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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

Yes, I'll agree that the terminology is a real stumbling block for both Baptists and Catholics. I've learned that Baptist Grace = Catholic Works + Catholic Faith + Catholic Grace.

However when you find a knowledgable, practicing, patient Catholic, you'll find that John 3:16 is pretty central to both faiths and that everything else is either a difference in terminology or procedure.