BUDOS said:
Ok, not going to argue the point as y'all are intellectually well over my head. I am a simple, basic guy so I was wondering how, in this situation, one would define the difference between a Christian who is a Protestant and a Christian who is a Catholic.
I understand if this question is not worth your time. Although I have some peripheral issues with certain aspects of Catholicism, I do believe I shall see some in heaven.
Hello again BUDOS, and again an excellent question.
I would start with your last statement, regarding what kind of people you will see in Heaven. The Bible makes plain that God said "
I will have mercy on whom I will have Mercy", which some misunderstand but it certainly reminds us that God is Sovereign, and a disagreement on details should never lead someone to presume someone else's fate.
Speaking for myself, I have met a great many people whom I feel have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and God shall not leave behind even one of those who love Him. As someone who has received a great deal of Grace from the Lord, I hope I will not be someone who is a stumbling block for another.
As you have read through this thread, BUDOS, you have seen how strong some opinions are, and also how strong some assumptions are. More than one here who claims to have a heart of good will and an open mind, has made statements asserting a superior quality for his beliefs over a different group, and always we see the word Doctrine stated or implied, to such a degree that some imply error on some point can cost someone their eternal home in Heaven.
To your first question, then, I believe that Roman Catholics are like people of other Christian denominations; they agree intellectually with the tenets taught and are emotionally comfortable with the culture of the church they attend. In this way the Roman Catholics are very similar to Protestants. The difference is in the Doctrines of the different groups. There is a rough agreement among Protestants that Scripture is the primary foundation for a sound church doctrine, while the Roman Catholics also place a lot of weight on Tradition, which is to say that Roman Catholic teachings have near-Scripture authority.
It's an understatement that there is sharp disagreement on the value of Tradition. No one claims it has no value, and not even all Roman Catholics consider Tradition the equal of Christ's words.
Complicating the matter are some odd behaviors among different groups. Protestants generally do not regard their more extreme groups, like those who refuse to use doctors in the belief that would reflect not trusting God, while Roman Catholics have embraced and protected the actions of some extreme groups like Opus Dei within their fold.
Again speaking for myself, I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know people from a great many belief groups, such as Buddhists in China, Mormons in Houston, and of course many from more pedestrian denominations like the Roman Catholics or Episcopalians. I was raised Baptist but also attended United Methodist churches when I was young. I have sadly known too many hypocrites, and there is no group without some. But I have found people with a healthy spiritual relationship with God in many places, and one thing they seem to have in common is the ability to have confident joy in the Lord without getting angry when they hear or read someone else with a different opinion.
It's always been useful for me to read the arguments on doctrine from leading thinkers who can express their case with logic and respect for other opinions. A good example to me is the exchange between C.S. Lewis (Protestant) and G.K. Chesterton (Roman Catholic), two brilliant men who were also good friends. Their debates are well worth considering.
For all the words, I hope this post is helpful.
Thank you for your attention.
