What is the biggest difference between Catholic and Baptist churches?

The biggest difference is authority. Catholics follow the Pope, Sacred Tradition, and Scripture together as sources of authority. Baptists hold to the Bible alone (sola scriptura) as the sole authority for faith and practice, with no creed, pope, or denominational hierarchy that can override Scripture. This foundational difference shapes every other disagreement between the two traditions.

Why do Baptists not baptize babies?

Baptists practice believer's baptism — only people old enough to personally profess faith in Jesus Christ are baptized. They believe baptism is an outward symbol of an inward decision, not a means of grace or salvation. Since infants cannot make a conscious decision to follow Christ, Baptists do not baptize them. Catholics, by contrast, baptize infants to remove original sin and initiate them into the Church.

Do Catholics and Baptists believe in the same God?

Yes. Both Catholics and Baptists are Christians who believe in the Trinity — one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Both affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and the authority of the Bible. Their differences are about church structure, sacraments, and how salvation works — not about the fundamental nature of God.

Can a Baptist take Communion at a Catholic church?

No. Catholic canon law restricts the Eucharist to baptized Catholics who are in a state of grace. Baptists and other non-Catholics are not permitted to receive Communion at a Catholic Mass. Similarly, some Baptist churches practice 'closed communion' restricted to their own members, though many practice 'open communion' welcoming all professing Christians.

How many Catholic and Baptist churches are there in the United States?

There are approximately 17,000 Catholic parishes in the United States and over 50,000 Baptist churches (including Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist, Independent Baptist, and other Baptist bodies). The Southern Baptist Convention alone has about 47,000 churches, making Baptists collectively the largest Protestant group in America.

Which is older, Catholic or Baptist?

The Catholic Church is far older. Catholics trace their origins to Jesus Christ and the Apostle Peter in the first century AD. The Baptist movement emerged in the early 1600s, with the first Baptist church established in Amsterdam in 1609 by John Smyth, a separatist from the Church of England. Some Baptists claim a spiritual lineage to earlier groups, but the organized Baptist movement is roughly 400 years old.

Comparison

Catholic vs Baptist: 12 Key Differences Explained

By FaithScout TeamApril 7, 202617 min read

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Table of Contents

11. Church Membership and Belonging

12. Social and Ethical Positions

Which Is Right for You? A Decision Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Your Church

Keep Reading