What is the Difference Between Catholic and Christian Beliefs?

For many, the terms “Catholic” and “Christian” seem interchangeable, as both groups share core beliefs in Jesus Christ and the Bible. However, understanding the differences between Catholicism and other Christian denominations can offer valuable insight into each group’s unique perspectives, practices, and theological foundations. This guide aims to explore these distinctions by looking further into into the history, key doctrines, and worship styles to give a clearer picture of what sets Catholic beliefs apart within the broader Christian faith.

Let’s jump in!

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and his death and resurrection offer salvation to all who follow him. Christians believe in one God and the Bible as their sacred scripture.

The main branches of Christianity are:

1. Roman Catholicism: The largest branch, led by the Pope. Catholics believe in the authority of the Church and its traditions, alongside the Bible.
2. Protestantism: A group of Christian denominations that broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th century. Protestants emphasize faith in Jesus and the Bible as the ultimate authority, with less focus on church tradition.
3. Eastern Orthodoxy: A branch of Christianity with its roots in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It emphasises the importance of church tradition and the authority of the bishops, and has a rich tradition of liturgy and icons.

Each branch has its own traditions, practices, and beliefs, but all share a common foundation in the teachings of Jesus Christ. All Catholics are Christians because they follow Jesus, but not all Christians are Catholics, because some follow different branches of Christianity, like Protestants or Orthodox.

What is Christianity?

Christianity is a religion based on the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. Christians believe that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection offer forgiveness and eternal life to those who follow him.

Some of the core beliefs of Christianity include:

1. Belief in Jesus Christ: Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, who came to Earth to teach people how to live and to save them from sin through his death and resurrection.
2. The Bible: Christians consider the Bible, made up of the Old and New Testaments, as their sacred scripture. It contains the teachings, stories, and guidance for living a Christian life.
3. The Holy Trinity: Christians believe in one God who exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is called the Holy Trinity.
4. Salvation: Christians believe that through faith in Jesus Christ, people can be forgiven for their sins and receive the gift of eternal life with God.

These beliefs are shared by most Christian denominations, though there may be some differences in how they’re understood or practiced.

What is Catholicism?

• Catholicism is a big part of Christianity. It has its own special beliefs, practices, and leaders.
• The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church and helps guide all Catholics around the world.
• Catholics follow important traditions like the seven sacraments (special ceremonies), honouring saints, and showing special love for the Virgin Mary.
• Catholicism began with Jesus Christ and the apostles (his followers). The first Pope was Saint Peter, and Catholics believe that the Pope today is part of a long line of Popes going back to Peter.
• The Catholic Church believes in the Bible and also in sacred traditions passed down over time.
• Catholicism is the largest Christian group, with over 1.3 billion people around the world.
• It’s especially popular in places like Latin America, Southern Europe, and the Philippines, but there are Catholics everywhere, including parts of Africa, Asia, and North America.
• The Vatican, a tiny country in Rome, is the center of the Catholic Church. The Pope lives there.
• Catholicism helps shape the world by talking about important things like human rights, poverty, and justice.
• The Catholic Church has many schools, hospitals, and charities that help people around the world.

The role of saints, Mary, and the concept of apostolic succession in the Catholic Church:

Saints

Catholics believe that saints are special people who lived very good lives and were close to God. They don’t worship saints, but they look up to them as role models and sometimes ask them to pray for them.

Mary

Mary is the mother of Jesus, and Catholics honour her a lot because of her love and faith in God. They don’t worship her, but they pray to her for help and guidance, thinking of her as a loving mother who cares for them.

Apostolic Succession

This means that the Catholic Church believes its leaders, like the Pope, are part of a long line that goes all the way back to the apostles (the followers of Jesus). They believe the Pope has the same role that Saint Peter had, and the leadership has been passed down from him to today.

Pope’s Role

The Pope is seen as the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, just like Saint Peter was. Catholics believe he helps guide the Church in faith and teaches what Jesus wanted them to know.

Main Differences Between Catholicism and Other Christian Denominations

Authority of Scripture and Tradition:

Catholics

Emphasis on both the Bible and sacred tradition as sources of faith and moral guidance.

Christians

Other denominations generally rely solely on the Bible (sola scriptura).

Role of the Pope:

Catholics

The Pope is the spiritual leader and supreme authority of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as the Bishop of Rome and the successor of Saint Peter, with the responsibility of guiding the Church, interpreting doctrine, and maintaining unity among Catholics worldwide.

Christians

Most denominations do not recognise the Pope’s authority, seeing Christ as the ultimate head of the Church.

The Sacraments:

Catholics Seven Sacraments:

Catholics practice seven sacraments, which are sacred rituals believed to bring spiritual grace. These include:

1. Baptism – the initiation into the Church.
2. Eucharist – the receiving of bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ.
3. Confirmation – the strengthening of faith through the Holy Spirit.
4. Penance (Reconciliation) – confessing sins and receiving forgiveness.
5. Anointing of the Sick – offering prayers and blessings for the sick.
6. Holy Orders – the sacrament of becoming a priest, deacon, or bishop.
7. Matrimony – the union of two people in marriage, seen as a sacred bond

Christian Sacraments:

In Christianity, while the Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments, other Christian denominations may have different views on sacraments or rituals. These include:

• Baptism: A sacrament of initiation that cleanses a person from original sin and welcomes them into the Christian faith and the Church.
• The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist or Communion): A sacrament in which believers partake of consecrated bread and wine, symbolizing Christ’s body and blood, commemorating His sacrifice for salvation.
• Marriage: A sacrament that unites a man and woman in a sacred covenant, reflecting the love between Christ and the Church and enabling them to live out God’s purpose together.
• Unction (Anointing of the Sick): A sacrament that provides spiritual healing and comfort to the ill, invoking God’s grace for physical or emotional recovery.

Worship and Liturgy:

• Some Christian groups, like Protestants, may have less formal or more relaxed services, which might include more singing, spontaneous prayers, and sometimes less emphasis on rituals like communion.
• Catholic worship is structured and focuses on the Eucharist (communion) as a key part of the faith, while some other Christian denominations may have different ways of celebrating and emphasising worship.

View on Salvation:

• Faith and Works vs. Faith Alone: Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe that salvation involves both faith and good works, while many Protestants emphasise salvation by faith alone (Sola Fide).
• Role of the Church: Catholics and Orthodox Christians place a strong emphasis on the role of the Church in administering sacraments and guiding believers to salvation. Many Protestant denominations emphasise a personal relationship with Jesus and the authority of the Bible over the institutional Church.
• Purgatory: Catholics believe in purgatory, a purification process before heaven, but most Protestants do not, believing that people go directly to heaven or hell after death.

Shared Beliefs Between Catholicism and Christianity

Here’s a simple summary of the shared beliefs between Catholicism and Christianity:

• Belief in Jesus Christ: Both Catholics and all Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are central to their faith.
• The Bible: Catholics and other Christians follow the Bible as the holy book, which contains God’s teachings and the story of Jesus.
• God: Both believe in one God, who exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
• Salvation: Catholics and other Christians believe that salvation (being saved from sin) comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings.
• Prayer and Worship: Both groups pray to God and worship Jesus, though Catholics have certain unique ways of doing this, like attending Mass and venerating saints.

These beliefs are shared by all Christians, but Catholicism has its own traditions and practices that make it unique.

Though Catholics and other Christians share a strong foundation in faith and scripture, key differences in traditions, rituals, and interpretations create distinctive paths for each. Whether you’re exploring faith for yourself or simply seeking understanding, recognising these distinctions can help foster respect and appreciation for the diversity within Christianity. At C3 Powerhouse Melbourne East, we embrace all those on a journey to know God and discover the fullness of their faith.