundation. Otherwise, Jesus would have named Simon "Petra," not "Petros." Peter himself identified that "rock" as Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:4-9. And when Jesus gave the "keys" to Peter, Jesus said the same thing to all the other apostles in Matthew 18:18.
Peter himself said that one of the qualifications for someone to be an apostle is being "with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us." None of Peter's successors were even alive in Jesus' first coming, and so they do not qualify as apostles with apostolic authority according to Peter himself! This is another reason why the pope does not have the authority he professes.
Furthermore, both the Catholic and Orthodox churches claim to use traditions to define doctrine. Why should a Protestant follow Catholic traditions instead of Orthodox traditions? Not to mention that there are many traditions, some of which conflict with each other. For instance, Church Father Tertullian believed in traducianism - if that's a tradition, why don't Catholics believe it, too?
For these reasons and more, Protestants reject the pope's authority and rely solely on the Bible, for it alone is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 3:15)
Why do Protestants reject Catholic authority? I apologize if this offends you, but here's why. The Catholic Church asserts that the Bible is just as much a source of doctrine as "Holy Tradition," but the Bible makes the statement, (Colossians 2:8) "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Jesus once said, (Matthew 15:3) "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" to the Pharisees, because they elevated their traditions to the status of God's revealed Truth.
Catholics claim the pope is able to make infallible statements, but this obviously isn't true. It stands to reason that two infallible statements can never contradict each other, yes? In 1302, Pope Bonafice VIII, in his Bull Unam Sanctam, said, ""We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff." This infallible statement would have it that to be saved, all people must be Catholic. Remember, it's supposed to be INFALLIBLE. In the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which is supposed to be "infallible" in Catholicism, in the document Lumen Gentium, article 16, it is written, "But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.” This is an obvious contradiction! Therefore, neither the pope nor ecumenical councils are infallible.
Catholics frequently break God's commandments. For instance, Jesus said, (Matthew 23:9) "Do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." Yet Catholics call the bishop of Rome "Pope," from the Latin word for "father." Catholics often refer to their priests as "Father."
Catholics claim that Jesus said He would build His Church on Simon Peter, whom they say was the first pope. Yet, the original Greek reveals that He said no such thing. Jesus said, "And I tell you that you are Petros, and on this Petra I will build my church." Jesus used two different words. Petros means "a little rock," and Petra means "rock." Jesus was referring to Himself with Petra, as this is the word used to signify Jesus in the symbolism of a Stone (cf. ). Jesus calls Peter a "little rock" because He is, as a believer, a building-block in the Temple of God (cf. 1 Pet. 2:5, Rev. 3:12), but not the foundation. Otherwise, Jesus would have named Simon "Petra," not "Petros." Peter himself identified that "rock" as Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:4-9. And when Jesus gave the "keys" to Peter, Jesus said the same thing to all the other apostles in Matthew 18:18.
Peter himself said that one of the qualifications for someone to be an apostle is being "with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us." None of Peter's successors were even alive in Jesus' first coming, and so they do not qualify as apostles with apostolic authority according to Peter himself! This is another reason why the pope does not have the authority he professes.
Furthermore, both the Catholic and Orthodox churches claim to use traditions to define doctrine. Why should a Protestant follow Catholic traditions instead of Orthodox traditions? Not to mention that there are many traditions, some of which conflict with each other. For instance, Church Father Tertullian believed in traducianism - if that's a tradition, why don't Catholics believe it, too?
For these reasons and more, Protestants reject the pope's authority and rely solely on the Bible, for it alone is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 3:15)
Anglicans, Baptists, Episcopalianss, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentecostalists, and Presbyterians are all Protestant denominations of Christianity.
by Brian an t-Albannach June 1, 2006
by A crazy JAP August 29, 2020
A branch of the Christian faith that was formed during the reformation led by Martin Luther. Protestants reject the beliefs of Catholics and delete parts of the bible all willy nilly and deemed the texts proving Catholicism "Apocryphal", thus the King James Version Bible was born. They believe that having Priests, Monsignors, Bishops Archbishops, Cardinals, the Pope, and all the Saints is Idolatry, believing Catholics worship them, when, in fact, Catholics believe even after death, their soul is still alive even though their physical body is deceased. Catholics do not worship them, but pray to them asking them to pray for them, just like asking a friend to pray for you, but the only way to communicate with someone in heaven is through prayer.
They are also the branch of the Christian faith that does not drink as much, eat as much, or party as much as Catholics
A popular form of Protestantism is the Baptist faith. Baptist claim they are the first religion started by John the Baptist, but if you actually read the WHOLE bible, John wasn't a practitioner of the Baptist religion, but one who Baptized other people.
Protestants also believe that if you are not an exact copy of them then you are impure, and are going to burn in hell for committing Heresy.
Some radical protestants reject the belief in Christmas, Easter, and Halloween due to "Satanic Rituals." Some also believe that every little fault in a person is a demon that has to be exorcized. Pope John Paul II only performed 2 exorcisms in his whole life.
Protestants believe that Mary, mother of God was not a virgin, nor the mother of God. Catholics do not believe that she actually gave birth to an Omnipotently infinite deity, but she did give birth to Jesus, who is one third of God, the other two being the Father and the Holy Spirit. Catholics believe Mary was immaculate and pure her whole life, and there is a section in the bible when she ascends to heaven and is crowned Queen of the Universe. They also believe that when catholics perform the Rite of Communion they are worshipping Wine and Bread as holy. Catholics believe that God blessed the Bread and Wine and made it the body and blood of Christ.
They are also the branch of the Christian faith that does not drink as much, eat as much, or party as much as Catholics
A popular form of Protestantism is the Baptist faith. Baptist claim they are the first religion started by John the Baptist, but if you actually read the WHOLE bible, John wasn't a practitioner of the Baptist religion, but one who Baptized other people.
Protestants also believe that if you are not an exact copy of them then you are impure, and are going to burn in hell for committing Heresy.
Some radical protestants reject the belief in Christmas, Easter, and Halloween due to "Satanic Rituals." Some also believe that every little fault in a person is a demon that has to be exorcized. Pope John Paul II only performed 2 exorcisms in his whole life.
Protestants believe that Mary, mother of God was not a virgin, nor the mother of God. Catholics do not believe that she actually gave birth to an Omnipotently infinite deity, but she did give birth to Jesus, who is one third of God, the other two being the Father and the Holy Spirit. Catholics believe Mary was immaculate and pure her whole life, and there is a section in the bible when she ascends to heaven and is crowned Queen of the Universe. They also believe that when catholics perform the Rite of Communion they are worshipping Wine and Bread as holy. Catholics believe that God blessed the Bread and Wine and made it the body and blood of Christ.
Greg the Baptist: "What religion are you?"
Jeremy the Catholic: "Catholic"
Greg:"Oh you're not Christian, you're going to hell, I'm protestant, god likes me more."
Jeremy: "Why."
Greg:"-----I---I think its-----hmmph. I don't know, but my pastor said so."
Jeremy the Catholic: "Catholic"
Greg:"Oh you're not Christian, you're going to hell, I'm protestant, god likes me more."
Jeremy: "Why."
Greg:"-----I---I think its-----hmmph. I don't know, but my pastor said so."
by Ender "Andrew" Wiggin July 11, 2008
One who is a member of the collective churches of Christian Protestantism. He/she rejects the man-made authority, power and abuses of the Roman Catholic Church and its "infallible" papacy. As Christians in the universal Church, no one is taught to hate Catholics (or anyone else). Many Protestants are taught that judgment is God's domain and may not be passed onto others. On the other hand, Catholicism teaches that non-Catholic Christians do not belong to "the One True Church--- the Holy Roman Catholic Church". Furthermore, they teach that salvation may be obtained but non-Catholics will not go to Heaven (or Purgatory) but a place known as "Limbo".
Protestantism does NOT include Pentecostals, Evangelicals, Mormons and Baptists or any other Christian group under the umbrella of Fundamentalism. These are the ones most associated with being judgmental, ultra-conservative and interpreting the Bible literally.
The mainline authentic Protestants belong to Lutheran, Episcopalian (Anglican), Methodist, Congregationalist (United Church, UCC), Presbyterian (Calvinist, Reformed), Moravian, Quaker (Friends) and Unitarian churches. Often in these distinctly and historically Protestant denominations, one will find educated, affluent and politically liberal to moderate members.
Gay people are welcome in the majority of these churches. Within Protestantism, there are same-sex blessings, holy unions and, in some cases, same-sex marriages offered to them. Many minorities are (or become) members of these churches after having been disenfranchised or disillusioned by Catholic, Baptist and Evangelical churches. Additionally, women may be ordained in the priesthood/ministry in many branches of Protestantism. One significant distinction between Catholics and Protestants is that Protestants may use birth control. Catholics may not, according to their Church. In addition, Protestants are not required to confess to clergy because Protestant Christianity teaches them to be guided by conscience and faith in order to make their own peace with God and receive forgiveness directly through prayer. These are just some of the allowances permitted in Protestantism that are either forbidden or discouraged in Roman Catholicism (as dictated by the Vatican/Holy See).
The media in North America, which is 65-75% Jewish-owned, often portray Protestants and/or Protestantism as an oppressive, stoic power structure in Western culture. Protestants, particularly in the USA and Canada, are often negatively referred to as WASPs, even if one has no Anglo-Saxon heritage whatsoever. The media tend to avoid or conveniently overlook accurate historical accounts of Protestants being branded heretics, burned at the stake, exiled, tortured, persecuted, plotted against and murdered by members of the Roman Catholic Church and its hierarchy.
Protestantism does NOT include Pentecostals, Evangelicals, Mormons and Baptists or any other Christian group under the umbrella of Fundamentalism. These are the ones most associated with being judgmental, ultra-conservative and interpreting the Bible literally.
The mainline authentic Protestants belong to Lutheran, Episcopalian (Anglican), Methodist, Congregationalist (United Church, UCC), Presbyterian (Calvinist, Reformed), Moravian, Quaker (Friends) and Unitarian churches. Often in these distinctly and historically Protestant denominations, one will find educated, affluent and politically liberal to moderate members.
Gay people are welcome in the majority of these churches. Within Protestantism, there are same-sex blessings, holy unions and, in some cases, same-sex marriages offered to them. Many minorities are (or become) members of these churches after having been disenfranchised or disillusioned by Catholic, Baptist and Evangelical churches. Additionally, women may be ordained in the priesthood/ministry in many branches of Protestantism. One significant distinction between Catholics and Protestants is that Protestants may use birth control. Catholics may not, according to their Church. In addition, Protestants are not required to confess to clergy because Protestant Christianity teaches them to be guided by conscience and faith in order to make their own peace with God and receive forgiveness directly through prayer. These are just some of the allowances permitted in Protestantism that are either forbidden or discouraged in Roman Catholicism (as dictated by the Vatican/Holy See).
The media in North America, which is 65-75% Jewish-owned, often portray Protestants and/or Protestantism as an oppressive, stoic power structure in Western culture. Protestants, particularly in the USA and Canada, are often negatively referred to as WASPs, even if one has no Anglo-Saxon heritage whatsoever. The media tend to avoid or conveniently overlook accurate historical accounts of Protestants being branded heretics, burned at the stake, exiled, tortured, persecuted, plotted against and murdered by members of the Roman Catholic Church and its hierarchy.
"As Protestant Christians, let us give thanks to the Lord for Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley and the many countless heroes and heroines who stood up to a corrupt church power structure. Let us remember those who died or risked their lives in order to make the Church a more pure (not perfect) vessel of the Christian faith. Amen"
by vanderblick March 1, 2008
1. Christians who, in the classical sense of the word, reject the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and who believe that tradition, experience and reason should have equal roles in applying God's Word to their lives.
2. A class of people who, up until recently, were in charge of things in the United States. I often greedily wish this was the case still so I could get a leg up in this world.
2. A class of people who, up until recently, were in charge of things in the United States. I often greedily wish this was the case still so I could get a leg up in this world.
1. Jan Hus was a protestant before there were Protestants.
2. Ah for the days of old when all you needed was to be a white anglo-saxon protestant male and the world could be your oyster.
2. Ah for the days of old when all you needed was to be a white anglo-saxon protestant male and the world could be your oyster.
by arrow_keys July 18, 2005
Someone who doesn't follow the Popes rulings, and wishes to understand processions, instead of hearing them in latin!
They also stand up for themselves, who wants to be ruled by ROME?
They also stand up for themselves, who wants to be ruled by ROME?
by ? April 7, 2004
a Christian religion.
Many people think that protestants are horrible people but as one myself (which i was born into) i no that they are not bad people.
The Roman Catholic & Protestant faith are practically the same thing except protestants don't believe that The Virgin Mary is more important than our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Protestant faith started because Martin Luther wasn't happy that Roman Catholics were paying the pope to forgive their sins. I strongly agree with this as the only way for you sins to be forgiven is by a prayer to our Lord.
Also, i come from Northern Ireland were religion is a big issue with many people who funnily enough aren't actually Christians but just like to slag others for not having the same belief. Stupid eh?
So please don't write cruel and horrible things because of the slight difference in religion. Both Prostestants and Roman Catholics believe in God, Christ and the Holy Bible. What more can i say?
Many people think that protestants are horrible people but as one myself (which i was born into) i no that they are not bad people.
The Roman Catholic & Protestant faith are practically the same thing except protestants don't believe that The Virgin Mary is more important than our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Protestant faith started because Martin Luther wasn't happy that Roman Catholics were paying the pope to forgive their sins. I strongly agree with this as the only way for you sins to be forgiven is by a prayer to our Lord.
Also, i come from Northern Ireland were religion is a big issue with many people who funnily enough aren't actually Christians but just like to slag others for not having the same belief. Stupid eh?
So please don't write cruel and horrible things because of the slight difference in religion. Both Prostestants and Roman Catholics believe in God, Christ and the Holy Bible. What more can i say?
by LGorman123 November 8, 2007