What is the difference between catholic and protestant beliefs

At that time, Roman culture and the Latin language dominated the West, so Christianity in that region took on a decidedly Roman flavor. In the sixteenth century, the Protestant Reformation began. Church leaders Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and others protested against some of the practices and abuses of the Catholic Church. Though the protestors wanted to reform the church from within, eventually it became clear that their movement was incompatible with the mother church in Rome.

So they broke away and set up their own church structures and organizations—ushering in the birth of Protestantism. Today, many different denominations and groups make up Protestantism throughout the world. Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical Free, Pentecostal, and many nondenominational churches now fall under the umbrella category of Protestantism.

Though individuals can, of course, have their own specific beliefs, there are five key differences between Protestants and Catholics. Roman Catholics believe that the pope is the head of the worldwide Church.

According to church teaching, the pope is preserved from any possibility of error when speaking on matters of faith and morals to be held by the entire Church. Catholics believe that this office of authority continues today. Protestants, on the other hand, do not believe in a hierarchical structure that culminates in one individual who could speak definitively and proclaim truth without error. Mary plays a different role for Catholics than for most Protestants.

Catholics regard her as an example of faith and holiness. According to tradition, Mary was conceived and born without the stain of original sin and remained sinless throughout her life. Though Catholics have a special devotion to Mary, they do not adore or worship her as they do God and the Incarnate Word a common misperception.

They pray to Mary—as they pray to other saints—asking her to intercede or mediate for them with her Son with whom she is in perfect communion.

Background to the Reformation Martin Luther was a German monk. The Reformation spread to Europe Luther's ideas spread and were developed further. The predominant religions in European countries from the time of the Reformation in the 16th century A stricter form of Protestantism called Calvinism became popular with the Dutch. In Scotland, Calvinism was called Presbyterianism. There were other, even more strict, versions of Protestantism. In England, very strict Protestants were called Puritans.

Dead models of faith, recognized as "saint" by the church through canonization, can be prayed to for help in maintaining faith in God. There are over 4, saints. Their remains are considered holy relics which are venerated. This veneration is also categorically by the Protestant Church as unbiblical.

According to Reformation views, every person may and should pray directly to God. All main world religions integrate in some way the concept of celibacy, the vow of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, and the Catholic and Protestant churches are no exception.

In the Catholic Church, celibacy is obligatory for priests. It is seen as a symbol of the undivided succession of Christ. The Protestant Church rejects this obligation for priests.

Martin Luther already demanded its abolition as early as He made a decisive personal contribution to this end in The former monk married the former nun Katharina von Bora. Initially unsure of whether he should marry, Luther finally determined that "his marriage would please his father, rile the pope, cause the angels to laugh, and the devils to weep.

To mark years of the Protestant Reformation, dozens of artifacts related to Martin Luther have been digitized. Plans for 3D replicas can be downloaded and printed by those hosting their own Luther exhibition. The pontiff urged both denominations to put all remaining differences aside. Visit the new DW website Take a look at the beta version of dw. Go to the new dw. More info OK. Wrong language? Change it here DW.

COM has chosen English as your language setting. COM in 30 languages. Deutsche Welle. Audiotrainer Deutschtrainer Die Bienenretter. Culture The main differences between Catholics and Protestants They worship the same God, but the principles of their faith are different.

Germany and the church. Luther Memorial in the city of Wittenberg, where the Reformation began. Even if many Protestants like Pope Francis, they categorically reject papacy.

For Catholics, the Host represents bread that is consecrated to represent Jesus' body.