what's the difference between Catholic and Christian??

Question

I know it's a stupid question; but hey, if i don't ask, i'll never know.

Answer 1

This question gets asked every day.

Catholics are Christian because we were the first Christians and still are. Another name for the Catholic Church is the Church of Christ.

Here is something about Protestants from EWTN:

The Catholic Church does not officially use the term "Protestant."
It uses several Christian groupings which fall into 2 basic categories -- Churches properly speaking and ecclesial communities.
Churches are limited to the Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches, and other Churches properly speaking (e.g., Armenian) which have valid bishops, valid apostolic succession, and other valid sacraments.
Ecclesial communities include the Anglican/Episcopalian community and other so-called Protestant communities that have valid baptism.
Groups without valid baptism may consider themselves to be Christians but are not considered such by the Catholic Church.
Historically, the term "Protestant" derived from the fact that such groups had broken away from the Catholic Church (or from other groups that had broken away from the Catholic Church) in protest. If such individuals are no longer protesting, perhaps they should consider joining the Catholic Church.
Anna added the following: Dear Father Gantley, the term protestant is not related to the verb to protest in the meaning of protesting against something, but in the meaning of to testify, like in "he protested his innocence". The term protestant dates back to the diet of Speyer, where the adherents of Martin Luther protested their faith, that is explained it in a document.

And here are some very helpful Catholic links:

Catholic Answers
http://www.catholic.com/

Biblical Support for Catholicism
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/...

EWTN's Catholic teachings
http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/inde...

The Pope's Website in Rome
http://www.vatican.va/

Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology (Dr. Scott Hahn's Website)
http://www.salvationhistory.com/...

Catholic Online Free Encyclopedia
http://www.newadvent.org/

Answer 2

Catholic is Christian and most Christian religions draw their beliefs from the Catholics. They were the first to adopt pagan observances, to prevent Christians from drifting back to their old beliefs. The Apostle Paul expressed frustration in his time with Christians doing the same thing, only he didn't recommend adopting the other traditions like Catholics and those religions that followed their example, did. Apparently the Catholic religion makes a better example of good Christians than the Apostle Paul.

Answer 3

There isn't any difference. Catholic is Christian. Are you asking difference between Catholic and Protestant? First, they are both Christian. Most Protestants believe in the Trinity like Catholics, but not all. Most Protestants used a shortened version of the Bible with fewer books in the Old Testament. But both agree on the books in the New Testatment. Protestantism started in the 16th century, Catholicism was started by the commission of the Apostles by Jesus. Some of the main differences have to do with authority. Catholics claim that Christ established and passed on his authority through the Apostles and intended for that authority to continue after their deaths. As such, Catholics recognize apostolic authority coming from the Bishops and authority from Scripture. Protestants only recognize the authority of Scripture. This is broad, but it should give you a good sense.

Answer 4

There are only two types of Christians. It doesn't matter if you call it Catholicism or not. The first type is a Christianized Christian. This is the false convert. This group of people think they will enter eternal life although they continue a life of iniquity (lawlessness) doing every sin under the sky in either word, thought, or deed. They never repent (apologize to God and turn from that sin). They believe because maybe they were born in a Christian (Catholic) family that they also are Christian. Some believe taking communion makes them Christian. Some believe going to church makes them Christian.

But Jesus says this "Unless a man is born again he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven" - John 3:3.

That brings us to the other type of Christian. These are those who are converted. It doesn't matter if these people grew up in the church, or were the worst kind of sinners ever born. These people actually have a relationship with Jesus. These people have repented of their sins and trust Jesus to save them. They desire to know God more and more every day. They read their Bibles and try to obey what it says. This group is called true converts. Or the wheat amongst the tares.

Answer 5

"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 6

No stupid questions if they are on your heart.
I presume you mean Roman Catholic - in fact there a several differrent "Catholic" faiths.
Catholic itself merely means "universal". Thus modern translations of the historic Christian creeds often change the word "catholic" to "universal" to maintain clarity.
Roman Catholicism is a Christian denomination - as you know, one of many. The members have unique elements such as papal authority indulgences, etc. Some denomination such as Anglican and Lutheran are closer to Roman Catholicism than others such as Baptists who insist on immersion.

Answer 7

Through the study of Scripture and the Church Fathers, we see that, not only is the Catholic faith biblical, Catholicism is Bible Christianity par excellence.

Because the Old and New Testament Scriptures are the divinely-revealed, written Word of God, Catholics venerate the Scriptures as they venerate the Lord's body. But Catholics do not believe that God has given us His divine Revelation in Christ exclusively through Scripture. Catholics also believe that God's Revelation comes to us through the Apostolic Tradition and teaching authority of the Church.

Answer 8

It's not a stupid question=)
But Catholics are Christians, it's just that their beliefs differ from other christian sects! Non-Catholic sects belong to the Protestant movement! This happened during the Reformation Period when the Christians split from the Catholics!
But Mary is important in catholicism! They also have saints, while other sects don't!

Answer 9

A Catholic IS a Christian.

Answer 10

Catholics teach Trinity. Christianity teach God the Father should be worshipped, Jesus the Son will be honored.