For anyone seeking a church in Galesburg, IL or the surrounding area, there are many denominations available. Two of the most high-profile options include Baptist and Catholic churches. Galesburg churches all have unique differences, but many people looking for a new church find themselves wondering about denominational differences that might help narrow down their search.
One of the most important questions to ask when checking out a new church is, “What do they believe about the Bible?” A church’s position on God’s Word is truly foundational, because it will determine the church’s positions in many other areas of doctrine and practice. Baptist and Catholic churches, in particular, are marked by important differences when it comes to their teachings on Scripture. Baptists and Catholics disagree about what belongs in the Bible and what doesn’t, how the Bible should be read and used in worship, and how authoritative the Bible truly is. If you’re considering a Galesburg, IL church belonging to one of these groups, it’s worthwhile to investigate these key differences before you visit.
According to Each Group, What Does the Bible Include?
Baptists believe that the Bible includes 66 books, also known as the “canon” of scripture. These books have historically been agreed upon by Christians as inspired by God and consistent with one another.
Catholics, on the other hand, argue that several additional books belong in the Bible as well. This collection of books, written by a variety of different authors, is known as the “apocrypha.” Many scholars consider these books to be of lower quality and full of internal consistencies. The canonical New Testament does not reference any of these apocryphal books as authoritative.
Why does this disagreement matter so much? For one thing, the apocryphal books include many teachings that don’t line up with the overarching principles found in the 66 canonical books. For example, some verses in the Apocrypha (Tobit 12:9) teach that giving away money can be a way to earn salvation. However, the message of the canonical Bible, as a whole, is that people are be saved when they simply trust in Jesus as Savior from sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). Whether we earn our salvation by doing good works, or whether it’s a gift that God offers us freely, is an all-important question.
How Do Baptists and Catholics Use Scripture Differently?
Baptists teach that every word of the Bible is inspired, or divinely breathed out, by God. They also believe that it is every Christian’s responsibility to read the Bible and personally interact with it. The Bible itself encourages us to consider, study, meditate on, memorize and share God’s Word.
In Acts 17, Paul and Silas visit Berea and preach there. The Bereans not only listen to what Paul and Silas are saying, but they also examine God’s Word to see whether the doctrines being preached are consistent with Scripture. The Bible points out that they were right to do so!
Based on this and many other passages, Baptists emphasize that church members should independently read the Bible and know what it says. A biblical sermon can often help believers to understand spiritual truths more deeply. However, believers should always examine the Bible itself to make sure the preaching they’re hearing is consistent with the Bible itself. In a Baptist service, church members are encouraged to learn and engage, following along in their own Bibles, taking notes, and praying for understanding and insight into God’s Word.
In Catholic services, the Bible functions differently. Sometimes the congregation reads it aloud responsively. A priest may recite parts of the Bible, or a choir may sing some verses. However, although Catholic services do include the Bible, they usually don’t place the same emphasis on teaching, considering, and interpreting the Bible’s meaning more deeply. Certain phrases from the Bible are commonly repeated, but deep, expository preaching on difficult passages is frequently lacking.
What Do Baptists and Catholics Believe About the Bible’s Authority?
Baptists believe that the Bible is solely authoritative. It contains all we need to know to be saved from our sins and lead the Christian life, and it is the only writing given to us directly by God. Second Peter 1:20-21 teaches that the Bible is different from anything written by mere human beings. God breathed His Word into the biblical authors He chose, and they wrote accordingly. This is true of no other text on earth.
On the other hand, Catholics believe that the “magisterium” is the authoritative source for Christian teaching and doctrine. The magisterium does include the Bible, but it also includes statements made by human leaders like the Pope and church councils.
This indicates a serious difference between Baptist and Catholic beliefs. There’s a key principle running throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament: adding to or taking away from God’s Word is forbidden. In Deuteronomy 4:2, God warns Israel not to add or subtract from the written commands He had given them, but to follow them exactly as written. In Revelation 22:18, at the very end of the Bible, readers are warned that anyone who adds to or subtracts from the text will be punished.
In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul tells the Galatian church that the Bible itself is the highest authority they should accept. Paul says that if he, himself, or anyone else, were to preach doctrines that contradict Scripture, the Galatians should reject it. Words uttered by a human being, no matter who it is, can never be as authoritative as the Bible itself.
If the pope or other church leaders can make statements that are just as authoritative as God’s Word, what happens if they say something that contradicts Scripture? This question has proven problematic for many Catholics who’ve been troubled by such discrepancies.
We’re Here To Help!
Harmony Baptist Church is a Galesburg, IL church that’s focused on loving God and people and on preaching the Bible faithfully. We’re glad to answer any of your questions about Baptist beliefs or how to determine major denominational differences from minor ones. Through our “Contact” page, you can reach out and connect with us!
