What's the difference between Christians and Catholics, Methodists, etc.?

Question

I keep hearing people say I'm a christian, but they don't go to church or anything. Other people say they're catholic or whatever, but they stop short of saying they're christian.

Can someone be catholic, methodist, etc and not be a christian?

Answer 1

Wow, that's a big question! A lot of people will say they are a certain version of Christianity (Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist...) because it is the way they were raised, not neccessarily because they practice every Sunday. Catholicism claims to have been started by Peter, and all the priests claim that their authority comes in a direct line from there. Catholics believe that Gods will is make known to us via the priesthood, and that priest now hold God's authority for us. (kind of). Most Protestant faiths (formed in PROTESTover the Catholics long ago) think that humans should have a more direct relationship to God (not mediated by priests) and include the Lutherans (Founded by LUTHER), the Methodists (whose founder had a new METHOD for Bible study and reflection)... and the list goes on and on. Generally, anyone who follows 'Christ' regardless of theology, would be a Christian, alothough many Christians do not recognize other Christians as valid. For example, most Baptists do not believe Catholics are Christian... the most important thing really is, what do you call yourself, and how do your beliefs make the world a better place

Answer 2

whats up. As a non denom Christian it really is interpreting catholicism, i'd encourage you to study this on your own. i'd recommend warding off all catholic suitable bulletin forums, and understand that this venue isn't the suitable position to get the most independent guidance. both part are quite a lot in charge of finger pointing and cruel accusations, and also you may see in case you do searches on questions with regards to catholics that there are quite some regulars the following which will help catholicism because it really is catholicism. i'd very truly recommend taking some classes or doing self sustaining study on the heritage of the church, back, YA isn't your maximum complete source of this guidance. evaluate the translations. i comprehend KJV o.k. already, so after I study my catholic bible the transformations (or lack of them) are frequently glaring, outdoors of the Apocrypha it really is new cloth. that would want to be yet another section fairly that i'd study and ask (not the following lol) why catholics settle for the Apocrypha and non denom Christians reject it. there are quite some greek/hebrew references accessible for be conscious beginning. There are some responses that I have stumbled on on the following that were actual particularly good even as it contains why particular words are used to the exclusion of others contained in the unique language. i comprehend! it type of sounds like diverse artwork and that i'm circuitously answering your question, in spite of the indisputable fact that it really is going to be worth it contained in the best in case you make an attempt to do the study on your own!

Answer 3

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much.

A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor.

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

All are Christians