Faith In The Middle Of Darkness

“Faith in the Middle of Darkness”
It has been approximately thirty-seven years since the end of the Thirty Years’ War, but still no end is in sight for the religious conflicts that affect society today. Lives have been lost and much blood has been shed in the endless battles in the name of God; we pray that all this will not be in vain. Many argue that if a war is necessary to bring religiousunity to the people, then all is justified. It is said that only under one sole religion is peace possible and essential for the protection of the state, for this reason, it is stated that the agenda being furthered by faithful Catholics is religious unity.
Joseph Reynolds is a seventy year old priest that has been with the church for more than forty years. His loyalty and devotion to theCatholic Church should serve us all as an inspiration. I have asked him personally to describe his perspective on the issue of Catholicism versus Protestantism, and as the great man he has proven to be, he has humbly accepted my proposal.
He tells me his views on Protestantism:
We (Catholics) see them (Protestants) as brothers in faith, but separated from the Church that Christ founded.Furthermore, they fail to profess sacraments and rites established by Christ, important for the growth of our soul in the full faith and friendship with Christ.
Do not be fooled, the true Christians are Catholics, Protestants "protest" against the Catholic Church and were founded by men. The Catholic Church was not invented by man, but through Jesus Christ who is the divine founder and itsfoundation: "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor.3, 11.).
The Lord declared that someday false Christians and false prophets would arise and deceive many.

To better understand this religious conflict, it is necessary to recognize the differences between the Catholic Church and the Protestant faith, without inclinations.
“Had Luther andCalvin been confined before they had begun to dogmatize, the states would have been spared many troubles.”
Armand Jean du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu
“Had Luther and Calvin been confined before they had begun to dogmatize, the states would have been spared many troubles.”
Armand Jean du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu
Their differences can be summarized in five points:
• The single Scripture:Protestants believe that the only true word and authority comes from the Bible, while Catholics do not believe that this alone is sufficient, and therefore, give equal force to the sacred tradition of Roman Catholicism (purgatory, praying the saints, worship or veneration of Mary).
• Sola Fide (Justification by Faith): Protestants believe that faith in our Lord is enough to be saved. Catholics believe thatsalvation is achieved not only with faith, but with the seven sacraments.
• Only Christ: According to the Catholic religion the Pope the Vicar of Christ and therefore has word on matters of faith. Protestants believe that no man can take the head of the church because Christ alone occupies that place.
• Sola Gratia (only thanks): Catholics believe that Jesus was only the beginning of salvationand that the rest is up to us and the good works we build in order to deserve God's grace. Protestants believe in good deeds, but they themselves believe to be the fruit of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus.
• Only for the glory of God: Both sides believe that unbelievers will go to hell but the difference is that Catholics believe in Purgatory where one is temporarily punished. In theother hand, Protestants believe that when one dies, there is only glory, so they go to Heaven.
“I am the state.”
King Louis XIV
“I am the state.”
King Louis XIV

Despite the differences discussed above, the disagreements between Catholic and Protestants are mainly due to ideological conflicts.
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