Catholic vs. Jehovah’s Witness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on February 5, 2024
Catholicism is a Christian denomination with a Pope and mass, while Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian group rejecting the Trinity and celebrating no holidays.
Key Differences
Catholics believe in the Trinity, the Pope's authority, and sacraments like communion. Jehovah's Witnesses reject the Trinity, have no central religious authority like a Pope, and differ in their communion practices.
Catholic worship includes mass, veneration of saints, and use of religious images. Jehovah's Witnesses hold simpler meetings without icons and do not venerate saints or the cross.
The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure led by the Pope. Jehovah's Witnesses are organized under a Governing Body, with local congregations but no clergy class.
Catholics accept tradition and the Pope's interpretations alongside the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses adhere strictly to their translation of the Bible, considering other interpretations as doctrinally incorrect.
Catholics celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Easter and practice rituals like confession. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays or birthdays and have different baptism practices.
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Comparison Chart
Authority Structure
Led by the Pope
Governed by a Body of Elders
View of the Trinity
Believe in the Trinity
Reject the Trinity
Use of Images
Use religious images
Avoid religious images
Holidays Celebrated
Celebrate Christmas, Easter
Do not celebrate holidays
Scriptural Authority
Bible + Church tradition
Only their Bible translation
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Catholic and Jehovah's Witness Definitions
Catholic
Inclusive.
Her Catholic tastes in music mean she enjoys everything from jazz to classical.
Jehovah's Witness
Non-celebration of holidays.
Being a Jehovah's Witness, he doesn't celebrate Christmas.
Catholic
Related to the Catholic Church.
The Catholic priest held Mass every Sunday.
Jehovah's Witness
Door-to-door evangelism.
She participates in door-to-door ministry as a Jehovah's Witness.
Catholic
Wide-ranging.
His Catholic interests included both science and literature.
Jehovah's Witness
Member of a Christian denomination.
As a Jehovah's Witness, he attends the Kingdom Hall.
Catholic
Universal.
The Catholic appeal of the movie made it popular worldwide.
Jehovah's Witness
Bible study-focused.
The Jehovah's Witness group held a detailed Bible study session.
Catholic
Liberal, tolerant.
She is known for her Catholic attitude towards different cultures.
Jehovah's Witness
Belief in the imminent end of the world.
The Jehovah’s Witness spoke about their belief in Armageddon.
Catholic
Of broad or liberal scope; comprehensive
"The 100-odd pages of formulas and constants are surely the most catholic to be found" (Scientific American).
FAQs
Do Catholics believe in the Bible?
Yes, Catholics believe in the Bible along with church traditions and teachings.
What is Catholicism?
A Christian denomination with beliefs centered around the Holy Trinity, sacraments, and the Pope's authority.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate birthdays or holidays?
No, they do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or other holidays.
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about salvation?
They believe salvation comes from faith in Jehovah, witnessing to others, and living a moral life.
Can Catholics marry non-Catholics?
Yes, but they need to get permission from the Church and promise to raise children Catholic.
Do Catholics use religious images?
Yes, Catholics commonly use images and statues in their worship practices.
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A Christian group known for their distinct beliefs like the denial of the Trinity and active evangelism.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Bible?
They view it as the sole source of truth, interpreted through their specific translation.
Do Catholics pray to saints?
Yes, Catholics venerate saints and may pray to them to intercede with God on their behalf.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses use religious images?
No, they avoid the use of religious images, considering them idolatrous.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view sacraments?
They observe two ordinances: baptism and the Memorial of Christ's death.
What are Catholic sacraments?
Sacraments in Catholicism are rites believed to confer divine grace, like baptism and communion.
What is the role of women in Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Women can participate in evangelism but cannot hold positions of authority over men.
What is the Catholic view on salvation?
Catholics believe salvation is through faith, good works, and receiving the sacraments.
What is the significance of the Pope in Catholicism?
The Pope is the spiritual leader and authority figure for Catholics worldwide.
Who leads Jehovah’s Witnesses?
They are led by a Governing Body, but do not have a single leader like the Pope.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct their services?
They hold meetings focused on Bible study and preaching, without rituals like Mass.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view saints?
They do not venerate or pray to saints, focusing their worship solely on Jehovah.
Can women be priests in Catholicism?
No, the Catholic Church does not ordain women as priests.
What is Catholic Mass?
Mass in Catholicism is a ceremonial worship service including readings, hymns, and communion.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
