A Comparative Overview: Catholicism and Protestantism #1908

A Comparative Overview: Catholicism and Protestantism In ancient halls of faith, a lineage old, Catholic roots in Peter's hand they hold. From Christ to Pope, an unbroken line, Tradition and Scripture, intertwined, divine. Sacraments seven, channels of grace, Baptism to Matrimony, a holy embrace. Transubstantiation in Eucharist’s heart, Bread and wine, set apart. Salvation through faith, works, and sacrament's way, Grace dispensed in life’s every day. Mary, the saints, in veneration they stand, Intercessors, holy, in Heaven’s grand. Hierarchy guides with a papal lead, From cardinals to priests, in structure they heed. Liturgical rites, in reverence they pray, Mass, the centerpiece, day by day. Protestant winds blow change in the air, Reformation cries, for truth they dare. Scripture alone, the clarion call, Tradition, revered, yet not above all. Baptism and Supper, two sacraments seen, Faith alone for salvation, the creed serene. Symbolic bread and wine in some, In others, Christ's presence has come. Mary revered, but veneration's thin, Saints remembered, but not prayed within. Direct to Christ, the faithful plead, No intercessor, just Christ indeed. Structures vary, from bishops to the free, Congregational voice, in some decree. Worship forms diverse, from liturgy grand, To simple sermons, in every land. Two paths diverge, yet faith is one, In Christ's love, all begun. Catholic and Protestant, hands can still meet, In shared belief, at the Savior’s feet. -Steven G. Lee (June 23, 2024)