are Catholicism and Christianity the same religion?

Question

im confused because i read on some books that the catholic church is the Christian Church in full communion. i thought these two were two separate religions that believe in god but in different ways.

Answer 1

Almost.

"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 2

I assume by "Christianity" you mean Protestantism, or mainstream Christianity. If that's the case, then no, they do not have the same beliefs. Protestantism was the movement against the Catholic Church. Many will claim that Catholics are not christian, but by the technical definition, they are. Both groups believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah and strive to follow his teachings. Christianity is a religion, Catholicism and Protestantism are different Christian sects.

Answer 3

Catholicism was born of Christianity, just as the Morman relgion gave birth to the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints religion. Further, just as India gave birth to the country of Pakistan and as America almost split into two separate countries during the Civil War. It's kind of a process of evolution, people think similar things but their slight and sometimes very important interpretations of those things become something that ultimately separate them. But Catholicism and Christianity both object to the idea of evolution... funny, huh?

Answer 4

Catholicism is Christian. Christian itself is not its own denomination apart from Catholic. The only difference is Catholic and Protestant, and of course Greek Orthodox but they are the underdogs.

Answer 5

catholics claim the are the original christian church. but many over the centuries have felt the pope has lost the way Jesus taught so founded new churches. all worship the same God and re Christian.

Answer 6

Catholicism is just one of many Christian churches, but differs in the traditions and doctrines of its church, but not in the foundation of its Christian beliefs.

Answer 7

>>im confused because i read on some books that the catholic church is the Christian Church in full communion.<<

What you read is correct.

Answer 8

Catholicism is a sect of Christianity which has led many people into eternal damnation because of its distortion of clear Biblical teachings!

Yes, some Catholics *can* be Christians, but is hard to remain a Catholic and be a Christian too!

The husband of one of my first cousins stated to me it was hard to believe he was a Catholic for 50 years before he and his wife finally became Christians!

Suggestion: study the difference between "catholic" and "Catholic"! And between "god" and "God"!

Answer 9

Come on now- That's the same as asking if THE POPE'S catholic. From Catholic and Christian and very proud of it!!!!!

Answer 10

Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity...