What is the difference between Catholics and Christians/Protestants?

Question

I was born and grew up in a Catholic enviornment my whole life. Don't get me wrong, even though I was Catholic, growing up the only time I went to church was on Christmas, Easter, or special occaions. Although I go to a Catholic church, I do not agree or follow all of the beleifs of Catholics (praying to saints, virgin mary, ect.).

A couple of my friends tell me that I seem more like a Christian than a Catholic. I've considered changing religions before but never really thought it was necessary to do so because Christians/Catholics, although different, share many of the same principles. Thus a Christian is a Christian right?

Anyways, can sombody tell me what the true differences between Catholics and Christians/Protestants are?

Answer 1

"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 2

Catholicism is merely a sect of Christianity, just like any Protestant denomination. Catholics worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just like other Christians. They do not worship the pope, Mary, or any of the other saints. They believe in the necessity of Christ’s death in order to achieve salvation. So in all the truly major areas we are the same. There are some differences between Catholicism and and other Protestant sects, however. Some are big, some aren't. Here are the main ones:

1. Saints. Many Catholics will pray to saints, asking them to intercede on their behalf (though it's certainly not required). Protestants don't do this, and don't really have saints. I believe one reason is they sometimes think of this as worship, naturally forbidden. Also, Catholics believe Mary was born without sin (the "Immaculate Conception"). Protestants do not.

2. Structure. Catholicism has a hierarchical structure with the pope at the top, then cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, other religious, and laypeople. This is not to say Catholics follow the pope mindlessly or above God, just that he acts as a father and a guide for the Church. Protestants do not have this structure, but rely on small self-governing communities.

3. The Bible. During the Reformation, the Protestants removed 7 books from the Catholic Bible. Also, Protestants believe that God's will is solely expressed for us in the Bible. Catholics believe it is in the Bible and in the Church.

4. The Eucharist. Catholics believe the Eucharist is the essence of Christ, present with them. They worship Christ in and through the Eucharist. Protestants (generally) think the Eucharist is bread, symbolic of Christ, but not actually Christ.

5. Salvation. Generally, Protestants believe that salvation can only come from accepting Christ as your savior. Essentially, no matter how good a person is on their own, because they're not perfect, they wouldn't be able to make it to heaven if it weren't for Christ's sacrifice. Catholics believe this is true, but that you also have to 'walk the walk, not just talk the talk.' Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ as savior combined with good works.

Answer 3

Catholic is not only Christian but the fullness and originof all things Christian.

There are more differences within Protestantism than between some forms of Protestantism,like Lutheranism, and Catholicism.

Some differences: the role and interpretation of the Church,grace,the Bible,Tradition,the saints,bishops and priests,the Pope, the sacraments,Church Councils

Protestants claim to go by the Bible alone and Catholics by the Bible in Tradition in the Church
Catholics and Orthodox have 7 Sacraments and most Protestants(but not all) have 2
Catholics believe in purification after death and most Protestants say after death ;the tree lies where it falls"
There is one Catholic Church( of the Papal Communion) and some 37,000 Protestant Churches

Protestants(if like most they are Trinitarian and Nicen Creed-believing) and Catholics believe most of the same things and have much more in common than not

Answer 4

I have several problems with the Catholic religion. They do’nt allow non-Catholics to take communion which leaves me in the pew feeling stupid and unwelcome. Christ did not say any of us could be forbidden to take communion. If I marry a Catholic we cannot get married at the main alter. I must raise any children we have as Catholic. If I do not give my confession to a priest, I will not be forgiven. Also Catholics would prefer to kill me rather than let me be, even though I don't push my religion down their throats as they do mine. I have other reason to disagree with this religion. However, I think these are more than sufficient.
Blessed Be

Answer 5

Catholics belong to the Catholic Religion/Church and all other people who are not of the Catholic faith, are known as Protestants. But please understand, anybody, Catholic or Protestant, that believes that Jesus is the Son of God and asks Him into his/her heart as Lord and Savior, is a Christian. There is no Christian right - that's a political term. The ground is level under the Cross.

Answer 6

There are a few differences depending on the protestant church you go to (i.e. Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, etc.)

The biggest difference is that Catholics believe that the bread and wine at communion actually become the body and blood of Jesus while other Christians believe it is only a symbolic remembrance of the body and blood. We also do not pray to the Virgin Mary.

Answer 7

Catholics are Christians, although we may have some dotrinal differences if you believe in the death buriel and resurrection of Jesus Christ you are of a Christian Faith. Whether you are a born again Christian going to Heaven or not is between you and Jesus. As a batist which falls under the Protestant denominations in which I really dislike saying that, I really prefer to say I am a Christian, anyway our Bible has less books in it than the ordinary Catholic Bible and the Catholic church does say prayer to other human beings in Heaven and to even angels. I don't do that because Jesus is the one who died for my sins on the cross and to pray to anybody else would lessen what he did for me, if Jesus doesn;t want me to have what ever I am Praying for than you can guarantee I don't need it. Human beings were not supernatural, Jesus was. He was all Man, all God, Nobody else was Perfect either, Jesus was a Perfect sacrifice and died a terrible death on the cross just for me. How ever whether you go to a Catholic or Protestant Church you need to be going every Sunday and midweek. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17. Jesus gave it all for you, you need to be giving your all for him, I am also wondering if you have ever said the sinners prayer, have you admitted and confessed your sins to God. If you haven't here is a short sinners prayer that you can say if you believe, Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. If you have any questions just send me an email, God Bless YOU!!

Answer 8

For the ten millionth time, Catholics ARE Christians!!!!!!!

Catholics simply believe God when He says that He can change bread and wine into His Substance. Protestants don't have that much faith.
Catholics believe that Jesus told the truth when He said that our God is a God of the living, not of the dead, so Mary and the saints are logical people to ASK to pray for us.
Catholics believe that the Bible has 72 Books in it. Protestants have removed 6 books to leave a total of 66 Books, yet they are afraid of the number 666.
Catholics believe Jesus when He said 'you are My friends if you DO as I command'. Protestants think you can get into heaven with unbacked 'faith' and lip service.

Answer 9

There are many non-catholic "christians" who think catholics are not christian.

In my family, my baptist grandmother told my uncle that she would rather the had died in WW II than that he marry a catholic and convert. He married the catholic anyway and in my grandmother's later years when she needed a home, he and his catholic wife took her in because my mother (also baptist) and she couldn't stand to be together for extended periods.

The moral of the story is that people can talk christian or they can act christian.

But as for me, I am a happy agnostic, having put away childish things.

Answer 10

THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES AND I DON'T CLAIM TO KNOW THEM ALL ARE THAT A PRIEST CAN FORGIVE YOUR SINS AND THAT THERE HAS TO BE A PRIEST INVOLVED WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO COMMUNICATE WITH GOD AND THE BAPTISM RECEIVED BY A CHILD WILL DO HIM/HER ALL THEIR LIVES INSTEAD OF UNDERSTANDING THAT WHEN A PERSON GETS OLD ENOUGH TO REALIZE THAT THEY ARE SINNERS AND ASK FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION, AND THERE ARE SO MANY ONE LAST ONE IS THE CATHOLIC BELIEF IN PURGATORY. THAT'S ALL FOR NOW THERE ARE MORE BUT I AM TIRED OF TYPING.