Christianity and Catholicism are two of the major world religions and are often seen as having many similarities. However, there are important distinctions between the two denominations that have been a source of debate for centuries. Generally speaking, Christianity is the collective name of all the various forms of worship and beliefs in one God as professed by individuals or communities around the world, whereas Catholicism is one of the major sects of Christianity which is officially sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man, the foundation of salvation and of Christian doctrine. It is believed that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, making Him both human and divine. It is also believed that Jesus’s death on the cross redeemed mankind from sin and spiritual death. Catholicism also holds that the Bible is the inspired word of God, that the worship of saints is important, and that the seven sacraments are necessary for salvation. Moreover, Catholics also practice confession, veneration of the Virgin Mary, and membership to the Church.
In contrast, Christian beliefs emphasize the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Yet, within Christianity, various beliefs exist, ranging from liturgical practices such as observing the Lord’s Supper, to a set of beliefs such as people are saved by grace through faith. Other beliefs include the divinity of Jesus, the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the ongoing active presence of the Holy Spirit in the world today. Similarly, other practices differ among denominations such as whether baptism must be done by immersion or through sprinkling.
Therefore, the main difference between Christianity and Catholicism lies in the authority one looks to for guidance and on the practices, beliefs, and doctrines that they follow. The Catholic Church is a hierarchical, authoritative Church with a visible head and Pope, while Christianity is more individualistic and focuses on the teachings of Jesus. Catholics often look to Rome for teaching, while Christians focus on the Bible, and often draw on beliefs common to all denominations.
The difference can also be seen in the way that faith is expressed. Catholics often show their commitment to God in traditional ways through reciting prayers, attending Mass, and participating in prayer and worship services. Furthermore, they often honor the saints, celebrate the sacraments, seek spiritual guidance from priests and bishops, and have a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. On the other hand, Christians may show their commitment to God through a variety of activities such as bible study, attending church services, worshipping, giving to charity, and prayer.
Scriptures
Christians chiefly rely on the Bible for their faith, whereas Catholics believe in and accept the Bible but also have additional holy books such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Canon Law. The Bible is perceived as the inspired word of God, and is usually divided into two parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament primarily contains the laws, and stories and writings of the prophets, while the New Testament contains writings of the apostles, the Four Gospels, and the letters of St. Paul. In contrast, Catholics accept the Bible and also use additional works of sacred tradition such as the Decrees of the Councils, the writings of the Church Fathers and Saints, and the Catechism.
Veneration of Mary
One of the major points of distinction between Catholicism and Christianity is in the way that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is honored and treated. While some Christian denominations embrace her as a model and source of devotion, most reject the Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary, which includes veneration and prayer. Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, in her perpetual virginity, in her assumption into heaven, and consider her to be the Queen of Heaven and Advocate for sinners. They pray to her for guidance, protection, and strength, and ask her intercession. On the other hand, most Christians believe that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man and that Mary should not be venerated as divine in any way.
Papal Authority
While Christianity has no single authoritative figure, Catholicism places supreme emphasis on the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and seen as the Vicar of Christ on Earth. The authority of the Pope comes from the Petrine Doctrine and is based on the belief that Jesus gave St. Peter special authority over the Church. The successor to St. Peter is thought to have divinely appointed authority over the Church. This concept is accepted by Catholics, but rejected by most other Christians, who believe that the authority in the Church comes only from Jesus Christ.
Sacraments
Sacraments are another key difference between Catholicism and Christianity. Catholics view sacraments as “means of grace” that convey divine favor and salvation, and they are central to Catholic practice. The seven sacraments are Baptism, the Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. They serve as a sign that a person is part of the Church and are a means of using rituals as tangible expressions of faith that connect people with Christ and His church. Protestant Christians, on the other hand, do not accept the same seven sacraments and often have vastly different thoughts and beliefs about the purpose and efficacy of sacraments.
Rituals and Devotions
Both Christianity and Catholicism are marked by rituals and devotional activities such as prayer, but the nature and purpose of those activities differ between denominations. Catholics have various types of formal liturgical worship services and often practice mundane daily devotions such as the rosary. These rituals lead up to and culminate in the major Christian holidays. In contrast, Protestant Christians usually focus on weekly worship services that express the Protestant understanding of salvation and redemption. The services are more evolved service and informally structured, and often include prayer, music, Scripture readings, preaching, and communion.
Moral Teaching
Although both Christianity and Catholicism share many common beliefs and set of morals, they also differ in how they approach moral teaching. Catholics tend to be guided by an official Church doctrine that views certain practices and behaviors as moral or immoral, and sets a standard of behavior for its members. On the other hand, Christianity offers more flexibility in determining morality and allows individuals to exercise their own judgment.
Sacred Spaces
Moreover, the concept and role of sacred spaces such as churches and cathedrals also differ between Christianity and Catholicism. The Catholic Church has built spectacular and immense structures over the centuries, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, while Protestantism typically emphasizes a more stripped-down spirituality, viewing the local church as a place of meeting. For example, in denominations such as Pentecostalism or Charismatic Christianity, the space of worship is altered with flexible and informal rituals that emphasize the individual experience of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Christianity and Catholicism are closely related, there are a number of important differences between them. The beliefs, practices, and doctrines between the two can be vastly different and the differences can be seen in their authority structure, rituals, sacred spaces, and moral teachings. While both denominations have many beliefs in common, understanding and respecting the differences between them will help readers gain a greater appreciation of the two faiths.
