Difference between Christians and Catholics

Key difference: Christianity is a monotheistic religion that originated in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. Christians follow the teachings of the Old Testament and the New Testament, which consists of the teachings of Jesus. The three main sects of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Protestantism, which is further separated into various churches.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion that originated in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. Christians follow the teachings of the Old Testament and the New Testament, which consists of the teachings of Jesus. The Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God and the savior of humanity and that he was born through a virgin birth. They believe that Jesus is the Messiah that is prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and that he suffered, died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead in order to grant eternal life to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins. A person can be admitted to the church through baptism.

The religion’s main beliefs are based on following the Ten Commandments, which includes instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, and adultery. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity and the One God. Trinity is the belief that one God is comprised of three eternal persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The three eternal persons represent the three aspects of the one true God.

Christianity originally began as a sect of Judaism. Hence, many of Christianity’s beliefs and traditions are rooted in Judaism. The main reason that Christianity separated from Judaism was the fact that Judaism did not believe that Christ was a Messiah or a Son of God. However, this belief is the corner stone of Christianity.

Eventually, overtime Christianity further separated into sects. The three main sects of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Protestantism, which is further separated into various churches. In the 11^th century, Christianity divided into two: the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Eventually, during the Reformation of the 16^th century, Protestantism split off from the Roman Catholic Church.

The main reason the Roman Catholic Church separated was because it believed that Jesus Christ handed the keys of heaven to St. Peter. Hence, St. Peter was the one chosen to lead the Disciples of Christ. St. Peter is considered to be the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholicism believes that the Pope is the leader of Christians and that he represents the word of God, in lieu of Jesus, until Jesus returns to Earth.

A general comparison between Christianity and Catholicism:

	Christianity	Catholicism
Place of Birth	Jerusalem	Holy Roman Empire
Time of origin	33 A.D.	4th century AD
Place of Worship	Church, Cathedral	Church, Chapel, Cathedral
Founder	Jesus Christ	Jesus Christ
Definition	Christians follow the teachings of the Old Testament and the New Testament, which consists the teaching of Jesus. Believes in the trinity, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Believes Jesus Christ is the son of God.	The Catholic Church is the one true church. Particular about understanding and commitment to tradition, the sacraments, the mediation between God, communion, and the See of Rome (Vatican).
Jesus Christ	Believed to the son of God and the Messiah. Born through virgin birth. Sacrificed for the sins of humanity.	Jesus is the reincarnation of God, the Messiah born through virgin birth. Sacrificed for the sins of humanity. Crucified and resurrected after three days.
Holy Text	Holy Bible in two parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament	Holy Bible in two parts; the New Testament and the Old Testament including the Apocrypha
Idols	Cross, saints, pictures, beads	Cross, saints, pictures, beads
Clothes	Only clergies are expected to dress in robes (Catholic & Orthodox)	Only clergies are expected to dress in robes
Holy days/Official Holidays:	Sunday (The Lord's Day), Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost	Sunday (The Lord's Day), Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost
Original Language	Greek, Latin, Aramaic	Latin
Branches	Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox.	Catholic Church is made up of 23 autonomous particular churches.
Reincarnation	Salvation or Damnation after death. No reincarnation	Salvation or Damnation after death. No reincarnation.
Beliefs	God is omnipotent; the trinity of God- the father, the son and the holy spirit; There is only one God and that he has revealed himself as the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit	God is omnipotent; the trinity of God- the father, the son and the holy spirit; There is only one God and that he has revealed himself as the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Salvation	Salvation is a gift from the Lord and comes by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ only.	Salvation is a gift from the Lord and comes by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ only.
	The world's largest religion. Around 2.2 billion adherents, split into 3 main branches of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox.	1.1–1.3 billion, Biggest sect within Christianity.