Question

Identify the beliefs of Protestants and the beliefs of Catholics. (Categorize)

Answer 1

Answer:

Roman Catholics:

Believed that meditation, prayer, and contemplation exercises strengthened one’s relationship with God .

Vowed absolute obedience to the pope.

Rejected the belief that people couldn’t receive  grace through good works.

Protestants:

Believed that faith alone could lead to salvation .

Viewed indulgences as a morally and economically corrupt practice .

Taught that the Bible was  the only source of Christian  spiritual teachings.

Answer 2

Here are the matches:

Roman Catholics:

• Believed that meditation, prayer, and contemplation exercises strengthened one’s relationship with God .
• Vowed absolute obedience to the pope.
• Rejected the belief that people couldn’t receive  grace through good works.

Protestants:

• Believed that faith alone could lead to salvation .
• Viewed indulgences as a morally and economically corrupt practice .
• Taught that the Bible was  the only source of Christian  spiritual teachings.

Historical context:

The Protestant Reformation is noted as beginning with Martin Luther's posting of what are commonly called "The 95 Theses."  The official title of Luther's document, which he put forth on October 31, 1517, as theses for debate, was: Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences.  Indulgences were papers issued by the authority of the pope that granted the person obtaining them the removal of penance owed in regard to their sins.  Luther objected not only to the fact that these papers were being peddled for money, but questioned many of the doctrinal foundations behind the use of indulgences.

As Luther continued his reform efforts, he protested not only indulgences, but the revering of relics, prayers to saints, the authority of the pope, and more.  Many of the long-standing Catholic Church traditions were challenged.  Other reformers, such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, also became part of the Protestant Reformation activity.

Luther and the other Protestant reformers proclaimed salvation as a gift of God's grace, rather than something earned by human efforts.  The Roman Catholic Church spoke of God's grace also, but as an enabling power that helped human beings do the works required for obtaining salvation.  The reformers still preached that we should do good works, but said those works were a fruit of being saved rather than a source of salvation.