Christianity and Catholicism are two major religious beliefs that people all over the world adhere to. For some, the two religious views are a mystery and are hard to distinguish, while for others, the differences are clear and significant. Moreover, if you are trying to answer the age-old question, “Is Christianity older than Catholicism?” the answer is not so clear cut.
Although, recently Christianity was first established after the death of Jesus Christ. Consequently Catholic, is a term that encompasses four distinct branches of Christianity: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and Assyrian Church of the East. Catholicism is actually an offshoot of Christianity, with its roots that trace back to before Jesus.
Historically, Catholic doctrines are a culmination of various traditions and customs that are believed to have been attributed to St. Peter and St. Paul who started to preach Christianity after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven. Catholic traditions and customs were further developed by emperors and saints over the centuries.
One of the beliefs within Catholicism is that Jesus appointed St. Peter to lead the Church. Still, the doctrines Catholic belief systems are heavily based upon the instructions that Jesus gave to His disciples while he was on earth.
Furthermore, Catholicism incorporates beliefs in the divinity of Jesus Christ as well as a belief in the sanctification of the soul through salvation caused by Jesus’ death on the cross. Additionally, Catholics venerate a plethora of patron saints, which is regarded by some Catholics as a form of particular worship for well-known holy figures.
In conclusion, the best way to answer the meaning behind the question “Is Christianity older than Catholicism?” is by recognizing the differences between the two and acknowledging their shared beliefs and practices. Although, Christianity was established after the death of Jesus, Catholic Doctrine has its roots that trace back to before Jesus.
Holy Scriptures
The holy scriptures provide both Christians and Catholics alike with scriptures that they can view as the authority of their faith. Prominent among those scriptures are the Torah, the New Testament, and the Qur’an. These scriptures are fundamental to both religions and define the key tenants of their beliefs. Whether it’s the Ten Commandments, the teachings of Jesus, or the revelations given to Muhammad, these scriptures serve as the foundation for adherents of either religion to structure their spiritual lives around.
In particular, the New Testament is shared by both Christianity and Catholicism. It contains messages of love, mercy, and hope that are meant to serve as a type of roadmap for true believers of Jesus. This shared book of the Bible is particularly effective in expressing the grace of Jesus and helping build bridges between the two faiths. Without this shared scripture, belief in Jesus that is shared by both Christians and Catholics would be much harder to understand.
Along with the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus himself are also upheld as the supreme authority by both religions. Undeniably, the words of Jesus are what bring Christianity and Catholicism together. Through the teachings Jesus provided to the multitudes who followed him, teachings that are known and understood by both of the beliefs, a unified view of how to approach life can be grasped.
Finally, each religion includes other holy scriptures as part of their shared beliefs and values. These include the Apocrypha, a collection of Jewish texts, for Catholics, as well as books from the Old Testament, such as the Book of Isaiah and Proverbs, for Christians who use them to better understand God’s word.
Symbols
Both Christians and Catholics use several symbols to represent the meaningful aspects of their faith. For example, the cross is a symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion, his ultimate sacrifice for humanity, and is often displayed in churches, homes and even jewelry as a reminder to follow the teachings of Jesus. The Bible is also a symbol of holiness and divine authority, used by adherents of both faiths to remind them of the guidance they have and seek from God. While the Bible itself is kept in churches, often times Bibles are also found in homes and used to bring people together for prayer or study in private residences.
Another symbol present in both religions is that of the holy water. Holy water, believed to have been blessed by priests, is used in Christian and Catholic rituals to remind people of the water that flowed during Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River. It serves as a physical reminder of a spiritual union with God, and many look to the water for healing and purification.
Other symbols present in both religions include the communion communion, which is a common theme among Christians and Catholics. This practice is an act of remembrance of Jesus’ last supper while His disciples, and as such serves as an important reminder to remain close to Jesus and follow His instructions to the letter.
Finally, the bread and wine are some of the essential symbols of both Christianity and Catholicism. While these two items don’t have a particular divine origin, they are deeply symbolic to the faiths, representing of the Last Supper and Jesus’s death on the cross. They represent the body and the blood of Jesus, and are often found on alter pieces or in ceremonies throughout both faiths.
Rituals & Traditions
Rituals and traditions are an important part of both Christian and Catholic faiths. Although the two beliefs have some similarities in these aspects, they still possess distinct traditions and rituals.
One of the most obvious differences between the two religions is their preference in prayer. Catholics prefer to use their prayer books while Christians favor traditional worship services. Additionally, Catholics believe in veneration of saints, while many Christians do not.
Moreover, another fundamental difference among Christian and Catholic denominations is the type of liturgy they use. Catholics utilize a mass, which is a combination of prayers, scripture, and liturgical action. On the other hand, some Christians usually opt for more spontaneity in their worship services, interchanging traditional liturgy with stories, scripture, and other events as they see fit.
Furthermore, some Christian denominations are much more conservative compared to Catholics when it comes to practices such as dancing, instruments, and the use of alcohol at their services or during communion. While Catholic priests still have a control over their parishioners, Christian churches allow for more freedom and permit each church to decide for itself.
In conclusion, both faith have their own unique rituals and traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. Although, some traditions are shared between the two religions, difference between the two faiths are most obvious in the rituals used to worship God or venerate saints.
Sacraments
Sacraments are an important part of both Christianity and Catholic belief systems, helping to represent the journey of the individual soul and how it’s connected to the world.
While both Catholicism and Christianity share seven sacraments, there are a few distinctions between the two faiths in how they carry out and interpret these celebrations.
Of note, the sacrament of confirmation is present in both religions, standing as a sign of the individual’s commitment to their faith. But while Catholics believe that confirmation is necessary for salvation, it’s not required for Christians.
Another sacrament present in both religions is the sacrament of the Eucharist, which is the solemn celebration involving bread and wine that represent Christ’s body and blood. Catholics believe that the bread and wine are changed into the actual body and blood of Jesus during the Eucharist, while Christians look towards this as a symbol, rather than an actual physical transformation.
Finally, marriage serves as a sacrament for both religions and represents the spiritual union between two individuals, as well as their commitment to the faith. Catholics view marriage in a more traditional sense, while some Christian denominations offer more of a modern spin, such as allowing same-sex couples to marry.
In conclusion, while both Christianity and Catholicism share a few similar sacraments, there are also plenty of differences in how they interpret and use them.
Practices of Each Faith
Despite their differences, both Christianity and Catholicism have some similar practices, such as prayer and reading scripture, among other rituals.
Both faiths require regular prayer and contemplation as a means of reflecting on faith and growing in the spiritual journey. Furthermore, regular Bible reading is also a cornerstone for both beliefs and is the perfect way to better understand God’s word and the teachings of Jesus.
Moreover, another practice shared between Christianity and Catholicism is service. Whether through charitable work, mission trips, or simply helping one another, both faiths believe in lifting up their brothers and sisters in times of need and service to those around them.
Additionally, participants of a Christian or Catholic faith must constantly be aware of the surrounding reality and act responsibly through moral and ethical guidance. While there is a difference in the way some moral and ethical teachings are interpreted, the fundamental beliefs are largely the same.
Finally, adherents of both Christianity and Catholicism are encouraged to maintain a spiritual life through
devotional writings, meditation, and other activities that serve to maintain spiritual health. These activities foster and deepen faith and are the perfect way to maintain the connection with God.
In conclusion, there are several activities that both Christians and Catholics have in common with regards to maintaining a true and deep faith in God. Furthermore, these activities also serve to demonstrate values that are essential to both religions.
