What is the closest christian religion(s) to Catholicism?

Question

What are the differences that set them apart and what are the similarities? For example beliefs, ceremonies, traditions, etc.

Answer 1

Denominationally speaking, it would probably be the Orthodox churches. They do not accept the authority of the Roman Catholic Pope, and observe a different religious calendar, but liturgically, there are quite a few similarities. After that, the Anglican/Episcopal churches are also somewhat similar in ritual and observance, but also deny Papal authority and certain elements of Catholic dogma.

Answer 2

I was raised a baptist and a Catholic-hater. I thought all those jack chick tracts should have the status of the 5th Gospel. I adopted more pentecostal beliefs when I figured out that the baptists were interpreting certain verses in funny ways (as in, "When that which is perfect has come...") and totally ignoring others. I even bought a copy of the Catechism about the time I hit 40 to get it "straight from the horse's mouth" what Catholics believed. I fell in love with the Church, and felt saddened that I could never agree with it on certain key issues. This past Christmas (while lying in an Intensive Care Unit), I decided to take a much closer look at Catholicism. I examined Catholic arguments, Catholic history, and the history of the Church Jesus founded "upon this Rock." I reached the conclusion that the baptists, pentecostals, and other faiths I examined had parts of the truth. They even got some things right that everyday Catholics may not see as clearly. But, I reached the conclusion that the fullness of the faith was in the Catholic Church, and I hope that Church will let me in. Yes, I am Catholic in faith (if not yet in membership), and I believe that Catholic Church is the One True Church. Why? Because I did the research, and that's the only conclusion the data supports.

Answer 3

Christianity is a religion.
You're looking for denominations.
Greek Orthodox or the Coptic Church, depending on where you live, would be the closest. The rituals are the same, they have minute theological differences. The Anglican (aka Episcopalian) Church would be the next. Again, very close to Catholicism but not exactly the same...minute differences are historical.
The Lutheran Church would be the closest out of the rest of Protestantism; the rituals and beliefs are, however, drastically dissimilar.

Answer 4

Lutherans and Episcopals.
Both have a strong hierarchy. Neither believe in the in the authority of the pope.
The main difference between Catholics and these other two denominations is the role of tradition. Catholics believe that tradition reveals the will of God with the same authority as the Bible. This way the Pope can speak ex cathedra (sp?) and it holds the same authority as the Bible because it's God speaking. Neither of the other two denominations believe this about tradition. They both hold the Bible as the main authority. The Lutherans were are break off from the Catholics by Luther.
This is the main difference.
Good luck!

Answer 5

The phrase One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church appears in the Nicene Creed and, in part, in the Apostles' Creed. The phrase sets out the four marks, or identifying signs, of the Christian Church — unity, holiness, universality, and apostolicity — and is based on the premise that all true Christians form a single united group, the body of Christ (cf. 1 Cor 12:27), founded by the apostles and innately holy.
What is the point you query. When using the term "catholic" without proper title, i.e., Roman Catholic, you are inadvertently ignoring many other catholic denominations. My faith, Traditional Anglican Communion is very similar in its eucharistic mass as found at a Roman Catholic mass. During the 1054 schism, there wasn't scriptual proof that papal authority was necessary for salvation, as well as questioning the existence of purgatory (quietly deleted during Vatican II of the Roman Catholic catechism)
We are an ever expanding Church and welcome you to check us out. The Eucharist is offered to all baptized Christians regardless of denomination. We were affiliated until 1966 with the American Episcipal Church until it was determined that they abandoned church doctrine by first installing female deacons/priests/bishops and more recently gays. Again, according to scripture, the genders are to perform roles in serving God, but in different however important the roles may be. Homosexuality is an abomination to God.
God bless and hope to see you some day as we walk with Christ.

Answer 6

The Orthodox are the most similar in faith, morals and practice.

Anglican/Episcopal- Very similar in practice but believe in a lesser authority of Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Liturgical

Moravian- maintain apostolic succession and believe in the real corporeal presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Liturgical

Scandinavian Lutherans- Same as Moravians. Liturgical

Lutherans- Missouri Synod- No apostolic succession but have a similar belief in the Eucharist. Liturgical

Trinitarian Pentecostal- similar soteriological beliefs to Catholics and openness to the sign gifts of the Spirit.

These are just some of the similarities.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 7

Orthodoxy.

The reason the Orthodox split was over a small change in the Creed back in the 11th century. The Catholic version say the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and the Orthodox version says it's from the Father *through* the son.

This so-called "filioque" clause split the world in half and caused wars.

Answer 8

Orthodox Faith
the frame of the nature of Christ.
and others small different.

Answer 9

closest you mean outside of being affiliated with the Pope? Of those not with the Vatican I would have to say Father K's Church.

Answer 10

Episcopalian or Lutheranism.They like all that ***** robe crap and incense and stuff.