The set of religious beliefs—theology, doctrines, traditions, and practices—of the churches under the pastoral headship of the Pope and centered in the Vatican and adhering the doctrinal positions as first promulgated by the Council of Trent (1545-63), and modified by Vatican I (1869-70) and Vatican II (1962-5).
The attitude of evangelicals have historically been shaped very much by the events of the Reformation, and remains in most evangelical churches at best indifferent, and often outright hostile. Evangelicals, however, should know, and recognize, that the Roman Catholic church, just like the evangelical denominations, has changed, especially by the rediscovery of the Holy Spirit stimulated during the "charismatic movement" in the 1960-70s. Admittedly this has not yet reached a point where full reconciliation between her and the Protestant and Orthodox churches is soon likely, but the openness by some denominations in this direction is encouraging.
[My own personal "openness" to the Roamn Catholic Church began with my Irish friend fifty years ago when I was a young Christian, but the conviction that the evangelical churches have paid too much in ignoring the Roman Catholic Church was confirmed when I heard Father Raniero Cantalamessa—Preacher to the Papal Household since 1980—preached at the Alpha Conference in London in 2015. He was easily the most spiritually-sensitive and biblical speaker among those invited to address the conference. (I dare you to view this interview he gave gave to Shalom World TV in 2019 and see for yourself.]
The term "Papists" can sometimes be found in older works by reformed authors (John Calvin, e.g.,) as a reference to Roman Catholics. It was a term of abuse employed within the context and temper of the 16th Cent; it is not a term, we believe, is appropriate today. While the 'war' for truth that the Reformers fought remains ours, we do not fight their battles; the term should not be found on our lips (or writings, except in quotations or to clarify what it means).
Low Chai Hok
Further Reading & Resources:
Trevin Wax, "Justification - The Defining Doctrine of the Reformation. The Gospel Coalition (US). Blog N
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