what's the difference between a christian and a catholic? are they the same religion?

Answer 1

Sadly I've just read some terrible answers to this question especially from those whom think they are "bible christians" quoting biblical sources as if supportive. (be mindful that most of us use the bible and accept it as the word of God yet there are many different traditions of interpretation of it, so is yours the one first Christians actually used?)

Yes of course Catholics are Christians they are in fact the first Christians they are the descendance of the first Christians we read of in the bible. Someone stated evangelical Christians started with Paul which is utterly incorrect. Paul might have been a great evangelist but he was not the first and let us make clear evangelicalism is not particular to any group whether they be Protestant, Catholic or a modern group claiming to be neither Protestant or Catholic. Evangelicalism is a calling of Christianity and I know both Catholic as well as non-Catholic evangelicals.
Someone mentioned being born again as a true sign well all Catholics are born again so they qualify in that department also and what is more interesting especially for "bible Christians" is that Catholics are born again the bible way wouldn't you like to be as well? You see Catholicism is not merely one more denomination as it has never claimed to be a denomination. Denominationalism started within Protestant Christianity which is less than 450 years old. During the so-called "reformation" period denominationalism developed for survivial amongst these dessenters as they were the minority. Within a very short period protesters (from which we get protestant) divided and sub-divided over doctrinal issues, biblical interpretation and authority hence the allowability of "denomination-hood" as true mark of Christianity was and is unity and all first Protestants knew it well but their divisons were well, extremely contradictory to Christianity. In the gospel of John Jesus prays to the Father for oneness of his flock and this was not just some invisible idea related to a loose association but a oneness of his visible flock, visible Church. Catholicism is that visible Church and as one other writer explained when a valid baptism is made with the right form and right matter these individuals are also part of the Catholic Church however imperfectly they are united to it whether they know it or not or reject it because of bad teaching, bad biblical interpretation, sheer ignorance or slander against the Church. Many non-Catholics are acknowledged by the Catholic Church as validly baptized Christians and therefore Catholics pray for our full unity within the one church created by Jesus and led by Peter after our Lord's rising to heaven.
Jesus says to Peter and Peter alone "fed my sheep, fed my lambs" Jesus gives to Peter the keys of the kingdom. Peter is likened to the King's steward of old see the Book of Isaiah 20:20-25. If you seek to understand this you'll understand the authority of Peter and his successors in the authority of Jesus as Catholic Christians do. Finally someone mentioned there are no more priests but this cannot be so as we know Jesus is proclaimed high-priest and Jesus reminded all that he did not come to do away with what was old but came to perfect it. The ministrial priests of today whether you call them priest or not whether you called them pastor or not whether they be called preacher or doctor or reverend or even elder still hold a level of authority which guides the entire community the question is are they the ones which are validly ordained with valid succession from the apostles. It is not accurate or truthful to claim the type of interpretation which denies the priesthood of the new covenant unless of course you come from an interpretative tradition which seeks to deny the original authority Jesus left behind to guide us. A few last things... if we are all individually guided to interpret the Word of God alone to ourselves with the help of the holy spirit than why is Protestant Christianity so divided over interpretation of the bible? Clearly if the Holy Spirit is all that is required outside the unity of the church then why are so many "bible believing" Protestant Christians in disagreement over bible interpretation? The idea of 'me and my bible' doesn't wash when we seek to understand the words of the Eunuch to Philip in Acts 8:31 "Why how can I unless someone shows me" I've written much but hope this helps for now. Yes Catholics are Christians

Would love to know who gave the first thumbs down as I've been watching this thread closely and it looked like one person came along and decided to give the thumbs down to every answer which explains Christians as Catholic to bad those who give thumbs up/down are not known and explain why they give an answer a thumbs down/up. Based on this persons actions I'd say we're dealing with a bigot.

Answer 2

There are a number of differences. First of all, we believe that The Bread and wine is the body and blood of christ - and in reality it is after the priest has consecrated it. It is a symbol that God has saved mans soul, and he (God) can not be conquered! His infinite wisdom shall reign supreme in this world and the next. The term christian does include Catholic, Protestant (from the word Protestor) would describe other non-catholic faiths. The Catholic religion was the only church founded by God, Other religions by a mans vision of God. The Protestants faith does not always include the Jewish traditions the Catholic church recognizes. The Catholic bible is also more complete, and accurate without a protestant ministers own interpretation.

Answer 3

When Jesus died on the cross and He said it is finished, and the curtain was rent from top to bottom. Jesus is the high priest, He is our mediator who we confess to, pray to. The catholic set-up of priest, and popes was finished at that time as well. Who do you trust your prayers and repentance to Jesus Who is God, or a priest a man who is just like you a sinner who cannot see your heart. The answer is easy to me. The thing with the hail Mary and worshiping of her is strange. Adam and Eve weren't called Christians or catholic they communicated directly with God, no priest were around. the ground is level around the cross meaning we are all equals in Gods eye no man is of higher rank or more holy than another, so that is another difference between catholic and the congregational set-up which is everyone is of equal importance. The Question was how are they different, not are they Christians or not that is a matter of the heart and God knows what we believe in our hearts. A denomination or what building you go into doesn't determine if you are or not a christian. Amen!

Answer 4

Christian, by definition is someone who believes in Christ. Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Catholics do believe in Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, thus they are Christians. That aside, The Catholic Church has many doctrines that differ from other Christian sects. Thus, not all Christians are Catholic but all Catholics are Christians. The same can be said of each and every other Christian denomination as well. The belief in Christ is the commonality between the various denominations. He was sacrificed for the sins of the world that all might be saved if they would follow Him. He was resurrected that all of us might be resurrected as well. We can all agree on these basic points. Disagreement happens on many of the details. Thus, the numerous denominations.

Answer 5

The Catholic Christian faith began with Peter, when Jesus first gave him authority to start the Church.

The Evangelical Church began with Paul, according to the Calvery Chapels and Maranatha Churches in the United States.

Put the problem is that the apostle Paul never came in direct contact with Jesus personally, except when he was blinded. And Jesus from heaven said to him that he was persecuting Jesus. Jesus never taught Paul.

Peter was taught directly by Jesus and Jesus gave Peter the authority to start the Catholic(which means Universal) Christian Church.

People can say, or believe as they choose to,
"but this Is the Truth".

Some have over the years, have chosen to reject the truth, and have broken away from the Catholic Christian Church, which Jesus gave to Peter to start.

But these are the facts, and the facts can Not be changed.

Merry ChristMas(s) to all of you !!

THANK YOU !!!

Answer 6

Catholism is a type of Christianity. There are many different types of Christians including Church of England and Bapstist. If you'd like to know more about Catholism-you can get some information at http://www.rcdow.org.uk

Answer 7

A Catholic is a Christian, but a Christian isn't necessarily a Catholic. Catholic is a denomination, and Christian refers to all church denominations following the teachings of Christ. It's a much more global term, as it encompasses Catholics as well as the different protestant denominations of Christianity.

Answer 8

Both place their trust in Jesus. Apparently from what I can see, the Catholics and the Protestants are fighting over the same baby as in Solomon's time. The Catholic Church has said now that there is only ONE Baptism and if done correctly, no matter what religion does it, this person is in a position to be saved. This reminds me of the real Mother giving her child to the other FOR THE LIFE OF THE CHILD. If you notice Catholics do not hate Protestants anywhere near the way Prostestants hate Catholics and I think there is something sinister with it myself.

Answer 9

While I do not presently agree with all 'Catholic' teachings; I would consider them part of Christianity. Obviously, they are not currently all of Christianity.

Answer 10

A Christian has accepted Jesus as his personal savior and doesn't need a priest to be the go between to God.