QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The Protestant movement was a movement of protest and reform inspired originally by Martin Luther of Germany, and later by others such as John Calvin of France and Henry VIII of England.

The Protestant movements grew into the independent Churches we know today as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Quakers, and Evangelicals, to name a few.

Each group has distinct beliefs which separate one from the other and from the Catholic Church.

Perhaps the most common differences between all the various Protestant Demoninations and Catholics are:

• Catholics believe that the Eucharist really is the Body and Blood of Jesus and not just a symbol.
• Protestants do not acknowledge the authority of the Pope.
• Protestants believe (for the most part) in Sola Scriptura, that is, that all one needs to know can be found in the Bible.   Catholics stress the Bible AND Sacred Tradition.
• Protestants (for the most part) do not acknowledge the sacraments or down play their role.

- Deacon George Kozak (6/01)