Differences between Catholicism and Christianity

Catholicism vs. Christianity

The terms Catholicism and Christianity are related, but not always interchangeable. Christianity is a broad religion encompassing numerous denominations, of which Roman Catholicism is the largest. Therefore, all Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholics. The primary distinctions between Catholicism and other Christian denominations lie in certain doctrines, authority structures, and practices that developed over centuries.

Christianity as a whole is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Core Christian beliefs, shared by Catholics and other denominations, include the divinity of Jesus, the concept of the Holy Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and the belief that Jesus's death was a sacrifice for humanity's sins. The Bible is the sacred text for all Christians.

The Catholic Church teaches that it is the original church founded by Jesus Christ. It holds that its bishops are the successors to Jesus's apostles and that the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter, upon whom Christ conferred primacy. This creates a hierarchical structure of authority that is not present in the same way in many other Christian traditions.

Comparison Table

Category	Catholicism	Other Christian Denominations (General)
Church Authority	The Pope is seen as the head of the church and the successor to the Apostle Peter. The Magisterium (the teaching authority of the church) interprets scripture and tradition.	Authority structures vary. Many Protestant denominations emphasize the "priesthood of all believers," with less hierarchical governance.
Source of Doctrine	Scripture and Sacred Tradition are considered two sources of divine revelation.	"Sola Scriptura" (Scripture alone) is a core principle for most Protestants, viewing the Bible as the sole source of infallible doctrine.
The Pope	The Pope is considered the Vicar of Christ on Earth and holds supreme authority. The doctrine of papal infallibility asserts he is protected from error when defining doctrines of faith or morals.	Papal authority and infallibility are not recognized. Christ is considered the sole head of the Church.
Sacraments	Seven sacraments are recognized: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.	The number of sacraments varies; most Protestant denominations recognize only two: Baptism and Communion (Eucharist).
The Eucharist	Teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.	Views vary. Some see it as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, while others hold beliefs of a real spiritual presence without transubstantiation.
Saints and Mary	The Virgin Mary and other saints are venerated. Believers may ask them to intercede on their behalf.	Veneration of saints is generally not practiced; prayer is directed to God alone through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the sole mediator.
Salvation	Salvation is attained through faith, grace, and good works. The sacrament of Reconciliation is the means for forgiveness of mortal sins.	Salvation is achieved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone ("Sola Fide"). Good works are seen as a result of salvation, not a means to it.
Afterlife	| Beliefs generally include heaven and hell, but the concept of purgatory is not accepted.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Catholicism and Christianity

Key Doctrinal Differences

A foundational difference lies in the source of theological doctrine. The Catholic Church upholds both the Bible and Sacred Tradition as authoritative. Tradition, in this context, refers to the teachings believed to have been passed down from the apostles. In contrast, most Protestant denominations adhere to the principle of "Sola Scriptura," which asserts that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

The role of the priesthood and the sacraments also distinguishes Catholicism. Catholics believe priests, through the sacrament of Holy Orders, are given the authority to forgive sins in the name of God. The Church recognizes seven sacraments, which are considered outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Most other Christian denominations have fewer sacraments and differ in their understanding of clerical authority.

Furthermore, the Catholic understanding of salvation involves a combination of faith, grace, and meritorious works. The veneration of the Virgin Mary and the saints, asking for their intercession, is another distinct practice within Catholicism that is not a central feature of most other Christian traditions.