Expert: Charlie B - 7/10/2009

Question
I have a friend who labels the Catholic religion as a "cult".  How do i reconcile Baptist beliefs and the Catholic Church?

Answer
Edmund,
Thanks for your question.  The subject should read, "Catholicism AND Protestantism" as there is no "versus" as in opposing viewpoints or certainly, commonly held 'truth.'   We love our Christian brothers and sisters who can walk arm-in-arm on certain matters like abortion, euthanisa, and NOT stem-cell research but research involving embryonic stem cells.  

Protestants and Catholics have FAR MORE in COMMON than they do in difference in theology, belief and faith ~ same Savior Jesus Christ, same fervor the Bible and sacred Scripture.  As a former Protestant myself, my conversion to Catholicism was not a large leap, but one of a richer, deeper faith and having a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Keep it mind that Martin Luther had a love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, reveling her, praying for her intercession.  If your friend read any of the "early church fathers" they would come to a wholly different conclusion about Catholicism, I promise.  Reference:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=early+church+fathers+books&aq=8&oq=early+ch...

If you're friend thinks Catholicism is a 'cult,' our cult is 2,000 years old (as Protestants claim only a 400 year heritage) with one billion members ... hardly the kind of duping of so many people worldwide into a 'cult.'   The question for your friend is, "Why is there 25,000 denominations of the Protestant faith?"  Did God divide the church or did man?  Are all of these pastors correct in their interpretation of 'truth'?  There are many fine, Christian ministers -- thank God for that.

Where I live in the Southeast US, there are misinformed, misguided or ignorant people who for some unknown reason, think that by finding fault or labeling one of the world's ancient religions incorrectly and improperly so, somehow uplifts his church's legitimacy and stature  -- just have compassion and mercy for him or her. It'll be hard, but always speak with kindness and respect, as Jesus would do.

As the Bible says clearly, woe to those who misguide others on the Truth.  Pray for them, do not react with emotion to their words, but simply in kindness and respect, offer him/her a book or an audiocassette tape/audio CD from someone they'll likely respect.  

My recommendations:
- Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray (amazon.com) or any book by Dr. Scott Hahn (former Presbyterian minister who publicly chided and misinformed his flock about Catholicism)
- The Bible Made Me Do It by Tim Staples audio CD (story of a young man at Jimmy Swaggert's Bible College who had a realization) and
- Finding the Fullness of the Faith audio by Stephen Ray
both available at http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com/store/refer/1528  
For less than the price of lunch (<$10), you can hand him/her a real gift of the heart with two CDs ... and perhaps make an impact in someone's spiritual growth journey and path, earning you greater rewards in Heaven.

I hope this helps you.  My opinion is that my own conversion from being Protestant to becoming Catholic was LARGELY INFLUENCED by books and audio recordings of respected, inspiring speakers, and that I've seen statistics that as high as 53% of Catholic conversions are primarily due to either books read or audio products heard.  Personally, I witness droves of people coming to the Catholic Church, and many "fallen-away" Catholics coming back, too.

In Atlanta, there's a support group for former Protestant ministers who have converted to Catholicism, helping them network for new types of "work."   How significant is that fact?  :-)  

We listen and learn everyday, don't we?  Feel free to post a follow up on how well this suggestion works for you, if nothing else, in your own reconcilement and discernment.
God bless,
Charlie