10 Beliefs Both Catholics and Protestants Have in Common
Catholics and Protestants have more in common than you may realize.
You might think they are at odds with each other on all types of things.
Though there are some disagreements, several important similarities can bridge any gaps between Catholics and Protestants.
Let’s look at several examples of what Catholics and Protestants believe.
10 Beliefs Both Catholics and Protestants Have in Common
This is a foundational belief of all Catholics and Protestants.
They believe God is three persons in one – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
They believe that each Person of the Trinity is distinct, yet also in perfect relationship with the other two Persons.
No person of the Trinity is greater than the other – all coexist in eternal and equal glory.
To Catholics and Protestants, the word “God” always means Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Not one person of the Trinity is independent of another, but all are in a holy relationship together.
2. Belief in God as CreatorOther religions may debate how the Earth and the universe were created.
However, Catholics and Protestants agree on the Creation account recorded in Genesis 1 and 2.
They believe that God the Father is the Creator and Sustainer of life (Is. 40:28).
Also, they believe that the Holy Spirit was present in creation (Gen. 1:2).
Finally, they believe Jesus is the centerpiece of all creation (Col. 1:15-20).
Both Catholics and Protestants agree in upholding the principles of the Ten Commandments in family and civic life (Ex. 20:1-17).
They know that the Ten Commandments form the bedrock beliefs about how to relate to God and others.
Catholics are just as passionate as Protestants about upholding the ideals in the Ten Commandments.
These ideals include loving, serving, and honoring God and others.
4. Belief in the CreedsThe Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are still used in many Catholic and Protestant church services.
Both Catholics and Protestants agree with these ancient statements of faith that assert belief in the Trinity and in Jesus’ death and resurrection as our means of salvation.
Some churches include the creeds in church services each week, and others recite them only occasionally.
Both Catholic and Protestant believers accept the teachings of these creeds.
The Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 is used in many Catholic and Protestant church services every week.
Both Catholics and Protestants use the Lord’s Prayer at home too.
Jesus’ prayer still inspires millions today, and many recite it from memory.
Catholics and Protestants strive to live out Jesus’ guidance to trust God for their needs, forgive others, and focus on Heaven as their ultimate home.
The Lord’s Prayer outlines these dynamics that both Catholics and Protestants pursue.
Remembering Jesus’ last supper regularly is important for both Catholics and Protestants.
Protestants often call it taking communion, while Catholics call it the Eucharist, but they mean the same thing.
They eat bread and drink wine or grape juice to symbolize their participation in what Jesus demonstrated the night before He died, as described in Luke 22:19-20.
Though Catholics and Protestants may differ on particular details about communion or the Eucharist, they practice it regularly and consider it an important part of their faith.
7. Reverence for God’s HolinessBoth Catholics and Protestants believe that God is holy.
Holy means without sin, and God has no darkness of sin in Him (John 12:46).
Catholics and Protestants believe that all humans are born as sinners in need of God’s grace and deliverance (Ps. 14:3).
Because God is without sin, He is worthy of reverence and worship for Catholics and Protestants.
Baptism is a public sign of faith for both Catholics and Protestants.
Some Protestants focus more on what is known as a “believer’s baptism,” or a baptism of a person old enough to understand what baptism means.
Yet many Protestants and the majority of Catholics baptize infants as a sign that parents will raise their children in faith.
Catholics often follow up with a first communion around ages 8-10 for a child.
Many Protestants follow up with a confirmation process in the junior high years.
Baptism is the starting place that shows a commitment to belief for many Catholics and Protestants.
Both Catholics and Protestants place a high honor on family values.
They deeply value marriage, babies, children, and the elderly.
Many Catholics and Protestants are active in their communities to promote and defend family values in culture and even politics.
Family life is important in both Catholic and Protestant church programs.
10. Belief in Faith Demonstrated by WorksJames 1:17 tells us that faith without works is dead.
Catholics and Protestants are deeply committed to demonstrating faith through good works.
They are passionate about helping those who are poor, sick, and troubled through many types of practical help and para-ministries.
In most Catholic and Protestant churches, you will find many options for demonstrating faith through good works.
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