The difference between Catholic and Christian mainly lies in the fact that Catholicism is a branch within Christianity, so all Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholics

Key Differences Between Catholicism and Other Christian Branches

• Authority and Tradition : Catholics hold that sacred tradition, Scripture, and the teaching authority of the Church (including the Pope) are all essential and linked. Other Christians, especially Protestants, generally believe in sola scriptura -Scripture alone as the supreme authority, independent of church hierarchy and tradition

• The Pope : Catholics recognize the Pope as the successor of the Apostle Peter and the supreme earthly head of the Church. Most other Christians reject papal authority

• Sacraments : Catholics recognize seven sacraments as means of grace (including Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, etc.), while many other Christians recognize only two (Baptism and Communion) and often view them symbolically rather than sacramentally

• Mary and the Saints : Catholics venerate Mary and the saints, believing in doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary, and pray to them as intercessors. Other Christians typically reject this practice and pray directly to God alone

• Salvation : Catholics view salvation as a process involving both God's grace and human cooperation through good works, sacraments, and faith. Many other Christians, especially Protestants, emphasize salvation by faith alone as a completed status received at conversion

• Scripture : Catholic Bibles include additional books (the Apocrypha) not found in most Protestant Bibles. Catholics interpret Scripture within the Church's tradition, while many other Christians interpret Scripture alone

• Other Beliefs : Catholics believe in purgatory and the necessity of confession to a priest for forgiveness of mortal sins. Most other Christians do not accept purgatory and confess sins directly to God

Summary

Aspect| Catholicism| Other Christian Branches (e.g., Protestantism)
---|---|---
Authority| Scripture + Tradition + Pope's authority| Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)
Head of Church| Pope as successor of Peter| No papal authority
Sacraments| Seven sacraments| Two sacraments (Baptism and Communion)
Mary and Saints| Veneration and intercession| Generally no veneration; direct prayer to God
Salvation| Process involving faith and works| By faith alone, a completed act at conversion
Bible Contents| Includes Apocrypha| Excludes Apocrypha
Sin and Forgiveness| Mortal and venial sins; confession to priest| No distinction; confession directly to God
Purgatory| Believed| Rejected

In essence, Catholicism is a distinct tradition within the broader Christian faith, with unique doctrines about authority, sacraments, Mary, salvation, and church structure that differentiate it from other Christian denominations