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What's the difference between Catholic and Protestant? Catholicism and Protestantism are two denominations of Christianity, just like Shia and Sunni are sects of Islam. While the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, Protestantism is a general term that refers to Christianity that is not subject to papal au...
- Church, chapel, cathedral
- Permitted as means of inspiration.
- 7 min
- Klaus Krämer
- Understanding of the Bible. Catholicism and Protestantism have distinct views on the meaning and the authority of the Bible. For Protestant Christians, Luther made clear that the Bible is the "Sola Skriptura," God's only book, in which He provided His revelations to the people and which allows them to enter in communion with Him.
- Understanding the church. Catholics and Protestants have a different view on the nature of the church. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing," and the Catholic Church sees itself as the only true church worldwide, under the leadership of the pope.
- The pope. Protestants are not open at all to papal primacy. According to the Evangelical view, this dogma contradicts statements in the Bible. Catholics see in the pope the successor of the Apostle Peter, the first head of their Church, who was appointed by Jesus.
- Understanding of the office. This continuous chain, known as the apostolic succession, is overall significant for different spiritual offices in the Catholic Church.
- The Magisterium. The term “magisterium” refers to the official teaching body of the Roman Catholic Church. Dr. Horrell explains, “Usually, it's related to… the large house of cardinals and the leading theologians in the movement; but finally, that all comes under, of course, the pope himself.”
- Tradition. While Protestants don’t view tradition as equal in authority with the Scriptures, the Roman Catholic Church has a different perspective—one which clearly distinguishes itself from Protestant churches.
- Salvation and Grace. Protestants often express the idea that salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. This assertion views justification as specific point upon which God declares that you are righteous—a point where you enter into the Christian life.
- The Eucharist. When it comes to the Eucharist, which most Protestants call ‘The Lord’s Supper,” or “Communion,” the Roman Catholic Church holds to the doctrine of transubstantiation—the idea that the edible ritual elements used during the mass literally become the body and blood of Christ.
Jun 1, 2023 · Roman Catholics and Protestants believe in the Trinity, the human race’s sinfulness, the Bible’s inspiration, and the Second Coming of Christ. Important areas of disagreement include the nature of the Eucharist, the authority of the pope, and the definition of justification in relation to salvation.
Jul 27, 2022 · Though Catholics and Protestants share some parallel beliefs, there are some non-negotiables as outlined below. The relationship has softened , but life-changing differences remain.
By Norton Herbst, PhD. Embed. As Christians, Protestants and Catholics share different beliefs. Learn 5 key differences. Often you hear people say, “Christians believe X, ” or “Christianity says Y .”. Or maybe you’ve heard something more specific, like, “Catholics believe X, but Baptists believe Y, and Methodists believe Z .”.
Apr 23, 2018 · Updated on April 23, 2018. This resource examines in detail the main differences between Roman Catholic beliefs and the teachings of most other Protestant denominations. Authority Within the Church - Roman Catholics believe the authority of the church lies within the hierarchy of the church; Protestants believe Christ is the head of the church.
