Christianity vs. Protestantism — What's the Difference?

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emerged during the Reformation.

Christianity recognizes the Bible as its holy book.

Protestantism rejects the authority of the Pope.

Christianity encompasses various denominations and traditions.

Protestantism generally recognizes only two sacraments.

Christianity teaches the concept of salvation through faith and deeds.

Protestantism values the individual's personal relationship with God.

Christianity emphasizes the practice of sacraments.

Protestantism emphasizes "sola scriptura," or the Bible alone.

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.

Protestantism is a form of Christianity that originated with the 16th-century Reformation, a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in the Catholic Church. Protestants originating in the Reformation reject the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal supremacy, but disagree among themselves regarding the number of sacraments, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and matters of ecclesiastical polity and apostolic succession.

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.

Adherence to the religion and beliefs of a Protestant church.

Christians as a group; Christendom.

The religion and religious beliefs fostered by the Protestant movement.

The state or fact of being a Christian.

Protestants considered as a group.

Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion

The quality or state of being protestant, especially against the Roman Catholic Church; the principles or religion of the Protestants.

The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.

The theological system of any of the churches of western Christendom that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation

Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion

The body of Christian believers.

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

The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);

Christianity has numerous denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, and various Protestant sects.

Protestants respect Mary as the mother of Jesus but generally do not venerate her as Catholics do.

The core belief of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the savior of humanity.

Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that arose during the 16th-century Reformation.

Yes, Protestants are Christians who belong to denominations that arose from the Reformation.

Generally, yes, though some Protestant Bibles omit the Deuterocanonical books found in Catholic Bibles.

The Pope is a central figure in Catholicism, one branch of Christianity, but is not recognized by Protestants.

Protestant worship varies by denomination but often includes Bible readings, hymns, and a sermon.

"Sola scriptura" is the Protestant belief that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith.

The Protestant Reformation was initiated by criticisms of Church practices, most notably by Martin Luther.

Sacraments are religious rites; their number and meaning vary between Christian denominations.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Protestants often celebrate the Lord's Supper, which is similar to the Catholic Eucharist, but understandings of it can vary.

The role of clergy in Protestantism varies but is generally less hierarchical than in Catholicism.