Christian bronies: meet, greet, and mingle!

[Duster Dawnhorse 248]

I've been doing more and more research into and leaning towards the Society of Friends (Quakers.) Although I still retain a few of my Episcopal roots. I'm in the middle of an anthology of letters written by one of the figureheads of the Quaker movement, George Fox. A man so Quaker he got thrown in jail for it.

[CosmicHooves 2,705]

As I said months ago, verbal ridicule is not persecution.  Persecution implies a loss of rights.  American Christians have not lost any rights as a result of our online discussions.  If your beliefs are ridiculed verbally and logically, you are free to defend them verbally and logically.  Or you can ignore them.  It's up to you.  It's always been up to you.

 

 

 

 

You're right about there being a lot of buttheads out there (but be careful, lest the over-zealous mods on this site punish you for justifiably calling buttheads out on being buttheads).

 

As for the people who claimed that "God is evil" or "God condones rape, murder and slavery"...their claims are understandable.  Rather than complain about them making those claims, you should look into those claims to determine their validity, then refute them directly.

 

If you can.

I did!

I said that they were using the wrong version of the Bible, misinterpreting the Scriptures, and not looking into God's reasons for what he does.

They never seem to respond back to me when I confront them with proof of error in their statement.

They continue to harass and judge people on the thread though.

One guy said he actually hated Christians.

I don't hate one for their beliefs because I think it's just not right.

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

I did!

I said that they were using the wrong version of the Bible, misinterpreting the Scriptures, and not looking into God's reasons for what he does.

They never seem to respond back to me when I confront them with proof of error in their statement.

They continue to harass and judge people on the thread though.

One guy said he actually hated Christians.

I don't hate one for their beliefs because I think it's just not right.

I saw when you refuted his scripture reference by claiming he was using the wrong version. However, did you ever provide a better version of those same verses? Versions that might cast those passages in a less rapey, genocidal light?

 

If you did, I must have missed it. I'd like to see an alternate (but still mainstream) version that can justify what appears to be a very ugly portrayal of God.

[Alicorn Fluttershy 152]

*i'm salvation army* *btw anypony going to the youth councils weekend event this year? its called Live Right-youth together 2014. please let me know if you are i want to find somepony to hang out with whille i'm there* *i have no friends going with me* 

*please tell me somepony is going*

[Lord Discord 5]

Bronycenfaur non conformist christian reporting for duty

[Henny Penny Benny 936]

I'm sure there will be some non-Christians reading this, so let me just preface it by saying that I mean no offense or ill-will towards non-Christians. If I did, I'd be posting this comment in a more non-Christian-oriented thread. This is the only thread I can think of to post this in, as posting it anywhere else would likely garner a lot of animosity.

 

I've felt a bit overwhelmed on the forums lately by discussions about Magick and mysticism and various things that the Bible would basically deem Pagan. In the thread about "making a God" out of Celestia, someone actually commented that they should build an idol for her to use as an anchor into our world. Clearly, I'm not going be converting anyone via debates on the MLPF—it would be absurd for me to even expect to do so—but all that talk, all that active acceptance of things that I simply cannot accept, makes it very difficult for me to see any merit to remaining in this fandom. I harbor no judgment toward people who believe such things, but frankly, I'd rather not associate with them simply because those beliefs clash so powerfully with everything that makes me who I am. Ponies is a great show, but if being active in the fandom means putting my faith on the line even for a moment, it's not worth it to me.

 

I don't mean to vilify anyone, and I apologize if that is the effect. I just needed to say this, and I thought y'all would be the most likely to understand.

[Flutterspark 48]

I'm sure there will be some non-Christians reading this, so let me just preface it by saying that I mean no offense or ill-will towards non-Christians. If I did, I'd be posting this comment in a more non-Christian-oriented thread. This is the only thread I can think of to post this in, as posting it anywhere else would likely garner a lot of animosity.

 

I've felt a bit overwhelmed on the forums lately by discussions about Magick and mysticism and various things that the Bible would basically deem Pagan. In the thread about "making a God" out of Celestia, someone actually commented that they should build an idol for her to use as an anchor into our world. Clearly, I'm not going be converting anyone via debates on the MLPF—it would be absurd for me to even expect to do so—but all that talk, all that active acceptance of things that I simply cannot accept, makes it very difficult for me to see any merit to remaining in this fandom. I harbor no judgment toward people who believe such things, but frankly, I'd rather not associate with them simply because those beliefs clash so powerfully with everything that makes me who I am. Ponies is a great show, but if being active in the fandom means putting my faith on the line even for a moment, it's not worth it to me.

 

I don't mean to vilify anyone, and I apologize if that is the effect. I just needed to say this, and I thought y'all would be the most likely to understand.

 

Bravo, good sir! I am impressed by your willingness to forsake the show in your desire to live a Christian life. It's pretty sad, but out of all the bronies I have seen who claim to be Christians, I think very few would give up My Little Pony for the sake of Christ. It is strengthening to hear a Christian say what you just said.

 

I too, have been wondering about my connection to the fandom. I like to identify myself as a "brony", a fan of MLP:FiM. It lets other people who also enjoy the show know about my stance towards it, accelerating my friendship with those people through common interest. But what about all the people who call themselves bronies who are obsessed with the show to an abnormal degree? What about all those who treat My Little Pony like a religion, a way of life? Or what about the bronies that sexualise or otherwise pervert the show? Am I lumping myself in with all those people by choosing to call myself a brony?

 

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

Edited April 16, 2014 by Flutterspark

[Henny Penny Benny 936]

Bravo, good sir! I am impressed by your willingness to forsake the show in your desire to live a Christian life. It's pretty sad, but out of all the bronies I have seen who claim to be Christians, I think very few would give up My Little Pony for the sake of Christ. It is strengthening to hear a Christian say what you just said.

 

I too, have been wondering about my connection to the fandom. I like to identify myself as a "brony", a fan of MLP:FiM. It lets other people who also enjoy the show know about my stance towards it, accelerating my friendship with those people through common interest. But what about all the people who call themselves bronies who are obsessed with the show to an abnormal degree? What about all those who treat My Little Pony like a religion, a way of life? Or what about the bronies that sexualise or otherwise pervert the show? Am I lumping myself in with all those people by choosing to call myself a brony?

 

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

 

Ah, it's quite refreshing to know someone shares my concerns.

 

Personally, though, I'm not as concerned about being "lumped in" with those who pervert the show. If strangers want to pigeon-hole me as one of those people because I wear the label "brony", I can't and won't stop them. Same goes for being a Christian; there are people who pervert Christianity and publicly misrepresent Christ's teachings, and if strangers want to lump me in with such people because I call myself a Christian, that's their mistake.

 

I see how you may have misunderstood my concern, though, as I did say "I'd rather not associate with them". But I wasn't talking about having my name associated with theirs. Rather, I meant that I don't want to spend time with and regularly engage with such people—even just online—lest I let my guard down and allow those ideologies to suffuse my thinking.

[Virgil 685]

I'm sure there will be some non-Christians reading this, so let me just preface it by saying that I mean no offense or ill-will towards non-Christians. If I did, I'd be posting this comment in a more non-Christian-oriented thread. This is the only thread I can think of to post this in, as posting it anywhere else would likely garner a lot of animosity.

 

I've felt a bit overwhelmed on the forums lately by discussions about Magick and mysticism and various things that the Bible would basically deem Pagan. In the thread about "making a God" out of Celestia, someone actually commented that they should build an idol for her to use as an anchor into our world. Clearly, I'm not going be converting anyone via debates on the MLPF—it would be absurd for me to even expect to do so—but all that talk, all that active acceptance of things that I simply cannot accept, makes it very difficult for me to see any merit to remaining in this fandom. I harbor no judgment toward people who believe such things, but frankly, I'd rather not associate with them simply because those beliefs clash so powerfully with everything that makes me who I am. Ponies is a great show, but if being active in the fandom means putting my faith on the line even for a moment, it's not worth it to me.

 

I don't mean to vilify anyone, and I apologize if that is the effect. I just needed to say this, and I thought y'all would be the most likely to understand.

    If you truly feel that being part of the fandom is detrimental to your walk with the LORD than by all means you must leave the fandom for the sake of your own soul.

 

    However, ( and I am directing this just as much to myself, if not more so, than I am to you ) in the course of our daily lives, in the world, we will come face to face with far worse. And if you think any fandom is better, as someone who has spent a good deal of time observing Anime fandoms, the Brony fandom on average looks like "Little House on the Prairie" by comparison (there is a reason I avoid Anime fan sights, despite the fact my favorite shows are Anime). We must remind ourselves of God's answer to Jeremiah, when Jeremiah complained of continuing to give the message he was ordered to give to his own kinsmen: 

“If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you,

        how will you compete with horses?

    And if in a safe land you are so trusting,

        what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

    For even your brothers and the house of your father,

        even they have dealt treacherously with you;

        they are in full cry after you;

    do not believe them,

        though they speak friendly words to you.”

 

(Jeremiah 12:5-6 ESV)

 

    But instead of us viewing all of this as a negative, let us remember that our Master is a "friend of sinners" think of our situation as an opportunity and remember what he said on the sermon on the mount:  “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

 

    “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 

(Matthew 5:13-16 ESV)

 

So if any of us must leave the fandom than we must do what God calls us to do; but if that is not the case then we must, study, pray, and minister to those we come into contact with, even if it be via an internet forum. Let us be the "salt" of this fandom, that we may bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

[Henny Penny Benny 936]

    If you truly feel that being part of the fandom is detrimental to your walk with the LORD than by all means you must leave the fandom for the sake of your own soul.

 

    However, ( and I am directing this just as much to myself, if not more so, than I am to you ) in the course of our daily lives, in the world, we will come face to face with far worse. And if you think any fandom is better, as someone who has spent a good deal of time observing Anime fandoms, the Brony fandom on average looks like "Little House on the Prairie" by comparison (there is a reason I avoid Anime fan sights, despite the fact my favorite shows are Anime). We must remind ourselves of God's answer to Jeremiah, when Jeremiah complained of continuing to give the message he was ordered to give to his own kinsmen: 

“If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you,

        how will you compete with horses?

    And if in a safe land you are so trusting,

        what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

    For even your brothers and the house of your father,

        even they have dealt treacherously with you;

        they are in full cry after you;

    do not believe them,

        though they speak friendly words to you.”

 

(Jeremiah 12:5-6 ESV)

 

    But instead of us viewing all of this as a negative, let us remember that our Master is a "friend of sinners" think of our situation as an opportunity and remember what he said on the sermon on the mount:  “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

 

    “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 

(Matthew 5:13-16 ESV)

 

So if any of us must leave the fandom than we must do what God calls us to do; but if that is not the case then we must, study, pray, and minister to those we come into contact with, even if it be via an internet forum. Let us be the "salt" of this fandom, that we may bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

 

Hmm, that's some good thoughts right there. Thank you. I'll have to give what you said more thought before I can effectively respond, but just seeing someone in this fandom speak so knowledgeably and sincerely about God is thoroughly encouraging.

[CosmicHooves 2,705]

I'm a Christian, but I am quite skeptical of certain parts of the Scriptures.

I do sort of believe in the God Yahweh though.

Even though I think there's a possibility of him not existing I can't be for sure.

Something in the back of my mind is saying that there is a God.

I can't explain why, but I do think there could be a God.

I just think Yahweh would be the correct one if that is true.

[Virgil 685]

 

 

Hmm, that's some good thoughts right there. Thank you. I'll have to give what you said more thought before I can effectively respond, but just seeing someone in this fandom speak so knowledgeably and sincerely about God is thoroughly encouraging.

No problem, if that  "mini-sermon" turns out to be edifying to you; I have to give all the credit to the Almighty. For if it was up to me... well I don't think I could say I make a habit of "racing with men on foot" unfortunately. But God is gracious despite my sinfulness, and He has blessed me by being surrounded by the counsel of Wise and Righteous men and women. There is a reason I put down as my motto, "Weakness is the Keeper of Virtue". 

[BastementSparkle 20,324]

I'm sure there will be some non-Christians reading this, so let me just preface it by saying that I mean no offense or ill-will towards non-Christians. If I did, I'd be posting this comment in a more non-Christian-oriented thread. This is the only thread I can think of to post this in, as posting it anywhere else would likely garner a lot of animosity.

 

I've felt a bit overwhelmed on the forums lately by discussions about Magick and mysticism and various things that the Bible would basically deem Pagan. In the thread about "making a God" out of Celestia, someone actually commented that they should build an idol for her to use as an anchor into our world. Clearly, I'm not going be converting anyone via debates on the MLPF—it would be absurd for me to even expect to do so—but all that talk, all that active acceptance of things that I simply cannot accept, makes it very difficult for me to see any merit to remaining in this fandom. I harbor no judgment toward people who believe such things, but frankly, I'd rather not associate with them simply because those beliefs clash so powerfully with everything that makes me who I am. Ponies is a great show, but if being active in the fandom means putting my faith on the line even for a moment, it's not worth it to me.

 

I don't mean to vilify anyone, and I apologize if that is the effect. I just needed to say this, and I thought y'all would be the most likely to understand.

 I'm not Christian, but I kind of have a habit of looking at every thread that I see so that's why I'm here.

 

 What you're saying is completely reasonable, you have every right to be upset about something that you consider to be morally objectionable. However I would like to point out that you are currently in a thread dedicated to Christian bronies. That's pretty obvious, so what am I getting at? What I mean is that the only thing bronies really have in common is that in some way shape or form we all enjoy Mlp. Beyond that we could be any kind of person with any kind of interests, beliefs, opinions, etc. The people who have an interest in mysticism are simply a portion of us. I kind of like mysticism myself, not because I believe it, but because I think it's interesting in the same way religion is to me.

 

 I don't think that identifying as a brony has any kind of detriment to your faith, It's the same as being a Christian gamer, or a Christian musician, or any other type of person who enjoys some sort of hobby. You simply enjoy this television show, and wish to discuss it with others who enjoy it as well.

 

 However, if you do feel that being on a forum with some people who have differing beliefs is having some sort of negative effect, or simply making you uncomfortable, you could take a break from the forums and come back when these kinds of discussions have died down a bit.

[RNgineer 161]

I am a devoted catholic, I am a Christian man, though I am more spiritual than religious, I think evey faith has something beautiful about them that i like to assimilate

I'm a Christian, but I am quite skeptical of certain parts of the Scriptures.

I do sort of believe in the God Yahweh though.

Even though I think there's a possibility of him not existing I can't be for sure.

Something in the back of my mind is saying that there is a God.

I can't explain why, but I do think there could be a God.

I just think Yahweh would be the correct one if that is true.

Plato often thought that there was an ultimate being or creator, tho he did not specify that he believed in God, his thoughts were that man could not have conceived the idea of something greater than himself, man can only think of things equal or less complex than himself and that a higher power had to be revealed to us by an outside source.

 

Doubt is a natural part of faith

[CosmicHooves 2,705]

I am a devoted catholic, I am a Christian man, though I am more spiritual than religious, I think evey faith has something beautiful about them that i like to assimilate

 

Plato often thought that there was an ultimate being or creator, tho he did not specify that he believed in God, his thoughts were that man could not have conceived the idea of something greater than himself, man can only think of things equal or less complex than himself and that a higher power had to be revealed to us by an outside source.

Doubt is a natural part of faith

If it's any God I believe in, it's the God of the Bible.

Even though I have doubt about the Bible, I still believe in the God of it.

[RNgineer 161]

If it's any God I believe in, it's the God of the Bible.

Even though I have doubt about the Bible, I still believe in the God of it.

In this world nothing is completely accurate or consistent, some might shout science is, but as history shows it's subject to change or even be completely rewritten just as religion is.

[BastementSparkle 20,324]

In this world nothing is completely accurate or consistent, some might shout science is, but as history shows it's subject to change or even be completely rewritten just as religion is.

 Science is based largely off evidence though, it gives you it's conclusions based largely off the best evidence it has at the time. It changes because our technology is constantly evolving allowing us to better examine and understand the world around us. Religion is based entirely on faith.

 

 There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, both science and religion have their place in this world.

[RNgineer 161]

Science is based largely off evidence though, it gives you it's conclusions based largely off the best evidence it has at the time. It changes because our technology is constantly evolving allowing us to better examine and understand the world around us. Religion is based entirely on faith.

 

 There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, both science and religion have their place in this world.

Agreed, but evidence it relative, 1000 years ago science had evidence and it much was concluded wrongly, I'm willing to bet 1000 years from now our science books and faith beliefs will be completely different

[BastementSparkle 20,324]

Agreed, but evidence it relative, 1000 years ago science had evidence and it much was concluded wrongly, I'm willing to bet 1000 years from now our science books and faith beliefs will be completely different

 Oh, of course. Science can only do the best with what it has, and the more advanced we become the closer we will get to real answers. I don't believe it's possible to really understand all of it. But something being impossible certainly won't stop us from trying.

[Virgil 685]

@, I'm sorry I failed you when you where trying to stand up for the Faith, I attempted a bit in my own way and tried to be above reproach, but I was being more of a coward in hindsight. I tried to ask two simple question to try to bring reason back into the discussion, I asked two questions (paraphrasing from memory but someone can check to make sure I'm representing my own question accurately) :

1. What is the source of knowledge?

 

2. What determines right from wrong?

 

I had two takers, one of whom to his great credit stayed with me to the end, the other for whatever reason stopped replying ( he may have simply forgotten or thought I was finished with my line of questioning, to give him the benefit of the doubt). Anyway for the one who stayed as a courtesy and for his personal edification I PMed him how I would have continued on with the other person had they replied, this is that message:

 

"I last posted this, which he brohoofed, which would seem to indicate he agrees with my summary:

 

1. So you are saying knowledge is gained by elimination of what was once a possible hypothesis; in the hopes that one hypothesis may stand up to scrutiny down the line? 

 

2. And you are saying that right and wrong are determined by the feelings that people have towards certain actions, and a majority of people seem to share similar feelings, or at least don't feel any sort objection, to said actions?

 

Now assuming he affirms both as accurate summations my following questions would be thus (although I will be much more to the point, and make multiple points; which would be discourteous if I did it on the forum and ultimately serve no purpose other than attempting to gain some false sense of superiority on my part. Because it would no longer be about investigation and careful examination of another's viewpoint but about "winning".)

 

1. But how do you know this for certain? Wouldn't you have to be present yourself to know that all the proper procedures have been followed? For is it not possible that a scientist might make a mistake (or might flat out lie or ignore evidence) in some manner, during experimentation, examination, or the interpretation of results? Granted findings are reviewed by others, but they also make mistakes; or in some instances, if reviewing the report of a scientist that was well-respected, might a scientist ignore a possible mistake (even unconsciously)? If one holds to a hope that one hypothesis may hold up to scrutiny what does one consider as true until then? Or are not hypotheses constantly being revised or replaced as new methods or theories are tried? If so, can one truly say "I know these things"?

Honestly wouldn't need to go all those directions, but you see the end answer to my question I first asked.

 

2. (I truly hope he just decided to quit out of boredom because if he affirms my summation... you can see where this will head) But if a feeling is the determiner of right and wrong, why listen to it at all? Don't we choose not to follow certain emotions at times because they are irrational, such as the fear a child might have of the dark? Perhaps, Guilt should be discarded, as we do with wisdom teeth or an appendix. Then my morals should simply be what I can get away with and/or gives me the most pleasure, correct? Granted humans are social animals; but why should it be different for a society at large? Especially if a majority of that society share a lack of guilt towards a certain action or choose to ignore it; how could one in anyway object to any decision they, after reaching a consensus, make? ( I won't bring up examples as one need not look back far in history to find many)

 

I hope you realize my purpose behind all this, I simply (and why I only do one question at a time) let a person realize what their beliefs demand by simple reasoning. Once I have tried to show a person the foundation of their beliefs, it is up to the person to decide what to do next. Some might ignore, others amend, some may become comfortable in what they believe or others change them altogether."

 

End of message. I also should have thought to reminded you of this passage of scripture as an encouragement and a preparation for what you faced:

    "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."

(Romans 1:16-23 ESV)

 

And the Gospel has not changed, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who is now seated at the right hand of the Father is what is being preached and has always been proclaimed by the Faithful; it is the truth that Men and Woman are still facing persecution and dying for in countries which the Gospel is just now finally taking root (do some research into the house churches in China, if you don't believe me ). It is the message that has been proclaimed in every orthodox Christian confession and Creed. Here is the Nicene Creed (325 A.D. ) :

 

"We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.  Through him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.  With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.  We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.  We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.  We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.  Amen."

 

One of the reasons I take this very seriously, because by this I don't simply receive salvation to live in some floaty great by and by ; all of creation and those who cling to the Faith will be restored to what Mankind was always supposed to be, beings that bear the image of Almighty God and will rule over angels on a restored Earth. And I utterly refuse anything less, especially to live an existence of never ceasing "maybes".

Edited April 16, 2014 by Virgil_Harris

[Alicorn Fluttershy 152]

*my parents are forceing me to go to a salvation army youth councils event. not happy. if anyone is going to Live Right-youth together 2014 please tell me* (this is a nightmare for me because i'm going with people i don't know very well and i have a fluttershy personality so you can see why i'm scared about this) Please i'm begging you if you are going tell me. i have no idea what to do. i really don't want to go.

sorry to put this on this topic but it'll get seen by more people that might be going

Edited April 21, 2014 by Alicorn Fluttershy

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I'm Catholic, does that count? 

 

Seriously though, I am a God fearing man and I love this show for many reasons. But related to this are the morals it teaches. I don't want to say "Christian morals" because I've always felt morality doesn't need a prefix.

[Gernia 691]

Lutheran born and raised. I'm not really serious about my religion, though.

[Critically Red 5]

Devout Methodist (Wesleyan) here. 

A very right winged one at that. 

Edited April 26, 2014 by Critically Red

[Shanks 10,816]

I'm Catholic, does that count? 

I don't see why it wouldn't, there are some theological differences but your average Christian regardless of denomination dosen't have a single clue about most of those differences. Most Catholics don't know what transubstantiation is, most protestants aren't familiar with Martin Luther (not to be confused with Martin Luther King) 95 Theses I know most catholics don't know about the Great Schism which caused the Eastern Orthodox church to split off from the Catholic church and wouldn't be surprised if most Orthodox Christians didn't know that much about it. Some Protestants have this misconception that Catholics literally worship Mary and the saints which is completely false although some of the veneration can be a bit much in my opinion.