Question. What are some of the main differences between Catholicism and the Baptist religion?

Question. Is there a possibility we could come to support and understand one another in
Christian love?

Answer.

Of course Baptist and Catholics can support and understand one another in love, but there are
significant differences between the two views. And these cannot be brushed aside either.

Some of the most important difference may be distinguished.

1. The source of authority

 Baptist believe in the Bible alone.

 Catholics embrace the Bible plus tradition plus the ex cathedra pronouncements of the
pope.

2. The authority of the pope:

 Baptist believe the pope has no authority.

 Catholics believe he is Christ's representative on earth.

3. Salvation.

 Baptist believe in salvation by faith alone.

 Catholics believe in salvation by faith plus their own meritorious good works.

4. Baptism.

 Baptist believe that only professing believers should be baptized by immersion as a

"sign" of one's commitment to Christ.

 Catholics believe in the baptism of infants by pouring as the means of salvation.

5. The Apocrypha.

 Baptist do not believe these books are canonical (part of inspired Scripture).

 Catholics believe they are canonical.

6. The Lord's Supper.

 Baptist believe the elements are symbolic of Christ's death.

 Catholics believe the elements are a literal a re-sacrifice of Christ, with the bread and
wine being "transubstantiated" into the literal body and blood of Christ.

7. The place of Mary.

 Baptist believe Mary is to be honored among women as any other believer for being
faithful to the Lord.

 Catholics believe Mary is the literal mother of God and so was sinless and is the Queen
of Heaven to be prayed to and venerated.

8. Saints.

 Baptist believe that all believers in Christ are saints (including you Dave see Romans
1:7).

 Catholics believe that only special "holy" people the pope has canonized are saints who
can then be prayed to.

9. Meaning of the Church.

 Baptist believe that all true believers in Christ constitute the church.

 Catholics believe that the Roman Catholic Church is the "true" Church.

10. Priests.

 Baptist believe in the priesthood of EVERY believer.

 Catholics believe that special priests are needed between the congregation and God to
serve as the "sacrifices" of Christ in the mass.

There are many others, but these should give you some idea of the "gap" between Baptists
and Catholics.