Protestant and Catholic Relationships Today
I do want to comment on one issue that I hope my readers will converse with me about. I do not see Roman Catholics as heretics. I do believe Protestants and RCs do have some major differences but I don’t see RCs in the light as Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons at all. There are many Christians who have bashed and hated the RC for many years and that would not be my intent in writings these blogs about our reforming past. I honestly believe Luther loved the church and wanted to stay but the differences became too great. We do have many differences. RC’s view of Communion, purgatory, views on Saints, views on Mary, birth control, and church structure are some of the major differences we hold too. We can still work together in many ways but these are some big differences we have. As a Protestant I don’t hold to the RC position on these issues. One area Protestants could learn from is the history of spiritual formation found in the RC church. I’ve learned much from Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, and others. I personally cherish some of the writings of the dessert fathers and mothers. There is much we can come to and discuss.
RC and Protestants are Jesus focused. And there are misunderstanding on both sides. Sometimes it is hard for each side to understand the other. It is true the RC had much corruption in Luther’s day. Yet many Protestants would go through their own corruption times and we’ve had them even today. In the non-RC world we have the TV preacher scandals and other sad moments in history as well.
Having said all that I would love to open up some RC and Protestant discussion. I would love for RCs to reply to this blog and share some of the following:
“If you could clear up one thing that you believe is misunderstood by Protestants regarding the RC what would it be (then do so)?”
“How do you believe salvation is found by people within the Roman Catholic Church?”
“How can Protestants and RCs better understand one another?”
I would love to hear form you RC folks! For Protestants if you have questions or comments feel free to add. However whoever writes identify yourself as RC or Protestant so we’ll know the players.
Blessings,
Derik
As a very devout Roman Catholic while in High School, I even went to Mass every day and received communion. In looking back, it was a whole bunch of “religiousity” as I really did not have a sincere heart for GOD. At the same time, a few years later I really did come to know the LORD and everything meant more to me, even when I returned, from time to time to Catholic Worship Services with my Parents. It really does have to be real in one’s heart as they are drawn to the LORD by the LORD HIMself!
FAMDaddy Sends
Amen! Thank you for your comments too. I totally agree. I also see that perhaps there many Protestants going thru ‘the motions’ or as you well put it ‘religiouusity.’ The crucial pt is we must accept Christ personally. I love your final sentence “It really does have to be real in one’s heart as they aer drawn to the LORD by the Lord himself.” Well put. I would challenge Baptists, Methodists, RCs, etc to not depend upon their religious affiliation but their decision for Christ! And as you put then things began to make sense (worship, etc).
Thanks!
I completely agree with Felix and you, Dr. Hamby, about one’s faith being personal.
It’s always interesting to hear people call RC, Anglican and other Liturgical services cold and dead. They can be if you’ve had no personal encounter with Christ. If you just view it from the outside not knowing why this is said or what some action of the Priest signifies, then it would seem very dull to anyone who is expecting a thrill or is waiting to catch fire from Heaven! But as you said, any service can seem that way. It’s a heart matter and until the eyes of one’s heart are opened it’s all foolishness to them.
I attend a church that is, I suppose, high church – Anglican Liturgy. It’s literally the same every week other than the different readings, collects and proper, but it’s the most enriching hour of the week for me. What I find so fascinating is that I never get bored with it.
I don’t miss the rock band or the choirs (8:00 Mass no music)or the longer sermons. I actually thought I would go for a while and when it seemed cold and stale I’d make my way back to a contempory or blended service.
When I first went to this church I questioned whether or not I could meet God in a service with no music to get me into the worship zone. Once I got the hang of when to sit, stand or kneel I found rhythm and melody hidden in the Liturgy through the cadence of the Priest’s voice as he reads, the familiar crack of the Bread, the sound of wine and water splashing into the cup. It’s really quite thrilling to one’s soul, if you’re paying attention.
That’s the key, I go to church with an expectant heart, every sense alert so I don’t miss a thing. The bells calling us to Church, the cobblestone street and a massive granite Romanesque Church. The interior is richly colorful with reds and greens and hand painted Saints.
The smell of aged wood reminds me of the faithful that labored and sacrificed hard won cash to build this to God’s glory. It does indeed glorify Him. Everything in the building points to Christ not the builders or the artists. I don’t think of them, but of Christ. And the silence is absolutely healing after the rush and noise of the work week. I’ve never been in a silent church before so this took some getting used to for me.
All this said to illustrate that what one person finds tedious, others find great meaning in those very things.
So, I think it’s all about your prespective and how much you are willing to give yourself to the experience- how deeply you’re willing to enter into the moment where Heaven and Earth meet through Christ with all the saints and Angels.
If we slog into church half asleep or with a mind full of ourself, then we miss the GOOD that is always coming from God to us through the Pastors and choirs, Liturgy and beauty, and always He gives us the gift of His presence through the Feast. Our worship is to give thanks and praise for these GOOD gifts and mostly for God Himself in our midst.
When people complain about the church being empty, boring, dead, cold, whatever, it says more about them than it says about the church.
Thanks for this thread!
WHERE HAVE ALL THE BLOGGERS GONE????
Come on people! I know you’re out there reading Dr. Hamby’s posts, and sitting on your hands afraid to jump into the conversation.
What a great Pastor who takes time to build a little cyber cafe for folks to come and chat about some really interesting stuff.
Don’t be shy, just a line or two and you’ll get the hang of it!
I know how it is, I watch the Idol every week but I never vote, then my guy or girl doesn’t win!
Ok, it’s not the same thing, but you get it.
Thanks for your hard work Dr. Hamby!