I asked a question trying to get a better idea of what Catholics believe in. Now that I know, Chistianity and Catholicism seem so alike. What is the difference?
2007-07-20 09:14:08 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What I mean is - I hear people ALL the time say Catholics are not true Christians. I'd like to know WHY.
2007-07-20 09:20:17 · update #1
You are on the right track - Catholics are Christians.
-Many people believe that Catholics are not Christians because of the idea of 'Tradition'. There are many Catholic traditions that date back to Biblical times, but many Protestants believe that they are man-made and not righteous.
-Protestants believe in 'sola scriptura' (scripture alone). That means that they believe the Bible is the sole authority.
-Catholics believe that grace is attained through faith working through love (acts). Protestants, on the other hand, believe in 'sola fide' (grace alone).
Those are a few of the differences. There are arguments for both sides, but as of late, I have begun finding more and more truth in the Catholic Church. I like to focus on the similarities, which bring us together.
Books such as 'Catholicism for Dummies' and 'Home Sweet Rome' are good readings.
2007-07-20 16:51:28 · answer #1 · answered by txofficer2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference is a matter of perspective. Historically, the Christian church was more or less homogenous. Dissenters were either suppressed or excommunicated. To become a viable separate sect, Protestantism had to make firm distinctions between its beliefs and those of what came to be known as Roman Catholicism. Some of these beliefs were intended to delegitimize the authority of the Catholic hierarchy and doctrines. As a result, these two major branches of Christianity (there are others) are "Catholic" and "Protestant". But some of their adherents prefer to keep the antagonism going, labelling themselves simply "Christian" and their opponents "damned".
2007-07-20 09:22:35 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity includes Catholics. The two main branches of Christianity are Catholicism and Protestantism.
2007-07-20 09:18:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
"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.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html
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.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
With love in Christ.
2007-07-20 18:27:35 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholics are Christians.
2007-07-20 09:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by Cathy 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
>>Chistianity and Catholicism seem so alike. What is the difference?<<
Catholicism IS Christianity -- Christianity par excellence.
2007-07-20 09:18:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Christianity is the belief that Jesus died for our sins and is our savior.
Catholicism is a man-made religion (religion in itself is man-made) and uses Christianity as its basis. In that sense there are many like the Catholics, such as the Lutherns, Babtists,etc.
Religions have their man-made rules and interpretations. You just have to find the one you like. Then again, maybe you don't. No one has it right yet. If they did, we would all be happy and have no questions.
2007-07-20 09:23:06 · answer #7 · answered by mntexn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the 82nd time this week, Catholicism IS a branch of Christianity!!!!!
2007-07-20 09:17:36 · answer #8 · answered by Spencer Y 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
they do not want to even THINK that the Catholic Church might be right because that means they are wrong and their PRIDE keeps them from recieving Jesus in Holy Communion.
2007-07-20 09:28:45 · answer #9 · answered by Midge 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your right they seem alike! but are they?
God Bless
2007-07-20 19:24:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋