Devin Jacobs
What comes to mind when you think of the Catholic Church? For many Protestants, the answer is often wrapped in a web of misconceptions and half-truths. Stories of saints and rituals, whispers of rosaries, relics, and centuries-old myths passed down like hand-me-downs from one generation to the next. It’s time to untangle these misconceptions.
Catholics Worship Mary and the Saints
Have you ever heard that Catholics bow to Mary like a divine figure? That’s a common myth because Catholics honor Mary and the saints. Think of it like asking a friend to pray for you. Catholics believe Mary and the saints are their heavenly friends, interceding on their behalf.
The Pope is Infallible in Everything
Many people think the Pope never makes mistakes. In reality, papal infallibility is limited to when the Pope speaks ex-cathedra (from the seat of Peter) regarding matters of faith and morals. It’s about ensuring consistency in core teachings, but the Pope is not free from sin or error in all aspects of life.
Catholics Believe They Can Earn Their Way to Heaven
This myth often sparks debate: the idea that Catholics think they can work their way into Heaven. But Catholics actually believe in salvation by grace, too! Good works are a way to respond to the grace that God provides, not a way to buy a ticket to paradise.
Catholic Mass is Just an Empty Ritual
Many people wonder about all the kneeling, standing, and repeating at a Catholic Mass. These rituals might seem excessive, but they are deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. The Mass carries profound meaning and history, with each part contributing to the larger faith narrative.
Catholics Don’t Read the Bible
You might have heard this one: Catholics don’t know their Bibles. However, every Catholic Mass includes multiple readings from Scripture. Catholics may not be known for quoting chapter and verse, but the Bible is woven into their worship and daily prayers. They just approach it a little differently.
Catholics Have Too Many Rules
Fasting, feast days, and holy days of obligation can feel like a lot. Yet, these practices are not just about checking boxes. They’re about creating rhythms in life that draw people closer to God. The ‘rules’ are there to build a relationship, not to stifle one.
They Believe in Purgatory Because They Don’t Believe in Jesus’ Sacrifice
Some think that belief in Purgatory somehow downplays Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Not true! Catholics believe Purgatory is a temporary state of purification, not a second chance at salvation. It’s like spiritual dry cleaning before entering Heaven.
Catholics Don’t Believe in a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Many Catholics have a profound personal relationship with Jesus, expressed in prayers and devotions. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are central to Catholic spirituality. Catholics believe that through the Eucharist, they encounter Jesus in a profound and personal way.
Confession to a Priest is Unbiblical
Why confess to a priest when you can go directly to God? You might ask. That is a fair question, but Catholics believe Jesus entrusted His apostles with the authority to forgive sins in His name (John 20:22-23). Confession is more about receiving God’s grace through a community leader.
The Catholic Church Added Books to the Bible
Nope, Catholics didn’t sneak extra books into the Bible. The books in question, known as the Deuterocanonical books, were part of the Greek Septuagint used by early Christians. The Church kept them when the canon was officially recognized in the fourth century.
Catholics Are Obsessed with Guilt and Suffering
It’s easy to think that all those crucifixes and confessions are signs of a religion obsessed with guilt. But they see suffering through the lens of Jesus’ own passion. Their focus isn’t on dwelling on pain but on finding meaning through it, much like learning from a tough experience and emerging stronger.
The Catholic Church is Against Science
Many people believe the Church is stuck in the Dark Ages, but Catholicism has a rich scientific inquiry tradition. Heard of the Big Bang theory? It was proposed by Georges Lemaître, a Catholic priest. For Catholics, faith and reason are two wings on the same bird, both leading toward truth.
Catholics Worship Statues and Relics
Those statues and relics often lead to misconceptions about idol worship. For Catholics, these are reminders. The statues aren’t worshipped; they’re visual aids to help focus prayer and honor the saints who are believed to be interceding in Heaven.
Catholics Don’t Believe in Evangelism
Some say that Catholics keep their faith to themselves, which is a myth! The Catholic Church actually emphasizes evangelization, but this can look different from what some Protestants are used to. Catholics often share their faith through action, charity, and dialogue—living their beliefs out loud.
Catholics Think the Church is Perfect and Beyond Reproach
Finally, there’s the idea that Catholics believe their Church is flawless. If you’ve met any Catholics, they might be the first to tell you the Church has made mistakes, sometimes big ones. They don’t worship the Church itself; they follow it as a guide to faith, like a lighthouse guiding ships through stormy waters.