fascinating stuff! I can see (if I squint - *grin*) how those criticisms might lead to the belief that Catholicism isn't Christian - it is a very extreme position, however.
I've never met an "old school" Protestant that expressed such a view, though that only reflects my experience. My colleague was raised Lutheran and doesn't recall ever hearing anything like it in her religious training; I have friends who were raised Anglican and Methodist - same thing. I was raised (until I was eleven and told my parents I wasn't buying it) Scottish Presbyterian; I don't recall any criticism of Catholicism in my Sunday school classes . . .
It's interesting, definitely. I live in the Southwest and there are many Catholics (both Roman and Eastern Orthodox) and a boatload of Protestant denominations. So many "storefront" churches that I couldn't begin to tell you how many different kinds. They seem to spring up like mushrooms.
This phenomenon seems - in the broad view - to be more of a general ignorance of religious history than a deliberate denial. Yes, I have had students who obviously have been taught that their faith is the only true faith, but more that seem genuinely baffled.
It's odd - and since I experienced it again yesterday (two students in one class this time), I thought I'd ask!
Thanks again.
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