United in Heart, Divided in Faith: A Guide for Catholic-Protestant Couples

by Stanko, Sandra L.

• ISBN13: 9781932057034
• ISBN10: 193205703X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Ave Maria Pr

Summary

Statistics show that more than 11 million Americans will marry into a Catholic-Protestant union and will inherently encounter debates that have been raging between Catholics and Protestants for hundreds of years. United in Heart, Divided in Faith was created to provide a much-needed resource for these couples. "Emphasizing the Similarities in our Faith" outlines the basic beliefs that Catholics and Protestants have in common. "Addressing the Differences in our Beliefs" clearly explains some of the topics that have been traditionally debated between Catholics and Protestants. Each chapter is soundly grounded in Scripture, with references to the author's experiences and insights from Catholic and Protestant sources, and concludes with "relationship builders, " chapter highlights and related questions tailored for the interfaith couple.

Table of Contents

Introduction: To a Christian Couple in Religious Conflict	9	(4)
Preface: The Foundation of Faith	13	(4)
Part One EMPHASIZING THE SIMILARITIES IN OUR FAITH	17	(86)
Introduction: The Need for Unity	19	(6)
We Believe in God	25	(6)
We Believe in Jesus Christ	31	(6)
We Believe in the Holy Spirit	37	(4)
We Believe in the Holy Trinity or Triune God	41	(4)
We Believe in Salvation by Grace Through Faith	45	(4)
We Believe in Eternal Life	49	(4)
We Believe in Performing Good Works to Outwardly Reflect Our Inner Faith	53	(6)
We Believe in the Existence of Satan and Hell	59	(6)
We Believe in the Reality of Sin and the Forgiveness of Sins	65	(6)
We Believe in the Importance of Baptism	71	(8)
We Believe in the Need to Pray and the Power of Prayer	79	(4)
We Believe in Fasting as a Way of Drawing Closer to God	83	(5)
We Believe in Evangelization	88	(5)
We Believe in the Truth of the Bible and the Importance of Bible Reading	93	(4)
We Believe in Respecting the Sabbath	97	(6)
Part Two ADDRESSING THE DIFFERENCES IN OUR BELIEFS	103	(92)
Introduction: The Reality of Differences	105	(4)
Catholic Use of Tradition in Conjunction with Scripture in Church Teachings	109	(6)
Catholic Devotion to Mary	115	(5)
Other Marian Issues	120	(8)
Praying for the Help of Mary and Other Saints	128	(6)
Justification	134	(7)
Sacraments	141	(5)
Catholic Sacraments Described	146	(14)
Sacrifice of the Mass	160	(7)
Purgatory	167	(8)
Catholic Popes and Their Infallibility	175	(8)
Accepted ``Inspired'' Books of the Bible	183	(6)
Catholic Statues and Other ``Sacramentals''	189	(6)
Part Three DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES IN OUR INTERFAITH MARRIAGE	195	(2)
Introduction: The Hope of One Unified Faith	197	(2)
How Do We Begin to Build a Unified, Faith-Based Relationship?	199	(6)
Are We Unequally Yoked?	205	(5)
What About Our Marriage?	210	(17)
What Church Should We Attend After We Marry?	217	(7)
How Will We Express Our Faith as a Married Couple?	224	(5)
In What Religion Will We Raise Our Children?	229
How Do We Respond to Questions, Comments, and Pressures From Our Families and Friends?	236	(7)