Christianity is a diverse religion with many different denominations. Two of the largest are Evangelical Christianity and Catholicism.
While both share core beliefs about Jesus Christ and the Bible, they differ in significant ways regarding theology and practice. This article will compare and contrast the two traditions, looking at their similarities and differences in history, beliefs, and practices.
We’ll explore key areas of comparison, including the role of authority, styles of worship, the importance of sacraments, and how each tradition understands salvation. By examining these aspects, we can better understand the nuances between Evangelical Christians and Catholics.
Evangelical or Catholic: What’s the difference?
To understand the differences between these two Christian traditions, it helps to understand each one separately.
What is an Evangelical?
Evangelical Christianity is more of a cluster of Protestant churches than a single denomination. Evangelicals emphasize:
- A personal conversion experience
- The authority of the Bible
- Sharing their faith with others
Historians often characterize Evangelicalism by four key tenets: conversionism, activism, biblicism, and crucicentrism (emphasis on Jesus’ death and resurrection).
What is a Catholic?
Catholicism is a specific church body with a hierarchical structure, headed by the Pope. The Catholic Church believes it was founded by Jesus Christ, with its authority passed down from St. Peter.
Catholics consider the Church to be infallible, and they place importance on Sacred Tradition alongside the Bible as sources of religious authority.
How did these religions get started?
Where did Evangelicalism come from?
Evangelicalism has its roots in the Protestant Reformation. It was also shaped by movements like Pietism in Europe and a series of Great Awakenings in Great Britain and the U.S. In general, Evangelicals emphasize the importance of having a direct, personal religious experience.
Where did Catholicism come from?
The Catholic Church says it can trace its origins all the way back to the early church founded by Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of St. Peter, who Catholics believe was appointed by Jesus as the first leader of the church, and the development of church traditions over many centuries.
Key events that shaped Catholic identity include the Great Schism, which split the church into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches, and the Protestant Reformation, which led to the rise of Protestantism.
Authority: Scripture and Tradition
Evangelicals and Catholics differ significantly in how they view religious authority.
Evangelical View
Evangelicals emphasize sola scriptura, meaning they see the Bible alone as the ultimate authority. They believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and the final source of truth about God’s will.
Catholic View
Catholics recognize both Scripture and what they call Sacred Tradition as sources of authority. They believe the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has the authority to interpret both Scripture and Tradition. The Magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Church, plays a crucial role in this interpretation.
WORSHIP AND LITURGY
Evangelical and Catholic church services differ in structure and style:
- Evangelical: Services tend to be less formal, featuring contemporary Christian music, personal testimonies, and a focus on preaching. The goal is often to foster a personal and emotional connection with God.
- Catholic: Catholic worship is more liturgical, centered around the Mass. Services follow a structured format that includes specific prayers, rituals, and Scripture readings. Sacraments are emphasized as a way to experience God’s grace.
Sacraments and Ordinances
Catholics and Evangelicals disagree about the purpose and number of sacraments.
Catholics recognize seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. They believe these are outward signs of inward grace, given by Christ.
Evangelicals generally recognize only two ordinances: baptism and communion (or the Lord’s Supper). They see these as symbolic acts of obedience, rather than channels of grace.
Salvation
Evangelicals and Catholics also differ on the topic of salvation. Here’s a breakdown:
Evangelical View
- Evangelicals believe in sola fide, meaning “faith alone.” They believe salvation is a gift you receive when you place your faith in Jesus Christ.
- Good works are the result of salvation, not a requirement.
Catholic View
- Catholics see salvation as a process that involves faith and good works. Sacraments play an important role in this process.
- Grace, facilitated by faith and sacraments, is necessary for salvation. Good works performed in a state of grace help you along the path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Catholic go to an evangelical church?
Yes, Catholics can attend services at an evangelical church. While there are distinct differences in theology and practice, visiting another Christian church can be an opportunity for fellowship and understanding. However, Catholics should be aware of these differences and remain grounded in their own faith traditions.
What is the difference between Christianity and evangelical?
Christianity is the broader term encompassing various denominations, including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Evangelicalism is a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the importance of personal conversion, evangelism, and a focus on Jesus’s atoning death and resurrection. So, evangelicalism is a subset of Christianity, not separate from it.
Do Catholics and Evangelicals read the same Bible?
While both Catholics and Evangelicals use the Bible, there are some differences. Catholic Bibles include the deuterocanonical books (also known as the Apocrypha), which are not included in most Evangelical Bibles. Additionally, while both groups revere the Bible, they may interpret it differently based on their respective traditions and teachings. So, they share most of the same text, but not all of it.
Final Thoughts
Evangelical and Catholic traditions differ in how they understand authority, practice worship, view the sacraments, and define the role of the clergy.
However, both share core Christian beliefs: They believe in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, and the importance of love and compassion.
Understanding and respecting different Christian traditions builds bridges and strengthens our shared faith.