subject: Catholicism And Christianity [print this page] Christian is a general term that is used to refer to a follower of Jesus Christ, who could be a Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Gnostic, or follower of another branch of religion.
The word Catholic, on the other hand, refers to a Christian who follows the Catholic religion as transmitted through the succession of the Popes of Rome (the leader of the Catholic Church) and the Vatican Empire throughout its history. The Catholic Church is currently the largest Christian church with members that make up about 60% of the total Christian population.
So, how do Catholics differ from other Christians?
Catholics believe in the seven sacraments, namely: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Reconciliation/Confession and Anointing of the Sick. In comparison, other Christian denominations do not recognize all these sacraments.
Catholics also assert that Mary, the Mother of Jesus (whom they refer to as the Blessed Virgin) was the greatest saint and did not sin. In comparison, other Christianslike the Protestantsdo respect Mary as Jesus mother but believe that she sinned like anyone else. Catholics believe that, after death, Mary was resurrected and went to heaven immediately. Other Christians generally believe that Marys body was buried.
Catholics believe in both a spiritual and literal interpretation of the Bible. They also accept/recognize events in the Old Testament as allegories for events that occur in the New Testament.
Catholics believe that Man retained some goodness even after the events that occurred in the Garden of Eden, whereas most of other Christian sub-faiths believe that Man fell into complete depravity.
Catholics are generally stricter as far as following the Scriptures is concerned. They are not very open to interpretations unless those interpretations are coming from the bishops. Additionally, Catholics believe that the end of the world as mentioned in the Book of Revelations is not a metaphoric description but rather an event that will actually take place in the future.
Another notable difference between Roman Catholics and other Christians is that Catholics believe in the process of confessions to a priest. In comparison, other Christians believe in an inner dialogue with Jesus.
But despite these differences (and more that arent mentioned here), Catholics do share some similarities to other Christians.
Catholics, like other Christians, believe that Jesus is the savior of humanity and that he died on the cross to atone for the sins of all. Additionally, Catholics, like all other Christians, believe in the Holy Trinity.
Nearly two billion people call themselves Christians. Yet they are divided into more than 450 different sects and denominations, with contradictory doctrines and styles of worship. Just what is a true Christian?
Dictionaries tell us briefly of what a "Christian" is supposed to be. The American College Dictionary, for example, defines the word "Christian" as "pertaining to or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings believing in or belonging to the religion of Jesus Christ."
