Catholic vs Methodist
Christianity may be the single largest religion of the world with more than 2.2 billion followers, but it has branched out into several denominations over the last 2000 years. The first split in Christianity took place in 1054 AD when the Eastern Orthodox denomination got away from the Catholic Church. The second big split or schism was a result of reform movements in Germany and France in the 16th century led by Martin Luther. This led to the establishment of Protestantism within Christianity. In 18th century, Protestantism itself gave way to Methodist Church because of the teachings of John Wesley. There are several differences between the two denominations of Christianity that will be highlighted in this article.
Catholic
The Roman Catholic Church is what is meant by Catholic Church and Papal authority as the Vicar of Christ is the chief characteristic of Catholicism. Though Catholics regard Bible as sacred, they place equal importance on Christian traditions. Wherever there are worshippers of Jesus, there is the Catholic Church. A Catholic believes Christ to be the son of God who took birth as a human being for the salvation of mankind. All the teachings and the sacrifice of Christ are contained in Bible and the sacred book, and Catholics believe Bible to be a source of all gospels.
Catholics believe in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, and this is considered to be the characteristic feature of the denomination. The Bishops of Roman Catholic Church are considered successors of apostles of Jesus while the Pope is believed to be a successor of St Peter. All Catholics around the world are automatic members of this beautiful Church that is not only the oldest religious institutions of the Christians; it is also one that has shaped the destiny of much of the western world.
Methodist
Methodism is one of the many splinter groups that came to light after Protestantism took shape because of the reform movement started by Martin Luther. Protestantism is represented by many denominations around the world that are followed by mire than 70 million people. Methodism shares the belief in Christ like all branches of Christianity but is distinct in its missionary work that is a result of a movement led by John Wesley and his brother in the 18th century. The basic tenet of Methodism lays in service to the people and the establishment of schools, hospitals, and orphanages and other similar institutions, and represents the desire of Jesus to serve the poor and the oppressed. Because of the orderly manner in which John Wesley and his followers lived their lives, they were branded as Methodists by other Catholics of the time. Wesley did not form a new denomination and remained within the aegis of Church of England. It was only after his death that his followers formed the Free Church of England. Though Methodists came from all sections of the society, it was the preaching by Methodists among the laborers and criminals that converted thousands of Catholics into Methodists.
What is the difference between Catholic and Methodist?
• Being one of the Protestants, Methodists do not subscribe to Papal authority; for the Catholics, the Pope is the true successor of St Peter.
• Faith in Christ alone is sufficient for entry into heaven according to Methodism whereas a Catholic has to indulge in good deeds, in addition to faith in Christ, to be given an entry into heaven.
• While Roman Catholic Church is considered supreme in Catholicism, Methodists do not recognize Pope as the successor of St Peter and Pope is not considered infallible by Methodists.