Protestantism and Catholicism Compared

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 1, 1906

Protestantism and Catholicism Compared

It is not often that the fundamental difference between Protestantism and Catholicism is fairly stated by a Roman Catholic. One such instance, however, has come to our notice. In an editorial in a recent issue of a Catholic weekly we find the following paragraph:—

Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, said that the Catholic religion tried to interpose the priest between the individual and God, and that this was wrong because Christ, and Christ alone, is the mediator. The position of Protestantism was alluring and flattering. Beyond question it is alluring and encouraging to be convinced that at any moment we may approach Christ and be reconciled with him at a moment’s notice. But how is it if Christ has wished it otherwise? Let us suppose that he has promised to forgive sin always on condition that we approach him through his earthly vicegerents. Naturally the human soul yearns for priestly ministration. The power of sacrifice implied in the priestly office and consecration for that holy purpose in the Christian ministry, responds to a natural need in the human soul.

Protestantism encourages a sinner to come directly to Christ and obtain the pardon of his sins. Catholicism interposes the pope and the priest between the sinner and Christ. Protestantism places it beyond the power of any man or combination of men to make merchandise of salvation. Catholicism, in the very nature of its fundamental principle, tempts men to put themselves in the place of God, and to extort some sort of consideration in return for bestowing the consolations of salvation. The whole history of the papacy shows how successfully priests and prelates have exploited this possibility of financial gain for the benefit of the church. The explanation of the success of the papacy is found in these words: “It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world,—those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of her power.” “To him who loves self-indulgence, it is more pleasing to confess to a fellow mortal than to open the soul to God. It is more palatable to human nature to do penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than to crucify fleshly lusts.” Catholicism is the religion of human nature, the counterfeit of Christianity. True Christianity has no place for “earthly vicegerents” of Christ.