What is the PRIMARY difference between Catholics and Christians?

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

As far as I've seen and learned (please correct me if I'm wrong.), there are many differences between the two of them, despite the fact that practically everything they use and teach is the same thing. The major differences I've seen are

1. Catholics give more worship towards Mother Mary.

2. I'm not sure how it is today, but catholics from the 1600s or so believed that the more money you donated to the church, the higher chances you have for getting into heaven. You can imagine how the poor people must've felt. In fact, that was one of the major reasons why Protestantism was created. It's kind of impractical for beggars to go to hell despite the fact they might've done a lifetime of good and selflessness, huh?

3. Catholics pray to saints, while Protestants (since the term Christian is too damn broad) pray directly to God.

Answer 3

quoting prairiecrow:
" Catholics ARE Christians. They were one of the original denominations. What do you think the Protestants were protesting against...?"

lol...
There were some misunderstanding along the way,... differing views. It is inevitable. Sad but it happened, or as one bishop said, it has to happen, because once a crowd becomes too large then people get less interested and some may not be getting the right amount of counseling or teachings. It's not what is different that counts, it is what is similar...

God is faithful to us. He just wants us to, in turn, be faithful to Him. Not faithful to our leaders, our friends, our parents, our priests, the saints, not even the Pope (we honor and adore them which is totally different from worship), but just be faithful to God.

Edit:

TO: tsc1976ers

To coco_loco: Yeah, the Catholic Church is the oldest denomination. In which, ""a denomination is a false church.""

If you've read the entire page, i quoted someone above me. lol. Anyway, from what you've posted; are you saying that all denominations are false church? Check your grammar. And prairiecrow typed ORIGINAL not "oldest".

Don't be offended. I don't mean anything, i just found it funny how prairiecrow showed his/her exasperation in his/her answer. Don't you? But since you've addressed me, then i will share my views [too].

Are you negating my statement, that God wants us to be faithful to Him as He is to us? Read my answer again.

Answer 4

I love catholics but I can't have faith in the rosary. I have a personal relationship with Jesus and if I need to pray I just talk to him. I have studied the rosary prayers and the creeds but it seems too ritualistic. Everything in the catholic church seems ritualistic. I love the nuns and priest and the sign of the cross. I just can't believe that way.

Answer 5

Catholics have 7 sacraments. My denomination only has 2.

Answer 6

while the first two answerers are 100% correct i'm going to assume catholics versus other Christian demonimations?! the Rcc holds to the tennets established from the beginning the history of Christianity. they hold to the traditions as well as the Scripture - as traditions are held within the Scriptures. they hold to some of the more strict "rules" of living.

Answer 7

Oy, for the billionth time, Catholics ARE Christians. The Protestants just don't like it so they act like children by saying that Catholics aren't.

Answer 8

Jesus Christ built one church. It isn't Catholic, Orthodox, Mormon, or Protestant. Christians are Christians only, and don't wear the names of Catholic, Orthodox, Mormon, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, etc.

To coco_loco: Yeah, the Catholic Church is the oldest denomination. In which, a denomination is a false church.

Answer 9

catholicism WAS christianity for 1500 years...


so your question is a bit flawed.....

i think you re asking for the difference between catholics and protestants, or evangelicals?????

Answer 10

Catholics ARE Christians. They were one of the original denominations. What do you think the Protestants were protesting against...?

*sigh*