Attending Catholic Services as a Protestant

Judging by One’s Convictions

In the ongoing discourse between Catholics and Protestants, a question often arises: do Protestants sin when they attend Catholic services? This is a matter that hinges on one’s personal convictions and beliefs, as we refrain from passing judgment on principles that are not held by individuals of different faiths.

If a Protestant believes that all religions are equal in value and virtue, then attending Catholic services might be something they can do with a clear conscience. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Let every one of you abound in his own sense: and not that which is convenient for him, to the confusion of others” (1 Corinthians 7:17, Douay-Rheims). Essentially, if one perceives all faiths as equally valid, there may be no moral impediment to attending services in a Catholic church.

However, the situation changes when a Protestant holds the view that their denomination is the one true Church, and that all others are in error. In this case, attending services in a different church, including Catholic, could be seen as a transgression of their deeply-held convictions. As Scripture reminds us, “Thou shalt not have strange gods in my sight” (Exodus 20:3, Douay-Rheims). To such a devout Protestant, participating in worship outside their own tradition might be considered a deviation from their faith’s core tenets.

The Objective Perspective

Objectively speaking, from a broader viewpoint, a Protestant does not commit a sin merely by attending Catholic services. The principle behind this is that one who follows a different faith may indeed participate in the services of another faith without necessarily transgressing any moral boundaries. As Jesus Himself said, “For he that is not against you, is for you” (Luke 9:50, Douay-Rheims). In this light, attending Catholic services could be viewed as an act of seeking spiritual nourishment or understanding, rather than a sinful endeavor.

On the contrary, when we reverse the situation, a Catholic, who possesses the conviction of the one true Church, cannot, in good conscience, attend the services of another faith. This principle is aligned with the teachings of the Church and the Scriptures, such as “Thou shalt not have strange gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, Douay-Rheims). For Catholics, attending any services other than those within the Catholic tradition is typically discouraged.

In conclusion, the question of whether Protestants sin by attending Catholic services is a matter that largely depends on their individual convictions and beliefs. From an objective standpoint, attending services outside one’s own faith does not necessarily constitute a sin. However, for those who firmly hold that their faith is the one true path, attending services in a different tradition may be viewed as a departure from their deeply-held beliefs. Ultimately, the decision to attend Catholic services as a Protestant should be guided by one’s conscience and personal convictions, in light of their understanding of Scripture.

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