As a pastor, I’m often asked about the differences between Christianity and Roman Catholicism. Both share core beliefs as followers of Jesus Christ, but there are some key areas where they diverge theologically. In this post, I aim to explain the major differences objectively and compassionately.

Origins and History

Christianity began in the 1st century AD as a sect of Judaism that believed Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Even though the Roman Empire and local synagogues persecuted the early Jesus movement, it continued to spread throughout the Mediterranean. In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire. This marked Christianity’s transition from a persecuted sect to an institutional church.

The term “Roman Catholic” emerged later to describe Christians under the spiritual authority of the Pope in Rome. Key events included the development of monasticism, the 7th century fall of North Africa and the Middle East to Islam, the East-West Schism of 1054 AD, and the Protestant Reformation beginning in 1517 AD. These contributed to distinct Western (Roman) and Eastern (Orthodox) churches.

Core Beliefs and Theology

Christianity and Roman Catholicism share foundational doctrine about the nature of God and salvation through Jesus Christ. Key beliefs include:

Monotheism: There is one God existing in three persons – the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit
Jesus is fully God and fully human, sinless, died for humankind’s sins, and physically resurrected
The Bible as God’s divine revelation and having supreme authority
Salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross

However, there are key theological differences:

Papal Authority and Magisterium

Catholicism has a more hierarchical structure, with the Pope serving as Christ’s earthly representative. The Magisterium is the church’s teaching authority, giving infallible interpretations on faith and morals. Most Protestants believe in local church autonomy without a central earthly head.

Scripture and Tradition

Protestants believe scripture alone has the highest authority on doctrine. Catholics give equal weight to scripture and “Sacred Tradition”—teachings maintained by apostolic succession of church leadership over 20 centuries.

Salvation and Works

Protestant theology emphasizes salvation by grace alone, not human effort. Good works are seen as the result, not requirement, of salvation. Catholicism teaches that faith and good works are both essential and cooperate together by God’s grace to justify the believer.

Veneration of Saints

Catholics pray to saints in heaven to intercede, while Protestants directly pray to God alone. Catholics also request saintly intervention and view saintly relics as having special spiritual significance.

Other Differences

Further differences include the Catholic emphasis on purgatory (the afterlife state to purge sin), mortal versus venial sins, the seven sacraments essential to salvation, and priestly celibacy and vestments. Protestants only accept baptism and communion as sacraments, reject mortal/venial sin distinctions, do not require ministerial celibacy, and have typically simpler church services.

Summary

Christianity	Roman Catholicism
There is no central earthly authority	Answer to Papal/Vatican authority
Bible has supreme authority	Bible and Sacred tradition are both authoritative
Salvation by grace alone	Salvation by faith and works
Pray to God only	Pray to God, Mary, saints
2 sacraments	7 sacraments
No purgatory	Believe in purgatory
No mortal or venial sins	Distinction between mortal and venial sins
There is no priestly celibacy rule	Celibacy rule for priests
Simpler services	More symbolic or structured services

Roman Catholic vs Christianity

Roman Catholicism and Christianity share core beliefs but diverge on issues of church authority, salvation, practice, and ritual. Rather than differences to divide over, my hope is that this explanation enables more understanding between these faith traditions, which both genuinely seek to love and serve Jesus Christ.

Where we agree provides room for partnership; where we disagree allows space for spirited yet grace-filled discussion as together we pursue Christlikeness.

I welcome your thoughts and questions below!