I’m sure it can be confusing regarding what Protestants believe because it is really dependent on which of the many denominations being discussed.
Protestant belief varies widely. I think even some Protestants on FR don’t know what certain denominations believe. Here are just a few examples of where they diverge (I’m sure there are many more):
| No. | Protestant Belief or Practice | Yes | No |
| 1 | Efficacy of Baptism | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2 | Infant Baptism | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3 | Baptism by Full Immersion Required | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 | Real Presence in the Eucharist | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5 | Sacramental Confession to Clergy | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 | Ordained Clergy | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7 | Ordination of Females | ✔ | ✔ |
| 8 | Prayers for the Dead | ✔ | ✔ |
| 9 | Augustinian Division of 10 Commandments | ✔ | ✔ |
| 10 | Presence of Crucifix in Church/Chapel | ✔ | ✔ |
| 11 | TULIP | ✔ | ✔ |
| 12 | Prima Scriptura | ✔ | ✔ |
| 13 | Apostolic Succesion | ✔ | ✔ |
| 14 | Faith Alone | ✔ | ✔ |
| 15 | Abortion | ✔ | ✔ |
| 16 | Open Communion | ✔ | ✔ |
No doubt you would find the same kind of differences in practice and belief among Catholics!
Do you know the percentage of Catholics that believe in the “Real Presence” or Transubstaniation?
Likewise...
I’m sure it can be confusing regarding what Catholics believe because it is really dependent on which of the many writings and teachings over the centuries are being discussed.
Oh; and let's not forget hundreds of apparitional visits; too.
It is probably based on how close to the Mother Church they are.