Christianity vs. Catholicism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
Christianity is a broad religion comprising many denominations; Catholicism is the largest single denomination within Christianity.
Difference Between Christianity and Catholicism
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, encompassing various denominations including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy. Catholicism specifically refers to the Christian tradition that follows the Roman Catholic Church, which is led by the Pope.
Each Christian denomination, including Catholicism, interprets the Bible and the teachings of Jesus in unique ways. Catholicism has a structured hierarchy and a set of sacraments that are specific to it. Christianity, as a whole, includes diverse beliefs and practices beyond just those of Catholicism.
Christianity is practiced worldwide and has multiple branches, each with its own traditions and practices. Catholicism has a universal set of beliefs codified in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which unites Catholics globally.
Christianity believes in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, but Catholicism also emphasizes the importance of sacraments and church traditions in the path to salvation. While all Catholics are Christians, not all Christians are Catholics.
Catholicism holds the Virgin Mary and other saints in high veneration, which is less emphasized or absent in other Christian denominations. Christianity is a larger umbrella that recognizes the Catholic tradition as one of its integral parts, but also includes many other beliefs and practices.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The religion based on Jesus Christ’s teachings
A denomination within Christianity
Authority Structure
Varied among denominations
Hierarchical with the Pope at the top
Sacraments
Number and type vary by denomination
Seven sacraments, including the Eucharist
Beliefs
Diverse across denominations
Unified by the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Population
Over 2 billion adherents worldwide
Over 1.3 billion adherents worldwide
Compare with Definitions
Christianity
A faith that encompasses a range of denominations
She studied the various denominations within Christianity.
Catholicism
A denomination known for its seven sacraments
In Catholicism, the sacrament of marriage is sacred.
Christianity
A belief system centered on the Bible
Christianity's holy scripture is the Bible.
Catholicism
The Christian doctrine as practiced by Catholics
Catholicism maintains traditions passed down from the apostles.
Christianity
A monotheistic religion based on Jesus Christ's life and teachings
Christianity is one of the world's largest religions.
Catholicism
The universal Christian church led by the bishop of Rome
Catholicism's influence extends beyond spiritual matters.
Christianity
A community of believers in Jesus as the Messiah
His family's commitment to Christianity spans generations.
Catholicism
The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church
Catholicism has a significant following across the globe.
Christianity
The Christian church and body of believers
Christianity has had a significant impact on Western civilization.
Catholicism
A tradition within Christianity with a focus on the Pope's authority
Catholicism recognizes the Pope as the Vicar of Christ.
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest religion, with about 2.4 billion followers.
Catholicism
The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church.
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.
Catholicism
The faith, doctrine, system, and practice of a Catholic church, especially the Roman Catholic Church.
Christianity
Christians as a group; Christendom.
Catholicism
The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity.
Christianity
The state or fact of being a Christian.
Catholicism
Liberality of sentiment; breadth of view.
Christianity
Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion
The Christianities of antiquity.
Catholicism
The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity.
Christianity
The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.
Catholicism
Liberality of sentiment; breadth of view.
Christianity
Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion
Catholicism
The faith of the whole orthodox Christian church, or adherence thereto.
Christianity
The body of Christian believers.
To Walys fled the christianiteeOf olde Britons.
Catholicism
The doctrines or faith of the Roman Catholic church, or adherence thereto.
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
Catholicism
The beliefs and practices of a Catholic Church
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
Common Curiosities
What is Catholicism?
Catholicism is the largest denomination within Christianity, centered around the Roman Catholic Church.
Are all Catholics Christians?
Yes, all Catholics are Christians.
Are all Christians Catholics?
No, not all Christians are Catholics; there are many Christian denominations.
Does Catholicism have a unique holy book?
Catholics use the Bible, but they also refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for specific teachings.
What is Christianity?
Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
What's the holy book of Christianity?
The holy book of Christianity is the Bible.
What's the difference in worship between Christianity and Catholicism?
Worship styles vary among Christians; Catholics have specific liturgical practices like Mass.
Can someone convert from one Christian denomination to Catholicism?
Yes, individuals can convert to Catholicism from other Christian denominations.
Who is the leader of the Catholic Church?
The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
What are the main branches of Christianity?
The main branches are Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy.
What are sacraments in Catholicism?
Sacraments in Catholicism are rites believed to be instituted by Christ that confer grace, such as baptism and communion.
Do all Christian denominations have a Pope?
No, only the Roman Catholic Church has a Pope.
Do all Christian denominations have sacraments?
Most do, but the number and understanding of sacraments can vary.
How do Christianity and Catholicism view saints?
Catholics venerate saints; other Christian denominations may honor them differently or not at all.
How do Christianity and Catholicism differ in beliefs about Mary?
Catholicism holds Mary in special veneration, which is less emphasized in other Christian denominations.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Hemoglobin vs. Myoglobin
Next Comparison
Taffy vs. ToffeeAuthor Spotlight
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.
