Christianity, the world’s largest religion with over 2.2 billion followers, has branched out into several denominations over the last 2000 years. The initial split in Christianity occurred in 1054 AD when the Eastern Orthodox denomination separated from the Catholic Church. The second major split, or schism, resulted from reform movements in Germany and France in the 16th century led by Martin Luther, leading to the establishment of Protestantism within Christianity. In the 18th century, Protestantism gave way to the Methodist Church due to the teachings of John Wesley. This article will highlight the differences between these two denominations of Christianity.
Catholic
The Roman Catholic Church is what is meant by the Catholic Church, and Papal authority as the Vicar of Christ is the chief characteristic of Catholicism. Although Catholics consider the Bible sacred, they place equal importance on Christian traditions. Wherever there are worshippers of Jesus, there is the Catholic Church. Catholics believe Christ to be the Son of God who was born as a human being for the salvation of mankind. All the teachings and the sacrifices of Christ are contained in the Bible, and Catholics believe the Bible is the source of all gospels.
Catholics believe in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, and this is considered the characteristic feature of the denomination. The Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church are considered successors of the apostles of Jesus, while the Pope is believed to be a successor of St. Peter. All Catholics worldwide are automatically members of this beautiful Church, which is not only one of the oldest religious institutions of the Christians, but also one that has shaped the destiny of much of the western world.
Methodist
Methodism is one of the many splinter groups that emerged after Protestantism took shape due to the reform movement started by Martin Luther. Protestantism is represented by many denominations around the world which are followed by more than 70 million people. Methodism shares the belief in Christ like all branches of Christianity but is distinct in its missionary work, which is a result of a movement led by John Wesley and his brother in the 18th century. The core tenet of Methodism lies in service to the people and the establishment of schools, hospitals, orphanages, and other similar institutions, representing the desire of Jesus to serve the poor and the oppressed. Because of the orderly manner in which John Wesley and his followers lived their lives, they were branded as Methodists by other Catholics of the time. Wesley did not form a new denomination and remained within the aegis of the Church of England. It was only after his death that his followers formed the Free Church of England. Although Methodists came from all sections of society, it was the preaching by Methodists among laborers and criminals that converted thousands of Catholics into Methodists.
Key Takeaways
- Methodists do not subscribe to Papal authority, while for Catholics, the Pope is the true successor of St. Peter.
- According to Methodism, faith in Christ alone is sufficient for entry into heaven, whereas a Catholic must indulge in good deeds, in addition to faith in Christ, to be granted entry into heaven.
- While the Roman Catholic Church is considered supreme in Catholicism, Methodists do not recognize the Pope as the successor of St. Peter and the Pope is not considered infallible by Methodists.
