Protestants vs. Catholic: Who is right?

A Personal Connection to Both Worlds

I grew up in a home where the Roman Catholic traditions were the basis for religious beliefs. My father, a Catholic, attempted to pass down to me his faith, rich with reverence and ritual. As my journey led me into my own understanding of Christianity, I found myself aligning more closely with Protestant beliefs. Yet, my respect for the Catholic Church still remains. In fact, my wife and I have often joked that we are “Protelics” with our unique blend of Protestant and Catholic influences. We have both been deeply impacted by the theological contributions of figures like St. Ignatius of Loyola and Thomas Aquinas. And many of my friends and family remain devoted Catholics, some of whom (I really hope) follow this very blog. This duality in my background prompts a question that many of us have considered: Can Protestants and Catholics coexist as the body of Christ and come together, recognizing our common ground while embracing our differences? This post isn’t just about pointing out where we are different but rather it is about exploring how we can learn from each other and foster unity as the universal body of Christ.

What are Protestants and Roman Catholics?

Imagine Europe in the early 16th century, a place where the Roman Catholic Church dominated religious life. While the church offered spiritual guidance and structure, many began to notice a growing gap between what it taught and how it operated. One major issue was the sale of indulgences, where people could purchase forgiveness for sins. To many, this practice highlighted deeper problems like corruption and materialism among church leaders.

Enter Martin Luther, a German monk and theology professor who was deeply concerned about these issues. In 1517, he took a bold step by nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, a common way to start scholarly debates at the time. His theses questioned the church’s practices, especially the sale of indulgences, and called for a return to the teachings found in Scripture. Thanks to the recent invention of the printing press, Luther’s ideas spread quickly beyond academic circles and reached a broad audience.

Luther emphasized sola scriptura, meaning “Scripture alone,” as the ultimate authority in guiding the Christian faith. This contrasted with the Catholic Church’s view, which held both Scripture and church tradition as authoritative. The church authorities reacted swiftly: Luther was excommunicated, and the divide between reformers and traditionalists deepened. What began as an attempt to reform the church from within evolved into the Protestant Reformation, reshaping Christianity and giving rise to new denominations.

But the Reformation was more than just a theological dispute; it was a seismic shift that affected culture, politics, and how people related to God. It emphasized direct access to the Scriptures and personal faith, principles that continue to resonate in many Protestant traditions today.

Understanding this historical backdrop helps us see why theological differences exist between Protestants and Catholics. Yet, despite these differences, both traditions share a common origin rooted in the pursuit of faithfulness to Christ and His teachings.

A Shared Foundation: Unity in Essentials

Let’s start by looking at what unites us. Both Protestants and Catholics hold to the heart of the Christian message. In John 3:16, we find this core truth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Whether you’re sitting in a pew at Mass or attending a Sunday service, this truth speaks to both communities. It reminds us that, even though we have differences, we are bonded by a shared belief that Jesus’ sacrifice brings salvation.

And in both groups, countless believers have had conversations with one another about God’s love and what it means to follow Jesus. These interactions remind us that faith isn’t only about doctrinal alignment; it’s a lived experience. This shared journey is rooted in love and a deep trust in Christ.

What We Can Learn from Each Other

Growing up in the Catholic tradition, I learned to appreciate certain practices that I think Protestants could benefit from embracing more intentionally. One of these is confession. This practice isn’t just about acknowledging mistakes, it’s a step toward transformation and healing, a theme we see woven throughout Scripture. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Here, we see that confession isn’t meant to be just a private moment between a person and God; it’s communal, building trust and fostering support within the body of Christ.

The Catholic tradition has leaned into this biblical idea through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here, confession happens with a priest who represents the presence of Christ. This sacrament isn’t a ritual for the sake of ritual; it’s about accountability, healing, and pastoral wisdom. It echoes the early Christian practice, where confession wasn’t just a private act but one centered in the community, bringing change and restoration. In Protestant circles, while personal confession directly to God is rightly emphasized, the communal element can sometimes be overlooked. In my experience as a Protestant Christian, confessing sin within church family, even in small groups, often stays at the level of “safe sins.” There’s a fear of judgment, which can hold back honesty and depth. In this way, Catholics, in my opinion, simply do confession better.

On the other hand, I’ve heard Catholics express appreciation for how Protestants practice hospitality. Hospitality is a beautiful, central theme in Scripture, from Abraham’s open tent in Genesis to Jesus’ radical table fellowship. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hospitality isn’t an optional add-on; it’s a core expression of love and life in God’s kingdom.

In Protestant communities, especially smaller churches, hospitality often feels woven into the fabric of church life. You find it in home Bible studies, shared meals, and small group gatherings that create a welcoming and relational environment. It’s about integrating hospitality into daily rhythms, making church feel like family. In the Catholic tradition, while hospitality exists, the focus is often more on formal worship and sacramental life. These elements are rich and meaningful but can sometimes miss that day-to-day, grassroots expression of hospitality that you find more frequently in Protestant spaces.

So, while both traditions value confession and hospitality, they approach them in different ways. The Catholic approach to confession brings a needed focus on the relational and supportive aspects of communal accountability. Meanwhile, Protestants often excel in a more personal, community-driven expression of hospitality, making people feel welcomed and valued in everyday settings. Together, these practices highlight the richness each tradition brings to the shared Christian journey.

Salvation is More Than a Label

A question that often comes up is, “Are Catholics saved?” It’s a big question, but the answer takes us back to the basics. In John 3:16, we read: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Notice, it doesn’t say, “whoever belongs to this or that denomination”, it says, “whoever believes.” The focus here is on genuine faith in Jesus, not on labels or church affiliations.

I’ve met Catholics whose faith in Jesus is vibrant, active, and deeply connected to him. At the same time, I’ve known people, both Protestant and Catholic, who attend church more out of habit than conviction. This brings to mind Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” It’s a reminder for all of us, no matter our background, to have a faith that’s more than words, a faith that transforms us.

James 2:17 adds to this: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James isn’t saying that we’re saved by what we do; he’s saying that real, living faith naturally produces actions that reflect God’s love and justice. In both Protestant and Catholic traditions, this idea is central. Protestants often emphasize that true faith leads to works, good deeds flowing from a changed heart. Catholics, on the other hand, focus on how works are an essential expression of faith, showing that belief isn’t just internal but is lived out in tangible acts.

So, salvation isn’t about being part of one tradition over another. It’s about a faith that’s active and alive, wherever it’s found. The Catholic emphasis on charity and service and the Protestant focus on grace and personal faith give us a fuller picture of what James was talking about. When we see someone’s faith in action, whether they call themselves Catholic or Protestant, it’s a sign of genuine belief and a life rooted in Jesus.

Ultimately, that’s what matters most: a faith that moves from the heart to the hands, making God’s love visible in the world.

The Differences That Define Us

Unity in Christ is essential, but understanding the differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs can actually deepen our appreciation for each tradition’s devotion and expression of faith. Here are some core areas where we diverge:

1. Authority in Faith
One foundational difference is how each tradition views authority. Protestants hold to sola scriptura, meaning that Scripture alone is the highest authority for faith and practice. Catholics, however, follow Scripture plus Tradition, where the Bible and the teachings and traditions handed down by the Church both hold authority. For Catholics, Church Tradition, alongside the teachings of Church councils and the pope, works together with Scripture to shape doctrine and guide Christian living.

2. Whom We Pray To
Another area of difference is in how we pray. Protestants usually pray directly to Jesus, seeing him as our sole mediator, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5. Catholics, however, believe in the intercession of saints, especially Mary, viewing her as a powerful advocate. While all prayers ultimately go to God, Catholics see the saints as heavenly supporters who join them in praying for their needs.

3. The Virginity of Mary
Catholics and Protestants also differ in beliefs about Mary’s virginity. Catholics hold to the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, believing she remained a virgin throughout her life. Protestants, however, often believe Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus, citing passages like Matthew 13:55-56. For Catholics, Mary’s perpetual virginity highlights her unique role in salvation history, while Protestants see her virginity as an important but completed part of the incarnation.

4. Marriage of Church Leaders
In Catholicism, priests generally remain celibate, viewing the priesthood as a calling that requires total devotion to God. Celibacy is seen as allowing leaders to fully dedicate themselves to spiritual duties. Protestant churches, by contrast, typically allow pastors and leaders to marry, seeing marriage as compatible with ministry and even supportive of it.

5. Views on the Afterlife
Both traditions believe in heaven and hell, but they differ on what happens after death. Catholics hold to the doctrine of purgatory, a transitional state where souls are purified before entering heaven. Protestants generally do not accept purgatory, believing that salvation in Christ fully and immediately prepares believers for eternity with God.

6. Biblical Canon
The Catholic and Protestant Bibles have a different set of books. Catholic Bibles include the Deuterocanonical books (like Tobit, Wisdom, and 1 & 2 Maccabees), which Protestants refer to as the Apocrypha. These books are found in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, and are considered Scripture by Catholics. Most Protestant traditions, however, adhere to only the core 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.

7. Understanding Communion
Finally, there’s a significant difference in beliefs about the Eucharist. Catholics believe in transubstantiation, the idea that during Mass, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. This view emphasizes a literal transformation that offers grace to the believer. Most Protestants, on the other hand, see communion as a memorial, a symbolic act that remembers Jesus’ sacrifice without a literal change in the elements.

While these differences are meaningful, they don’t erase our shared identity in Christ. Each tradition brings something unique to the table. The Catholic commitment to sacraments and communal worship can offer Protestants insight into the power of tradition and sacramental life, while the Protestant focus on personal faith and Scripture can encourage Catholics to explore a more individual, Scripture-centered relationship with God. Recognizing these differences, alongside our common ground, enriches our understanding and appreciation of the diversity within the Christian faith.

Moving Towards Unity

So, how do we come together despite these differences? It begins with humility and a willingness to listen. One of the greatest acts of love we can show is to seek understanding. taking the time to see where someone else is coming from. Personally, I’ve found that learning from both traditions has enriched and deepened my faith. Ultimately, I stand with Luther and the Protestant doctrines of the faith and that’s okay, we don’t have to agree on everything. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it means standing together, grounded in the love and grace of Jesus.

In a world that often thrives on division, Christians have a chance to model what true unity looks like. This isn’t about watering down our beliefs or ignoring our differences. It’s about recognizing that we are all pilgrims on a journey, walking together toward Christ. When we embrace this perspective, we show the world a picture of unity that is rooted in love, a unity that is real, resilient, and powerful.

Conclusion: Building Bridges, Not Walls

Whether you identify as Catholic, Protestant, or somewhere in between, the truth is that Jesus’ love knows no bounds. It reaches across traditions, drawing us closer to him and to each other. That’s the heart of the gospel, a love that unites us, even in our diversity.

For this blog, and for each of you reading, my hope is that we learn to celebrate what unites us, respect where we differ, and keep encouraging one another on this journey of faith. So, what could it look like to start building those bridges today? Maybe it’s an honest conversation with a friend from another tradition, or maybe it’s taking a moment to appreciate how another part of the body of Christ lives out their faith in ways that are different but beautiful.

The goal isn’t to erase our differences. It’s to learn, to grow, and to worship together, knowing that the same Savior calls each of us his own. When we see each other through that lens, we start to catch a glimpse of the unity Jesus prayed for—one that reflects his love and makes him known to the world.