Differences between Catholic Theology and the Gospel
There are stark distinctions between the Gospel and Catholic Theology. Read on to get an in-depth idea of some of the most important elements that differentiate the two. This ensures you gain a broader perspective on the two beliefs.
While there are many differences between the Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church, there are vital distinctions between the Gospel and Catholic theology as well. Here is a brief but sure-shot overview of these two elements. Of course, you can get a detailed idea about this with the help of an online pastoral degree. Coming back to the major differences, here is what you need to know.
The head of the Church is the Pope
When looking at it from the perspective of the evangelicals, the Church is put together with all those who have been justified by God. This is done through the basis of faith. Every church is autonomous. No authority exists over any local church on earth other than from the Scripture. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.
It is the elders who are fallible when leading the Church. A pastoral studies degree online will tell you that in the Roman Catholic teaching, the church is made up of laity. It is led by those who have obtained the sacrament of Holy Orders. This includes priests, deacons, and bishops.
The existence of Purgatory
Evangelicals believe that purgatory does not exist. However, they do trust that heaven is obtainable only when it is a gift from God. This is possible through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. They also believe that hell is real. Those who place their faith in Jesus are without a doubt brought into glory when they pass away. Here, they are in the presence of God. Catholics have a different approach and believe that purgatory is a place Catholics go to when they die. If you are in a state of grace, you go there. After suffering for your non-mortal sins, you are prepared to see heaven.
Catholics believe that purgatory is not the eternal end. It is like hell but in a manner that offers suffering as well as flames. A place where you can atone for the sins you did not confess to before you die. Owing to the fact that it is impossible to confess all of the sins one makes, purgatory is part of Catholic theology.
Communion and mass
Communion is commemorative for evangelicals. The bread symbolizes the body while the wine symbolizes the blood. For the Catholic Church, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. The priest calls Jesus down from heaven when the bread is broken.
The question of Mary’s belief
Evangelicals will tell you that Mary was Jesus’ mother. She was a sinner who saved from her sins owing to the faith she placed in Jesus. A period in her life where she does not believe in Jesus being the Messiah is recognized. It is believed that she had other children after Jesus and later died a physical death.
In Catholicism, Mary is an object of devotion and is a symbol of worship. It is believed that she was sinless and it is considered normal to pray to her. An online pastoral degree will throw light on the Immaculate Conception and how it is the Catholic doctrine that testifies Mary conceived without sin. She did not die a natural death but was assumed into heaven where she reigns as Queen of Heaven.
Justification
Evangelicals believe that sinners are justifiable depending on faith alone. It is one’s belief that is placed in the finished substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross. It is confirmed by his resurrection. Catholics, on the other hand, are of the opinion that justification is a process that includes works.
These are some of the major differences in Catholic Theology and the Gospel.
Resource box: St Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry offers courses where students can learn from a dynamic range of ministerial and theological formation. This ensures they become well-informed witnesses to the world.
While there are many differences between the Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church, there are vital distinctions between the Gospel and Catholic theology as well. Here is a brief but sure-shot overview of these two elements. Of course, you can get a detailed idea about this with the help of an online pastoral degree. Coming back to the major differences, here is what you need to know.
The head of the Church is the Pope
When looking at it from the perspective of the evangelicals, the Church is put together with all those who have been justified by God. This is done through the basis of faith. Every church is autonomous. No authority exists over any local church on earth other than from the Scripture. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.
It is the elders who are fallible when leading the Church. A pastoral studies degree online will tell you that in the Roman Catholic teaching, the church is made up of laity. It is led by those who have obtained the sacrament of Holy Orders. This includes priests, deacons, and bishops.
The existence of Purgatory
Evangelicals believe that purgatory does not exist. However, they do trust that heaven is obtainable only when it is a gift from God. This is possible through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. They also believe that hell is real. Those who place their faith in Jesus are without a doubt brought into glory when they pass away. Here, they are in the presence of God. Catholics have a different approach and believe that purgatory is a place Catholics go to when they die. If you are in a state of grace, you go there. After suffering for your non-mortal sins, you are prepared to see heaven.
Catholics believe that purgatory is not the eternal end. It is like hell but in a manner that offers suffering as well as flames. A place where you can atone for the sins you did not confess to before you die. Owing to the fact that it is impossible to confess all of the sins one makes, purgatory is part of Catholic theology.
Communion and mass
Communion is commemorative for evangelicals. The bread symbolizes the body while the wine symbolizes the blood. For the Catholic Church, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. The priest calls Jesus down from heaven when the bread is broken.
The question of Mary’s belief
Evangelicals will tell you that Mary was Jesus’ mother. She was a sinner who saved from her sins owing to the faith she placed in Jesus. A period in her life where she does not believe in Jesus being the Messiah is recognized. It is believed that she had other children after Jesus and later died a physical death.
In Catholicism, Mary is an object of devotion and is a symbol of worship. It is believed that she was sinless and it is considered normal to pray to her. An online pastoral degree will throw light on the Immaculate Conception and how it is the Catholic doctrine that testifies Mary conceived without sin. She did not die a natural death but was assumed into heaven where she reigns as Queen of Heaven.
Justification
Evangelicals believe that sinners are justifiable depending on faith alone. It is one’s belief that is placed in the finished substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross. It is confirmed by his resurrection. Catholics, on the other hand, are of the opinion that justification is a process that includes works.
These are some of the major differences in Catholic Theology and the Gospel.
Resource box: St Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry offers courses where students can learn from a dynamic range of ministerial and theological formation. This ensures they become well-informed witnesses to the world.
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