Christian faith

The core difference is that Catholicism is one branch of Christianity; all Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholic. The distinctions lie in authority (Catholics accept Bible, tradition, and the Pope vs. Protestants’ Bible alone), salvation (Catholics view it as a process of faith and works vs. Protestants’ faith alone), and practices like the role of Mary and saints and the sacraments.

Christianity: is a world religion centered on Jesus Christ, with Catholicism being its largest branch.
Other branches of Christianity include Orthodoxy and Protestantism (which includes groups like Baptists and Lutherans).

Key Differences Between Catholics and Other Christians (primarily Protestants)

Authority:
- Catholic: Believes both Scripture (the Bible) and Apostolic Tradition (oral teachings of the Church) have equal authority. The Pope and Church hierarchy interpret these teachings.
- Other Christians: Generally hold the Bible as the supreme and sole authority for faith and practice (sola scriptura).
Salvation:
- Catholic: Sees salvation as a process that begins with faith but requires good works and participation in sacraments to be maintained.
- Other Christians: Typically view salvation as an instantaneous gift received through faith in Jesus Christ alone, with good works as a result of that salvation, not a requirement for it.
Sacraments:
- Catholic: Emphasizes the importance of sacraments (like baptism, confirmation, and communion) as means of receiving God’s grace. Believes in transubstantiation in the Eucharist, where bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ.
- Other Christians: Views the sacraments or ordinances as symbols and acts of obedience, not as necessary for receiving saving grace.
Role of Mary and Saints:
- Catholic: Honors Mary and the saints and believes they can intercede for believers on Earth.
- Other Christians: Believes in approaching God directly through Jesus, without intermediaries like Mary or saints.
Hierarchy:
- Catholic: Has a hierarchical structure with the Pope as the head of the Church.
- Other Christians: Generally reject this hierarchical structure.