Christianity vs Catholicism
Christianity and Catholicism are both branches of the same major world religion, and they share many aspects of their faith, such as belief in Jesus Christ and his teachings. However, Catholicism is just one branch of Christianity, with the other divisions being Protestantism and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Understanding the difference between Christianity and Catholicism can be useful for understanding these religions more thoroughly.
What is Christianity?
Christianity, particularly Protestantism, accepts only two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist. Protestants do not believe in asking saints to pray for them, as they hold that only Christ can intercede with God. Protestant Christians do not have priests and bishops, but they do have deacons and pastors. Protestant Christians also believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was entirely human and not holy. They do not accept the concept of purgation, believing that souls go directly to heaven or hell after death. Protestant Christians do not recognize the Pope as the spiritual leader of the church, nor do they believe in papal infallibility. Any baptized person is allowed to receive Holy Communion according to Protestant Christians.
What is Catholicism?
Catholicism believes in seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. Catholicism holds that there are three types of ministers in the church: bishops, priests, and deacons. Catholics do not pray to saints, but rather ask saints to bless and pray for them. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is considered the greatest saint in Catholicism, and Catholics believe that she was holy. Catholics also believe in purgatory as an experience rather than a place. The Pope, or Bishop of Rome, is considered the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, and Catholics believe in papal infallibility. Catholicism allows non-Catholics to receive Holy Communion.
Key Takeaways
- Catholicism believes in seven sacraments, while Protestant Christianity accepts only two sacraments.
- Catholics do not pray to saints, but instead ask them to bless and pray for them, while Protestant Christians do not involve saints in their prayers.
- The Pope is considered the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, but not for Protestant Christians.
