diffrence between a catholic and a christian

[smakashley]

I dont understand the diffrence between a catholic and a christian. Although I dont know much about the catholic religion.I’m a christian and ever sine the pope got sick I have been instusted in the catholic religion.Can someone explain to me the diffrence between the two?

 

[Beaver]

The Catholic church is Christ centered. This center is the Real Presence.

 

[JCPhoenix]

Catholics ARE Christians.

The Catholic Church was the first Christian church. It is the church established by Christ.

Other Christian religions were formed in the medieval ages, first by Luther, then Calvin, and branched off from there.

As additional clarification, there are 2 definitions of “Catholic” designated by the use of capital or lower case “C”.

When you see the word “Catholic” (capitalized) it is referring to the formal title of the Catholic Christian Church, specifically those who are united with Rome (ie the Pope).

The word “catholic” (lower case), refers to the general universal Christian church, or better put, all of Christianity. All of those who follow Christ in his fully God, fully human state and teachings.

The very word “catholic” means “universal”. When you hear someone or the Church say that there is no salvation outside of the “catholic” church, it is referring to all of Christianity, not just those who are Catholic by title. The Church teaches that the only way to heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the light and no one enters heaven but through him.

Does that help?

 

[Exporter]

All Catholics ARE Christians.

The Catholic Church was the FIRST Church and the ONLY Church that Jesus Christ started. See Matt 16: 18-19.

In every Catholic Church right in the front, up high, you will see a Cross with Jesus Christ on that cross. During the Catholic Worship Service ( the Mass) you will find that Christ is the center of that worship.

All Catholics know that without Jesus there is no Catholic Church. Yes we are Christians!

 

[catholic-rcia]

The reason any Christian sect other than Catholic can even whisper the name of Christ is because of the Catholic Church handed down through the centuries through the Mass through Christ. It is the genuine article. It like Christ is both hated and loved. All other Christian sects are a result of the overflowing Mass. Attend a Mass and you would be attending in the presence of Christ. I attended a Mass years ago with a Mormon background. I am still there.

www.catholic-rcia.com

 

[Greek]

Catholocism is a sect of Christianity.

 

[Contarini]

There are three major forms of Christianity today: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Protestantism takes many forms, and many Protestants may not even think of themselves as Protestants. That appears to be your situation.

Edwin

 

[carol_marie]

Catholics are Christians. We are followers of Jesus Christ just like you.

However, think about it… when I say I’m a Catholic you know just what I believe… but when YOU say you are a Christian I wonder, "Are you Baptist or Methodist or Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness or Lutheran or Evangelical or some fringe cult like group like the followers of David Koresh? All call themselves Christian.

 

[azcelt]

with all due respect carol marie just because you,re catholic doesn,t mean i know what you believe,there are many so called catholics who don,t believe in all the dogma,theology,teachings of the catechism,etc.although i consider myself a mere christian,my wife is catholic and i,m a member of her parish and attend mass nearly every week with her as well as help out with the parish food bank,etc.i have found that i,m more orthodox and traditional then most of the cradle catholic parishioners. in christ,celt

 

[carol_marie]

azcelt:

with all due respect carol marie just because you,re catholic doesn,t mean i know what you believe,there are many so called catholics who don,t believe in all the dogma,theology,teachings of the catechism,etc.although i consider myself a mere christian,my wife is catholic and i,m a member of her parish and attend mass nearly every week with her as well as help out with the parish food bank,etc.i have found that i,m more orthodox and traditional then most of the cradle catholic parishioners. in christ,celt

Yes you are correct - sorry. I suppose I should have said that if I say I am a Catholic then you know what my Church teaches, however if you just identify yourself as a Christian I have no idea what your church teaches because “Christian” could include everyone from JW’s to Lutherans to David Koresh.

 

[urban_legends]

carol marie:

Catholics are Christians. We are followers of Jesus Christ just like you.

However, think about it… when I say I’m a Catholic you know just what I believe… but when YOU say you are a Christian I wonder, "Are you Baptist or Methodist or Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness or Lutheran or Evangelical or some fringe cult like group like the followers of David Koresh? All call themselves Christian.

This is my understanding of church history: Catholics were the first Christian church formed approx. 100 years after the death of Christ. The Reformation, credited to Martin Luther was a split from the Catholic Church of a group of Christians who disagreed with certain practices of the Church at that time. After the Reformation, different demonations were formed at various times in history including Anglian (Church of England), Lutherans, and later Methodists. Baptists like to think they sprouted indepentent of the Reformation, but that is not been proven. Most Baptists date back to John Smith the American colonists. I am not aware of any Christian denominations that recognize the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah Witness, or Christian Scientists as Christians. They are described as “sects” because none recognize Christ as the messiah, but think of him as a prophet.

 

[jimmy]

smakashley:

I dont understand the diffrence between a catholic and a christian. Although I dont know much about the catholic religion.I’m a christian and ever sine the pope got sick I have been instusted in the catholic religion.Can someone explain to me the diffrence between the two?

All Catholics are Christians, not all Christians are Catholics. Just like all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.

Catholics teach that the Church was founded by Christ on Peter because of his confession of faith, so it is founded upon both. This means that there is actually a Church on earth that is guiding people on there way to God. This Church is headed by the pope who is a successor to Peter. We can see the authority of Peter in scripture in Matt. 15 when Christ gives him the keys to heaven and in John 21 when Christ tells him to strengthen his brethren. We can see the Church in Saint Ignatius’s writings, who was a first century Christian and a disciple of the apostle John. He says to do what the bishop says. We can see it in the writings of the second century writers Justin and Irenaeus. Especially when Irenaeus says that all churches should agree with the Church of Rome on account of its pre-eminent authority. We can see it in all the Church fathers through the centuries up until the present.

The Catholic Church teaches that it is upon the faith of Peter and the Church that we are to search for Christ. They teach that the Church is the pillar and ground of truth. We follow both scripture and apostolic tradition, which has been given to us by the apostles. Since the bible is a product of the Church, it can not be the sole authority. The Church, as in the bishops in communion with the pope, is the final authority of scripture.

There are many differences doctrinally, like salvation by grace through faith and works, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. But, it would be better to not discuss all of that in this thread because it would be too much for one thread.

 

[carol_marie]

urban legends:

This is my understanding of church history: Catholics were the first Christian church formed approx. 100 years after the death of Christ. The Reformation, credited to Martin Luther was a split from the Catholic Church of a group of Christians who disagreed with certain practices of the Church at that time. After the Reformation, different demonations were formed at various times in history including Anglian (Church of England), Lutherans, and later Methodists. Baptists like to think they sprouted indepentent of the Reformation, but that is not been proven. Most Baptists date back to John Smith the American colonists. I am not aware of any Christian denominations that recognize the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah Witness, or Christian Scientists as Christians. They are described as “sects” because none recognize Christ as the messiah, but think of him as a prophet.

That’s the point I was trying to make - that groups such as JW’s and Mormons & Christian Scientists call themselves “Christians” but that doesn’t mean much. Because the Protestant churches have splintered so many times, the word “Christian” isn’t very descriptive. What’s a Christian?? A Lutheran? A Baptist? A Jehovah’s Witness? A Mormon? They’d all say yes but what does that mean? They don’t even agree on who Jesus was.

 

[jimmy]

azcelt:

with all due respect carol marie just because you,re catholic doesn,t mean i know what you believe,there are many so called catholics who don,t believe in all the dogma,theology,teachings of the catechism,etc.although i consider myself a mere christian,my wife is catholic and i,m a member of her parish and attend mass nearly every week with her as well as help out with the parish food bank,etc.i have found that i,m more orthodox and traditional then most of the cradle catholic parishioners. in christ,celt

But, you know what she is claiming by calling herself Catholic. You know what Catholics teach in general, even though there are some who don’t teach what the Church teaches.

 

[jimmy]

urban legends:

This is my understanding of church history: Catholics were the first Christian church formed approx. 100 years after the death of Christ. The Reformation, credited to Martin Luther was a split from the Catholic Church of a group of Christians who disagreed with certain practices of the Church at that time. After the Reformation, different demonations were formed at various times in history including Anglian (Church of England), Lutherans, and later Methodists. Baptists like to think they sprouted indepentent of the Reformation, but that is not been proven. Most Baptists date back to John Smith the American colonists. I am not aware of any Christian denominations that recognize the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah Witness, or Christian Scientists as Christians. They are described as “sects” because none recognize Christ as the messiah, but think of him as a prophet.

I would agree mostly. Most Christians don’t accept the Jehovahs witness’s and Mormons as Christs. They call themselves Christians. I would not call them Christians because they only believe Christ was a prophet.

The Catholic Church teaches that it bagan at Pentecost in 33AD. You can see that there was a church in Ignatius’s writings and in the Didache and in other early writings. Ignatius even called the Church Catholic in 100AD.

 

[Contarini]

Jimmy,

You are wrong about JW’s and Mormons. JW’s think that Christ is an angelic being, higher than all other creatures (much like the ancient Arians), and Mormons believe that He is divine (but their conception of God is radically heretical). I consider both of them to be heretical Christians. But then I’m a heretic too by Catholic standards, so no wonder my standards are lower. Historically, you can’t deny that these groups are Christian (i.e., their existence depends on Christ, unlike, say, the Muslims, for whom Jesus is just one among many prophets). But I would agree with you that the religion they practice is radically different, in a way that Trinitarian Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy are not different from each other.

 

[jimmy]

Contarini:

Jimmy,

You are wrong about JW’s and Mormons. JW’s think that Christ is an angelic being, higher than all other creatures (much like the ancient Arians), and Mormons believe that He is divine (but their conception of God is radically heretical). I consider both of them to be heretical Christians. But then I’m a heretic too by Catholic standards, so no wonder my standards are lower. Historically, you can’t deny that these groups are Christian (i.e., their existence depends on Christ, unlike, say, the Muslims, for whom Jesus is just one among many prophets). But I would agree with you that the religion they practice is radically different, in a way that Trinitarian Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy are not different from each other.

Yes, I miss spoke there. They believe that he is Michael the Archangel. I mixed them in with the Mormons. I would call there church heretic, but not the individual people. I think in order to be a heretic you have to reject the Catholic belief yourself, rather than just be part of another church. There beliefs are heretical though.

I don’t know if you have to call them Christian. I would say that a necessity of Christianity is the Trinity. To believe that Jesus was just an angel or just a prophet completely changes the whole religion.

 

[buca1110]

Exporter:

All Catholics ARE Christians.

The Catholic Church was the FIRST Church and the ONLY Church that Jesus Christ started. See Matt 16: 18-19.

Ok, I looked this up, what makes you think it was the Catholic (religion)Church he made. I am confused. As for the person that started this forum, I have no idea why they think that you are not christians. I thought people that practice the belief in God and Jesus (CHRIST) were CHRISTians… maybe I am wrong. Now where we do differ is how Catholics pray to Mary, baptize infants, have more chapters in their bible than the King James version, pray to saints. I have read the bible enough to know that I go to God with my prayers because they are ONLY answered in the name of his son, we should also pray for the saints. As for Mary, I have all the respect for her in the world, but other than being chosen by God to give birth to Jesus. I really don’t understand why you pray to her, literally I would like that answered, please. Baptizm… this is where it gets interesting… mk 16:16. Can an infant believe? Or do you baptize later in life as well. I really am curious, I am not in anyway disrespecting the Catholics, I really have questions about the religion. Anyone who would like to share their opinions or beliefs please feel free. I really would like to know why we are so different when we are ALL praising God and his son, Jesus? Shouldn’t we be able to get along since we are striving for the same thing. Eternity with OUR maker?

 

[jimmy]

buca1110:

Ok, I looked this up, what makes you think it was the Catholic (religion)Church he made.

Because the Catholic Church is the only Church that maintains the doctrine and the heirarchy of the Church Christ started upon Peter and his faith. We can see that there was a live Church when we read the Didache, which was written in the 60’s or 70’s AD. We can also see it in the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote around 100AD, when he says in all of his letters to do nothing without the bishop, or to treat the bishop as you would treat Christ, or to do what the bishop does. When Ignatius calls the Church “The Catholic Church” we definately see it. We can also see it in the writings of Irenaeus, who was writing around 170AD, when he says “all Churches should agree with the Church of Rome on account of its pre-eminent authority.”[Against Heresies Book III, Chapter III]. After that he gives all the bishops of Rome(Popes) in order from the apostles. We can see it throughout all the centuries in history up till the present.

buca1110:

I am confused. As for the person that started this forum, I have no idea why they think that you are not christians. I thought people that practice the belief in God and Jesus (CHRIST) were CHRISTians… maybe I am wrong.

I agree.

buca1110:

Now where we do differ is how Catholics pray to Mary, baptize infants, have more chapters in their bible than the King James version, pray to saints.

Correct, we vary in these areas.

buca1110:

I have read the bible enough to know that I go to God with my prayers because they are ONLY answered in the name of his son, we should also pray for the saints.

You say that we should pray for the saints, but don’t you think it good that the saints pray for us? The idea of praying to the saints is that they pray for us. In the bible it says, “The prayers of a righteous man availeth us much.” What person is more righteous than those who have already been perfected by Christ?

Yes, all prayers are answered in the name of Christ, but when we pray to the saints we are praying in reference to Christ. The reason why we honor them is because of Christ, not because of themselves. It is there conquest in doing Christ’s will and faith in him that gave them a seat in heaven. It is all on acount of him.

buca1110:

As for Mary, I have all the respect for her in the world, but other than being chosen by God to give birth to Jesus. I really don’t understand why you pray to her, literally I would like that answered, please.

We pray to Mary for the same reason we pray to the saints, that she will pray for us. Look at the last line of the Hail Mary, “Pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.” That is the whole point. Plus, what saint is better to pray to than the one chosen by God to be his own mother? There was obviously reason he chose her and not some other woman. The reason is because she did the will of God better than any other person to live.

buca1110:

Baptizm… this is where it gets interesting… mk 16:16. Can an infant believe? Or do you baptize later in life as well.

We baptize infants because Christ said to baptize. The bible also says that it is necisary for salvation to be baptized, therefore we baptize as soon as possible. The person recieves the Holy Spirit and Original Sin(the loss of Original Justice) is removed. They are also introduced into the Church. Baptism is done only once.

Confirmation is done when a person is older. It is a further strengthening of the Holy Spirit in the person and an accepting of the faith.

buca1110:

I really am curious, I am not in anyway disrespecting the Catholics, I really have questions about the religion. Anyone who would like to share their opinions or beliefs please feel free. I really would like to know why we are so different when we are ALL praising God and his son, Jesus? Shouldn’t we be able to get along since we are striving for the same thing. Eternity with OUR maker?

I see no disrespect. We should all love eachother, it is God that we strive to meet But, we should also desire that our neighbor should have the full truth. That is love. We should all try to be more charitable toward eachother.

 

[Greek]

jimmy:

Because the Catholic Church is the only Church that maintains the doctrine and the heirarchy of the Church Christ started upon Peter and his faith. We can see that there was a live Church when we read the Didache, which was written in the 60’s or 70’s AD. We can also see it in the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote around 100AD, when he says in all of his letters to do nothing without the bishop, or to treat the bishop as you would treat Christ, or to do what the bishop does. When Ignatius calls the Church “The Catholic Church” we definately see it. We can also see it in the writings of Irenaeus, who was writing around 170AD, when he says “all Churches should agree with the Church of Rome on account of its pre-eminent authority.”[Against Heresies Book III, Chapter III]. After that he gives all the bishops of Rome(Popes) in order from the apostles. We can see it throughout all the centuries in history up till the present.

Actually, the Catholic Church changed the wording in the Nicene Creed as it should have read “The Father through the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Or something to that effect. Also, the position of the Pope is based on an obscure interpretation of a few lines in the Bible and I think is only an excuse for power. The Eastern Patriarchs don’t have nearly the same power that th Pope has. In fact, I will go as far as to say it is heretical as I believe only God has the right to make the judgment that the Pope does. Also in the Nicene Creed is the word Catholic, which, at the time meant Universal in Greek. Now, when you say the word Catholic you are talking about a sect of Christianity. The wording is taken out of context and the meaning has been changed. The true word of the Apostles is only kept through the Eastern Orthodox Rites (specifically with the Patriarch in Constantinople who is surrounded by a bunch of Turks out to kill him) as the Creed was originally written in Greek, and the meaning has changed when it was translated into Latin. This further drove the Catholic Church from the Apostles’ teachings.