Catholic vs. Methodist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Catholicism is a Christian tradition centered around the Pope in Rome, emphasizing sacraments and apostolic succession. Methodism is a Protestant denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley, focusing on individual salvation and social holiness.
Difference Between Catholic and Methodist
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Key Differences
Catholic and Methodist are both Christian denominations but differ significantly in theology and practice. The Catholic Church is part of the larger Christian tradition that traces its lineage back to the apostles and is headed by the Pope in Rome. Methodists are part of the Protestant tradition, stemming from the 18th-century teachings of John Wesley.
In religious practices, Catholics rely heavily on sacraments, including the Eucharist and Confession. Methodists also celebrate sacraments but usually limit them to Baptism and Communion, with less ritualistic observance compared to Catholics.
Catholic churches operate under a hierarchical structure with the Pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, and priests. Methodists have a more democratic organizational structure, often governed by conferences and led by bishops without the hierarchical ranks seen in Catholicism.
Catholics adhere to doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility, which are not present in Methodist theology. Methodists place greater emphasis on individual salvation and social justice, often engaging in community service and activism.
Both Catholic and Methodist traditions value the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ, but their interpretations and applications of these can differ. For instance, Methodists generally allow for greater flexibility in interpretation, while Catholics look to the Magisterium for authoritative teaching.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Apostolic succession
Teachings of John Wesley
Sacraments
Seven sacraments
Usually two: Baptism and Communion
Structure
Hierarchical
Democratic
Doctrines
Immaculate Conception, Papal Infallibility
Individual salvation, social justice
Scriptural Interpretation
Magisterium
More flexible, personal interpretation
Compare with Definitions
Catholic
Catholicism includes seven sacraments, including Confession and the Eucharist.
Catholics usually attend Mass to receive the Eucharist.
Methodist
Methodists often focus on social justice and community service.
The Methodist community organized a food drive for the needy.
Catholic
The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure.
The Catholic Church's hierarchy includes the Pope, cardinals, and bishops.
Methodist
Methodist refers to a member of a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley.
The Methodist Church emphasizes individual salvation.
Catholic
Catholic doctrines include the Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility.
According to Catholic belief, the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra.
Methodist
Methodists celebrate sacraments but usually only Baptism and Communion.
Methodists partake in Communion as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.
Catholic
Catholics believe in apostolic succession, tracing their religious authority back to the apostles.
The Pope is considered the successor of Peter in Catholicism.
Methodist
The Methodist Church has a democratic form of governance.
The Methodist Church is often led by a conference of elected representatives.
Catholic
Of the Roman Catholic faith.
Methodist
Methodist theology is generally Arminian, emphasizing free will in salvation.
Methodists believe that individuals can choose to accept or reject God's grace.
Catholic
A member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Methodist
A member of an evangelical Protestant church founded on the principles of John and Charles Wesley in England in the early 1700s and characterized by active concern with social welfare and public morals.
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).
Methodist
Methodist One who emphasizes or insists on systematic procedure.
Catholic
Including or concerning all humankind; universal
"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).
Methodist
One who follows a method.
Catholic
Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
Methodist
(history of science) One who limits the domain of science to that which can be investigated using the scientific method.
Catholic
Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
Methodist
Alternative form of Methodist.
Catholic
Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
Methodist
One who observes method.
Catholic
Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
Methodist
One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.
Methodist
One of a sect of Christians, the outgrowth of a small association called the "Holy Club," formed at Oxford University, a. d. 1729, of which the most conspicuous members were John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley; - originally so called from the methodical strictness of members of the club in all religious duties.
Catholic
Universal; all-encompassing.
Methodist
A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties; - sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule.
Catholic
Alternative case form of Catholic.
Methodist
Of or pertaining to the sect of Methodists; as, Methodist hymns; a Methodist elder.
Catholic
(obsolete) Common or prevalent; especially universally prevalent.
Methodist
A follower of Wesleyanism as practiced by the Methodist Church
Catholic
Embracing all.
Methodist
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the branch of Protestantism adhering to the views of Wesley;
Methodist theology
Catholic
Universally applicable.
Catholic
Of universal human interest or use.
Catholic
(slang) Permissive of unprotected sex.
Catholic
Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.
Catholic
Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
Catholic
Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.
Catholic
A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
Catholic
An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church
Catholic
Of or relating to or supporting Catholicism;
The Catholic Church
Catholic
Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;
Catholic in one's tastes
Catholic
Catholic refers to the Christian tradition that recognizes the Pope as its spiritual leader.
The Catholic Church is headquartered in Vatican City.
Common Curiosities
How do Catholic and Methodist views on sacraments differ?
Catholics recognize seven sacraments, while Methodists usually focus on two: Baptism and Communion.
What is the organizational structure of the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure, headed by the Pope.
What is the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is a Christian tradition centered around the Pope, emphasizing sacraments and apostolic succession.
What is Methodism?
Methodism is a Protestant Christian denomination based on the teachings of John Wesley, focusing on individual salvation and social justice.
How is the Methodist Church organized?
The Methodist Church has a more democratic structure, often governed by conferences.
Do Catholics and Methodists read the same Bible?
Both read the Bible but may differ in the versions and number of books accepted.
What is apostolic succession in Catholicism?
Apostolic succession is the belief that Catholic bishops are the spiritual successors to the apostles.
Do Methodists believe in predestination?
Generally, Methodists adhere to Arminian theology, which emphasizes free will, rejecting predestination.
What is social holiness in Methodism?
Social holiness in Methodism refers to the focus on social justice and community service as expressions of faith.
What is the Catholic Mass?
The Catholic Mass is the liturgical service where the Eucharist is celebrated.
Do Methodists have bishops?
Yes, the Methodist Church has bishops, but their role is different from Catholic bishops.
Are Methodists considered Protestant?
Yes, Methodism is a branch of Protestant Christianity.
Do Catholics pray to saints?
Yes, Catholics venerate saints and may pray to them for intercession.
Do Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception?
Yes, Catholics believe that Mary was conceived without original sin, known as the Immaculate Conception.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
