“The idea that we define ourselves as ‘the opposite of Catholicism’ is ludicrous.”
No, actually it makes perfect sense historically. The problem is that Protestants in America today have a difficult time seeing it because this was always a Protestant establishment.
To say someone who never thinks about Catholicism defines themselves as “Whatever Catholics say or do, the Protestant does and says as close to the opposite as he can” is just stupid. Someone who never thinks about A cannot be striving to be the opposite of A.
Baptists try to follow the Bible. We never discuss what Catholicism is, nor does anyone I’ve met in 40 years CARE. The ONLY standard I’ve ever heard discussed in Baptist discussions on what we should believe is “What does the Bible say”.
Sorry, but our theological world doesn’t revolve around you. In terms of defining what we should accept or reject, you don’t even exist. You might as well suggest we are trying to be different from Hinduism.
Those awful Prots who penned the following:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--
I would be thrilled and delighted if every Catholic in this nation fully practiced their faith. Imagine how much better off we ( Catholics and non-Catholics) would be. There would be more prosperity, less crime, fewer in prison, more intact families, less addiction, and a more wholesome culture in the media and schools.
I testify that in any Protestant church I have attended Catholics are never mentioned. Protestants who are fully practicing their faith are focused on Christ, doing His will, and the bible.