What are the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism?

Answer 1

Just a few, in plain English:
Catholics: Mary was conceived by an immaculate conception in her mother. The Catholic doctrine of Immaculate Conception refers to this, not Jesus' conception in Mary's womb.
Protestants: The only immaculate conception was Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of Mary.

Catholics: Mary never had sexual relations, ever. So that this doctrine of 'Mary forever a virgin' can be purveyed, they claim that the younger brothers and sister of Jesus that are mentioned in the Bible are cousins.
Protestants: Jesus had younger half brothers, at least one of whom, James, became an important leader of the Early Chuch and wrote the book of James.

Catholics: Certain special believers are declared "Saints" at sometime following their death. These "Saints" may be prayed to for help, guidance. protection, etc.
Protestants: All believers in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are saints; now, when they are alive, and following their death as well. Nobody prays to them.

Catholics: Most believers must go to purgatory to cleanse them of sin in preparation for heaven.
Protestants: Jesus Christ Himself cleanses us from all sin by His blood, through faith in his sacrifice for us at the cross.

Catholics: The priest and the hierarchy are go-betweens between the lay members and God.
Most Protestants: Each believer him- or herself is a priest unto God, and the only High Priest between man and God is Jesus Himself.

Catholics: Statues and icons of Jesus, Mary, and the other saints are created and placed in churches and shrines, and worship-like activities are carried out in honor of these objects, like bowing, and kissing them, and processions with these objects at the forefront.
Most Protestants: The Ten Commandment against graven images is taken to mean not to behave in worship-like ways before any religious object.

Catholics: Priests may not be married. This was not the case in the first few centuries of the church. Even the Apostle Peter, whom they call the first Pope, was married.
Protestants: Pastors may marry.

Catholics: The Pope can at times utter statements, considered infallible, that may change church doctrines and beliefs forever.
Protestants: The only infallible doctrines are found in the original Hebrew Old Testament and the original Greek New Testament. These are not changeable by any human. The loophole which many use, for good or for bad, to teach varying doctrines is "interpretation" of those scriptures.

Answer 2

The =classic= difference between Catholicism and Protestantism hinges on two items:

Authority & soterioology

Authority
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Catholics affirm that rule of faith is tri-fold and consists of the Sacred Scriptures, Apostolic Tradition & an authoritative teaching Church.

In contrast, Protestantism has denied for the most part a visible authoritative teaching Church. They believe all Christians are egalitarian in terms of authority. Hence, the rule of faith within Protestantism is 'sola scriptura' -- That is all teaching comes only from the Sacred Scriptures -- there is no need for Apostolic Tradition or a teaching Church. The Scriptures are perspicuous in the interpretation; therefore, no need for a Church to interpret it's meaning.

Soteriology
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Catholics affirm that one gets into heaven by grace alone. However, this grace comes to us primarily via the sacraments of the Church and faith. This faith is not a beleive only faith but a faith that expresses itself in works.

Protestantism affirms that salvation is not only by grace alone but by faith alone apart from any works. However, many traditions within Protestantism would affirm that real faith must be expressed through Godly works otherwise it is an empty faith

There are other differences but these two are at the heart of the Protestant Reformation.

I hope this helps

Answer 3

Protestants are based on the Bible Alone.

The Bible is based upon the Catholic Faith.

Meaning that the Bible was canonized (developed) under the Catholic Church Authority of the Apostles. Eph 2:20

Before the written word was the Catholic Church under the Authority of the Apostles and Prophets. Same then, as today.

Answer 4

Protestantism follows the Bible.
Catholicism follows parts of the Bible mixed with their own practices, some of which have their origin in Paganism.

Answer 5

They differ on:

1. Basis of authority.
2. What Christ did.

Answer 6

the major difference is to do with '*long word* transubstantiation (prob spelt wrong) this is what catholics, myself included, believe to be the process by which the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of christ, the protestant church views it more as a symbolic change whereas catholics believe it is literally his body and blood.

hope i helped

Answer 7

Nothing. They both like to throw rocks at each other. One is just as mean spirited and hateful as the other.

Answer 8

One word . . . Reformation.