Catholic Q&A

Q: What is the difference between Calvinists and Catholics?

A: There are several major differences between Calvinism and Catholicism. John Calvin taught the total depravity of mankind, stating that man was evil by nature. The Catholic Church teaches instead that mankind is inherently good, but flawed by original sin, a defect which remains in human nature from the sin of Adam and Eve. Furthermore, Calvinism professes pre-destination, which says that our actions in this life have no effect in eternity because God has already destined some people for heaven and some for hell from the moment of conception. The Catholic Church teaches that without Christ, we would be lost, but those who live their faith out through charity accept the gift of salvation; therefore, our actions do have a tremendous impact on our salvation, even though it is still the gift of God. God chose to make salvation available because, unlike Calvin's view, God wills that all men might be saved. Furthermore, Calvinism disagrees with Catholicism in teaching that Jesus Christ's sacrifice was not meant to atone for all sin, but only for the sins of those God pre-destined for heaven. Calvinism also teaches against Catholicism that any person God wishes to save will be saved and cannot ultimately resist the work of grace.

Q: How did Catholic monks save civilization?

A: The dark ages began with multiple invasions of the Roman Empire (and the Byzantine Empire), which led to the destruction of many aspects of classical civilization, including architecture, art, philosophy, science, mathematics, etc. Monks built monasteries around which new cities were formed, giving structure to a chaotic society. Monks preserved whatever ancient texts and artwork they could, copying manuscripts by hand to produce great libraries where ancient texts were preserved and civilization could be rebuilt not only through the rebuilding of cities associated with monasteries, but through the educational efforts of monks, who were able to provide intellectual learning in the liberal arts as well as practical training in trades. For this reason, St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of western monasticism, is one of the patron saints of Europe.

Q: Why is God's mercy crucial to understanding salvation?

A: Justice is defined as giving one their due or what is owed. Sin violates justice because God is not given the loving obedience He deserves. Strict justice requires that until we pay an infinite price for offending the infinite majesty of God, God must withdraw from us and we must suffer death and the effects of sin. However, through His mercy, the Son of God became man to save us, and offering Himself on the cross, was able to pay the infinite debt owed to God. Because He is God, He is infinite and able to pay an infinite debt; because He is man, He is able to act on man's behalf. Therefore, through God's mercy, salvation is available to God and the demands of justice are still met.

His Servant and Yours,


Micah