Catholic vs Protestant - Christianity

What are the differences between Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christians?

Below are major differences in the central doctrine of Christianity in the traditions of Catholics, Protestant and Orthodox Christianity.

W List_of_Christian_denominations

Catholic	Protestant	Orthodox
Population 1,272,000,000 1st largest	Population 800,000,000 2nd	Population 270,000,000 3rd
Meaning Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos) means 'universal' W Catholic_Church	Meaning To 'protest' W Protestant_church	Meaning Orthodox means 'correct belief' or 'right thinking' W Eastern_Orthodox_Church
Origin Palestine & Rome; Roman Empire	Origin Palestine & Rome	Origin Roman Empire, Byzantine
Powerbase Vatican City, Rome, Italy Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin language	Powerbase German origins Hebrew, Greek and German language	Powerbase Constantinople (Istanbul) Greek language - Orthodox church kept to the language of the local community
Founder Peter	Founder Martin Luther	Founder Paul
Population Italy, Philippines, Latin America, France, Spain, Mexico, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Armenia, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and USA	Population North America, Europe Today, Protestant Christianity has spread across the globe and can be found in every country in the world	Population Eastern Mediterranean, much of Asia Minor, Russian and Balkans
History
Catholics believe that the Catholic Church is the original and first Christian Church. It claims direct historical descent from the church founded by the apostle Peter. Western Church insists on obedience to the Pope.	Protestants follow the teachings of Jesus as transmitted through the Old and New Testament. Protestants believe the Catholic Church stemmed from the original Christian Church, but became corrupted over time.	The Eastern Church rejected obedience to the Pope in Rome as the Supreme Head of the Christian Church
1st - 5th century AD The exact date of the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church is unknown	1517 AD Protestantism formed from the split with Roman Catholicism during the Reformation in the 16th century. Led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others, the reformers broke from the Roman Catholic Church due to abusive ecclesiological structures and theological differences. This marks the beginning of the Protestant movement based on the date of Martin Luther's first act of dissent: the public posting of his 95 Theses, criticizing Roman Catholic practices and teachings.	1054 AD In 1054 AD, the first major split from the Christian Church happened when the Eastern half of the Church split from the Western half.
	Denominations Anglican/Episcopal (85M) Pentecostals (50M) Lutheran (50M) Baptist (33M) Jehovah's Witness (15M) Methodist (14M) Seventh Day Adventist (12M) Mormons (12M) Presbyterians (3M) Church of Christ (1M) Evangelical Modernist/Liberal etc.	Denominations Church of Greece (Greek) Church of Cyprus (Coptic) Russian Orthodox Church (Russian)
Timeline
325 AD - Council of Nicea The first council of the Christian community in which Church leaders formed a creedal statement of belief 381 AD - First Council of Constantinople This council amended and ratified the Nicene Creed 440-461 AD - Pope Leo I Pope Leo claims universal jurisdiction over the worldwide Church, thus initiating the rise of the papacy, a uniquely Roman Catholic structure 451 AD - The Council of Chalcedon Those who did not adhere to the conclusions of the Council separate 1054 AD - The Great Schism The Church had long been divided over theological, cultural, linguistic, and ecclesiological disputes. The separation was formalized in 1054, thus creating the first large-scale division within Christendom 16th century The term "Roman Catholic" is not generally used until the Protestant Reformation, and some historians see the Council of Trent (1545-1563) as a centralizing movement within Catholicism that enhanced the authority of Rome	1517 AD - Protestantism Luther had no intention of starting a new Christian tradition called "Protestantism," but hoped to reform the Catholic Church. Protestantism as a movement evolved in the decades following this act as Luther's ideas and theological arguments took root and the Catholic Church resisted and rejected them.	325 AD - Council of Nicea The first council of the Christian community in which Church leaders formed a creedal statement of belief 380 AD - Edict of Thessalonica The Emperor Theodosius I mandates "Catholic" Christianity to be the legal religion of the Empire 381 AD - First Council of Constantinople This council amended and ratified the Nicene Creed 451 AD - The Council of Chalcedon Those who did not adhere to the conclusions of the Council separate 787 AD - The Second Council of Nicea Iconoclasm (the rejection and destruction of icons), this council ratified the veneration and use of icons in worship and in private devotion - a uniquely Orthodox practice 1054 AD - The Great Schism The Church had long been divided over theological, cultural, linguistic, and ecclesiological disputes. The separation was formalized in 1054, thus creating the first large-scale division within Christendom
God, the Trinity
YES Only one God and He has revealed himself as the Trinity. Believe in the Trinity of God. Three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life.	YES One God and that He has revealed himself as the Trinity. Believe in the Trinity of God. Three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We teach that the one true God. is the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, but of one and the same divine essence, equal in power, equal in eternity, equal in majesty, because each person possesses the one divine essence.	YES The fundamental truth of the Orthodox Church is the faith revealed in the True God: the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
God, the Truth Mainly found in scripture, as interpreted by the church. It is also found in church tradition, and the valid findings of scientific research.	God, the Truth Most believe it is found only in scripture, as interpreted through the presence of the Holy Spirit within the saved individual, their congregation and denomination.
Jesus
Jesus, Virgin Birth YES Required belief	Jesus, Virgin Birth YES Nearly universal belief	Jesus, Virgin Birth YES Nearly universal belief
Jesus, Savior	Jesus, Savior	Jesus, Savior
Jesus, Divinity The Son is consubstantial with the Father, which means that, in the Father and with the Father the Son is one and the same God.	Jesus, Divinity Jesus is the complete revelation of God to us, and as such, Jesus, although fully human with us, is also fully God, fully divine.	Jesus, Divinity Jesus was born with two perfect natures, the divine and human, as God-man.
Jesus, death by Crucifixion	Jesus, death by Crucifixion	Jesus, death by Crucifixion
Jesus, Resurrection	Jesus, Resurrection	Jesus, Resurrection
Jesus, return of	Jesus, return of	Jesus, return of
Prophets
Adam, the Original Sin Sin came into the world, through Adam. Humanity is "guilty" of the sin of Adam and Eve.	Adam, the Original Sin Sin came into the world, through Adam. Modern Protestants do not regard humanity as "evil" in essence.	Adam, the Original Sin Sin came into the world, through Adam. Humanity bears the "consequence" of sin, the chief of which is death.
Prophets Believe in all prophets of the Books from the Holy Bible.	Prophets Believe in all prophets of the Books from the Holy Bible.	Prophets Believe in all prophets of the Books from the Holy Bible.
Angels Angels are unseen creations of God, created from light. Satan is a fallen angel who rejected God.	Angels Angels are unseen creations of God, created from light. Satan is a fallen angel who rejected God.	Angels Angels are unseen creations of God, created from light. Satan is a fallen angel who rejected God.
Apostolic succession Important Believe that present-day priest ordinations can all be traced back to the original apostles and thus to Jesus.	Apostolic succession Rejected Concept rejected as historically invalid; it simply didn't happen. Emphasis on the continuity of teachings of the apostles, rather than the apostolic line of succession.	Apostolic succession Important Ensures continuity of the church. Believe that present-day priest ordinations can all be traced back to the original apostles and thus to Jesus.
Mary
Mary is considered favored among women, and was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus through a virgin birth. Mary is considered holy and may be prayed to as an intercessor to God. Mary had no original sin, remained free of sin throughout her life, is "Mother of God" and the new Eve. The Catholic church in undecided on whether Mary actually experienced physical death. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception states that Mary, was at conception 'preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin'	Mary is considered favored among women, and was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus through a virgin birth, but is otherwise simply a human with no other special attributes. The claim that Mary was sinless is rejected. Only Jesus was sinless. Mary's perpetual virginity and intercession are denied. Mary should not be regarded as a mediator between man and God, but she should be honored as "God-bearer" and a model for Christians.	Mary is venerated as Theotokos (Greek: 'God-bearer'). Therefore, the son she bore was God in human form. Mary experienced physical death, but immaculate conception is rejected. Orthodox belief is that the guilt of original sin is not transmitted from one generation to the next, thus obviating the need for Mary to be sinless. Mary is first amongst the saints and 'ever-virgin'.
Mary, status of Mary's status is below Jesus', but above that of the saints. Some regard Mary as co-redemptrix with Jesus; this is not currently taught by the church.	Mary, status of The Virgin Mary plays a relatively minor role. Only trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior saves a person.	Mary, status of Mary is the Mother of God (Theotokos). Orthodox do not "worship" the Virgin Mary. They "venerate" her and show her great honor
Mary, immaculate conception of Affirmed The Church requires belief that at the time of Mary's conception circa 20 BCE, she was conceived without sin.	Mary, immaculate conception of Rejected Denied.	Mary, immaculate conception of Rejected Orthodox do not believe in Original Sin, and so do not believe in the immaculate conception.
Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. When the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, He is not separated from the Father, He is not separated from the Son.	Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.	Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is seen as present in and as the guide to the Church working through the whole body of the Church, as well as through priests and bishops.
Saints
As evidence for sainthood, it is required at least two verifiable miracles have occured as a result of the intercession of that person.	All Christians who believe in Jesus are saints, called to imitate him. Only Jesus may mediate between God and Man.	A special group of holy people, who are venerated. They may act as intercessors between God and Man and may be invoked in prayers.
Saints, importance of Saints form a major part of the religion. People can pray to saints and ask them to intercede with God.	Saints, importance of Saints do not form a major part of the religion. One prays to God the Father and/or Jesus, not to saints.	Saints, importance of The saints and angels are an important part of the Orthodox church
Intercession
To receive intercession or help, at end of each prayer you must say "but only God's will be done".	The only intercessor between God and mankind is Jesus, not Mary, saints or angels.	The veneration of the Virgin Mary is accepted.
Intercession, how To God alone. Although you may ask Jesus, Mary, or a saint to intercede on your behalf.	Intercession, how Prayer is addressed to God, not to saints.	Intercession, how Prayer is addressed to God, not to saints.
Scripture
The books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures	Inspired by God, written by humans. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any corruption or error of any essential doctrine.	God's inspiration is confined to the original languages and utterances, not the many translations While the Bible is treasured as a valuable written record of God's revelation, it does not contain wholly that revelation.
Truth Catholics follow the teachings of Jesus as transmitted in the Old and New Testament, but only as far as the church's interpretations of these	Truth Protestants share an adherence to the centrality of scripture (both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament) as well as a doctrine of salvation through faith in Jesus.	Truth Orthodox religion holds both Biblical Scripture and church traditions as the source of Christian truth.
Bible
Versions Douay-Rheims or Knox Version	Versions King James Version	Versions Septuagint (LXX) or Greek Old Testament
Bible, content The Roman Catholic Church includes in the Old Testament several deuterocanoncial books. The church includes the original 73 books in the Bible as specified by the Councils of Hippo and Carthage late in the 4th century. New Testament is identical to those of all Christians.	Bible, content Martin Luther considered certain books contained in the Catholic version of the Bible (based on the Septuagint) to be of lesser value as he used the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which also excluded these books from the canon. Therefore the Protestant Old Testament contains 39 books Some Anglicans include all 73 books. Other protestants delete the 7 books of the Apocrypha. New Testament is identical to those of all Christians.	Bible, content Septuagint version of the 39 Old Testament books, but also a collection of 7 books not found in the original Hebrew Bible. These are known as Deuterocanonicals ie. a second canon of scripture. The Orthodox bible was 52 books in the Bible. 27 New Testament books is identical to those of all Christians.
Bible, status of Historically teaches that the original writings by Bible authors are inerrant. Although, this is debated.	Bible, status of The original writings of the biblical authors' writings are inerrant. They are the Word of God.	Bible, status of The original writings of the biblical authors' writings are inerrant.
Revelation Sacred Tradition (teachings handed down from Jesus and apostles) are to be considered sources of divine revelation. Tradition and scripture are interpreted by the 'magisterium' or teaching authority of the church.	Revelation Scripture alone is the only infallible guide and the final authority on matters of Christian faith and practice. This is one of the foundational principles of Protestantism.	Revelation Scripture forms the oral part, the writings of saints, decisions of ecumenical councils etc.
Legislation Prerogative of the Church, which follows the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.	Legislation The Bible alone. Each person must verify all teachings through the Bible.	Legislation The Catholic and Orthodox are governed by Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium (church).
Statues
Holy days Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Saints' Feast Days.	Holy days Christmas and Easter	Holy days Christmas and Easter
Statues, venerating Permitted As means of inspiration only Statues and images of Jesus, Mary and of individual saints are commonly found in Catholic sacred spaces. However, believers are expected to venerate the persons represented by the statues, not the statues themselves.	Statues, venerating Rejected Not used Many consider the mere presence of statues in sacred spaces to be a form of idolatry - a violation of the "graven images" prohibition in the second of the Ten Commandments.	Statues, venerating Rejected Orthodox reject the use of images (idols) The use of icons is permitted in Orthodox Christianity.
Church
Church, chapel, cathedral	Church, chapel, cathedral	Self-governing, independent Churches
Church, structure Hierarchical	Church, structure Usually democratic, except among some new religious movements.	Church, structure Hierarchical
Church, visibility of The hierarchy of the Church, including the laity, plus the Church's Spirit, referred to as the "Spotless Bride of Christ."	Church, visibility of Invisible fellowship of all saved individuals. Only God knows who is saved and thus the exact makeup of the Church.	Church, visibility of The hierarchy of the Church, including the laity.
Church, worship All Catholics are expected to participate in the liturgical life of the Church, but personal prayer and devotions are entirely a matter of personal preference.	Church, worship Regularly study the Bible, pray, and commune with other believers on Sunday (or other day of worship)	Church, worship Regularly study the Bible, pray, and commune with other believers on Sunday (or other day of worship)
Worship
Worship, days Sunday. Personal Sacrifice during Lent.	Worship, days Traditionally Sunday, but other days accepted if treated with same level of focus on worship.	Worship, days Sunday
Worship, type of Prayer, Praise, Singing, Scripture Reading, and Adoring Eucharist	Worship, type of Prayer, Praise, Singing, Scripture Reading, and Teaching of the Reading	Worship, type of Prayer, Praise, Singing, Scripture Reading, and Adoring Eucharist
Worship, and Liturgy Worship is centred around the Mass. Following the Vatican II council (1962-5), greater emphasis was placed on worship in the vernacular, though the traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass is also used.	Worship, and Liturgy Different Protestant denominations have to varying degrees maintained or rejected Roman Catholic forms of worship. Anglican and Lutheran churches have maintained liturgies and rituals similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church, whereas other denominations, such as Baptists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, and United Church of Christ, have developed less liturgical forms of worship.	Worship, and Liturgy The 'Divine Liturgy' is the centre of Orthodox spirituality. Worship is usually in the vernacular, though Greek is also used.
Baptism
Christian Baptism is the mystery of starting anew, of dying to an old way of life and being born again into a new way of life in Jesus..
Baptism, significance of Sacrament which regenerates and justifies.	Baptism, significance of Most Protestants practice baptism and communion as key rites of Christian initiation and ongoing devotion. Testimony of a prior regeneration after trusting Jesus as Lord and savior.	Baptism, significance of "Remission of sins"; the person being baptized is cleansed of all sins; through the waters the baptized is mysteriously crucified and buried with Jesus, and raised with him to newness of life.
Baptism, timing Usually done in infancy; may be done later in life when the person joins the church.	Baptism, timing Usually done later in life after person is "born again"	Baptism, timing Orthodox allow for adult and infant baptisms
Doctrine
Western Church	Western Church	Eastern Church
Creeds Many, but special focus on Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed	Creeds Nicene Creed, Athanasius's Creed, Apostles' Creed, the baptismal symbol	Creeds Nicene Creed is the authoritative expression of the fundamental beliefs of the Orthodox Church. Elements of Greek, Middle-Eastern, Russian and Slav culture.
Predestination Predestination to heaven only, and related to God's foreknowledge	Predestination Affirmed, and understood by most denominations as God's decree	Predestination Seeks as middle ground between Pelagianism and Augustinian predestination
Doctrine There are fixed seven Sacraments: Baptism (cleansing a soul of the legacy of Adam and Eve's Original Sin) Confirmation (reaffirmation of one's Catholic faith) Eucharist, or Communion, celebrated at Mass, which is the regular worship service Holy Orders (ordination into the priesthood) Holy Unction (anointing of the dying) Marriage (church-sanctioned marriage) Penance (confession of sins and prayer)	Doctrine There are two Sacraments (or Ordinances): Baptism Eucharist (often called 'Holy Communion' or the 'Lord's Supper')	Doctrine There are seven Sacraments ('Mysteries' in Orthodoxy): Baptism Chrismation Eucharist Holy Orders Holy Unction Marriage (Holy Matrimony) Penance (Confession) It rejects the doctrines of the Western (Roman Catholic) church and instead teaches grace through various sacraments.
Authority
Vested in the hierarchy of the church.	Vested in the believer, congregation and denomination according to their interpretation of the meaning of the Bible.	Vested in the hierarchy of the church: Bishop, Priest, Deacon and Laity.
Authority, hierarchy Bible, church fathers, popes, bishops; Seven Ecumenial Councils; Trent, Vatican, and other Catholic councils.	Authority, hierarchy We hold the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments as our final authority 'Sola Scriptura'. We accept no humanly devised confession or creed as binding. The Holy Scripture contains all things necessary to salvation.	Authority, hierarchy The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, along with Sacred Apostolic Tradition. Seven Ecumenical Councils.
Discipline of members Pressure from the clergy and laity. In serious cases, errant members can be denied the sacraments or excommunicated.	Discipline of members Pressure from the clergy and laity. Various denomination have formal policies of shunning and excommunication.
Clergy
The Pope, followed by Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Priests, Monks and Deacons. All clergy are required to be male.	Each church independent, headed by Pastors, Elders, and Deacons.	Priests and Bishops must be male, but deaconesses are permitted, though the order is dormant.
Clergy, selection of Appointed; all male; almost all unmarried.	Clergy, selection of Elected; mostly male; single or married.
Clergy, celibacy Priests and Bishops must also be celibate. Eastern Rite Catholics and Anglican married clergy who subsequently convert to Catholicism are allowed to have married priests.	Clergy, celibacy The majority of Protestants do not require celibacy as a condition of election to the clergy.	Clergy, celibacy Priests and deacons may marry before ordination but not after. Bishops, on the other hand must be celibate.
Clergy, female Women are not allowed to be priests. However, they can become nuns.	Clergy, female Women are not allowed to be part of the clergy, but are permitted to teach or work in other areas. Many churches practice female ordination, including those within the Anglican communion, where the issue of female episcopacy is currently being discussed.	Clergy, female Priests and Bishops cannot be female.
Pope
Pope, Authority of Affirmed The Pope in Rome is the spiritual leader of all Roman Catholics. He administers church affairs through bishops and priests.	Pope, Authority of Denied The Pope is the leader of the Catholic church, having no authority to speak for protestants or the church as a whole	Pope, Authority of Affirmed
Pope Infallibility Affirmed The Pope is infallible when, through the Holy Spirit, he defines a doctrine on faith and morals that is to be held by the whole church. This is a dogma and is therefore a required belief within Catholicism.	Pope Infallibility Denied Protestants reject Papal infallibility. The only source of infallible teaching is that found in the Bible.	Pope Infallibility Denied Orthodox reject Papal infallibility.
Sin
Original Sin Humans are free to devote themselves to knowledge and communion in the image of God. Original Sin inherited from Adam is the inherent tendency towards evil. Infants must be baptized.	Original Sin Original Sin inherited from Adam, tendency towards evil, but the sins of the father do not pass through the son, therefore Children are holy until they reach the age where they can know good from evil, their sins are not held against them.	Original Sin Orthodox Church does not believe in original sin .
Sin, confession of To God through priests. You cannot go to God or Jesus directly. Confess sins in the Catholic Church or in the Mass.	Sin, confession of To God through Jesus.	Sin, confession of To God though priests and Jesus.
Sin, forgiveness of Achieved through personal repentance to a priest, and in a public communal ritual.	Sin, forgiveness of Normally achieved through prayer to God the Father or Jesus directly without any human intercessor. However, some Protestants confess to their pastor or priesthood leader	Sin, forgiveness of In some Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, confession is done to one's spiritual advisor. However, only an ordained priest may pronounce the absolution.
Salvation
Catholics believe that salvation to eternal life is God's will for all people. Jesus can save people and can help in salvation. You must believe Jesus was the son of God, receive Baptism, confess your sins and have a relationship with Jesus.	You must believe Jesus was the son of God and that he has already paid the penalty for your sins to receive this. Protestants believe that salvation to eternal life is God's will for all people. Various views are held on grace and freewill. God predestines who will be saved and there is no freewill. Also, it is entirely the freewill of man. Most protestants are somewhere in between.	Salvation is "faith working through love" and should be seen as a life long process. Orthodox Christian aim to obtain union with God ('Theosis') This is done through living a holy life and seeking to draw closer to God.
Salvation, achieving of Salvation is obtained through good works along with faith in Jesus. This is necessary to ensure a place in heaven after life on earth. Dispensed by God; dependant on faith and church sacraments.	Salvation, achieving of Dispensed by God; dependent only on an individual's repentance and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.	Salvation, achieving of The Orthodox Church teaches that the salvation of the human race is achieved by believing in the Son of God, Lord Jesus.
Salvation, loss of It is lost whenever a responsible person knowingly commits a mortal sin. It can be regained through repentance and church sacrament.	Salvation, loss of Usually, once a person is saved, they cannot lose their salvation. Some denominations teach that one can lose salvation.
Salvation among non-Christians It is possible that those outside the Roman Catholic Church can be saved in spite of the errors in their religious beliefs. Some religion's beliefs and practices make this unlikely.	Salvation among non-Christians Opinions differ. Most feel that all those who have not been saved are lost and will spend eternity being tortured in Hell.
Grace Prevenient grace helps one believe; efficacious grace cooperates with the human will to do good
Atonement By his death and Resurrection, Jesus has "opened" heaven to us. The offering of sacraments helps to create merit with sinners.	Atonement Through Jesus' atoning sacrifice, we are rendered acceptable to God and judged righteous (justified) in his sight. Jesus truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. This provides the perfect redemption and atonement for the sins of the whole world. Through Jesus' death and resurrection God triumphed over sin.	Atonement Jesus enlightens the minds of the people, purifies their hearts and frees their wills from the bondage of the devil. Jesus became flesh to make reconciliation for the sins of the people
Eucharist
Definition The Eucharist /ˈjuːkərɪst/ (Holy Communion, Lord's Supper) is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches. According to the New Testament, It was instituted by Jesus during his Last Supper. Giving His disciples bread and wine during the Passover meal, Jesus commanded his followers to "do this in memory of Me" while referring to the bread as "My Body" and the wine as "My Blood". Through the Eucharistic celebration, Christians remember Jesus' sacrifice of himself on the cross.
Eucharist, the Lord's Supper A sacrifice. Jesus' body, blood, soul, and divinity are physically present and are consumed by believers.	Eucharist, the Lord's Supper Memorial meal. Jesus' body and blood are present symbolically only.	Eucharist, the Lord's Supper Yes. Eucharist is offered in two parts.
'Holy sacrifice of the Mass'		'Mystic Supper' or 'Divine Liturgy'
Eucharist, method of The Priest invokes the Holy Spirit during the Mass. The gifts change completely into Jesus' body and blood and this change is termed Transubstantiation' ie. the outward appearance remains the same, but the substance changes. The bread and wine may be distributed. In some Catholic Churches, the bread alone is given to the congregation, the Priest receives the wine	Eucharist, method of Important as a symbolic remembrance of Jesus' death. The sacrificial nature of the Eucharist is rejected The bread and wine, being symbols, do not change substance. They are usually offered to all Christians who feel able to partake of them. There are many views held within Protestantism. Some Anglicans accept the Catholic view, whereas Baptists deny it.	Eucharist, method of During the Eucharist, the Priest calls down the Holy Spirit (in Greek: epiklesis) upon the gifts (the bread and wine). These then change into the actual body and blood of Christ. The precise way in which this happens is a divine mystery. The bread and wine can only be received by members present in the ritual.
Heaven & Hell
Purgatory (Soul After Death) - Affirmed An intermediate state of cleansing (purification) and preparation for heaven. Also a state where the punishment due to unremitted venial sins may be expiated.	Purgatory - Denied Purgatory is rejected. It does not exist. Jesus' death on the cross is sufficient to remove the penalty for all our sins. Purgatory is vainly invented and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the Word of God.	Purgatory - Affirmed It is an intermediate state between earth and heaven where cleansing and purification occur in this life, not the next.
Heaven Blessed communion with God and all who are in Jesus and the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness	Heaven Heaven with its eternal glory and the blessedness of Jesus' presence is the final abode of those who choose the salvation which God provides through Jesus.	Heaven For the Orthodox, Heaven is not a place in the sky, it is being with God.
Hell The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God; the pain, frustration, and emptiness of life without God.	Hell Hell with its everlasting misery and separation from God is the final abode of those who neglect [God's] great salvation and trust in their own works for salvation. A real physical place of unbearable torture which lasts for all eternity with no hope of mercy, relief or cessation.	Hell The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God; the pain, frustration, and emptiness of life without God.
Views On
Abrahamic Religions Catholic Christianity is the only true religion. All others are false.	Abrahamic Religions Believing that Jesus died for your sins, and that by believing in him you are saved by faith, not works, is the core principal. Any religion confirming this is a true religion; any religion denying it is a false religion.	Abrahamic Religions Christianity is the only true religion. All others are false.
Attitude towards each other The church considers Protestants to be Christians, but possessing only part of the truth.	Attitude towards each other Some Protestants consider Catholics to be non-Christian
Ecumenical action The Church views the fragmentation of Christianity into thousands of faith groups to be a sin. They want non-Catholic Christians join the Catholic Church.	Ecumenical action Some view Catholics as non-Christian. Thus they are to be treated as other lost souls, on a par with Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Wiccans etc. Others view Catholics as brothers in Christ and engage in joint projects on social matters.
Changing of beliefs, practices Debate and dialogue is sometimes forbidden particularly on topics of human sexuality.	Changing of beliefs, practices Relatively free discussion allowed, except, in some denominations on matters related to homosexuality.	Changing of beliefs, practices The Orthodox encourage religious dialogue.
Debate, open to	Debate, open to	Debate, open to
Non-Christian religions Have some value for the truth that they contain. However, some rituals can inhibit salvation.	Non-Christian religions Some consider them worthless, dangerous, and demon-led.
Animistic religions Pagan	Animistic religions Pagan	Animistic religions Pagan
Oriental religions Pagan	Oriental religions Pagan	Oriental religions Pagan
Dharmic religions Pagan	Dharmic religions Pagan	Dharmic religions Pagan
Limbo (a place for infants who die before being baptized) Concept is not officially taught. Most Catholic theologians have abandoned belief in limbo.	Limbo (a place for infants who die before being baptized) Existence denied.
Marriage Marriage is seen as an unbreakable contract. A holy union of a man and woman. Remarriage after divorce is not permitted unless there is some canonical impediment to the marriage. In this situation, an annulment may be granted.	Marriage Marriage is a contract, but is not unbreakable. A holy union of a man and woman. Divorce is discouraged, but permitted as evidence of human weakness. Some denominations permit remarriage in church.	Marriage Marriage is a mystical union between a man and a woman. Divorce is generally only allowed in cases of adultery, though there are exceptions.
Homosexuality A homosexual orientation is generally unchosen and thus is not, in itself, sinful. It is a disordered state. However, all homosexual behavior is sinful. God and the church expect lesbians and gays to remain celibate for life.	Homosexuality Protestants generally downplay the concept of sexual orientation, and concentrate on homosexual behavior which they consider to be a major sin. They differ from gays, lesbians, religious liberals, researchers and therapists by viewing homosexuality as a personal choice, unnatural, abnormal and changeable behavior.	Homosexuality Orthodox Christians believe the act of homosexuality to be sinful.

CREDIT
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/branches
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/originalsin_1.shtml
https://www.biblebc.com/Christian_Helps/religious_comparison_summaries.htm#Lutheran_Church
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Lenses/Side-By-Side

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Catholic vs Protestant - Christianity

What are the differences between Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christians?

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