Catholicism vs. Christianity: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 27, 2023
Catholicism is a branch of Christianity, focusing on the traditions and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Christianity encompasses all denominations and traditions that follow Jesus Christ.
Key Differences
Catholicism and Christianity are terms often used interchangeably, but they represent different aspects of religious belief. Christianity is the broader term, referring to the world's largest religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Within Christianity, there are various denominations and traditions, one of which is Catholicism. Catholicism specifically pertains to the traditions, teachings, and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, led by the Pope in Vatican City. While all Catholics are Christians, not all Christians are Catholics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Christianity encompasses other denominations such as Protestantism, Orthodoxy, and many more. In essence, Catholicism is nested within the wider umbrella of Christianity, as a prominent and foundational branch.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A branch of Christianity linked to the Roman Catholic Church.
Religion based on Jesus Christ's teachings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
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Scriptures
Bible and Church Tradition (including Magisterium).
Primarily the Bible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Number of Followers
Approx. 1.3 billion (as of my last update).
Over 2.3 billion across all denominations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Major Branches/Subsets
Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic.
Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy, etc.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Catholicism and Christianity Definitions
Catholicism
A Christian tradition that emphasizes the sacraments and apostolic succession.
Through Catholicism, many rituals and holy days have been established.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Christianity
A monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christianity has played a pivotal role in shaping Western civilization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
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Catholicism
A branch of Christianity that follows the teachings of the early church fathers and Church tradition.
Catholicism has a rich history of saints, theologians, and scholars.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Christianity
A religion consisting of numerous denominations and traditions.
Christianity has various sects, but all recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Catholicism
The faith, practices, and system of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mary adheres strictly to Catholicism and attends Mass every Sunday.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Christianity
A belief system emphasizing love, redemption, and the resurrection of Jesus.
Christianity teaches about grace, salvation, and eternal life.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Catholicism
A Christian denomination led by the Pope, based in Vatican City.
Catholicism has been influential in shaping many cultures worldwide.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
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Christianity
A global faith with diverse practices, beliefs, and customs.
Christianity has evolved and adapted across cultures and centuries.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Catholicism
The doctrines, rituals, and liturgies associated with the Roman Catholic Church.
The rites of Catholicism are deeply rooted in ancient traditions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Christianity
A faith based on the New Testament of the Bible.
Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire in the 1st century.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Catholicism
The faith, doctrine, system, and practice of a Catholic church, especially the Roman Catholic Church.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
A religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Most forms of Christianity hold that Jesus is the son of God and is the second person of the Trinity, through whom humans may attain redemption from sin.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Catholicism
The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Catholicism
The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion
The Christianities of antiquity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Catholicism
The faith of the whole orthodox Christian church, or adherence thereto.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Catholicism
The doctrines or faith of the Roman Catholic church, or adherence thereto.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
The body of Christian believers.
To Walys fled the christianiteeOf olde Britons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Christianity
The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);
For a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
What's the main holy book in Christianity?
The Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Are all Christians Catholics?
No, all Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
How is salvation viewed in Christianity?
Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is a central tenet in Christianity.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
What role does the Pope play in Catholicism?
The Pope is the spiritual leader and highest authority in Catholicism.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Do both Catholicism and broader Christianity celebrate Easter?
Yes, Easter, marking Jesus' resurrection, is central to both.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Which is older, Catholicism or Protestantism?
Catholicism is older, with Protestantism arising in the 16th century.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Does Catholicism recognize other Christian denominations?
Catholicism acknowledges other denominations as Christian but holds unique doctrines.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Are the Ten Commandments central to both Catholicism and Christianity?
Yes, both traditions recognize and uphold the Ten Commandments.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
How many main branches of Christianity exist?
There are three primary branches: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
What is the Holy Trinity in Christianity?
It's the belief in God as three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Is the Virgin Mary given special reverence in Catholicism?
Yes, Mary holds a uniquely elevated status in Catholicism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
What is the Eucharist in Catholicism?
It's a sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, using bread and wine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Are there differences in the Bible versions used in Catholicism and other Christian denominations?
Yes, the Catholic Bible includes some books not found in Protestant versions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Do all Christians recognize saints?
While many do, the process and emphasis on sainthood vary among denominations.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Is the concept of the Holy Trinity unique to Christianity?
Yes, it's a distinctive Christian doctrine about God's nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
How is baptism viewed in Christianity?
Baptism is generally seen as a sacrament or ordinance marking one's entry into the faith.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
What language is the original Catholic Mass conducted in?
Latin, though many churches now use vernacular languages.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
