A Protestant View of Catholic Beliefs
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7) *
Ironically, every piece of US currency bears the motto “In God We Trust.” Now, perhaps more than before, the question remains. Do we? Do we trust in God or government? God or Wall Street? God or the CDC?
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10) *
One of the original divides between Catholics and Protestants centers around the authority of the Pope. Five hundred years after Martin Luther’s 95 THESES (1517), most of what we know about the Pope comes from the news or Facebook. He lives in…..Italy? He rides in the…POPE-MOBILE? He wears…capes and red shoes? He makes…rules for Catholics?
The word “pope” comes from the Latin papa. Pope Francis currently fills the CHAIR of SAINT PETER as the 266th leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope is also referred to as “Vicar of Christ,” “Bishop of Rome,” and “Holy Father.” Catholic belief in this figure of authority is based on Jesus’ words from Matthew 16:18 (establishing, in Catholic tradition, Peter as the first Pope): “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…..” (ESV)
If you grew up in Wisconsin, you have probably tasted a Friday Fish Fry. This Midwestern culinary tradition isn’t a tourist gimmick. Instead, there is a logical explanation stemming from a faith practice called “Meatless Fridays.”
While some Catholics observe “Meatless Fridays” year-round, the tradition is more common during Lent. The origin is believed to have come from early Christians fasting on Fridays in remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday. Over the centuries, the degree of fasting has varied and today the most common observance seems to come in the form of abstaining from meat (land and air animals) but not all animal products (butter, eggs, cheese, etc.).
While you are out and about this Wednesday, you may see people with smudges on their foreheads and wonder if you should say something. Or perhaps you will be participating in this long-standing tradition and some outgoing child points and says, “You have dirt on your head.” As Easter continues to become more about candy than crosses, faith traditions can often be overlooked. Before you see #ashtag pop up on Instagram, let’s take a look at the significance of Ash Wednesday.
“Mom, I have decided I am going to become Catholic.”
When I heard those words, my daughter and I were at work in our small garden. Preparing the spring soil for autumn’s harvest, under the warmth of the sun, her words awaited my reply. My options (and opinions) were vast, but I could only choose one response.
“God? What do I say?”
And though the voice in my head sounded exactly like John Lynch[1], I believe the words came from the heart of the Father: “It’s more important she knows that you love her than she knows you’re right.”[2] Without hesitation, I told my daughter her choice would not cause us to love her any less. Her response confirmed God’s truth and the trustworthiness of His wisdom. My daughter had feared her decision could revoke our acceptance, but love grows stronger in a garden of grace.
We come into the world with eyes open to everything new around us. In an instant we go from dark to light and spend our first years seeing with innocent eyes. As we grow, nature and nurture create the “lenses” through which we see the world. Some are a part of our biology, our internal wiring. Others come through the time and place God ordains for us. Still others are formed out of experiences, choices, and situations often out of our control.
These lenses affect our thinking, our behavior, our emotions, and our faith. We “see” God and others through lenses that result from living in a fallen world. Because each of us is unique, we sometimes find ourselves looking at the same things but seeing very different realities. This often leads to conflict, suspicion, and misunderstanding. A relationship with God is a very private journey lived out in a very public world. If we are threatened by someone having beliefs different from ours, it can be easy to judge or dismiss them. Even worse, it can be easy to insult or ridicule them. Unless we are being personally attacked or affected by another’s beliefs, why do our differences create distance between us? What are we afraid of?