Christianity/Christian Religion?

Question

What's the difference Between a christian and Catholic?
The guy I'm seeing is Christian. Attends weekly meetings, Goes to Church every Sunday and even goes out with the a church group for activities such as camping...
He invited me to go to church one Sunday and I just want to be prepared on what to expect. I'm catholic btw.

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism

Read and compare.

Answer 2

Since you are Catholic, then you know you are a Christian as well. So, you must mean protestant. And within the realm of Protestants, there are several main stream denominations, and then the all of the independent/nondenominational sects.
And what you describe, that could be just about anyone! Heck, even as a Lutheran, I could fit your description... I go to church every Sunday, I go to Ladies meetings every other week, and every other month our congregation goes on an outing as a "family".
Sorry, sweetie... we need some more info!

Answer 3

Just to add a little to usafbrat's answer, and to add a little confusion.... Roman Catholics are Christians, Eastern Orthodox are Christians, and Catholics, but not RC. Some Protestants such as Confessional Lutherans, and High Church Anglicans are Christians and also catholics but not RC.

Mark

Answer 4

That's as broad as the ocean.

1. Salvation - Christians believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ and what He did on Calvary is sufficient and nothing can be added to it.

Catholics believe Christ died for them but they must also count beads, pray the Our Father and other rituals that help them get time off a purgatory that doesn't exist in the Christian church teachings. The performance of these rituals proves that the Catholic church doesn't believe what Christ did on Calvary is sufficient to provide salvation apart from works.

2. Infant Baptism

Christians - Infant baptism is not done because baptism is to come after salvation.
Catholics - Infant baptism (if I am correct) brings the child into the family of God. -- if this is true it is another way of saying that Christ's sacrifice isn't necessary since the mere act of baptism saves.

3. Communion

Christian - It is a rembrance of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf and there is no real presence of Christ in the elements.

Catholic - Transubstantiation - The actually body and blood of Christ are being consumed in this sacrament.

4. Mary

Christian - Mary was a virgin and a holy person who loved God but was a sinner just like anyone else. Only Jesus was sinless and there will never be another sinless person. We only pray to God the Father, in the leading of the Holy Spirit and in the Name of Jesus.

Catholic - Mary is sinless and we should pray to her. Also praying to the saints is practiced.

5. The Pope

Christians - The Pope is a sinner and just like any other man needing a Saviour.

Catholics - The Pope is infallible in all matters pertaining to faith and religion.

6. Priests

Christians - believe in the priesthood of all believers and that we have direct line to the Father in our prayers and do not need to go to a priest or preacher to pray for us.

Catholic - Confession must be made to a priest to receive forgiveness and advice on what to do beyond confession.

These are the main differences. There are more, but these are the most important.

Answer 5

Catholic is just a denomination of Christianity just like Protestantism, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicanism, Anabaptism, etc... So your friend is probably just a different denomination.
What makes the denominations different is the different practices they and some different beliefs. For example Catholics believe that they can only ask forgiveness for their sins through their Pastor in confession as for other denominations can ask forgiveness directly from God through prayer.

Answer 6

There are so many different Christian denominations out there that I cannot tell you anything about your boyfriend. There isn't enough information.

But instead of trying to figure out which one is right, and what makes a difference, then know that Jesus stated what it took to be saved.

Jesus said to believe in Him.

If you read the Bible, and are guided by the Holy Spirit you will understand what is important to God. Your Roman Catholic situation notwithstanding.

Answer 7

Catholics are the original Christians. Well, at least they were the ones that emerged from the woodwork first. From there all the other sects popped out. Be prepared for lots of sing-a-longs of Kumbayah around a campfire, some bizarre and irrational talk about the bible/god/Jesus and Kool-Aid. Oh yea, be prepared to defend your version of the whole God fantasy because they are going to work you over good.

Answer 8

Usually non-Catholic Churches will not preach praying to Mary, the mother of Jesus, or the Catholic "saints".
Usually they are more concerned with the actual contents of the Bible instead of dogma and rituals that have been invented by, as they see it, man.
More fundamental, more into corporate worship. Many times, more liberty to worship as you wish, not as restricted.
Also many do not subscribe to the idea that you must confess your sins to a priest AND do penance in order to be forgiven of them.

Answer 9

There are only a few minor differences. The protestant churches want to disown their Catholic roots because of the bad things the Catholic church did.

Answer 10

i'm no longer an atheist, yet won't be able to stand up to announcing that atheists do no longer recognize that they are surely no longer combating with the messenger, however the Sender of the message. they do no longer recognize that on the top of their organic life there's a judgement. they are not without ideals - somewhat all of them have faith that the 'now' is all there is, and that they could talk and do as they want with none recourse; lots comparable to in historical circumstances merely before the great Flood. the clarification they are continually in attack mode is that attack is to them the main suitable style od defence. the actuality of this count number in spite of the fact it particularly is that there'll be no defence of argument interior the courtroom of God - there'll be no threat then to argue in any respect! Atheists don't comprehend or settle for the relationship that real Christians have with their loving Saviour. all of them think of it particularly is only guy-progressed faith (of which there are certainly many). They lack the flexibility to verify the version between faith and relationship with God. They in many circumstances accuse Christians of 'parroting' a faux doctrine; yet they themselves have a doctrine of denial which they consistently parrot. they are extra to be pitied than blamed - they do no longer see the gentle that shines because of the fact they want the darkness. None of what i've got stated right here is with the point to mock the atheist - extra to easily via some compassion in the direction of their state, throw meaning-finished reason upon their predicament. Atheists do convert to Christ, and 'nominal' Christians do convert to Atheism. it particularly is on no account over till it particularly is over in spite of the undeniable fact that, and there is time to make certain the gentle of Christ - with a bit of luck, some may even see even via this talk. In precis, Atheists in many circumstances would be too comfortable interior of their wall of defence that they have got progressively progressed around their minds to danger stepping outdoors even for a minute. Atheism is somewhat genuinely a 'worry circle'.

Answer 11

Well a christian church isn't as ritualistic or ceremonyal as the catholic churchs and they aare more refined.