Catholicism... What's The Deal?

[vindicated]

I would like to hear from anyone who understands in depth, what the main difference between being Catholic and being Christian are. I understand a little of it, but I was hoping you guys/gals could go fully monty and make some clear distinctions between the two.

[krutj]

Originally Posted by vindicated

I would like to hear from anyone who understands in depth, what the main difference between being Catholic and being Christian are. I understand a little of it, but I was hoping you guys/gals could go fully monty and make some clear distinctions between the two.

Catholics are Christians....

Really, other than their ways of worship, the core beliefs are very close to most others.

An argument can be made, that the Roman Catholics, advanced Christianity and Constantine made it illegal to have any other faith, punishable by death.

Of course, all religions believe that theirs is the true ONE.

I've been a member and baptized, three times, three different denominations and there ain't much difference in the "core" beliefs.

The above statement, is why now, I consider myself more of a spiritual individual, rather than a religious one....

[jeepcache]

i may be mistaken, but dont catholics have a different view of Christs role in things as opposed to Protestant beliefs? also Catholics worship and pray to saints.

[krutj]

Originally Posted by jeepcache

i may be mistaken, but dont catholics have a different view of Christs role in things as opposed to Protestant beliefs? also Catholics worship and pray to saints.

Really no...Christ lived, was crucified, rose again...

I've never seen a Catholic worship a Saint, maybe some do, woe to them. They ask for intervention from the Saints, to accomplish what they are praying for.

I'm no expert, I've seen enough of organized religion to know that I will work it out, independently...

[Motorcharge]

It's the reformation like 7th grade history?

Protestant Reformation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[jeepcache]

Originally Posted by krutj

Really no...Christ lived, was crucified, rose again...

I've never seen a Catholic worship a Saint, maybe some do, woe to them. They ask for intervention from the Saints, to accomplish what they are praying for.

I'm no expert, I've seen enough of organized religion to know that I will work it out, independently...

well then i plead ignorange on the subject

[vindicated]

Originally Posted by Motorcharge

It's the reformation like 7th grade history?

Protestant Reformation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No, it's not. Thanks for your help though.

[Motorcharge]

Pretty sure that's when we learned it lol

[vindicated]

Originally Posted by Motorcharge

Pretty sure that's when we learned it lol

Nay, I didn't. I mean, I sat in a catholic church once, but that was it. I should have been more specific.

I want SPECIFIC examples of differences in the belief system, rituals, etc...

[Hillman]

Originally Posted by vindicated

I would like to hear from anyone who understands in depth, what the main difference between being Catholic and being Christian are. I understand a little of it, but I was hoping you guys/gals could go fully monty and make some clear distinctions between the two.

BUMP......BTW, I like your sig line.

I am no expert but in my studies I have found that the glaring differences between Catholicism and Protestantism lies in the following main areas:
> infant baptism. Catholics = yes, Protestants = no.
> the deity of Christ. Catholics = no, Protestants = yes.
> sacrements are a diff. amount and a means of grace to Catholics, Protestants, not so much.
> Worship of Mary and saints. Catholics = yes, Protestants = no.
> Predestination or Free will? Catholics (Arminians)= Free Will, Protestants = (Calvinism) predestination. There are degrees of division in both of these camps.
> justification by works or faith. Catholics = works (and faith), Protestants = faith alone (sola fide).
> canon of scripture. Catholics = Old & New Testaments including the Apocrypha, Protestants = New & Old Testament w/ no Apocrypha.
> eternal security. Catholics = no, Protestants = yes.
> Sovereignty of God.Catholics = no, Protestants = yes.

These are a basic outline w/ little explanation. There are many more differences as well. It is easier to understand your question if one understands the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism and the history of the councils surrounding them (Trent, Nicaea, Constantinople, etc.)

I hope this helps.