Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Catholicism and Protestantism? In this video, we’ll cover both religious denominations and compare and contrast each in simple terms.

Catholicism is a major branch of Christianity that traces its origins back to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the first century AD. The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek word katholikos, which means "universal," indicating the global scope of the religion. The early history of Catholicism can be traced back to the apostles, who were the followers of Jesus Christ. According to Catholic tradition, the apostle Peter was the first bishop of Rome, and he was succeeded by a line of popes who have led the Catholic Church for over two thousand years. The Catholic Church teaches that the pope is the spiritual leader of the Church, and his authority is derived from the apostolic succession of the bishops of Rome.

Protestantism is a major branch of Christianity that originated in the 16th century as a result of the Protestant Reformation, a religious and political movement that sought to reform the Catholic Church and challenge its teachings and practices. The movement was led by a number of prominent figures, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli, who called for a return to the biblical teachings of Christianity and a rejection of many of the traditions and practices of the Catholic Church.

Here are some of the main differences between Catholicism and Protestantism:

Authority: Catholics believe that the Bible and the traditions of the church are equally authoritative, whereas Protestants believe that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority.

Salvation: Catholics believe that salvation is a lifelong process that involves both faith and good works, whereas Protestants believe that salvation is obtained through faith alone.

Sacraments: Catholics believe in the seven sacraments, including the
Eucharist, confession, and baptism, while most Protestants only recognize two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Clergy: Catholicism has a hierarchical structure with priests, bishops, and the pope, while most Protestant denominations have a more decentralized structure without a single central authority.

Worship: Catholic liturgy tends to be more formal and structured, while Protestant worship can vary greatly depending on the denomination, with some services being more traditional and others more contemporary.

Mary and the Saints: Catholics venerate Mary and the saints, whereas most Protestants do not.

Purgatory: Catholics believe in the existence of purgatory, a state of purification after death, while most Protestants do not.

Sources:
Duffy, Eamon. Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale University Press, 2001.
Chadwick, Henry. The Early Church. Penguin Books, 1993.
Catholic Encyclopedia. New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/
Vatican website. https://www.vatican.va/
Hillerbrand, Hans J. The Reformation: A Narrative History Related by Contemporary Observers and Participants. Routledge, 2009.
McGrath, Alister E. Christianity's Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution-A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First. HarperOne, 2007.
Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Volume Two: The Reformation to the Present Day. HarperOne, 2010.
The Oxford Handbook of Protestantism, edited by Ulinka Rublack. Oxford University Press, 2019.

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