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

Table of Contents

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Sep 22, 2023

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.

Sep 22, 2023

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.

Sep 22, 2023

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.

Sep 22, 2023

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.

Sep 22, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Origin

Apostolic succession

Teachings of John Wesley

Sep 22, 2023

Sacraments

Seven sacraments

Usually two: Baptism and Communion

Sep 22, 2023

Structure

Hierarchical

Democratic

Sep 22, 2023

Doctrines

Immaculate Conception, Papal Infallibility

Individual salvation, social justice

Sep 22, 2023

Scriptural Interpretation

Magisterium

More flexible, personal interpretation

Sep 22, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare with Definitions

Catholic

Catholicism includes seven sacraments, including Confession and the Eucharist.

Catholics usually attend Mass to receive the Eucharist.

Sep 22, 2023

Methodist

Methodists often focus on social justice and community service.

The Methodist community organized a food drive for the needy.

Sep 22, 2023

Catholic

The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure.

The Catholic Church's hierarchy includes the Pope, cardinals, and bishops.

Sep 22, 2023

Methodist

Methodist refers to a member of a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley.

The Methodist Church emphasizes individual salvation.

Sep 22, 2023

Catholic

Catholic doctrines include the Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility.

According to Catholic belief, the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra.

Sep 22, 2023

Methodist

Methodists celebrate sacraments but usually only Baptism and Communion.

Methodists partake in Communion as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.

Sep 22, 2023

Catholic

Catholics believe in apostolic succession, tracing their religious authority back to the apostles.

The Pope is considered the successor of Peter in Catholicism.

Sep 22, 2023

Methodist

The Methodist Church has a democratic form of governance.

The Methodist Church is often led by a conference of elected representatives.

Sep 22, 2023

Catholic

Of the Roman Catholic faith.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

Methodist theology is generally Arminian, emphasizing free will in salvation.

Methodists believe that individuals can choose to accept or reject God's grace.

Sep 22, 2023

Catholic

A member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Oct 22, 2021

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.

Oct 22, 2021

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).

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

Methodist One who emphasizes or insists on systematic procedure.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Including or concerning all humankind; universal

"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

One who follows a method.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

(history of science) One who limits the domain of science to that which can be investigated using the scientific method.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or relating to the universal Christian church.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

Alternative form of Methodist.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

One who observes method.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

A member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.

Oct 22, 2021

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.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Universal; all-encompassing.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties; - sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Alternative case form of Catholic.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

Of or pertaining to the sect of Methodists; as, Methodist hymns; a Methodist elder.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

(obsolete) Common or prevalent; especially universally prevalent.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

A follower of Wesleyanism as practiced by the Methodist Church

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Embracing all.

Oct 22, 2021

Methodist

Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the branch of Protestantism adhering to the views of Wesley;

Methodist theology

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Universally applicable.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of universal human interest or use.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

(slang) Permissive of unprotected sex.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.

Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic.

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

A member of a Catholic church

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Of or relating to or supporting Catholicism;

The Catholic Church

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;

Catholic in one's tastes

Oct 22, 2021

Catholic

Catholic refers to the Christian tradition that recognizes the Pope as its spiritual leader.

The Catholic Church is headquartered in Vatican City.

Sep 22, 2023

Common Curiosities

How do Catholic and Methodist views on sacraments differ?

Catholics recognize seven sacraments, while Methodists usually focus on two: Baptism and Communion.

Sep 22, 2023

What is the organizational structure of the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure, headed by the Pope.

Sep 22, 2023

What is the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church is a Christian tradition centered around the Pope, emphasizing sacraments and apostolic succession.

Sep 22, 2023

What is Methodism?

Methodism is a Protestant Christian denomination based on the teachings of John Wesley, focusing on individual salvation and social justice.

Sep 22, 2023

How is the Methodist Church organized?

The Methodist Church has a more democratic structure, often governed by conferences.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Catholics and Methodists read the same Bible?

Both read the Bible but may differ in the versions and number of books accepted.

Sep 22, 2023

What is apostolic succession in Catholicism?

Apostolic succession is the belief that Catholic bishops are the spiritual successors to the apostles.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Methodists believe in predestination?

Generally, Methodists adhere to Arminian theology, which emphasizes free will, rejecting predestination.

Sep 22, 2023

What is social holiness in Methodism?

Social holiness in Methodism refers to the focus on social justice and community service as expressions of faith.

Sep 22, 2023

What is the Catholic Mass?

The Catholic Mass is the liturgical service where the Eucharist is celebrated.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Methodists have bishops?

Yes, the Methodist Church has bishops, but their role is different from Catholic bishops.

Sep 22, 2023

Are Methodists considered Protestant?

Yes, Methodism is a branch of Protestant Christianity.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Catholics pray to saints?

Yes, Catholics venerate saints and may pray to them for intercession.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception?

Yes, Catholics believe that Mary was conceived without original sin, known as the Immaculate Conception.

Sep 22, 2023

Share via Social Media

Embed This Content

Embed Code

Share Directly via Messenger

Link

⮪ Previous Comparison

Octopus vs. Calamari

Next Comparison ➦

Minimarket vs. Supermarket

Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba 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.