Kelsy

This might belong in the Christ Centered Faith section, but I felt it potentially might be more of a "Beginners" question. Move it if needed.

I was raised Catholic and feel I have a grasp on the specifics of their doctrine and theology, however I have always wondered - what are the the significant differences between the different Christian faiths? Both in theory and practice.

What separates one who attends, for example, a Baptist Church versus a Catholic Church versus a Presbyterian Church? Where do the beliefs diverge? In everyday life are they practiced differently?

Over time I have seen several of my extended family members switch from attending a Catholic Church to a different Christian Church and wonder if such a change is for me as well. One uncle explained to me that his personal reason for switching was he could still worship God "but under a less restrictive blanket." That quote still perplexes me to this day.

Any input would be appreciated, it is a question I have always wanted to know the answer to, but never have had the right opportunity to ask. I guess I should add its been many years since I have been to church (a long story, but I am sure very far from unique), thus why I have not asked a clergy member. Perhaps this is the place :-)

Crabbok

Baptists (which I am) believe in being baptised shortly after accepting Christ. This is a physical Dunking under water, not a sprkinling. We do not have a christening. Baptists have a "Dedication" where you annoint the baby with oil ... in all reality it's the same thing.

Baptists also tend to be very charismatic during services, often shouting "Amen!" or "Preach it!".. well at least at my old church heh!

PLus you can go to service in blue jeans if you want. At some baptist churches anyhow, and I always thought it shouldn't matter what you wear to church, so long as your there.

Lewz

I think its a two part question. It makes more sense to compare Catholicism and Protestant, than Catholicism with Baptist and Presbyterians as you mentioned. The two latter are Protestant sects which where created with Martin Luther and his followers broke off from Catholicism due to disagreements with practices, for example the exhaultation of Mary and saints and the use of statues which were believed to be false idols as well as the crucifix.

Most protestant religions have the charismatic attitude Crabbok described in services, their difference are more practical such as the baptism practices in the Baptist sect. Pentecostals are known for the speaking of tongues, etc.

Raised Protestant and going to catholic school for 13 years ive had a pretty diverse look at most christian religions. I was Raised A.M.E Zion, but ive been to an assortment of different protestant churches with family and ive found them all extremely similar. I also went to Catholic school so i attended Roman Catholic mass and most of my friends are R.C.

Catholicism has more old testament books than the protestant bible as well.

Eric

Hi:

I'd also love to hear a learned response to this question. I'm new to the faith, and attend a non-denominational church (www.alcf.net). My belief is that the answer to any question of faith comparison should be, does the interpretation or belief set agree or disagree with what the Bible says?

In my state of Christian infancy, it seems to me that there are two main religious groups: Those who believe Jesus is our Lord God, and those who don't.

That's how I set up the sections on this site, to differentiate between those two views. Obviously, I'm on the side that believes in the Holy Trinity and that Jesus is God.

It is my greatest hope that this site will attract people who can answer these questions, and let me know if I'm off base with anything here.

Bless you,

__________________

Lewz

Also there are no Blessed Sacraments in Protestant Sects like there are in Catholicism, their are similar acts Eucharist = Communion

the_zeeba

The biggest difference between Protestants and Catholics is the role of faith and works in the act of salvation. Protestants (rightly) believe that faith is needed to be saved. Works are an evidence of that faith. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that it is not enough to simply trust that God can get you to heaven. They add works to faith, which the Bible does not teach.

bluegrazz

To put it simple for you, Catholics believe Salvation comes through the catholic church and that a man (priest) is needed as a link between the follower and Christ. They have a ritual process of worship and often the parishioner takes a more passive role in that they may not even understand the words of the service or meaning of the symbolism.

Protestants feel that the connection between man and God needs no middle man nor symbolism nor ritual. They often will not show a picture of Jesus or a Crucifix because they feel it makes Christ into an Idol. They often use a wooden cross.

Even the Catholic Bible has many Apocrypha or "books" of the Bible not recognized as "divine" by the Protestant faith. There are many, many, many diffrences but I am just trying to give you a quick and easy breakdown of some of the biggest.

gclark

Great answer bluegrazz. Only through Christ can we be forgiven our sins. I confess to no one but God. Man does not come into the equation. It is only through grace that we are saved. I don't mean to belittle anyone or be disrespectfull, but the virgin Mary was only the vessel that delivered our savior.

Praise

I'm not sure that all Catholics have the beliefs that Protestants think they have or were told they have. Older Catholics (65+) definitely exalt the virgin mary to quite an esteemed state; however, I think the younger generations are veering away from that line of thinking.

In terms of confessing to someone other than God, does this have any weight?

James 5:16 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Back to the original discussion, I know I've seen a document somewhere that succinctly describes the differences between the protestant sects. I'll take a peak around. From my little knowledge of them all, differences mainly lie in subtle interpretations of the bible.

Peace

bluegrazz

Catholics pray to saints and protestants do not. Hardly subtle.

Catholics believe the Pope to be Divine and Protestants believe that the only Divine man is Jesus.

Catholics light candles for the dead and protestants would consider this "ancestor worship"

Catholics believe in a place called "Purgatory" and Protestants do not.

I could go on and on but dont be fooled into believing that these differences are subtle.....

Also understand that I am an Agnostic who has done a fair bit of study into all the Faith's and Religions (non Eastern) and so I am not stating this to bash Catholics. Its just the truth.