They pray to the same God but separate, even at Christmas. The differences between Protestants and Catholics may not be immediately apparent, but they are an important element in the history of both Christian communities.
The Christmas rites of Catholic and Protestant churches are almost indistinguishable. Yet if Catholics celebrate Christmas Mass at midnight on December 24, the Protestant service can begin as early as the afternoon. Catholics do not recognize the second day of Christmas – December 26, but celebrate the memory of St. Stephen.
In Germany, the country of the Reformation, a deep enmity had been simmering between Protestants and Catholics for centuries, informed “Deutsche Welle”. The numerous public condemnations of the other, the fights and wars for religious reasons can be traced historically through the centuries.
With the Reformation, which began in the early 16th century, the church split into two religious communities: Catholic and Protestant. The wish of the Catholic monk Martin Luther (1483-1546) to reform “his” church of him was not fulfilled. Therefore, in 1517, he hung his 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, for which, however, there is no historical evidence. Luther criticized the church’s trade in indulgences, which, according to the doctrine of the time, allowed the faithful to atone for their sins.
Some 500 years later, the two churches in Germany had joined in earnest. However, some important differences remain. Here are some of them:
1. Understand the Bible
Catholicism and Protestantism have different understandings of the meaning and authority of the Bible. It has been clear to Protestants since the time of Luther that “Sola Scriptura” – the holy book – is the only source of the word of God. Catholics, for their part, believe that the Bible alone is not sufficient and that together with Holy Scriptures, even the Roman Catholic tradition is obligatory for Christians.
2. Understanding the church
The Catholic Church under the leadership of the Pope is perceived as the only true church. While the churches that arose as a result of the Reformation are perceived as equal, despite the differences between them.
3. The Pope
Protestants do not tolerate the pope. According to them, this institution contradicts the Bible. Catholics, for their part, see in the pope the successor of the apostle Peter, respectively the head of their church appointed by Jesus Christ.
4. Understanding of fasting
According to Catholic understanding, through ordination, bishops, priests and deacons receive a special calling from God for their work. So the priest stands above the Catholic laity. Imposing hands can only be men.
The Protestant church, however, does not view spiritual service as an ordination of the person, but as a function that God originally intended for man. And it is possible that it will be awarded to every single believer, including women.
5. The Eucharist or Holy Communion
The Eucharist or Holy Communion is that concept which recreates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It comes from the last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion. The Catholic Eucharist can only be celebrated by an ordained priest – only he can transform the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Non-Catholics are not admitted to the ceremony.
And in Protestantism, any convert is welcome to attend the ceremony and can conduct it. Catholics see the ritual as a constant reenactment of Jesus Christ’s self-sacrifice. For Protestants, it is simply a commemoration of his death and subsequent resurrection.
6. The sacraments
According to the Roman Catholic Church, there are seven sacred actions, the so-called seven sacraments. These are baptism, anointing, communion, penance, marriage, ordination, and anointing (to cure bodily diseases and mental infirmities).
For Protestants there are only two sacraments: baptism and the Eucharist. According to their understanding, these are symbolic-ritual actions through which God unites and blesses people.
7. Reverence to Mary and the saints
Catholics honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the “queen of heaven”, identifying her in many ways with her son. One of the dogmas associated with her is her salvation from original sin. The Catholic Church also honors saints, over 4000. Believers expect miracles from them and bow before their relics.
Protestantism rejects Catholic dogmas about Mary as unbiblical. For the same reason the veneration of saints is refused. The Reformed understanding states that everyone should address God directly in their prayers.
8. Celibacy
The vow of celibacy and sexual abstinence is known by all major religions of the world. For the Catholic Church, celibacy is mandatory for priests, monks and nuns. Meanwhile, however, there are also efforts in the Catholic Church to allow priests to marry.
Conversely, Protestants reject celibacy as a duty. Martin Luther called for its abolition as early as 1520 and only five years later he married the former nun Katharina von Bora.
