That is probably quite true. However, it still relies on the self and one's own rationale. Protestantism has taken the mystery out of the faith - everything must be rationalized and reasoned - otherwise, it isn't so. At least that is the feeling I get when discussing with Protestants. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of fine Protestant Christians, here on this forum, many who appear much more to be walking with Christ than some Catholics that I know. But the point is the same.
Brother in Christ
That was my first impression of Calvinism, too. A smug attitude of "see how right I am, see how wrong you are." Let's face it, we're still struggling with the excretia of the "englightenment."
One hopeful sign is the proliferation of churches that combine traditional calvinism (i.e. -- rooted in historic Christianity) with charismatic gifts (relevent to people today). My church, King's Park International Church, belongs to one of these hybrid denominations, Every Nation International.
Although there are barriers to my ever going "back to Rome," I cherish my fellow Christians in that communion, and rejoice in the work of scholars like Luke TImothy Johnson, Leon Podles, and E. Michael Jones.
Protestantism has taken the mystery out of the faith - everything must be rationalized and reasoned - otherwise, it isn't so.
The mystery for the the Protestant is that God desires authentic relationship (and daily fellowship) with him/her.
In this we mirror David the king ...Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;Rather like in the garden, ... when God came and visited with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening.
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?