What's the difference between Catholic and Roman Catholic?

Question

just wondering

Answer 1

The Catholic Church has consistently referred to itself as the “Catholic Church” at least since 107 AD, when the term appears in the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch

The term "Roman" Catholic is rather recent.

The new Anglican Church in England started using the term “Roman” in the 1500s as one of many ways of demeaning and demonizing Catholics.

Catholics accepted this late coming adjective without too much protest. Today “Catholic” and “Roman Catholic” are interchangeable terms. Both terms are even used in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

To add a little more confusion, some apply the term “Roman Catholic Church” only to the Latin Rite Catholic Church, excluding the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches that are in full communion with the Pope, and are part of the same Church, under the Pope.

The term “Roman” neither increases nor decreases the faith, hope and love of the Catholic Church.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

The Eastern Orthodox Church also refers to itself as Catholic, as in the title of The Longer Catechism of the Orthodox, Catholic, Eastern Church.
Among those who regard themselves as "Catholic", but not "Roman Catholic" , are Anglicans, and some small groups such as the Old Catholic Church, the Polish National Catholic Church, the Independent Catholic, the Ancient Catholic and Liberal Catholic Churches, as well as Lutherans (though the latter prefer the lower-case "c," and, like Anglicans, stress that they are both Protestant and Catholic).

Answer 3

Snowynight is correct. But also, it was a way for Protestants to distinguish the Catholic church from themselves because the word itself (lower case catholic) means universal church. When it is capitalized, it refers to the Roman Catholic church. By adding "Roman" to the beginning, it keeps the definitions from being interchangeable (ie. catholic does not equal Catholic).

Answer 4

Nothing. The only possible distinction is that "Catholic" could be referring to Roman OR Eastern Orthodox, but traditionally, Eastern Orthodox specifically states that - "Eastern Orthodox Catholicism". So, usually, "Catholic" is just short for "Roman Catholic".

Answer 5

They are the same. Actually, the official name the Church uses in referring to herself is "Catholic Church".

For example, you will not find one instance in the entire set of documents from Vatican II that says "Roman Catholic".

Hope that helps.
Dominus Vobiscum

Answer 6

Roman, erm they are soldiers with punk hair on their helmets. catholics have an obbsession with dying and hanging statues of mary, jesus dead.

Answer 7

They are the same

Answer 8

There is no difference.

Answer 9

Nothing.....are you for real??????