How do prots respond to the Catholic Church claiming to be founded by Christ?

I’ve been an Evangelical for the majority of my life but decided to do a thorough examination of what I believe vs what others believe and I am asking questions from both sides to help me understand the ideological differences better while preventing me from misrepresenting both sides.

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Here are some common ways that Protestants respond to the Catholic Church's claim to be founded by Christ:

The Bible does not explicitly say that Christ founded the Catholic Church. While the Bible does mention the Church, it does not specifically say that it was founded by Christ. Protestants argue that the Church was founded by the apostles after Christ's resurrection.

The Catholic Church has changed over time. Protestants point to the many changes that the Catholic Church has made over the centuries, such as the addition of new doctrines and practices. They argue that these changes show that the Catholic Church is not the same Church that was founded by Christ.

The Catholic Church is not the only true Church. Protestants believe that there is only one true Church, but that it is not limited to any one denomination. They believe that any group of believers who are following Christ faithfully can be considered part of the true Church.

Here are some specific examples of how Protestant denominations respond to the Catholic Church's claim to be founded by Christ:

Baptists: Baptists believe that the Church was founded by the apostles after Christ's resurrection. They reject the Catholic Church's claim to be the only true Church, and they believe that any group of believers who are following Christ faithfully can be considered part of the true Church.

Lutherans: Lutherans believe that the Church was founded by Christ, but that it became corrupt over time. They believe that the Protestant Reformation was necessary to restore the Church to its original purity.

Presbyterians: Presbyterians believe that the Church was founded by Christ, but that it is governed by a set of elders, rather than by a single pope. They reject the Catholic Church's authority and its many doctrines and practices.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of how Protestant denominations respond to the Catholic Church's claim to be founded by Christ. There is a wide range of beliefs among Protestants, and not all Protestants agree on every point.

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Protestants typically respond to the Catholic Church's claim to be founded by Christ in a few different ways. It's important to note that these responses can vary among individuals and denominations within Protestantism. Here are a few common perspectives:

Sola Scriptura: One key principle of Protestantism, including Calvinism, is the belief in Sola Scriptura, which means that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice. Protestants may argue that the Catholic Church's claim to be founded by Christ is not explicitly supported by Scripture and that the early church structure described in the New Testament differs from the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church.

Doctrinal Differences: Protestants often highlight doctrinal differences between their beliefs and Catholic teachings. They may point out theological disagreements on topics such as salvation, the role of Mary, the veneration of saints, the nature of the Eucharist, and the authority of the Pope. These differences can contribute to the Protestant view that the Catholic Church has deviated from the teachings of the early church.

Historical Critiques: Some Protestants may raise historical criticisms of the Catholic Church, such as pointing to instances of corruption, abuses of power, or theological disagreements throughout history. These critiques can be used to question the legitimacy of the Catholic Church's claim to be the true and unbroken lineage of Christ's Church.

Personal Faith: Many Protestants emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the belief that salvation comes through faith alone. They may argue that the focus on rituals, sacraments, and the authority of the Church in Catholicism can detract from this personal relationship and the centrality of faith.

It's worth noting that these responses are not exhaustive, and there can be a wide range of perspectives within Protestantism regarding the Catholic Church. It's always beneficial to engage in respectful dialogue and study the views of different denominations and theologians to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ideological differences between Protestantism and Catholicism.

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