Don't REALLY understand WHAT? Protestant objections to Catholicism? I was raised protestant and still attend services weekly to take an elderly relative who would be otherwise unable to attend. I understand charitable Catholic-Protestant dialogue and I understand the tactics used when EITHER side puffs itself up by mocking or misstating the other side's position. Articles such as the one I referred to have a target audience but it isn't the sincere Catholic who is versed in his/her faith. That is clear from the tone, the presentation of content, and the thinly (or not) veiled insults. We don't generally belittle those with whom we wish to sincerely engage in charitable conversation. How long do you listen when your political opponents misrepresent your positions or mock you? Same thing applies here.
I think you may be on to something about the knee jerk reaction though. I've heard one too many protestant sermons of late telling me that it's sufficient to KNOW what scripture says but amending my life to DO what scripture says is optional. Doesn't sit too well when some who are willing to set aside portions of scripture tell me I'm the one relying on loopholes and failing to adhere to Biblical teaching ;) Thanks be to God not all Protestants preach that message but it's the one I'm hearing of late.
Peace be with you.
I didn't mean to imply that I thought you personally didn't understand something.
The typical Catholic knee jerk reaction to some former Catholic's exposing the inconsistencies in Catholic doctrine is to accuse them of having never *REALLY * understood the Catholic doctrine, usually due to being poorly catechized by the church. (Something which MANY of us former Catholics have been accused)
I think you may be on to something about the knee jerk reaction though. I've heard one too many protestant sermons of late telling me that it's sufficient to KNOW what scripture says but amending my life to DO what scripture says is optional. Doesn't sit too well when some who are willing to set aside portions of scripture tell me I'm the one relying on loopholes and failing to adhere to Biblical teaching ;) Thanks be to God not all Protestants preach that message but it's the one I'm hearing of late.
Sad to say, I couldn't agree more. I think in large part it's backlash against the works based salvation/legalism which has pervaded the church over the decades.
The problem is, holy living is not really an option for the believer and I think too many churches are throwing out the baby (the holy living to which we are called) with the bathwater (legalism).