Catholic vs. Protestant – why is there so much animosity?

Answer

This is a straightforward question with a complex answer because there are various levels of animosity between different religious groups. The conflict between Catholics and Protestants has deep historical roots. Reactions have varied from amicable disagreements, as seen in the numerous ecumenical dialogues between the two groups, to the severe persecution and killing of Protestants by the hands of Rome. Protestant teachings from the Reformation that label the Pope as the Beast of Revelation and/or Roman Catholicism as Mystery Babylon are still prevalent. It is evident that those holding such views are unlikely to reconcile with Rome anytime soon.

Primarily today, animosity arises from basic human nature when faced with fundamental disagreements on eternal truths. Emotions are bound to flare up when discussing significant aspects of life, with one’s faith being at the forefront. Many Protestants believe that Roman Catholics preach a salvation based on works, which they consider insufficient. Conversely, Roman Catholics believe that Protestants promote an easy-beliefism that only requires an emotional response triggered by manipulative preaching. Protestants criticize Catholics for venerating Mary, while Catholics perceive Protestants as lacking the understanding to grasp the distinctions Rome has established in this matter. Overcoming these stereotypes can be challenging.

Beneath the specific disputes regarding faith and works, the sacraments, the canon of Scripture, the role of the priesthood, prayers to saints, and all matters concerning Mary and the Pope, lies the central divide between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism: the question of authority. How one addresses the issue of authority typically shapes all other discussions. When it comes to resolving a theological matter related to defined Catholic dogma, there is often little room for debate from the Catholic perspective because onceRome asserts, it is settled. This poses an issue when engaging in a debate with a Roman Catholic – reason and Scripture do not serve as the Catholic’s ultimate authority; they can always fall back on the “safe zone” of Roman Catholic authority.

Therefore, many disputes between a Protestant and a Catholic will center around one’s “personal interpretation” of Scripture versus the “official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.” Catholics argue that they effectively sidestep the valid concerns of personal interpretation by relying on their tradition. However, this simply defers the question. The reality is that both Roman Catholics and Protestants must ultimately depend on their reasoning abilities (to select their authority) and their interpretive skills (to comprehend what that authority teaches) to determine their beliefs. Protestants are just more willing to acknowledge this fact.

Both parties can also exhibit strong loyalty to their family’s faith or the church in which they were raised without much consideration for doctrinal debates. Clearly, there are numerous potential causes for the rift between Catholicism and Protestantism, and while we should not separate over secondary matters, both sides concur that division is necessary when it concerns primary matters. In the context of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, the disparities are too significant to overlook. Nevertheless, this does not permit caricatures or uninformed judgments – both sides must be truthful in their evaluations and strive not to exceed what God has disclosed.