1. Scripture and tradition Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone
Catholic
Protestant
Authority
Scripture and tradition
Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone
Bible
Includes apocrypha
Excludes apocrypha
Results of Fall
Corruption and tendency to sin
Total depravity and guilt
Free will
Free to do good or evil
Free only to do evil
Predestination
Related to God's foreknowledge
Related to God's decrees
Atonement
Death of Christ created merit that is shared with sinners through sacraments
Death of Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied God's justice
Divine grace
Prevenient grace helps one believe; efficacious grace cooperates with the human will to do good
Common grace enabling good works given to all; sufficient grace for salvation given to elect only
Good works
Meritorious
Results of divine grace and unworthy of merit
Salvation
Received at baptism; may be lost by mortal sin; regained by penance. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved. (Catech 847)
Result of divine grace; unconditional. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved.
The Church
The Catholic Church is "the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation" (Catech 845) but those baptized in other Christian denominations are in communion with the Church (Catech 838).
There is a distinction between the visible and invisible church. God saves anyone he chooses, or anyone with proper faith, regardless of church membership.
Sacraments
Convey grace by their operation (ex opere operato).
Means of grace only if received with faith.
Priests
A special vocation for some believers; mediators between God and man
Priesthood of all believers.
Transubstantiation
Affirmed
Rejected
Purgatory
Denied
Prayer to saints
Accepted