what are the differences between catholics, orthodox, and protestants, in christianity?

Answer 1

The differences are surface deep.


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Answer 2

There are far more similarities than differences.

However, (and this is very over simplified)

Roman Catholics ask their clergy to be Celibate, put emphasis on the suffering of Christ, and revere Mary, the mother of Jesus, as Holy.

The Orthodox broke off from the Roman Catholic over a few technicalities concerning the nature of Jesus, specifically in the Filioque clause of the Nicene Creed. The Orthodox Church also celebrates Easter on a different week (usually.)

The Protestant Church isn't a single body, but a collection of denominations, each with slightly different creeds and separate church governments. Protestantism can be viewed as a "Miscellaneous" category, since the denominations are so varied.

Answer 3

One important distinction is that we Catholics believe that the Catholic Church and the Orthodox have apostolic succession (we trace ourselves back to the Apostles).

We split with the Orthodox back in the 11th century I believe, but our respective leaders still address reunification.

Protestants come in all flavors - from High Anglicans (who would appear Catholic to outsiders) to a Bible-based non-denominational church at South and Main.

Prots have a VAST amount of distinctions between the various groups - some believe in adult baptism, some in infanat baptism. All claim to follow the Bible.

Answer 4

Protestants follow the ideas of Martin Luther. Catholics worship the Mother Mary and other Saints as well as Jesus. No idea about the Orthodox.

Answer 5

Well, At the begining , after Jesis was raised from the dead, His desciples made churches. Those churches were called the five authorities , as they were the true Christianity . Those five churches are : The church of Alexandria, the church of Kostantin, the church of Jerusalem, the church of Rome , and the church of Antakia. Aproblem arised, so the leaders of those 5 churches met at a city called Khlkedonia . Some agreed on the princeples taken , some didnt. Those who agreed were called after that city , and became Catholics. Those who didnt agreewere called anti- khlkedonians, and became Orthodox.

Martin Luther , in Germany , wasn't happy of the Catholic church , and took the apportunity during one of the Catholic feasts and declared his anger against that church. He hated the church , the dickons , the rituals and every thing. Those who followed him became protestants.

Good luck!

Answer 6

"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.

Answer 7

there are tons of differences... too many to list here, but really, we're all share mostly the same beliefs. google ''the 95 theses'' or ''the aupsburg confession'' or ''the five solas,'' along with ''the great schism'' for a good starting point.

edit- BIG thumbs up to ''i'm a catholic 2'' for the quote. we believe in 90% of the same things and argue about the other 10%. it's ridiculous.

Answer 8

Theology, Rituals, religious icons are the differences between denominations.

Answer 9

The Catholic Church, the one Church founded by Jesus Christ for all mankind, has a valid priesthood established by Jesus Christ, and therefore valid sacraments as established by Christ, and teaches the fullness of truth, just as He personally guaranteed it would.

The Orthodox Churches teach essentially the fullness of truth, and have a valid priesthood and valid sacraments as established by Christ, but do not recognize the authority of the Vicar of Christ personally appointed by Christ.

Protestant churches teach various mixtures of genuine Christian truth with new traditions of men introduced by their many human founders, and do not have a valid priesthood, and therefore no valid sacraments except baptism. They reject the God-given authority of Christ's Church, and follow an unbiblical manmade tradition, sola scriptura, which guarantees doctrinal chaos. Such a tradition, with its thousands of unauthorized, conflicting manmade denominations, exists in direct violation of the stated will of God Himself, "that they all may be one".

Answer 10

There are many. This is more of a "do some research" question than a Yahoo Answers question.