What are the main differences between catholicism and the methodist faith?
by 
WantingtoKnowMore
ANSWERS: 4
-
I believe the main difference between Catholicism and the methodist faith (and most othe protestant faiths) comes down to the Communion. Catholics believe that the bread and wine changes into the body and blood of Christ (called trans-substantiation), where as the protestant churches do not.
-
The other answer is good, but it is incomplete. Let's focus on the moral teachings: Moral teachings of the Catholic Church denied by Methodist teachings: 1. Direct abortion is never allowed. 2. Human experimentation (a.k.a. embryonic stem cell research) is never allowed. It is a fact of history that the UMC materially contributed aid to those who sought after the abortion on demand, and openly supported it in the early '70s. http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=9239 Today, they do not condemn human experimentation: "we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes." http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560 In summary, the Catholic Church has always correctly taught that all life, born and unborn, is sacred and should not be purposely killed or experimented upon fully in line with Christian morality taught for 2000 years. The UMC, not so.
-
"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII) Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians. Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006): By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much. A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm With love in Christ.
-
Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints Catholics baptize infants. Article nine of the United Methodist church says, "The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, worshiping, and adoration, as well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the Word of God." I hope this helps.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC