what is the difference between catholic and christain people??

Answer 1

Is this a question about tradition and doctrine?

Answer 2

The best way to answer this, I think, is simply to point out the history. First, Catholics are Christians. The correct distinction is Catholic and Protestant.

The Catholic Church is the original church founded by Christ 2,000 years ago. She has faithfully taught, protected, and spread His teaches throughout the ages.

Protestantism is a movement that occurred around the year 1500 called the Protestant Reformation. It is a revolt against the authority of the Catholic Church.

In general, most Christians believe the same basic things - baptism and repentance of sins, accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and following Him. However, the divisions occur over more in-depth doctrinal issues.

Within Protestantism, it is very difficult to explain what the different denominations believe because there are so many different ones. The reason there are so many is because of differences in interpretation of scripture. When disagreements arise, the typical outcome is a particular denomination/church will split, forming two different, unrelated, often rivaling, churches. This fracturing effect is more or less a built-in element within Protestantism. Currently there are some 54,000 different denominations - and growing. The irony is that while each one is different from the other, each claims to have the correct teachings of Christ.

Please do not think I am bashing Protestants. The Church teaches that all Christians - protestant and Catholics - are brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when one takes an objective look at the history and mechanics of Protestantism and Catholicism, the things I explained above are what come to light.

I strongly encourage everyone to ask the question you did, because honest questions help one to get to the truth, which is what we're all seeking (Christ).

God bless and take care.

Answer 3

I should just save this answer. It gets asked about once a week.

Catholics are Christians.

I think you mean the difference between Catholic and Protestant.

Of course these days many Protestants don't protest so they just call themselves Christian.

You see, it all started with Martin Luther back in the 1500's. Luther took issue with some aspects of Catholicism he didn't understand. So he "protested."

That's the birth of Protestantism. Since then there are an estimated 100 new protestant sects born each year.

You'd need to research each branch to determine the differences. Protestant denominations that came OUT of the Catholic Church, such as Lutherans and Anglicans have very little that is different. Where as others such as Baptists or some of the newer ones like Vineyard that are vastly different.

Answer 4

Pastor Billy says: Catholics are first Christians. What you to ask is, What is the difference between Catholic and Protestant?

The 3 major differences are authority, a sacramental faith life, ancient liturgy. Catholicism as first Christianity contains all of these. Read the Nicean creed. One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church.

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

Catholics ARE Christians. Only a handful of extremist Protestants think they're entitled to be called the only "true" Christians and deny that title to all other branches of Christendom. Catholics and Orthodox were Christians long before Protestants were ever around, at any rate.

Answer 7

Roman Catholics are the original, and the others broke away, starting with the Orthodox and then the Protestants.

Answer 8

Well they're both delusional in my book. They both believe archaic nonsense therefore no real distinctive difference,

Answer 9

catholics look to the pope before Jesus.