Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

Hi Sharon,

Perhaps I can help a bit more with your daughter's question on
differences between Protestants and Catholics.

> Question:
>
> There are a great many other differences. Protestants do not pray to
> saints, or to Mary. Protestants do not believe the Pope is the head of
> the Church.", are there any other differences between Catholics and
> Protestants? I am a protestant who was once a Catholic. My 17 year old
> daughter who has been baptized in the Baptist faith is asking me
> questions. Can you help please?

The differences are very great. The Catholic system presents a
picture of salvation that is contrary to the Scriptures. Part of the
problem is that Catholicism is embedded with a great many things that are
pagan by origin. For this reason the Catholic religion can be considered
apostate in much of is practices. (It has departed from Biblical
Christianity.)

Another second issue is that the Catholic priesthood holds itself in the
place of God in many if its practices. A place to begin is with a
'Auricular Confession.' This doctrine found in Catholicism actually
circumvents the Bible. It says that confession of sins must be made to a
priest in order to receive forgiveness. This is a very degrading teaching,
and certainly non-Biblical.

There we have the idea of a celibate priesthood. Not only is this
against nature, but it denies the Biblical standard for someone who
is to be in Christian ministry. The Bible teaches that a bishop
(pastor) has to be married.

However, auricular confession and a celibate priesthood are based
on another fallacy in the Catholic system, which has to do with a
mediatorial role. In the new covenant there is no earthly mediatorial
office between God's people and God Himself. The only mediator is Jesus
Christ. To think that any other person has a standing between a believer
and God, places power where it does not belong. But this is what the
Catholic doctrines are designed to do. Its all about power and control.

The larger part of the Protestant faith simply believes what the
Bible teaches, including the Biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all
believers. Protestants as a rule, also believe that simple faith in Jesus
Christ is the key note to our salvation walk.

This should give you something more to work with. If your daughter
has particular question on this subject, feel free to write me.

In the meantime here is a web site that you can direct your
daughter to. It is filled with information concerning the Catholic
system:

http://www.ianpaisley.org/main.asp

The Lord bless you,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org