Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 11/2/2006

Question
I am dating a girl right now that is a Catholic. I was wanting to know what the main differences are between Catholics and Baptists, because that is what I am. I am not wanting to accidentally say something that will offend her.  

Answer
Hi Joel,

Thanks for this great question.  There are several differences between Catholic and Baptists, but in order to avoid writing a book, let me break it down to several key differences.

1.  Catholics look to tradition and scripture to find absolute truth.  They believe that Church tradition is on the same level as scripture.

Colossians 2:8
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.   
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Baptists look to the scriptures alone for truth about their faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2.  Catholics believe that one must merit salvation through faith and works.  Sacraments are observed in order to merit God's grace.

Galatians 2:21
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Baptists believe that it is only by grace through faith alone that anyone gets to heaven, without works.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3.  Catholics believe that you can get God's attention by praying to dead saints and ask them to talk to God for you.

Baptists believe that there is only one that can talk to God in our behalf, that is Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

There are other differences, but I believe that these are the main ones.  I hope that this helps you.  If you have a chance, would you please help me by rating this answer?  Thanks.

In Christ
Pastor Don