# Inside Christianity

> These answers describe a disagreement inside Trinitarian churches. They do not pick a side.

Page: https://apologetics.wiki/common-arguments/christianity

Hub: https://apologetics.wiki/common-arguments

Shelf: https://apologetics.wiki/christianity

## Salvation and the Last Things

### Once a person is truly saved, that person cannot lose salvation.

Inside the churches.

The Westminster Confession says those God has accepted in Christ can neither totally nor finally fall away, and the Baptist Faith and Message says true believers will never fall away from the state of grace. Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Assemblies of God texts teach a real fall. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [John 10:28](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/10/28), [Romans 8:38](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/romans/8/38), [Westminster Confession 17.1](https://opc.org/wcf.html), [Baptist Faith and Message, Article V](https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/once-saved-always-saved)

### Baptism is necessary for salvation.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism says the Lord affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation, and that God is not bound by his sacraments. The Augsburg Confession says baptism is necessary. Westminster says salvation is not so annexed to baptism that no one can be saved without it. The Baptist Faith and Message calls baptism a symbol of faith. The article quotes them and does not decide.

Texts: [Mark 16:16](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/16/16), [Acts 2:38](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/38), [1 Peter 3:21](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-peter/3/21), [Luke 23:43](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/23/43)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation)

### Churches should baptize infants.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, Westminster, and the Methodist Articles retain baptism for children. The Baptist Faith and Message and the Assemblies of God statement require a believer who repents. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Acts 2:39](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/39), [Acts 16:15](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/16/15), [Acts 16:33](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/16/33)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-bible-say-about-infant-baptism)

### Christening and baptism are two different rites.

Inside the churches.

The Church of England Article XXVII uses “christened” for people marked by baptism. Catholic and Methodist texts on the same page say Baptism. They do not define a second sacrament called christening.

Texts: [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Article XXVII](https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-bible-say-about-infant-baptism)

### A Christian can fall from grace and lose salvation.

Inside the churches.

The Augsburg Confession condemns the claim that those once justified cannot lose the Holy Spirit, and the Catechism says mortal sin deprives a person of sanctifying grace. Reformed confessions deny a final fall. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Hebrews 6:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/hebrews/6/4), [Hebrews 10:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/hebrews/10/26), [Galatians 5:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/galatians/5/4), [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1861](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P6C.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/once-saved-always-saved)

### Believers have a right to health and wealth, and they obtain them by faith, by a positive confession, or by sowing a seed.

Inside the churches.

The Cape Town Commitment defines the prosperity gospel in those words and rejects its excesses, and it also affirms a biblical vision of human prospering. The Assemblies of God say faith receives healing and provision, and that a confession does not compel God. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [3 John 2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/3-john/1/2), [Mark 11:24](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/11/24), [Cape Town Commitment II.E.5](https://lausanne.org/statement/ctcommitment)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-the-prosperity-gospel)

### What a believer says in faith determines what that believer receives.

Inside the churches.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries tells readers to speak to a situation and says Jesus said they can have whatever they say. The Assemblies of God 1980 paper says a positive confession does not replace the will of God or the rest of Scripture. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Mark 11:23](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/11/23), [Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Faith Confessions](https://www.kcm.org/faith/faith-confessions/), [Assemblies of God, The Believer and Positive Confession](https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Beliefs/Position-Papers/pp_4183_confession.pdf)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/positive-confession-and-name-it-and-claim-it)

### A gift given in faith is a seed God multiplies back to the giver.

Inside the churches.

Oral Roberts, quoted by an Oral Roberts University journal, says you sow it, God will grow it, and you will reap it. The Cape Town Commitment names the sowing of seeds in its definition of the prosperity gospel and calls for generous giving that is not a technique. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Luke 6:38](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/6/38), [Malachi 3:10](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/malachi/3/10), [Thorpe, An Overview of the Theology of Oral Roberts](https://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1089&context=spiritus)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/seed-faith-and-sowing-offerings)

### Calvinism means God chooses who will believe, and people cannot resist that grace.

Inside the churches.

The Canons of Dort say election is not based on foreseen faith, and that faith is infused rather than merely offered. The Remonstrance says God saves those who believe and persevere, and that grace is not irresistible. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Ephesians 1:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ephesians/1/4), [John 3:16](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/3/16), [Canons of Dort](https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/canons-dort)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-calvinism)

### The Bible says God predestined some people and passed by the rest.

Inside the churches.

Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 say God predestinated those he foreknew and chose. First Timothy 2 says God will have all people to be saved. Westminster teaches election and reprobation. The Catechism says God predestines no one to hell. The article quotes each and does not decide.

Texts: [Romans 8:29](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/romans/8/29), [Ephesians 1:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ephesians/1/4), [1 Timothy 2:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-timothy/2/4), [Catechism 1037](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2O.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-bible-say-about-predestination)

### The rapture is a secret coming of Christ before a visible return.

Inside the churches.

The King James Version says living believers will be caught up. The Assemblies of God call that the rapture and then a visible thousand-year reign. Westminster and the Baptist Faith and Message describe one return and the judgment, and they do not use the word rapture. The article quotes each and does not decide.

Texts: [1 Thessalonians 4:17](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-thessalonians/4/17), [Matthew 24:29](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/24/29), [Revelation 1:7](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/revelation/1/7)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-the-rapture-biblical)

### Reformed theology is just another name for the five points of Calvinism.

Inside the churches.

The Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and Westminster confess one God in three persons and the comfort of belonging to Christ. The Canons of Dort answer the five points of the Remonstrance. The article quotes the wider confession and points to the Calvinism page for that dispute. It does not decide.

Texts: [Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1](https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/heidelberg-catechism), [Belgic Confession, Article 8](https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/belgic-confession), [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/reformed/what-is-reformed-theology)

### The Bible says people are saved by grace through faith, not of works.

Inside the churches.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says that. Churches that confess the Trinity disagree about baptism and about whether a believer can fall away. Those pages quote both sides and do not decide.

Texts: [Ephesians 2:8](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ephesians/2/8), [John 3:16](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/3/16), [Titus 3:5](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/titus/3/5)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-bible-say-about-salvation)

## The Churches

### Methodists and Baptists teach the same thing about baptism and the church.

Inside the churches.

The Methodist Articles retain infant baptism and say a person may fall from grace and rise again. The Baptist Faith and Message requires believer’s immersion and says true believers will not fall away. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Baptist Faith and Message](https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/), [Articles of Religion](https://www.umc.org/en/content/articles-of-religion)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/methodist-vs-baptist)

### Baptists and Catholics differ on Scripture, baptism, and the Supper.

Inside the churches.

The Baptist Faith and Message makes Scripture the supreme standard and baptism the immersion of a believer, a symbol. The Catechism says certainty is not from Scripture alone and that baptism, including infant baptism, is necessary for salvation. The article quotes both and points to the longer Catholic and Protestant comparison. It does not decide.

Texts: [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Acts 2:38](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/38), [Baptist Faith and Message](https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/baptist-vs-catholic)

### Protestants are one denomination, with one list of beliefs.

Inside the churches.

The confessions agree that Jesus is God and that Scripture is the rule of faith, and they disagree about falling away, the sacraments, and the pope. The article quotes them and does not decide.

Texts: [Westminster Confession 2.3](https://opc.org/wcf.html), [Augsburg Confession IV](https://bookofconcord.cph.org/en/augsburg-confession/chief_articles/article_iv/), [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-do-protestants-believe)

### Catholics are not Christians.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism and the Westminster Confession both confess one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and Jesus as truly God. This site counts that confession as Christianity. The article quotes where they still disagree and does not decide those points.

Texts: [Catechism, Nicene Creed](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P13.HTM), [Westminster Confession 25.6](https://opc.org/wcf.html), [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Ephesians 2:8](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ephesians/2/8)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/catholic-vs-protestant)

### Catholics do not believe that Jesus is God.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism prints the Nicene sentence that Jesus is true God from true God. Protestant confessions print the same confession and reject the papacy, the longer Old Testament, and purgatory. The article quotes both and does not decide those disagreements.

Texts: [Catechism, Nicene Creed](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P13.HTM), [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [John 20:28](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/20/28)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-do-catholics-believe)

### Constantine started the Catholic Church.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism says Jesus inaugurated the Church and made Peter its rock. Westminster says Christ is the only head. The fetched texts do not say Constantine founded the church. The article does not decide the papacy.

Texts: [Matthew 16:18](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/16/18), [Catechism 881](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM), [Westminster Confession 25.6](https://opc.org/wcf.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/who-started-the-catholic-church)

### The Eastern Orthodox Church is a separate religion from Christianity.

Inside the churches.

The Orthodox Church in America catechism prints the Nicene confession that the Son is true God of true God. A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay rejects the filioque, a universal pope, the immaculate conception, and purgatory. The article quotes both and does not decide those differences.

Texts: [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [OCA Nicene Creed](https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/doctrine-scripture/the-symbol-of-faith/nicene-creed), [Catechism 247](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P17.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-eastern-orthodox-church-believe)

### Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches teach the same things.

Inside the churches.

Both confess that Jesus is true God. A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay rejects the filioque, papal primacy, the immaculate conception, and purgatory. The Catechism teaches the filioque and the pope’s universal power. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [John 15:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/15/26), [Matthew 16:18](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/16/18), [Catechism 881](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/eastern-orthodox-vs-catholic)

### Eastern Orthodox churches are Protestant.

Inside the churches.

An Orthodox catechism says the Bible holds first place inside Holy Tradition. Westminster says nothing is to be added to Scripture by traditions of men. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Ephesians 2:8](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ephesians/2/8), [Galatians 5:6](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/galatians/5/6), [Westminster Confession 1.6](https://opc.org/wcf.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/eastern-orthodox-vs-protestant)

### Speaking in tongues is the Bible’s required sign of the Holy Spirit.

Inside the churches.

The Assemblies of God say Spirit baptism is witnessed by speaking in tongues. Acts 2 says the hearers understood their own languages. First Corinthians 14 speaks of an unknown tongue and asks whether all speak with tongues. Westminster says vocal prayer is in a known tongue. The article quotes each and does not decide.

Texts: [Acts 2:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/4), [1 Corinthians 14:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/14/2), [1 Corinthians 12:30](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/12/30)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-do-pentecostals-believe)

### All Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7.

Inside the churches.

A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay says New Calendar churches keep Christmas on December 25 and Old Calendar churches keep it on January 7. The essay is not a synod. The article quotes it and does not decide the calendar.

Texts: [Luke 2:11](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/2/11), [The Calendar of the Orthodox Church](https://www.goarch.org/-/the-calendar-of-the-orthodox-church)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/when-is-eastern-orthodox-christmas)

### The Council of Nicaea invented the Trinity and chose the books of the Bible.

Inside the churches.

The 325 creed confesses the Son as true God from true God, of one substance with the Father, and rejects the claim that there once was when he was not. Its twenty canons are about church order. They do not list biblical books. The article quotes the creed and does not decide the papacy from canon 6.

Texts: [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Council of Nicaea, 325](https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum01.htm)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/council-of-nicaea)

### Catholics do not really celebrate Easter, or Christmas matters more.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism calls Easter the Feast of feasts. Canon 920 requires communion at least once a year, during the Easter season unless there is a just cause. The article quotes those texts and does not rank the churches.

Texts: [Luke 24:6](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/24/6), [Catechism 1169](https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_one/chapter_two/article_1/iii_when_is_the_liturgy_celebrated.html), [Canon 920](https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann879-958_en.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/catholic/do-catholics-celebrate-easter)

### Peter was the first pope, and the bishops of Rome succeed him in that office.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism and Vatican I say Peter received the primacy and that the Roman Pontiff succeeds him. An Orthodox clergy answer says first among equals is not supremacy of jurisdiction. Westminster says the pope of Rome cannot be head of the church. The article quotes each and does not decide.

Texts: [Matthew 16:18](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/16/18), [Catechism 881](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM), [Westminster 25.6](https://opc.org/wcf.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/who-was-the-first-pope)

### Jesus was a Christian, or he was a Muslim, rather than a Jew of his own time.

What you will hear.

The Gospels place him under the law, in the synagogue, and at Passover. A Samaritan woman calls him a Jew. The name Christian is first used at Antioch. The Qur’an reading is a different page.

Texts: [John 4:9](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/4/9), [Luke 2:21](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/2/21), [Matthew 5:17](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/5/17), [Acts 11:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/11/26)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-religion-was-jesus)

### Christianity was created long after Jesus, at Nicaea or by Paul.

What you will hear.

Acts places the Spirit on the disciples at Pentecost and the name Christian at Antioch. Nicaea is 325. The claim that Paul invented the faith is a different page.

Texts: [Acts 2:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/1), [Acts 11:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/11/26), [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/when-was-christianity-created)

### Anglicans confess the Trinity, Scripture as sufficient for salvation, and two sacraments of the Gospel.

Inside the churches.

Article I says three Persons, one substance. Article XI says justification is by faith in Christ, not by our works. Article XXV names Baptism and the Supper. The page also quotes the Catholic Catechism and does not decide.

Texts: [Articles of Religion](https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion), [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/anglican/what-do-anglicans-believe)

### Henry VIII founded the Anglican church as a new religion.

Inside the churches.

The Church of England dates a British church to the Roman period and says it accepted the pope until the Reformation. The catalyst they name is the annulment and a Tudor claim about royal authority. Elizabeth I became queen in 1558. The Articles page dates the ratification to 1571.

Texts: [History of the Church of England](https://www.churchofengland.org/about/history-church-england)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/anglican/what-do-anglicans-believe)

### Anglicans and Catholics believe the same things about the pope, the sacraments, and authority.

Inside the churches.

Both confess the Trinity. The Articles and the Catechism differ on Scripture and Tradition, the number of gospel sacraments, the pope’s jurisdiction, and purgatory. The page quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Articles of Religion](https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion), [Catechism 82](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PL.HTM), [Catechism 881](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/anglican/what-do-anglicans-believe)

### The Coptic Orthodox Church is Eastern Orthodox, or it denies that Jesus is God.

Inside the churches.

Their site says Mark founded the church in Egypt about 48, and that Christ is perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. They accept three councils. Chalcedon’s definition says two natures. The page quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [What is the Coptic Orthodox Church?](https://copticorthodox.church/en/coptic-church/what-is-coc/), [Council of Chalcedon](https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum04.htm)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/oriental-orthodox/what-is-the-coptic-orthodox-church)

### The Catholic Church forbids evolution, or it has replaced Adam with evolution.

Inside the churches.

Humani Generis does not forbid research into the human body as coming from living matter, and it says souls are immediately created by God. It says the faithful cannot hold that true men after Adam did not come from him. The page quotes Genesis beside those paragraphs and does not decide the scientific question.

Texts: [Humani Generis](https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_12081950_humani-generis.html), [Genesis 2:7](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/genesis/2/7)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/catholic/do-catholics-believe-in-evolution)

### The Catholic Church forbids cremation, or it treats cremation and burial as the same.

Inside the churches.

Canon 1176 recommends burial and does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen against Christian doctrine. Ad resurgendum cum Christo prefers burial, says cremation does not prevent the resurrection, and forbids scattering ashes or keeping them in jewelry. The page quotes those texts and does not add a rule they do not state.

Texts: [Canon 1176](https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann1166-1190_en.html), [Ad resurgendum cum Christo](https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20160815_ad-resurgendum-cum-christo_en.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/catholic/do-catholics-believe-in-cremation)

### Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox are the same church, or one of them denies that Jesus is God.

Inside the churches.

Both confess the Trinity and that Christ is perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. Chalcedon says two natures in one person. The Coptic Church keeps one nature of the incarnate Logos. A 1990 agreed statement says each side may keep its formula. It did not restore communion. The page does not decide.

Texts: [Council of Chalcedon](https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum04.htm), [Second Agreed Statement, 1990](https://www.ecupatria.org/documents/second-agreed-statement-1990/)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/eastern-orthodox-vs-oriental-orthodox)

### Eastern Orthodox priests must marry, or they may not marry at all.

Inside the churches.

An Orthodox clergy answer says a married man may be ordained deacon or priest, once, and may not marry after ordination, and that bishops are celibate. Canon 277 binds Catholic clerics to celibacy. Article XXXII says Anglican bishops, priests, and deacons may marry. The page quotes them and does not decide.

Texts: [Divorce and Ordination](https://www.oca.org/questions/priesthoodmonasticism/divorce-and-ordination), [Canon 277](https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann208-329_en.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/can-eastern-orthodox-priests-marry)

### The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church are two religions, or every church called Episcopal is the same province.

Inside the churches.

The Episcopal Church says it is the only U.S.-based member of the Anglican Communion, descended from the Church of England and established in 1785. The Anglican Church in North America is a separate province with its own constitution. The page quotes both and does not decide which province a reader should join.

Texts: [Who We Are](https://www.episcopalchurch.org/who-we-are/), [ACNA Constitution](https://anglicanchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ACNA-CC-RATIFIED-2026-06-25.pdf)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/anglican/episcopal-church-vs-anglican)

## Mary and the Saints

### Catholics worship Mary.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism says devotion to Mary differs essentially from the adoration given to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Augsburg Confession says the Scriptures do not teach calling on the saints. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 971](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2C.HTM), [Augsburg Confession XXI](https://bookofconcord.cph.org/en/augsburg-confession/chief_articles/article_xxi/), [Luke 1:46](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/1/46), [1 Timothy 2:5](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-timothy/2/5)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-do-christians-believe-about-mary)

### Purgatory is a biblical doctrine.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism names a purification after death for those who die in God’s grace but are still imperfectly purified. Westminster says Scripture acknowledges no place for souls besides heaven and hell. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 1030](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2N.HTM), [1 Corinthians 3:15](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/3/15), [Matthew 12:32](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/12/32), [Westminster Confession 32.1](https://opc.org/wcf.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-purgatory-biblical)

### Catholics believe Mary was conceived without original sin and never sinned.

Inside the churches.

Ineffabilis Deus defines that preservation at her conception. The Catechism says she remained free of every personal sin. An Orthodox clergy answer calls the Immaculate Conception foreign. Augsburg and Article IX teach original sin in everyone naturally born. The page quotes them and does not decide.

Texts: [Ineffabilis Deus](https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius09/p9ineff.htm), [Catechism 491](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P1K.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/do-catholics-believe-mary-was-sinless)

### Praying to saints is in the Bible, or it is forbidden by the Bible.

Inside the churches.

Trent says it is good and useful to invoke the saints. The Catechism says their honour is veneration, not the adoration due to God alone. Augsburg and Article XXII refuse calling on the saints. The page sets 1 Timothy 2:5 beside those texts and does not decide.

Texts: [Council of Trent, Session 25](https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/trent/twenty-fifth-session.htm), [1 Timothy 2:5](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-timothy/2/5)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-praying-to-saints-in-the-bible)

### Catholics worship the saints, or they only ask the saints to pray.

Inside the churches.

Trent says the saints are venerated and Christ is adored, and that denying invocation is impious. The Catechism calls image honour respectful veneration, not the adoration due to God alone. Article XXII calls invocation of saints a fond thing. The fetched English does not use the words latria or dulia. The page does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 2132](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P7F.HTM), [Article XXII](https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-praying-to-saints-in-the-bible)

### The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, or they remain bread and wine.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism quotes Trent: the whole substance is changed, and that change is called transubstantiation. Article XXVIII says that change cannot be proved by holy Writ. An Orthodox essay does not use the word and denies that the gifts are mere symbols. Augsburg says the body and blood are truly present. The page does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 1376](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P41.HTM), [Article XXVIII](https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/articles-religion)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-transubstantiation)

## The Bible

### The Catholic Bible added books, or the Protestant Bible removed them.

Inside the churches.

Trent receives the longer Old Testament and anathematizes a knowing refusal. Westminster says the books called Apocrypha are no part of the canon. The article quotes both lists and does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 120](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PR.HTM), [Council of Trent, Session IV](https://history.hanover.edu/texts/trent/ct04.html), [Westminster Confession 1.3](https://opc.org/wcf.html)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-bible-do-catholics-use)

### The Apocrypha are either all Scripture or of no use, and one vote closed the canon.

Inside the churches.

Trent receives the longer list. Westminster excludes the books called Apocrypha. Jude quotes Enoch, which is in neither list. The article quotes the decisions and does not decide.

Texts: [Catechism 120](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PR.HTM), [Westminster Confession 1.3](https://opc.org/wcf.html), [Jude 1:14](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/jude/1/14)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-the-apocrypha)

### One English translation is the only accurate Bible.

Inside the churches.

Young’s Literal Translation keeps more of the Hebrew shape than the King James Version. The Legacy Standard Bible’s publisher describes a word-for-word revision of the New American Standard Bible. Churches that confess the same gospel read more than one English edition. The article quotes those descriptions and does not crown one.

Texts: [Genesis 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/genesis/1/1), [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [Matthew 17:21](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/17/21)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/which-bible-translation-is-most-accurate)

### Paul wrote Hebrews, or the unknown author makes the book unusable.

What you will hear.

The book names no author. Clement of Alexandria said Paul, with Luke as translator. Origen said the thoughts are the apostle’s and that God knows the writer. Tertullian names Barnabas.

Texts: [Hebrews 2:3](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/hebrews/2/3), [Eusebius, Church History 6](https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250106.htm), [Tertullian, On Modesty 20](https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0407.htm)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/who-wrote-the-book-of-hebrews)

### The Bible tells what God said beforehand, including a ruler from Bethlehem and the temple’s fall.

A Christian objection.

Micah 5:2 names Bethlehem. Daniel 9:26 says Messiah is cut off and the city and sanctuary are destroyed. Matthew 24:2 says not one stone will be left on another. The page does not date those lines to 2026 or 2033.

Texts: [Micah 5:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/micah/5/2), [Daniel 9:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/daniel/9/26), [Matthew 24:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/24/2)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-bible-prophecy)

### A prophecy that does not happen is not from the LORD, and Ezekiel’s words about Tyre have to be read with both chapters.

A Christian objection.

Deuteronomy 18:22 says that if the word does not come to pass, the LORD has not spoken it. Ezekiel 26 says Tyre will be scraped like a rock and built no more. Ezekiel 29 says Nebuchadnezzar’s army took no wages from Tyre. The page states both.

Texts: [Deuteronomy 18:22](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/deuteronomy/18/22), [Ezekiel 26:14](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ezekiel/26/14), [Ezekiel 29:18](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/ezekiel/29/18)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-bible-prophecy)

### The Gospels were written centuries after Jesus.

A Christian objection.

Irenaeus places Matthew while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, Mark after their departure, Luke with Paul, and John later at Ephesus. He gives no year. A fragment of John was copied in the second century.

Texts: [Against Heresies 3.1.1](https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103301.htm), [Greek Papyrus 457](https://www.digitalcollections.manchester.ac.uk/view/MS-GREEK-P-00457/1), [Luke 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/1/1)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/when-were-the-gospels-written)

### Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Protestant Bible, or the same Old Testament list as the Catholic Church.

Inside the churches.

An Orthodox clergy answer calls Tobit, Judith, additions to Esther and Daniel, Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and the Prayer of Manasseh the longer canon, from the Septuagint, and accepts them as canonical scripture. The Catholic list is similar and does not name the Prayer of Manasseh. The page does not decide the canon.

Texts: [Canon of Scripture](https://www.oca.org/questions/scripture/canon-of-scripture), [Catechism 120](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PR.HTM)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-bible-do-eastern-orthodox-christians-use)

## The Holy Spirit

### The Father, the Son, and the Spirit were present when Jesus was baptized.

Inside the churches.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke narrate Jesus, John, the Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven. Luke times it when all the people were baptized. John’s Gospel is John’s report that he saw the Spirit remain on Jesus.

Texts: [Matthew 3:16](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/3/16), [Mark 1:10](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/1/10), [Luke 3:22](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/3/22), [John 1:32](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/32)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/who-was-at-jesus-baptism)

### John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan.

Inside the churches.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke say John baptized Jesus. Matthew adds that John objected and that Jesus said this fulfills all righteousness. The Catechism and an Orthodox essay read that line as the reason the sinless Jesus was baptized.

Texts: [Matthew 3:13](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/3/13), [Mark 1:9](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/1/9), [John 1:28](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/28)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/who-was-at-jesus-baptism)

### Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Inside the churches.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke say that, after a charge that Jesus works by Beelzebub. The Catechism reads it as a deliberate refusal of mercy that can end in final impenitence. The LCMS FAQ reads it as a settled refusal to repent. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [Matthew 12:31](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/12/31), [Mark 3:29](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/mark/3/29), [Luke 12:10](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/luke/12/10)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-is-blasphemy-against-the-holy-spirit)

### Speaking in tongues is the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit, or the gift has ceased.

Inside the churches.

Acts 2 says the hearers recognized their own languages. First Corinthians 12 asks whether all speak with tongues. The Assemblies of God say Spirit baptism is witnessed by tongues. Westminster says former ways of revealing God’s will have ceased, and that vocal prayer is in a known tongue. The article quotes them and does not decide.

Texts: [Acts 2:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/4), [1 Corinthians 12:30](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/12/30), [1 Corinthians 14:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/14/2)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/what-does-the-bible-say-about-speaking-in-tongues)

### The Holy Spirit is God, a person of the Trinity.

Inside the churches.

The Nicene confession says the Spirit is Lord and giver of life, worshipped with the Father and the Son. Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal texts say the Spirit is fully divine. Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that the Spirit is a person. That reading is on their page.

Texts: [Matthew 28:19](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/matthew/28/19), [Acts 5:3](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/5/3), [Acts 5:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/5/4)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-the-holy-spirit-god)

### Christians pray to the Holy Spirit.

Inside the churches.

The Catechism asks how the Church could not pray to the Spirit, and it prints “Come, Holy Spirit.” The Westminster Larger Catechism says prayer is offered to God only, by the help of his Spirit. The article quotes both and does not decide.

Texts: [John 14:16](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/14/16), [Romans 8:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/romans/8/26)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/christianity/is-the-holy-spirit-god)