I decided to keep this information at the top of my blog since so few people actually pay attention to this or are interested in looking at the history.
This represents a listing of some of the more reasonable summaries of the details of difference between Protestant Reformed Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. This is not to say that God doesn’t have elect Christians in the Roman Church, he is sovereignly sovereign, it’s just a collection of commentaries the doctrines and dogmas of the Church and Papacy. You can use your own judgment in assessing if these things are truth or even matter.
This began over 6 months ago as I was curious how Glenn E. Chatfield in The Watchman’s Bagpipes developed his series. See the first post of his in the link at the bottom.
It would be interesting to have our friends and family who are in the Roman Church to read these and comment, if they would be open…….
12/12/25 Update…watched this on a flight, I think it pretty much sums up the problem with the alternatives to the Protestant Church. Wish it was not so. But after reading all I’ve posted since March this is totally consistent and easy to follow. Covers more than the Roman Church and much more discussion is warranted.
Again I will be moving this post after new years..
12/4/25 Update….I will be closing the post at the top of my page after the end of this year. And putting it on the sidebar as a separate link after I revise my current links. I found this article and made some comments upon it which hopefully are useful on this subject. (Note I’m linking to my own blog.)
11/11/25 Update….Glenn Chatfield whose posts start this blog stream almost 9 months ago, added two links..
Jesse has an excellent article: The Cost Of Clarity: Mary, Redemption, And Rome’s Doctrinal Dilemma. He follows it up with another examination of Roman Catholicism.
The recent Pope Leo statements on Mary have created a bit of discussion also.
Good Fight Ministries had this to say..
https://youtu.be/G21slCQC7ek?si=RLbRTIE6fUD8XDzX
11/10/25 Update….THE REFORMATION IS OVER
I could comment on that title. But that is for another post. Actually though the Protestant annual reflection on the Reformation is over, that was on Oct 31st. We now look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. This morning I finally got around to reading this post. It gives the positive side of the Five Solas discussion. Worth reading. The definitions of the four terms Paul used in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is quite useful.
The principle of Scripture alone was radical then, but it has always been controversial. The main issue with Scripture alone was not its necessity. Everyone agreed Scripture was necessary. The issue was its sufficiency. Do we need Scripture plus church tradition, papal edicts, or something else? Or do we need Scripture alone to understand God, salvation, and godly living? Do we believe in the power of Scripture to do what it says it will do? Most important, does the Scripture itself claim to be sufficient for everything necessary for life and godliness?
What Is Reformed Theology
There is a current series on the Heidelblog site that discusses this.
11/9/25 Update….I continue to find resources addressing the difference or Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It’s obvious that neither is the perfect system, if you study Biblical Doctrine you will find the faith divided into the Invisible and Visible Church. Only the Invisible Church is made up of God’s Elect…(that’s a different subject) and the Visible Church has many variations. I suggest reading the old Westminster Definition:
CHAPTER 25
Of the Church
As for a simple way to see differences in the Protestant and Catholic Church forms, Todd Friel presents some of these in this short video….
10/29/25 Update…. Excellent Discussion about the Papacy
Two of my favor writers and video Podcasters Justin Peters and Mike Gendron got together and did a very detail one hour Video on the Papacy. They answer many questions. I highly recommend listening to it here.
It’s on YouTube. I think without commercials. If you have a catholic background, or came out of the Roman Catholic Church many of their points will be familiar to you. Their perspective is kind but direct. One thing I would add is that there are probably many sincere Christians in the Roman Church. Just like the early Reformers who all came out of the Roman Church, God knows them and God will not lose his election sheep.
At one point in the commentary they discuss reasons why today many people searching for a true faith are attracted to the Roman Church. There is actually a lot to be said about many of today’s church not presenting the best Biblical example of Christianity. So people searching for something that might be older and solid. Sad to say there are many false teachings out there. Pray that those Protestant Churches become more Bible focused and more Reformed in their practices. Pray those you know in the Roman Church will see the truth about the points Mike and Justin discuss and are able to come out of the Roman Church and (and this is very important) that God raises up solid reformed churches that they can participate in.
We read in John’s gospel that God isn’t going to lose any, so pray they are able to see the true light of faith.
Jhn 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Jhn 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Jhn 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Jhn 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Please watch the video.
Once you finish watching that I recommend reading this article. (This is especially true if you are coming from a Roman Catholic Church). The end link is just the full article.
10/24/25 Updates …. Part III and more
These seem to be coming frequently. Perhaps since we approach Oct 31st and the date of marking Luther’s own Posts about Romanism that really kicked off the Reformation.
I also just watched the Justin Peter’s sermon, which was really quite direct. Unfortunately it has YouTube ads…but after a few seconds you can skip through them. Justin really doesn’t hold back anything although it’s just the highlights of all the history I’ve posted below. My personal observation is that the Roman Church although it went through a period of loss of members….has lately been gaining a number of prominent converts and maybe not growing overall as people abandon “Christian” Faiths, it may be doing better than Classical Historical Protestantism which is founded on the Five Solas, starting with the Bible the Word of God. Few today hold or attend a truly Biblical Reformed Church. That idea has a lot of competition in the World Marketplace…..and “few” may actually be sound Bible teaching.
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
The discussion of the Canons of Dort is probably the most informative part. And that they have not been ever rescinded.
10/17/25 Update….Part II
10/8/25 Update….A good new series came up today at a very creditable site:
Catholic-Protestant Differences (Part 1)
by T. DAVID GORDON. on October 8, 2025
9/27/25 Update….I have yet to look at this series by Pastor Don Green. But the past week or so I’ve been observing a lot about the Roman Church involvement in current events. Anyway I throw this out there into the mix of recent articles. I will update once I have a chance to check out several sermons.
The Bible and Roman Catholicism
In this new series, The Bible and Roman Catholicism, Pastor Don Green uses Scripture to evaluate what Catholics teach and believe. Focusing on the Pope, Mary, the Mass and the nature of salvation, it’s an invaluable resource that every Christian should have in their hands. You’ll not only want to request this free CD series, you’ll want to share it with family and friends.
9/12/25 Update…I found this recent sermon article by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, it in a very simple way teaches about the Roman Church and its doctrine. You can download the PDF, here or at various sites.
https://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=42
8/16/25 Update….Reading a couple of articles again shared by Glenn Chatfield this week.
Why The Bible Is Not Necessary In Roman Catholicism. Another excellent examination off the religion of Papism.
“The Council of Trent’s reaffirmation of ecclesiastical authority over Scripture further entrenched this view, effectively positioning the Church as the sole interpreter of divine revelation. Such policies fostered a church culture that regarded Scripture as a complex, institutionalized text, requiring expert interpretation rather than direct access.”
If you wish to understand the history of the Roman Church with regard to originally keeping the Bible out of the the hands of people and more recently influencing how the Bible’s are translated and from what text see the Christian Pinto documentary series….. it’s available on Amazon.
BRIDGE TO BABYLON
ROME, ECUMENISM AND THE BIBLE
Written & Directed by Christian J. Pinto
PART THREE IN THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF THE BIBLE DOCUMENTARY SERIES
The sequel to A LAMP IN THE DARK and TARES AMONG THE WHEAT
Featured Speakers: Dr. Phil Stringer, Dr. David Brown, David Daniels, Dr. D.A. Waite, Dr. Jack Moorman, Dr. Kirk DiVietro, Dr. H.D. Williams, Dr. Ronald Cooke & Dr. James R. White.
Glenn also refers to this article…
Why Is Roman Catholicism So Cultic? Excellent examination.
I found it a bit repetitive. But as all the articles below one can at least see the major points in the discussion about Romanism, which along with Islam and its two branches represents the three major faith traditions in the World today….
BTW, for those looking for a controversial line of thinking I suggest reading J. A. Wylie’s History of the Jesuits which is extracted from his larger History of Protestantism work.
Or even more so.
The link to David A. Plaisted 84 page PDF is in this link:
7/20/25 Update…..It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a good article. Mike Gendron has a short post about Purgatory. The comment denying his argument reflects the other view.
https://www.proclaimingthegospel.org/blog/ptg-blog/beware-of-the-scam-of-purgatory
6/12/25 update….I’m adding a link to this very useful doctrine summary article..The Canons of Trent still are operational, btw.
5/31/25 update….very popular Justin Peter’s video on Mary.
5/27/25 update….Glenn has another short post on the RCC. Plus I’ve been reading about the Death of Pope Francis and the new Pope Leo XIV, it will be interesting to see where this take this aspect of the Roman Church.
5/1/25 update….I was able to listen to this similar but short discussion last night. Again certainly raises issues that are not often discussed. Without going into depth they do cover much of Roman Catholic history in the seven points they discuss. The discussion of the Antichrist and False Prophet is useful, though as they mention we must be careful to note such discussion is Biblical but the specifics are hidden.
I’m actually glad I had the chance to finish study of the 2nd half of the Book of Revelation in our Sunday School Class. I only wish that Dr. Dilday would have been able to continue in his detail studies from where his sermons had left off. I do think there is Blessings in reading Revelation.
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
BTW…I asked AI about the Antichrist and False Prophet, here is the current summary:
AI Overview
Historically, Protestant interpretations of the Antichrist and False Prophet often identify them with the Catholic Church and its leaders, particularly the Papacy. This view, prominent during the Reformation and beyond, argues that the Catholic Church represents a false religion that has deviated from the true teachings of the Bible. The False Prophet is seen as a figure who supports and promotes this false religion.
- Antichrist:Many Protestant Reformers, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, saw the Papacy,or the system of the Catholic Church, as the Antichrist. They argued that the Pope, with his claims to authority and power, fulfilled the prophecies of the Antichrist, who would deceive and persecute Christians. This interpretation was rooted in the belief that the Catholic Church had strayed from the original Christian faith and introduced false doctrines.
- False Prophet:The False Prophet, in this view, often represents the leaders and followers of the Catholic Church who actively promote and support the Antichrist’s false teachings and practices. They are seen as those who deceive people into following the Antichrist and his system. This interpretation also connects to the biblical warnings about false teachers and prophets, who seek to mislead people from the truth.
- Dispensationalism:Some Dispensationalists interpret the beast from the sea (Revelation 13) as a revived Roman Empire ruled by the Antichrist. They interpret the beast from the earth (Revelation 13) as the False Prophet, who represents the leader of a future, apostate church or false religion in general.
- Historicist Interpretation:Historicist interpretations, which see the Book of Revelation as a prophetic history of the Church, often identify the Papacy as the Antichrist, fulfilling prophecies of a power that would persecute Christians for 1,260 years.
At some point I will have to close this post out, probably after the next Pope is selected.
4/26/25 update…I’ve added a few additional items in the comments. Also for an hour long discussion of the Roman Church as the outcome of the death of Pope Francis this week, check out Justin Peter’s site:
4/9/25 update…Glenn posted two more parts he is now up to eight. I think the series is finished….
Note: After the seventh post Glenn wrote this in his comments:
This series was taken from an apologetics course I wrote, by request, for homeschool high-schoolers. In fact, all those articles on cults and hermeneutics posted in 2010: March and April, June (now recently), Eastern Orthodoxy in July, JWs in August, Seventh-day Adventists in September, Churches of Christ and “Local Church” in October. Stuff on Mormons was moved to “The Anti-Mormon Blog.”
I would be interested in looking up his other posts mentioned. Plus there is a new series by Justin Peter’s on the Cults which I’ve begun viewing. Short videos on each of mostly that same list. You can find it here:
Or click this direct site link…PS There is lots more on that new site.
4/5/25 update…I’ve added additional parts. Now up to 6. The terms Doctrine and Dogma are distinguished. With Dogma probably being uniques in the Roman’s Church. Although there is a term in the Protestant Church called “Essential Tenants” that might be similar, but it’s related to those things essential to our Salvation that are taught. And doesn’t have the weight of Dogma.
4/1/25 update….you can now read parts 3 & 4, again links at the bottom….
3/27/25 update…Glenn already posted his 2nd part..I added it to the 1st at the bottom.
Looks like an interesting series. I think our lack of familiarity with the Roman Catholic Church is an area to understand better.
Most of what this blogger summarizes is the left leaning cultural norm today.
If you want good summary information about the Roman Catholic Church, read:
I did pick out 3 that pertain more to the error of syncretism that runs so wide in our world today.
James Aitken Wylie in his seminal work, The History of Protestantism explains the origins of this religious revolution through to its impact across the world.
Through exposing the precursors of Protestantism, such as the Waldenses, and explaining how the Roman Catholic church had developed since the fall of the Roman Empire, Wylie is able to explain how mid-sixteenth century Europe became a hotbed of discussions on religion and the position of the Church of Rome.
And refer to these two websites, both contain excellent materials from two ex-Catholics:
Also, the Roman Catholic Church has a major role in the commentary on Revelation I’ve been reading for our Sunday School Class background material. For excellent detail discussion of Revelation read…..
E.B. Elliott’s Horae Apocalyticae, four volumes, fifth edition.
C.H. Spurgeon calls it “the standard work on the subject”, and it is, in my estimation, the single best resource on Revelation. It is both an exegetical and historical masterpiece, filled with wonderful and rare information. However, in four volumes, it is an extensive amount of reading. You will want the fifth edition. – Dr. Steven Dilday
Here are 3 recent articles Glenn mentioned in the last link below…
Pope Francis says “All religions are paths to reach God…some are Sikh, Muslim, HIndu, Christians; they are different ways to God.” This is abject heresy. NOWHERE in Scripture will find any but one path to God and that is through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 says only ONE WAY to God.
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Maybe this applies…
Not that I’m one for the icons and symbol’s used by the RCC.
Cardinal Dolan Hails ‘Our Islamic Brothers and Sisters,’ Calls Ash Wednesday ‘Our Ramadan’ This is just plain heresy. Islam is the enemy of Christianity!!
As for the balance of Glenn’s links you can read them below. He made this comment about them.
Notice how these Catholic leaders, including the Pope, are especially celebrating homosexuality, drag queens and “transgenderism”—a complete affront to God!!! The Pope has also bought into the whole lying Communist agenda regarding ecology and climate.
First Post….
Ungodly Beliefs and Behaviors Catholic Leaders Promote
Second Post.
The Papacy, “Infallibility” and the Magisterium
Btw. As with all materials I scan, I didn’t have time to look up all his references. Generally, Glenn points out things that are sound. But I don’t agree with him on some of his writings so always. Use caution and particularly be Berean..
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Sent from my iPad
Third Part…
Roman Catholic Baptism Is Unbiblical
Fourth Part…
This and Part Five highlight two very significant Roman Church doctrines.
Unbiblical Catholic Sin, Purgatory and Indulgences
Fifth Part…
The Catholic Eucharist: Unbiblical and Idolatry
Again as always check these out against Scripture on your own. I our current reading my wife and I are going through the Book of Leviticus, we are so glad that Jesus made his sacrifice once and for all for our sins.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Here is Glenn’s sixth part.
Mary, “Mother of the Church,” Is Not the Mary of the Bible
I found this fascinating to read. Clearly there is a higher level of “truth” in the Roman Church than Doctrine, it’s called Dogma. And it’s not based on the reliable word of the Bible.
This doctrine was accepted and promoted over the centuries until 1950, when Pius XII declared the teaching to be dogma: “We pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
5. Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix. While this is not yet dogma, the Pope is indeed being petitioned to make it so; for now it is just doctrine. The idea of co-redemptrix began as early as the 2nd century, while the teaching of Mediatrix began in medieval times.
Seventh Part….
Catholic Iconography and the “Saints.”
This one is very interesting reading as the Roman Catechism uses the Holy Spirit and Tradition to justify…saying this about images which, I have yet to find as a statement in my Bible!
….we rightly define with full certainty and correctness that, like the figure of the precious and life-giving cross, venerable and holy images of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, our inviolate Lady, the holy Mother of God, and the venerated angels, all the saints and the just, whether painted or made of mosaic or another suitable material, are to be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on sacred vessels and vestments, walls and panels, in houses and on streets.’ … the contemplation of sacred icons, united with meditation on the Word of God and the singing of liturgical hymns, enters into the harmony of the signs of celebration so that the mystery celebrated is imprinted in the heart’s memory and is then expressed in the new life of the faithful.
Eighth Part…
From Corruption To Chaos: Unearthing The Dark History Of The Papacy
This one is quite a long list…reminds me of reading the pages and pages of History of Protestantism by J.A. Wylie that documents much of what the Roman Church was doing before and after the Protestant Reformation in all those many years.
Rainbow Trout 
Note: Glenn added this detail discussion…
Monday, April 14, 2025
Baptism is NOT Necessary For Salvation Nor Does It Save You
I’ve had a Catholic criticize my article, Roman Catholic Baptism Is Unbiblical, claiming that baptism is indeed necessary for salvation. He included the following Bible verses as “proof texts” that baptism does indeed provide salvation. Well, let’s just examine his “proof” for what it is.
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I would add this new reading to file on this topic…
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/new-booklet-the-catholic-mass-versus-the-lords-supper-by-ironside/
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With the death of Pope Francis is past Monday, I’ve seen several articles that directly address this question.
What will Jesus say to Pope Francis on judgment day?
Posted APRIL 24, 2025 by JORDAN STANDRIDGE
I believe it’s worth reading. The discussion about Jesus’ and Nicodemus and the Matthew quote are quite profound in this context. We easily skip over the implications of these texts. The author also quoted one of the passages my Ephesians Bible Study in Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermons I recently studies. This addresses our universal condition according the Bible.
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
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Perhaps the recent death of Pope Francis, provides an opportunity to again preach the truth of the gospel to our Roman Catholic friends and family. This short video clip and the points on the text list is well worth using.
R.C. SPROUL AND JOHN MACARTHUR ON HOW THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IS FALSE
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