January 9th, 2003
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Catholic
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Protestant
|
| Authority |
Scripture and tradition |
Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone |
| Bible |
Includes apocrypha |
Excludes apocrypha |
| Results of Fall |
Corruption and tendency to sin |
Total depravity and guilt |
| Free will |
Free to do good or evil |
Free only to do evil |
| Predestination |
Related to God’s foreknowledge |
Related to God’s decrees |
| Atonement |
Death of Christ created merit that is shared with sinners through sacraments |
Death of Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied God’s justice |
| Divine grace |
Prevenient grace helps one believe; efficacious grace cooperates with the human will to do good |
Common grace enabling good works given to all; sufficient grace for salvation given to elect only |
| Good works |
Meritorious |
Results of divine grace and unworthy of merit |
| Salvation |
Received at baptism; may be lost by mortal sin; regained by penance |
Result of divine grace; unconditional |
| The Church |
Salvation is not found outside the Catholic Church (Catech 846) but those who believe in Christ and are properly baptized are in certain communion with the Church (Catech 838). |
There is a distinction between the visible and invisible church. God saves anyone he chooses, regardless of church membership. |
| Sacraments |
Convey grace by their operation (ex opere operato). |
Means of grace only if received with faith. |
| Priests |
A special vocation for some believers; mediators between God and man |
Priesthood of all believers. |
| Transubstantiation |
Affirmed |
Rejected – "Real Presence" instead. |
| Purgatory |
Affirmed |
Denied |
| Prayer to saints |
Accepted |
Rejected |
Posted in General | 1 Comment »
