Are Catholics considered Christians?

Yes, Catholics are Christians. Catholicism is the largest branch of Christianity, with over 1.3 billion members worldwide. When people ask about the 'difference between Catholic and Christian,' they typically mean the difference between Catholic and Protestant traditions.

What is the main difference between Catholic and Protestant beliefs?

The core difference is authority. Catholics follow Scripture plus Sacred Tradition, guided by the Pope and Magisterium. Protestants hold to 'sola scriptura' — the Bible alone as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This foundational disagreement shapes nearly every other doctrinal difference.

Why do Catholics have 7 sacraments and Protestants only have 2?

Catholics recognize seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony) based on Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Most Protestants only recognize Baptism and Communion (Lord's Supper) because they consider these the only two ordinances explicitly instituted by Jesus in the Gospels.

Do Catholics and Protestants read different Bibles?

Mostly the same, but not entirely. Catholic Bibles contain 73 books, including 7 deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 & 2 Maccabees) that Protestant Bibles exclude. Protestant Bibles contain 66 books. Both share the same 27 New Testament books.

Can Catholics and Protestants attend each other's churches?

Yes, anyone can attend either type of service. However, Catholics are not permitted to receive Communion at most Protestant churches under Catholic canon law, and non-Catholics are generally not permitted to receive the Eucharist at Catholic Mass. Attending the service itself is welcome in both traditions.

How do I find a Catholic or Protestant church near me?

FaithScout lets you search for churches by denomination, location, and worship style. You can filter specifically for Catholic parishes or any Protestant denomination — Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and more — and compare churches side by side with real visitor reviews.

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Difference Between Catholic and Christian: What You Need to Know

By FaithScout TeamApril 7, 202615 min read

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Table of Contents

What Catholics and Protestants Share

By the Numbers: Catholics and Protestants in America

Frequently Asked Questions

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