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

There are linguistic and theological confusions.

"catholic" is a term which means "universal" or "wide-ranging" : "I have a catholic taste in music" means I like lots of stuff, not that I listen to church choirs.

Before the great denomination divides, and as recorded in the creed, "catholic", small c, carries that sense. The catholic church is the congregation of all believers, wherever they are, and whatever denomination they actually attend.

The Roman Catholic church, often abbreviated to Catholic, big C, as seen by others, is one of the great Christian denominations,though it sees itself as the continuation of the original church, and its relationship and view of Protestant and Orthodox denominations has varied over time. By and large it admits that members of other denominations can be Christians, though in history denunciations of heresy have gone both ways between Catholics and Protestants.
So not all Christians are Catholics (large C) and (as with every congregation), not everyone who identifies themself as a Catholic is actually a Christian.

The last point is theological. Almost all recognise the "nominal" adherent, whose attachment to a faith or congregation is social or cultural, rather than based on actual commitment to Christ.

Answer 3

Catholics believe that they are the 'True Church' and their doctrine teaches that anyone not part of the Roman Catholic Church cannot have salvation. That is expressly stated in their catechism.

Non Catholics (generally known as protestants) refute practically all claims made by the Roman Catholic Church and its 'Authority'.

The two can seem very similar as they both believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. In doctrine they are greatly different.

Answer 4

We believe that Jesus Christ left his church in the care of our first pope st. Peter. the Catholic church is historically the one and only uncorrupted universal holy church as Jesus intended, only other churches that are acceptable are the Orthodox churches, we soon hope to be reunited with them in holy communion. See references and you decide, Jesus did not want his church splintered as the protestants have done, thousands of denominations that went their own way from Catholicism and the first to corrupt the teachings of Jesus, Martin Luther...an ex priest.

Answer 5

All Catholics are christians because they also believe in Christ and the Roman Pope. But not all Christians are Catholics. Baptists, Lutherans, and other Protestant sects are also "Christ-ian" but not Catholic. They're common belief is that Jesus Christ is the Messiah but they differ in leadership and hierarchy, rites, and ceremonies and ways of praying.

Answer 6

The christian church you're thinking of (maybe) is more commonly refered to as protestant. Catholics think that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is just as holy as God himself. Christians (protestants) don't believe that.

Answer 7

Christianity is an umbrella term under which many sects fall. Catholicism is a branch of Christianity. (All Catholics and Christians, but not all Christians are Catholics)

Answer 8

no catholicism is a type of christianity. like protestants.

Answer 9

More or less, yes.