The main differences between Roman Catholics and Catholics are that Roman Catholics form the major Christian group and Catholics are only a small group of the Christian community, also called as “ Orthodox Catholic.” It is believed that when Christianity started, only one church was followed. There was no difference of opinion or faith, and Christianity started spreading as a single religion.
Later it was decided that a location was required where a church representing all the Christians should be built. It would be the headquarters of all Christian teachings. Unfortunately, a difference of opinion arose and the groups split. Some followed the decision that the church was supposed to be built in Rome; others believed that it should be built in Constantinople. Those who followed and joined the group in Rome started calling themselves Roman Catholics while the others began calling themselves as Orthodox Catholics.
Roman Catholics trace their origin to Saint Peter. He was a disciple of Christ and was one of the 12 apostles. There is a difference in opinion about St. Peter’s importance and his role in the origin of Christianity.
Roman Catholics consider the Pope to be their spiritual leader; he is called by the Roman Christians as the Vicar of Christ. Catholics do not believe in any papal authority.
Catholics churches do not recognize some of the books included in the Roman Catholic Bible. Catholics believe that the teachings of Christ have remained unchanged. According to them, the Holy Scripture has not changed. They do not believe in additions made to the original scriptures.
Catholics do not think of canons as laws. Canons are considered the rules by which a church is run. Roman Catholics take them as law and give the authority to the bishop to apply them.
Roman Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Catholics do not support this theory. They believe that she was a mortal and was prepared to bear Christ.
Roman Catholics believe in purgatory; souls which are destined to go to Heaven need purification. The rest of the people go to hell. Catholics believe the souls go to the house of the dead, Hades, to wait for Christ to rise again. Once the body will rise, all the souls will unite with him for judgement.
Summary:
- Roman Catholics are the largest Christian group; Catholics are a smaller group.
2. Roman Catholics and Catholics have a difference of opinion about the importance of St. Peter in their origin.
3. Catholics do not believe in papal authority, Roman Catholics do.
4. Catholics believe in original, unchanged Holy Scriptures; Roman Catholics have added many books to their Bible.
5. Bishops are authorized to apply the canons on Roman Catholics; Catholics do not take canons as laws and do not give the authority to anyone to apply them.
6. Roman Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception; Catholics do not believe in the theory and consider Mother Mary a mortal.
7. Roman Catholics believe in Purgatory after death; Catholics do not believe in it.