What are some differences between Baptists and Catholics?

Answer 1

catholics baptize babies, baptists wait til they're older
catholics believe in transubstantiation, baptists believe communion is only symbolic
catholics believe in confessing your sins to a priest who will intervene for them, baptists believe they have a direct line to god
catholics believe the pope is a holy man with a special closeness to god, baptists believe each of them has an equal amount of closeness to god
catholic mass lasts about an hour, baptists have church until the preacher is done sermonizing, which can last shorter or longer times
catholics don't actively try to convert one (usually), baptists will actively try to recruit you
catholics believe mary was without sin, baptists don't
catholics have confirmation, baptists have baptism
there are many other things, you should talk to a baptist minister and a catholic priest to get the information

Answer 2

"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 3

Protestant or Roman Catholic -- Does it really matter? They worship the same God, don't they? I think that religions (or rather, religious differences) are fuel for "holy wars" & needless arguments that always occur between intolerant zealots. That's why I don't side with any religious "label" -- I only believe in God, & I believe that Jesus provided a way for me (& others) to stand in His presence. All the other formality & "ceremony" is just so irrelavent! I'm glad that my (formerly) Methodist church became "contemporary" -- basically non-denominational.

Answer 4

I heard that Baptists have webbed toes and they eat their own young.

Answer 5

This answer is from an ACTUAL Baptist after consulting a professor of religion at my local university.

Baptists (there are many kinds), were protestants who believe that baptism should be voluntary and infant baptism is wrong. As such early Baptists were persecuted by both Catholics and other protestants. Baptists mostly do not have a central binding authority, though they pool resources to accomplish goals. (ie Southern Baptist have Church autonomy, but they give to a central international missions fund). Baptists do not believe in praying to anyone other than God Himself (no saints or Mary). These are just a few differences, the list would take up too much space.

The Catholic church was founded by Roman emperor Constantine after he had a vision from God before a battle telling him to take up the banner of the cross to win the battle, which he did. Catholic beliefs are many and can change with each Pope.

Answer 6

Catholic give Mary more respect than they do Jesus.

Baptist believe in Jesus but some have a problem with the Holy Spirit.

Answer 7

Baptists don't baptize babies as Catholics do in the christening ceremony. Baptists may have a dedication ceremony when they first bring the baby to church but they do not think there is any need to baptize them, in fact it is considered wrong to do so. You don't get baptized until you are older and go forward and declare that you believe. Then before the ceremony, usually there will be a period of classes. (which is somewhat similar to confirmation classes for Catholics)

Baptists baptize with total immersion, often in a body of water like a river, in imitation of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist.

Baptists pray only directly to God/Jesus. They do not say prayers to Mary or other Saints. (I had phrased this at first saying Baptists have a direct personal relationship with God, but I shouldnt have put that as something that is different because I know Catholics who definitely have that kind of religion)
Catholics in some ways have the priest serve as a representative or connection to God for example, people make confession, are assigned penance and are given absolution from a priest .

Catholics have a hierarchy in a world wide church structure led by the Vatican, and each country is divided up into archdioceses, dioceses, parishes. Priests are assigned to specific churches and may be moved to another place.
(Some other protestant churches are also hierarchical. )Baptist churches and ministers are independent, each church hires a preacher for themself (or could dismiss him or her)

Because of the Church being a worldwide, hierarchical body, Catholics have in addition to the Bible, accepted teachings that have been decided by the church at major Vatican councils.

Catholics have the Apocrypha in addition to the Bible used by Protestants.

Catholics and Baptists both have communion where they have bread and wine in memory of the Last Supper, as commanded by Jesus in memory of his blood and body, but Catholics believe that at that moment it really becomes the blood and body.

Catholics tend to have more formal style of worship.

Catholics usually have cooler looking churches.
Baptists usually have better music.

Answer 8

Baptists believe the Bible is the final authoritative word in doctrine and Christian life. The Catholics believe that church tradition is the final authority (even though they falsely claim to believe in the Bible). The Baptist believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of the living God. Catholics believe the Bible is not factual, and is mostly allegory. Baptist pastors marry, Catholic priest do not. Baptist worship God alone. Catholics worship Mary and many Saints, and also allow animal sacrifices outside the United States.

Answer 9

baptists are all wet, and catholics are common [based on their names....]

*QUAFF*

Answer 10

I am not a Catholic, but I commend them on recognizing the foolishness of the CRUSADES.

Those who haven't recognized the foolishness of Crusading are in a much darker place.