As branches of one of the major religions of the world, knowing the difference between Christianity and Catholicism can be helpful in understanding the religions better. Christianity is the religion having faith on Jesus Christ and his teachings. Catholicism is a branch of Christianity. The other divisions of Christianity are Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is well known that Catholicism is a branch of Christianity. So far as their religious understanding goes Christianity and Catholicism have many things common to them. They, Christianity and Catholicism, show some differences too between them in a few other concepts. In definition, the Oxford dictionary says that Christianity is “The religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, or its beliefs and practices.” Catholicism is defined as “The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church.” For your information, the Roman Catholic Church is ” The part of the Christian Church which acknowledges the Pope as its head, especially as it has developed since the Reformation.”
What is Christianity?
Christianity, especially, Protestantism accepts only two sacraments, namely, Baptism and Eucharist. The Protestants do not believe in asking the saints to pray since they firmly think that Christ alone can intercede with God. Protestants among the Christians do not accept priests and bishops, but they have deacons. Most Christian churches are characterized by the presence of pastors. Protestant Christians, on the contrary, to Catholics, think that Mary was entirely human and hence not holy. Protestants among the Christians do not accept the concept of purgation. They say that any soul for that matter would go to heaven or hell after the death of a person. Protestant Christians do not accept Pope as spiritual leader of the church. The Protestants of Christianity do not believe that the Pope is infallible. Any baptized person is allowed to receive Holy Communion according to the Protestant Christians.
What is Catholicism?
Catholicism believes in seven sacraments, namely, Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick. Catholicism thinks that it is only due to the Christ’s will that there are three kinds of minister in the church. They are bishops, priests and deacons. Catholicism says that honor and respect can be bestowed on the saints depending upon their fidelity to Christ. They, in fact, do not pray to the saints but, on the contrary, would ask the saints to bless and pray for them.
The greatest saint for Catholics is Mary. Mary is the mother of Jesus. Catholicism believes that Mary was holy. Catholics thus assume that Mary was led to heaven immediately after her death whereas Protestants believe that Mary’s body was buried.
Purgatory is not a place but an experience according to Catholicism. According to Catholics, the Bishop of Rome, namely, the Pope is the spiritual leader of the church. Catholicism believes that the Pope is infallible. Finally, Catholicism believes in allowing non-Catholics to receive Holy Communion.
What is the difference between Christianity and Catholicism?
• Catholicism believes in seven sacraments. Christianity, especially, Protestantism accepts only two sacraments.
• Catholicism, in fact, do not pray to the saints but, on the contrary, would ask the saints to bless and pray for them.
• For Catholicism, Pope is the spiritual leader of the church. That is not so with Christianity.
• Catholicism accepts Mary as a saint and holy. Christianity does not accept Mary as holy.
Further Reading:
- Difference Between Christianity and Hinduism
- Difference Between Christianity and Judaism
- Difference Between Christianity and Sikhism