18 Common Myths Protestants Believe About Catholics

Story by Lisa Marley

Catholics Aren't Christians

Many Protestants mistakenly believe that Catholics aren't Christians. However, Catholics follow Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible just as Protestants do. Britannica outlines that “all Roman Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Roman Catholics.” The main differences lie in traditions and interpretations of certain practices.

They Worship Mary

A common misconception is that Catholics worship Mary, Jesus's mother, when in reality, Catholics honor Mary and see her as a significant figure in Jesus's life. They ask for her intercession, much like asking a friend to pray for them, but worship is reserved for God alone.

Catholics Can't Read the Bible

Another myth is that Catholics aren't allowed to read the Bible. On the contrary, the Catholic Church encourages Bible reading. Many Catholics don’t engage with the Bible as frequently as some Protestants, but there are no prohibitions against personal Bible study. In fact, the Church provides resources and study groups.

The Pope Is Infallible

Some believe that Catholics view the Pope as infallible in all things; the truth is, Catholics only consider the pope infallible when he speaks ex cathedra (from the chair) on matters of faith and morals, a rare occurrence. Otherwise, he is considered a respected spiritual leader.

Catholics Believe in Earning Salvation

Many Protestants think Catholics believe they can earn salvation through good works, but Catholics actually believe that salvation is by God's grace alone. Good works are seen as a response to God's grace—a way to live out their faith, but not a means to earn salvation.

Catholics Don't Believe in Jesus's Sacrifice

There's a belief that Catholics don't fully acknowledge Jesus's sacrifice, but Protestants should be reminded about the Eucharist, which is central to Catholic worship and a profound remembrance of Jesus's sacrifice. Catholics believe in Jesus's atoning death and resurrection as the foundation of their faith.

Confession to a Priest Is Mandatory

Many consider that Catholics are required to confess every sin to a priest. However, while confession is a sacrament that Catholics are encouraged to partake in, especially for serious sins, it’s not the only way Catholics seek forgiveness. Personal prayer and repentance are also vital.

Catholics Add Books to the Bible

Catholics are also believed to have added extra books to the Bible. The Catholic Old Testament includes books known as the Deuterocanonicals, which were part of early Christian scripture, while the Protestant Reformation chose not to include these.

They Focus Too Much on Saints

There's a perception that Catholics focus too much on saints. The truth is, while Catholics do venerate saints and ask for their intercession, they don’t worship them. Saints are seen as examples of holy living and honored for their dedication to God, but God remains the focus.

Mass Is Just a Ritual

Mass is a profound experience where they believe they encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and not just something without substance, as Protestants would usually believe. The rituals and traditions are meant to enhance the spiritual experience, not detract from it.

Catholics Think Only They Will Go to Heaven

A myth persists that Catholics believe only they will be the ones to go to heaven, but in reality, the Catholic Church teaches that salvation is possible for all. It acknowledges that people of different faiths can be saved, emphasizing God's mercy and the individual's response to His grace.

The Catholic Church Is Wealthy and Corrupt

It’s also assumed that there is much wealth and corruption within the Catholic Church. The Church does have significant historical and cultural assets, but it also runs numerous charities, hospitals, and schools worldwide. Like any large organization, it has faced corruption issues, but it continually strives to do better.

They Don't Believe in a Personal Relationship with Jesus

Protestants would also have you think that Catholics don't emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus. In truth, personal devotion to Jesus is a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality. Practices like prayer, the Eucharist, and the sacraments are all ways Catholics seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

Their Teachings Are Outdated

Some also believe Catholic teachings are outdated and irrelevant. To contest that, the Church holds to traditions that date back centuries, and it also engages with modern issues and continually interprets its teachings in the context of contemporary life, aiming to stay relevant while maintaining its core beliefs.

Prayer to Statues Is Common

Protestants also misconstrue that Catholics pray to statues when in reality, statues are visual reminders of faith, much like photographs of loved ones. When Catholics pray in front of statues, they are not praying to the statues themselves but asking for the intercession of the saints they represent.

The Catholic Church Is Against Science

Thinking the Catholic Church is anti-science is also a common belief, yet the Church has a long history of engaging with scientific inquiry. Many Catholic scientists have made significant contributions to various fields. The Church teaches that faith and reason, including scientific understanding, can coexist harmoniously.

Catholics Have a Different Jesus

A final common misconception is that Catholics believe in a different Jesus, when in fact Catholics believe in the same Jesus as Protestants: the Son of God who was born, lived, died, and rose again for humanity’s salvation. The differences lie in how they express and practice their faiths.