Roman Catholicism vs. Protestantism

In this blog, I want to talk about Roman Catholicism from a Protestant perspective, and why I identify as Protestant rather than Roman Catholic. My focus here is on the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, not the private beliefs of every Catholic individual. There is diversity within Catholicism, and many who identify as Catholic may not know or accept every teaching of the Church. Ultimately, salvation is determined by faith in Christ, not denominational labels.

How Catholicism Developed

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that its roots go back to the Apostle Peter as the first pope. They believe Peter’s authority was passed down through apostolic succession to the bishops of Rome.

From a historical perspective, however, this authority developed gradually:

• 1st–3rd Century: The church in Rome gained respect partly because both Peter and Paul were martyred there. By the 3rd century, Roman bishops were mediating disputes such as baptismal practices.
  
  
• 4th Century: After Constantine legalized Christianity, the Roman bishop’s influence expanded. Damasus I first claimed Rome’s bishop as Peter’s successor, while Leo I (5th century) pressed papal supremacy further.
  
  
• Late 4th Century: Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the empire, giving Rome political power as well as spiritual influence.
  
  
• 11th Century: During the Gregorian Reforms, popes declared universal authority over the entire church—including kings and councils.
  
  

Why Schisms Happened

• Eastern Orthodox Split (1054): The “Great Schism” occurred when Eastern churches rejected papal supremacy, opposed Rome’s addition to the Nicene Creed (Filioque: “and the Son”), and clashed over language, culture, and worship style.
  
  
• Protestant Reformation (16th century): Reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others resisted abuses like indulgences, corruption, and nepotism. More importantly, they challenged Rome’s teaching on salvation, authority, and sacraments. Their goal at first was reform, not separation, but Rome’s refusal to change led to the Protestant movement.
  
  

Catholic Beliefs in Summary

• Authority: The Bible is God’s Word, but Catholicism places Scripture on equal footing with church tradition and papal decrees. The Apocryphal books are also accepted as canon.
  
  
• Salvation: Salvation comes through grace mediated by the Church and its sacraments. Purgatory, indulgences, and merits of saints are included in the process.
  
  
• Mary: She is honored as perpetual virgin, assumed into heaven, and even called co-mediator and co-redeemer. Catholics pray to her and the saints for intercession.
  
  
• Pope: Considered the successor of Peter, possessing supreme authority. When speaking ex cathedra, he is held to be infallible in matters of faith and morals.
  
  
• Sin and Confession: Sins are categorized as mortal or venial. Confession to a priest is required for forgiveness.
  
  
• Creation: Modern Catholicism allows for evolutionary views as long as Adam and Eve are affirmed as historical.
  
  

Why I Disagree

• Papal Authority: Scripture gives Christ alone as head of the church (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18). Peter is never portrayed as supreme, and even he was corrected (Gal. 2:11).
  
  
• Mary’s Role: Mary was faithful and blessed, but she is not presented as mediator or redeemer. She herself confessed her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47). Jesus had brothers (Matt. 13:55), showing her perpetual virginity is not biblical.
  
  
• Salvation by Works and Sacraments: The Bible teaches salvation by grace through faith, not by works or rituals (Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 3:28). Works follow genuine faith but do not earn salvation.
  
  
• Tradition Equal to Scripture: Jesus warned against elevating human traditions over God’s Word (Matt. 15:3, 9). The Bible alone is God-breathed and authoritative (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
  
  
• Purgatory and Indulgences: These teachings are absent from Scripture. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice fully paid the penalty of sin (Heb. 9:27–28; John 19:30).
  
  
• Priestly Mediation: When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn, showing we have direct access to God through Christ (Matt. 27:51; Heb. 4:14–16). He is the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).
  
  

Conclusion

I believe the Roman Catholic Church teaches doctrines that distort or obscure the gospel of Christ. However, I also recognize that God has used the Catholic Church throughout history to preserve Scripture, encourage learning, and spread Christianity. Not all Catholics fully embrace Rome’s teachings, and many are Catholic simply by family or culture rather than conviction.

Ultimately, salvation is not found in a church system, but in a living faith in Jesus Christ alone. My goal here is not to condemn individuals but to compare official Catholic teachings with what Scripture teaches, so that readers can weigh these claims for themselves.