What are the differences between Christian Catholics, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc?

Answer 1

Well, I'm only going to give you info on the one's I know about so I know I'm not misrepresenting anyone. I was a Baptist and now I've converted to Catholicism. Baptists go by the King James version of the Bible. Catholics (mind you, there are some different types of Catholics- Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox....I'm Roman Catholic) have their own Bible, which has 8 additional books than King James version.

The main differences between the two are Catholics believe then they take communion (Eucharist...aka body and blood of Christ...aka...wine and cracker) the priest blesses it and we believe it is the ACTUAL body and blood of christ- not just a metaphore. Baptists think it is just a symbolic thing. Another difference is Catholics believe in Purgatory- a place before you enter Heaven where you can do pennance for your sins, this way your are not unclean when you enter Heaven if you have unforgiven sins on your soul. Baptists believe there is no such place. Catholics also "pray through saints"- this is often mistaken for praying TO saints- that is not the case. We ask for saints to help us pray- like asking a friend to pray for you. Baptists I know mistake this for worshipping another person, even though it is not, and do not believe in doing it for that reason.

The ceremony themselves are different. In Baptists church (there are different types of Baptists too, fyi) you walk in...it is very social, a lot of singing, updates in the church, collection for tything, offering, and then the preacher will read some scripture of his own choosing and then "preach" on it. The preacher will go into detail, relate it to the real world, describle in easy to understand wording what the scripture means. Every now and then (I would say two or three times a year) Baptists will partake in the Lords Supper which is their version of the Eucharist. Baptists do get Baptisted at an age where they volunterily go up in church as ask to be. This is usually a Baptism where the WHOLE BODY is submerged underwater.

Catholics usually have their children Baptized when the baby is born- with a trickle of water over the forehead. If you want to become Catholic, the Catholic church does recognize ONE baptism from most churches- my baptist baptism was acceptable for the church and I didn't have to get baptised again. Then, at an older age, like 6 or so, if a child wants they can get confirmed and join the church and take their first communion. You can do it later, but usually it's done at this age if you're raised in a Catholic family. The mass is very structured- there is kneeling and prayers and sayings that are routine and said pretty much every mass. There are three readings by various people during mass, and then the priest gives the homaly (sp?). This is when the priest relates all the readings together to give you your teaching. I have found Catholic masses are not as informative as Baptists- it's left up to you more to find answers for yourself. Every mass communion is offered. There are many regulations in the church and most Catholics I have met (remember, this is personal experience, not meant to judge everyone) take church and the LIFESTYLE of catholicism more seriously than Baptists I have met.

Hope that helps...you can email me if you have any questions for me.

Answer 2

Christian is a broad term like fruit. There are kinds of christians just as there are kinds of fruits. The three main branches of Christianity are Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Your friends are Protestants, though they may prefer to simply call themselves Christians. You might want to remind your friends that as a Catholic, you are a Christian also. Most Protestants know that Catholics are also Christians. A small segment, however, believe that only they "get it right" and will make it to heaven. They have all sorts of mistaken ideas about Catholics. For example, they believe that you worship Mary and no matter how much you try to explain that you don't you won't be able to convince them otherwise. They believe you think you can earn heaven, and you won't be able to convince them that you understand you depend on God's grace. Basically, they hate a Catholic church which does not exist. It's quite irrational. And you are friends with them? That's the part that's difficult for me to understand...

Answer 3

TIME-OUT AND A MAJOR WHAT???

Since when are Christians and Catholics slightly different?

Agreed...Catholic Doctrine is not the bible...however, catholics are a subset of the Christian faith as are other denominations.

Those of you who do not get this are showing your ignorance...


The Catholic Church is the largest Christian church, representing around half of all Christians, and is the largest organized body of any world religion.[3][4] According to the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, the Catholic Church's worldwide recorded membership at the end of 2005 was 1,114,966,000, approximately one-sixth of the world's population.[5]

Seeker for the most part you have history correct however when you comment on it being self-serving, you show your hypocrisy on the subject and your moniker.

When did Catholics get their own Bible???

Answer 4

They're not Liberal, for the most part, they all love, and believe in Christ, God, the Father, the Holy Spirit. The only thing I can figure is that they have different names, and argue amongest each other. Hey! At least it's more timid than a Lib and a Rep!

Sad thing is, Libs are supposed to be for Christianity, but aren't as their idioligy claims. They should, according to their thinking be one of these "Christian religions", as their dictionary definition says that is the point of Liberalism. They're not. Liberals don't know wtf they are, and don't want to be what they claim. I'll bet you all my assets, that a Liberal can't define what Liberalism REALLY means. I'll provide it for free, and they'll still deny it for the truth it is.
Source(s)
Main Entry: lib·er·al·ism
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'li-b(&-)r&-"li-z&m
1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
- lib·er·al·ist/-b(&-)r&-list/ noun or adjective
- lib·er·al·is·tic/"li-b(&-)r&-'... adjective

Answer 5

You can go to hell as a Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, or a Prespyterian. God doesn't care what you call yourself.

If you want to go to heaven, you must be born again. That means to turn from sin, and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

Answer 6

Christ did not establish a church or even describe what he wanted in a church. Neither did he write anything down. Thanks to this "oversight", early Christians were on their own. Christianity spread out of Israel, leading to 2 basic branches (each with their own internal divisions) of Christians: "Jewish Christians" and "Hellenic Christians".

The Jewish Christians continued to speak (and write) Hebrew and observe Jewish law. The "Hellenic Christians" were gentiles (non-Jews) and commonly spoke (and wrote) Greek.

The Hellenic Christians settled into pagan areas of the Roman Empire. In the year 325 A.D., Emperor Constantine convened all the leaders of Christiandom at the Council of Nicea. He wanted them to resolve the many different Christian interpretations and beliefs and come up with an official Christian doctrine. They obeyed and, the following year, the Roman Catholic Church was born as the official state religion of the Roman Empire.

At the Council of Nicea, the Hellenic Christians prevailed in many divisive issues. The Trinity, Sunday worship and other pagan-like features found their way into doctrine.

The eastern Christians balked at this, leading to a great schism establishing the Eastern Orthodox church. Other sects also went their own way. However, as the state religion of the Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church had received a fantastic boost and advantage that propelled it into the world's leading religion. The Catholic church claims biblical authority and direct lineage to Jesus' disciples based on flimsy and self-serving interpretations of scripture.

The Catholic church became menacing and corrupt with power. They did many terrible things. The last straw, for Martin Luther, was the selling of "Indulgences" -- a church-authorized and official practice of pardoning sin for a price. In exchange for a set amount of money, you'd get a piece of paper pardoning, incest, theft, murder, or just about any other crime or sin. Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation which began many years of bloody rebellion against the Catholic Church. Many atrocities, on both sides, resulted from this conflict.

The various Christian denominations were born of differences in interpretations, beliefs and practices.
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Answer 7

Christianity isn't a religion. It is based on the teachings of Jesus and a relationship w/ Him.

The religions you mentioned are all man made w/ different man made rules, rituals and regulations on how to worship God.

Answer 8

Each denomination thinks they are the only 1s going to heaven. :)

No, truthfully they all just have different opinions on details.
On what's really important, that is, who is Jesus and what am I?
they all agree.

Answer 9

Not as much as you might think.

All subscribe to the Apostle's Creed. The rest is details.

Answer 10

The differences lie in their different interpretations/versions of the Bible.