The Catholic Church claims to be the one true church founded by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. But what does the Bible say about the Catholic Church and its teachings?
How do they compare with the beliefs of other Christians?
One of the main differences between Catholics and other Christians is the role of tradition and authority. Catholics believe that both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are sources of divine revelation, and that the Pope and the bishops have the authority to interpret them infallibly. They also believe that their understanding of divine truth develops over time, as the Holy Spirit leads them to a deeper knowledge of God's will .
Other Christians, especially Protestants, reject this view and affirm that the Bible alone is the supreme and sufficient rule of faith and practice. They also believe that every believer has the right and responsibility to interpret the Bible for themselves, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They accuse the Catholic Church of adding to or contradicting the Bible with its traditions and doctrines .
Another major difference between Catholics and other Christians is the doctrine of justification, which deals with how a person is made right with God. Catholics believe that justification is a process that begins at baptism, when a person receives God's grace and becomes his child. They also believe that justification can be lost or increased by one's actions, and that good works are necessary to cooperate with God's grace and merit eternal life .
Other Christians, especially Protestants, disagree with this view and affirm that justification is a one-time event that happens when a person puts their faith in Christ alone. They also believe that justification is based on God's grace alone, not on human works or merits, and that once justified, a person can never lose their salvation .
A third difference between Catholics and other Christians is the veneration of Mary and the saints. Catholics believe that Mary is the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven, and that she was conceived without sin and assumed into heaven. They also believe that Mary and the saints can intercede for them before God, and that they can ask for their prayers and help .
Other Christians, especially Protestants, reject this view and affirm that Mary was a godly woman but not sinless or divine, and that she died like any other human being. They also believe that only Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and people, and that praying to Mary or the saints is idolatrous or necromantic .
These are some of the main differences between Catholics and other Christians regarding what the Bible says about the Catholic Church. However, there are also many similarities and points of agreement, such as the belief in one God, the Trinity, the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the need for repentance and faith, the existence of heaven and hell, and the return of Christ.
The Catholic Church invites all Christians to seek unity in Christ, based on a common baptism and a shared faith in his gospel. The Catholic Church also respects the sincere convictions of other Christians who differ from its teachings, and acknowledges that they are also part of God's people.