Evangelical vs. Catholic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Evangelical refers to a Christian denomination that emphasizes the authority of the Bible and the necessity of individual conversion. Catholicism is a Christian tradition centered around the Roman Catholic Church, which emphasizes Apostolic Succession.
Difference Between Evangelical and Catholic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Evangelical and Catholic are both terms used to describe particular Christian traditions, but they differ in various ways. Evangelicals often emphasize the need for a "born-again" experience, individual conversion, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Catholics, on the other hand, place importance on Apostolic Succession, the role of sacraments like Baptism and Communion, and the guidance of the Roman Catholic Church.
Theological differences also exist between Evangelicals and Catholics. Evangelicals tend to view the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith. Catholics, while also valuing Scripture, consider the teachings of the Church and its traditions to be additional sources of authority.
Worship styles differ between Evangelical and Catholic traditions. Evangelical services often focus on modern music and charismatic preaching. Catholic services, known as Mass, are more liturgical and follow a set structure that includes rituals and traditional hymns.
Evangelicals and Catholics also have different views on the role of clergy. Evangelical pastors may be married and are often considered facilitators for the worship experience. Catholic priests, who are usually celibate, act as intermediaries who administer sacraments, such as Eucharist and Confession.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Individual conversion, Bible
Sacraments, Apostolic Succession
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Authority
Bible
Bible, Church teachings, Tradition
Worship Style
Modern music, charismatic preaching
Liturgical, traditional hymns
Clergy
Pastors, may be married
Priests, usually celibate
Organizational Structure
Autonomous congregations
Hierarchical, led by the Pope
Compare with Definitions
Evangelical
Evangelical describes a Protestant Christian movement.
The Evangelical church down the street has a large congregation.
Catholic
Catholic signifies adherence to the sacraments as means of grace.
As a Catholic, he believes in the transformative power of the Eucharist.
Evangelical
Evangelical refers to a Christian who emphasizes individual conversion.
Sarah is an Evangelical and often shares her faith with others.
Catholic
Catholic describes a Christian tradition emphasizing Apostolic Succession.
The Catholic Church traces its roots back to the Apostles.
Evangelical
Evangelical signifies a fervor for spreading one's religious beliefs.
His Evangelical zeal led him to become a missionary.
Catholic
Of the Roman Catholic faith.
Evangelical
Evangelical often implies a charismatic style of worship.
The Evangelical service was lively with modern music.
Catholic
A member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Evangelical
Of, relating to, or in accordance with the Christian gospel, especially one of the four gospel books of the New Testament.
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).
Evangelical
Evangelical Of, relating to, or being a Christian church believing in the Bible as the sole source of religious authority, in salvation only through conversion and spiritual regeneration, and in the necessity of public witness to faith.
Catholic
Including or concerning all humankind; universal
"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).
Evangelical
Of or relating to the Lutheran churches in Germany and Switzerland.
Catholic
Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
Evangelical
Of or relating to all Protestant churches in Germany.
Catholic
Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
Evangelical
Of or relating to the group in the Church of England that stresses personal conversion and salvation by faith.
Catholic
Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
Evangelical
Characterized by ardent or crusading enthusiasm; zealous
An evangelical liberal.
Catholic
Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
Evangelical
Evangelical A member of an evangelical church or party.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.
Evangelical
Pertaining to the doctrines or teachings of the Christian gospel or Christianity in general.
Catholic
Universal; all-encompassing.
Evangelical
Pertaining to the gospel(s) of the Christian New Testament.
Catholic
Alternative case form of Catholic.
Evangelical
Protestant; specifically Lutheran and Calvinist churches in continental Europe as well as their offshoots in North America.
Catholic
(obsolete) Common or prevalent; especially universally prevalent.
Evangelical
Pertaining to a movement in Protestant Christianity that stresses personal conversion and the authority of the Bible (evangelicalism).
Catholic
Embracing all.
Evangelical
Pertaining to Islamic groups that are dedicated to dawah and preaching the Quran and sunnah.
Catholic
Universally applicable.
Evangelical
Zealously enthusiastic.
Catholic
Of universal human interest or use.
Evangelical
A member of an evangelical church
Catholic
(slang) Permissive of unprotected sex.
Evangelical
An advocate of evangelicalism
Catholic
Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.
Evangelical
Contained in, or relating to, the four Gospels; as, the evangelical history.
Catholic
Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
Evangelical
Belonging to, agreeable or consonant to, or contained in, the gospel, or the truth taught in the New Testament; as, evangelical religion.
Catholic
Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.
Evangelical
Earnest for the truth taught in the gospel; strict in interpreting Christian doctrine; preëminently orthodox; - technically applied to that party in the Church of England, and in the Protestant Episcopal Church, which holds the doctrine of "Justification by Faith alone;" the Low Church party. The term is also applied to other religious bodies not regarded as orthodox.
Catholic
A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
Evangelical
Having or characterized by a zealous, crusading enthusiasm for a cause.
Catholic
An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic.
Evangelical
Adhering to a form of Christianity characterized by a conservative interpretation of the bible, but disavowing the label 'bdfundamentalist`'b8.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church
Evangelical
One of evangelical principles.
Catholic
Of or relating to or supporting Catholicism;
The Catholic Church
Evangelical
Relating to or being a Christian church believing in personal conversion and the inerrancy of the Bible especially the 4 Gospels;
Evangelical Christianity
An ultraconservative evangelical message
Catholic
Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;
Catholic in one's tastes
Evangelical
Of or pertaining to or in keeping with the Christian gospel especially as in the first 4 books of the New Testament
Catholic
Catholic refers to a Christian belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.
Maria is a devout Catholic who attends Mass every Sunday.
Evangelical
Marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause
Catholic
Catholic is a term denoting universal scope or inclusiveness.
The professor had Catholic tastes, enjoying literature from various cultures.
Evangelical
Evangelical is a term for Christians who prioritize the authority of the Bible.
As an Evangelical, he reads the Bible daily.
Catholic
Catholic often implies a hierarchical church structure.
The Catholic Church is led by the Pope and a hierarchy of bishops and priests.
Common Curiosities
What is Evangelical?
Evangelical refers to a Christian denomination that emphasizes individual conversion and the authority of the Bible.
What is the worship style in Catholic churches?
Catholic worship is more liturgical, following a set structure that includes traditional hymns and rituals.
Are Evangelical pastors allowed to marry?
Yes, Evangelical pastors are often allowed to marry.
How do Evangelicals view the Bible?
Evangelicals view the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith.
How do Catholics view the Bible?
Catholics view the Bible as important but also consider Church teachings and traditions as sources of authority.
What is the worship style in Evangelical churches?
Evangelical worship often features modern music and charismatic preaching.
Are Catholic priests allowed to marry?
Catholic priests in the Latin Rite are usually required to be celibate.
How is the Evangelical church organized?
Evangelical churches are often organized as autonomous congregations.
What is Catholic?
Catholic refers to a Christian tradition centered around the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing sacraments and Apostolic Succession.
Do Evangelicals and Catholics view salvation similarly?
Evangelicals often emphasize salvation by faith alone, while Catholics view it as a process involving faith and works.
Can one be both Evangelical and Catholic?
While the terms are usually seen as distinct, there are individuals who identify with both traditions to some extent.
How is the Catholic Church organized?
The Catholic Church is hierarchically organized, led by the Pope.
What are the sacraments in the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, and Confession.
Do Evangelicals have sacraments?
Evangelicals usually recognize two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, rather than sacraments.
Do Evangelicals and Catholics recognize the same canon of the Bible?
Generally, no. Catholics recognize additional books in the Old Testament, known as the Deuterocanonical books.
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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.
