Similarities Between Catholic and Christian 

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The information expressed in this material are solely based on the references and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Catholic religion or Christianity. The information in this document is provided for informational purposes only and is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, no warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, and the information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this document. 

What is “Catholic”?  

The word “Catholic” originated from the Greek word “katholikos,” meaning “universal”. The idea that the Christian Church is worldwide and inclusive, including all people and all nations, was known as “Catholicism” in the early Christian Church. This notion ran counter to the notion of a small-town, restricted Christian Church. The Roman Catholic Church, which considers itself to be the inclusive and universal Church founded by Jesus Christ, came to be especially identified with the term “catholic” over time. The name “Roman Catholic” is used to distinguish it from other Catholic Churches that are separate and distinct from the Roman Catholic Church, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Catholic church members have different perspectives on what defines or justifies their Catholicism. However, believers are connected by a single factor. Catholics are members of a Christ-centered religious tradition that holds Jesus Christ to be its cornerstone. They follow Jesus’ example of love in their daily lives and share his vision. Catholics are obligated to take care of one another and use their own abilities and gifts for the benefit of their community and the wider world (Archdiocese of Boston, 2023).

The core beliefs of the Catholic faith, based on the Apostles’ teachings, include the following (Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary, n.d.):

• Jesus Christ’s incarnation as the Son of God
• The Trinity and the oneness of God 
• Meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension 
• Work of the Holy Spirit 
• The Saints’ communion 
• The Body of Christ is the Church  
• Sin and salvation 

Moreover, Catholics believe that God has given the church a means for extending his grace to people directly. The average Catholic regularly partakes in the sacraments of Eucharist and penance. The Eucharist is a ritual that repeats the act of Jesus giving his followers bread and wine at the Last Supper. It is the focal point of public worship and is frequently enhanced with solemn ceremony. Also, believers are obliged to set aside some time for prayer that goes beyond begging favors (Sandbox Networks Inc., 2022). 

What is Christian? 

The word “Christian” came from the Greek word , Χριστιανός (Christianos) which means “follower of Christ”. This term was used to identify early Christ followers who saw him as the Messiah. In Acts 11:26, it was specified that “…a whole year, they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (King James Version).  As for the word “Christ”, it was derived from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “anointed one” or “savior”. The Hebrew word “mashiach,” which is also used to refer to the idea of the Messiah in Judaism, was translated using this word. 

To become a Christian, one must believe in Jesus Christ, repent, confess his sins and be baptized. As what can be read in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (King James Version).   

What are the Similarities between Catholic and Christian? 

Similarity in Terms of the Divinity of Jesus Christ  

Catholics and Christians accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They worship Him as an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. 

Similarity in Terms of Holy Scripture 

Believers regard the Holy Bible as the central text of their faith. It is divided into two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible serves as a guide and source of wisdom for salvation and daily life. 

Similarity in Terms of the Importance of Baptism  

Though they have different procedures, both Catholicism and Christianity view baptism as an expression of faith which makes the believers one with Christ. 

Similarity in Terms of Pursuit of Holiness 

Catholics and Christians aim to be pure in heart or to have integrity in their character. 

Summary: 

• Both Christians and Catholics view Jesus as an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-pervading God.  
• Catholicism and Christianity regard the Holy Bible as the central text of faith. 
• Catholics and Christians view Baptism and Holiness as crucial in their spiritual lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is the Christian and Catholic Bible the same?

They are not exactly the same. The Deuterocanonical books, sometimes known as the Apocrypha, are extra books included in the Catholic Bible that are absent from the majority of Protestant Bibles (Meade, 2021). 

What does it mean to be Christian?

To become a Christian, one must believe in Jesus Christ, repent, confess his sins and be baptized. As what can be read in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (King James Version).   

What’s difference between Catholic and Christian?

Roman Catholicism differs from other Christian churches and denominations in terms of how it views the sacraments, the place of tradition and the Bible, the significance of the Virgin Mary and the saints, and the papacy (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023). 

What are 5 of the main Christian beliefs?

Some of the main Christian beliefs include the following (Christian Enquiry Agency, n.d.; Bible Info, 2023; CNN, 2022): 

• The heavens and the earth were made by a One, unchanging God.
• The Holy Bible contains significant verses that describe the teachings of Jesus, the lives and teachings of significant prophets and disciples, and provide guidelines for how Christians should live.
• Jesus will make a second appearance on earth during the Second Coming.
• Jesus’ crucifixion made everyone eligible for salvation and forgiveness.
• Baptism is a symbol and marker of a new life in Christ.

What is the Catholic religion?

Along with Protestantism and Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism is one of the three main subgroups of Christianity. The Vatican serves as the focal point of Catholicism, and the Pope has ultimate control over the faith. For Catholics, the Pope is a divinely appointed, and an infallible figure (Blakely, 2021). 

Catholics’ primary beliefs include the following (Blakely, 2021):

• There is one God.
• The divine son of God is Jesus Christ.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three persons that make up the trinity of God.
• Jesus’ mother, Mary, was a virgin.
• The Catholic Church is the only source of salvation and is the only path to heaven
• Catholics who pass away are typically taken to Purgatory where they are absolved of their sins before entering heaven.