[kidd]

I still do not understand why some Baptists keep Catholics at arms length - perhaps just the same misinformation that goes on in so many other areas of our everyday world.

I once experimented with the idea of becoming a Baptist. It was precisely because of the great amount of Catholic misinformation in the Baptist church that I quickly returned to Catholicism.

It was somewhat of a shock to hear so much hate of Catholicism when in fact the two religions are 99% similar.

[wallcrawlr]

99% is a stretch...but your intention is true.

people of similar faiths should learn to work together.

[Salvation]

What you say is so true!

[GrandEagle]

still do not understand why some Baptists keep Catholics at arms length

I am Baptist, and I keep Catholics at "arms length"....Just long enough for a good hearty handshake.
I will have to disagree that our beliefs are 99% similar though. There are very significant differences in some very important details.
I have several friends who are very dedicated Catholics and have spoken at great length with them. I have found that many times the terms that we use have different meanings to us.
I have also found that, like Baptists, some are Catholics just because they don't know what else to be. I was discussing Salvation with a friend once who was Catholic and he actually said, and I quote, "I'm Catholic, we don't have anything like salvation in our church." I went on and tried to witness to him about the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ, but he would have nothing to do with it. I would not, however, form my view on Catholicism solely on our conversation though.
Another friend, who is Catholic, I was convinced believed that he was Saved because he did good works, and was good enough. After a very long discussion, I found that his faith is in the saving blood of Jesus Christ alone. We had some very significant terminology differences to get through though.

When I take a public stand on moral issues that effect my children, and my ability to teach them to study Gods word, I frequently look around and see nearly all Catholics who are standing with me.
While I understand many of the significant differences in our faith, I will continue to consider all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior , my brother (or sister) in Christ. I will also continue try and help them "come to the knowledge of the truth" using Gods word as a guide, just as many Catholics do with me.

Just my two cents worth

Cordially,
GE