Protestants should stop attacking our Catholic brothers and sisters and Catholics should affirm the faith of Protestants. In other words, Protestants say mean things to Catholics about some things they do not understand and Catholics deny Protestants are in the fold.
He's absolutely right.
Now, don't get me wrong. There are portions of Protestant teaching which we, as Catholic, know to be error. And a Protestant would say the same about some things in the Catholic. If that weren't the case, we wouldn't be divided. I have no intention of minimizing those differences. Neither in this piece would it be fruitful to debate who is "correct".
What does the Church teach us about non-Catholics?
"The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter." Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church." With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #838)
Yes, the Protestant has an imperfect communion with the Catholic Church. That can be approached in two ways- Some Protestants might react with "I'm not in communion with the Catholic Church? How dare they suggest that?" Might I suggest that those who want full communion with the Catholic Church should consider becoming Catholic?
- Others will see the intent of the statement and conclude that the Catholic Church affirms that they are Christian but simultaneously recognizes that there profound differences in belief.
And don't forget the words of our Lord:
John answered, “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:49-50
The Protestant is your brother, my friend. He is family. Christ loves him and accepts him as a Christian! Can you do any less?
And, do you have the authority to judge him for doctrinal shortcomings? Not unless you're God. Christ, and Christ alone, is the judge.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Ps 133:1
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Ps 133:1
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