Christianity is widely divided into three primary groups-Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. Meanwhile, Protestant Christianity has various denominations, including Methodist.
Moreover, the divisions represent different interpretations of the bible, beliefs, traditions, and understanding of churches.
Currently, Catholicism is celebrated by over a quarter of the population around the globe, while seventy to eighty million people follow Methodism.
Key Takeaways
- Catholics recognize the authority of the pope, while Methodists do not.
- Catholics have a more formal liturgy and follow a specific sacramental system, while Methodists have a more informal worship style.
- Catholics place greater emphasis on tradition and hierarchy, while Methodists place greater emphasis on personal experience and individual interpretation.
Catholic vs. Methodist
Catholic is a religious community based on the Western Church, which sees bishops as the highest officials and give prominent roles to deacons and priests. Methodist is a religious movement based on the orthodox Christianity of the Protestant tradition, and they follow the beliefs of John Wesley.
Over 1.3 billion people succeed Catholics. They are widely differentiated from other groups concerning their belief. Catholics do follow the Church’s administrators, especially the Pope.
Catholics give more importance to popes and Bishops and consider them as the successor of the community.
On the other hand, Methodist is a part of the denominations originating from the Wesleyan preaching in the Church of England, having Arminian tradition and in the U.S. modified episcopal polity, and underscoring individual and cultural morality.
Besides, they primarily follow the footsteps of John Wesley and their traditions.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Catholic | Methodist |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Catholic is a community that follows the practice of the Western Church. They consider bishops the highest officials within the Christian religion, a prominent role to Priests and Deacons. | Methodist is a movement and fellowship that is considered to be orthodox Christianity of the Protestant tradition. They carry and follow the Christian beliefs of John Wesley into methods. |
| Introduction | It is believed that Catholicism was introduced in the first Century Holy Land in Roman Empire. | In the 18th century, Methodists began a revolution with a group of men, including John Wesley and his brother Charles in the Church of England. John and George Whitefield played a prominent role in the formation of Methodists. |
| Groups | Catholicism is said to be the oldest known religion worldwide. Catholicism is considering a dominant religion within Christain. | After John Wesley’s death, the movement became a separate denomination worldwide- British Empire, the United States, and Africa. |
| Beliefs | Catholics believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, Bishops, priests, and Deacons follow God’s instruction in the bible and play intermediate between God and Human. | Methodists are rich in music and follow many beliefs, such as New birth, imparted Righteousness, and entire sanctification. Methodists believed mainly in social holiness and were gregarious with similar faith and conviction. |
| Denominations | Catholic is a rapidly growing Christian religion community estimated to be around 17.5 percent of the world’s population. | Methodists are worldwide, with seven significant denominations in the United States: 12 million Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Zion Church, Free Methodist Church, Christian Methodist Church, and Wesleyan Church. Apart from the US, Methodist is growing enormously in South Korea with 1.7 million. |
What is Catholic?
Catholic means, on the whole, in Greek. Moreover, Catholics tend to garner popularity specifically for the Catholic Church.
Besides, they are unique and massive among the Christian groups, as they reflect the principles and instructions of the Church’s administrators.
Moreover, they obey the pope, bishops, and other church authorities. Catholics believe that God has created everything, rather than God being a part of nature. Ignatius of Antioch, about A.D. 110, initially used the term Catholic.
And they serve the papacy, the Pope, who lives in Vatican City, Italy. The religion’s popularity is widely celebrated in Brazil, with a rate of 127 million or 11.7% of the world’s Catholic population.
In addition, it is followed by Mexico with over 96 million, the Philippines with around 76 million, 75 million from the U.S., Italy with 49 million Catholics, Columbia, and France with 38 million, Poland and Spain with approx. 35 million, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with 31 million.
Furthermore, their teachings are preferably on the scriptures and Church’s rites, not from external references. On top of it, Catholics practice the cross, kneeling, and bowing as their primary gestures to exalt Jesus Christ.
What is Methodist?
As earlier mentioned, Methodists practice the principles and teachings of John Wesley. As of now, it is highly acknowledged by over eighty million people due to the missionary activities after the demise of the preacher, John Wesley.
It has been originated from the Church of England by John Wesley.
Moreover, Methodists happen to serve the four basic John’s postulates; firstly, a person is free to reject mercy and accept it by an act of free will.
Secondly, people devoted to the doctrine according to the measure of knowledge given to them will be protected. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit guarantees Christians their salvation directly.
And lastly, Christians in this course are capable of Christian perfection and are governed by God to persevere it. Meanwhile, Methodists could only advance as Christians in a community banded by people of similar faith.
Most Methodists profess that Jesus Christ fell for all humankind and that salvation is possible.
Main Differences Between Catholic and Methodist
- Catholic is a community. On the other hand, Methodist is a movement that John Wesley started.
- Catholicism is assumed to be founded by Lord Jesus Christ, whereas Methodist began as a movement in the 18th Century, becoming a social gathering institution later.
- Catholic is considered a rapidly growing community with a 17.5 percent reach. Albeit Methodist also grew enormous with numerous churches all over the world.
- Catholics primarily worship Jesus, priests, Bishops, and deacons. Methodists followed John Wesley as their higher officials and obliged his beliefs.
- Catholic follow beliefs such as curing Human’s sin by treating them. Methodist follows social holiness by gathering in musical events in the church.
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AX3XHSslTLEC&oi=fnd&pg=PP11&dq=catholic&ots=kFozPVh6E7&sig=3FTilFwu78ugfgPaFVE4kvir-V0
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6c18/4177b601925e2f11c9b2c3fc1901a8edecd3.pdf
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the differences between Catholicism and Methodism. It’s great to see such detailed information about these two branches of Christianity.
I completely agree. It’s important to have a deep understanding of different religious beliefs.
I found the comparison table to be very informative and useful. It makes it easy to grasp the key differences between Catholicism and Methodism at a glance.
Absolutely. It’s a great way to summarize the main points of the article.
Yes, the table is quite helpful. It presents the information in a clear and concise manner.
The historical and demographic data provided in this article sheds light on the prominence of Catholicism and Methodism worldwide. It’s astounding to see the vast global presence of these faiths.
The growth and influence of Catholicism and Methodism in different regions are quite intriguing. It’s interesting to see the global impact of these religious traditions.
Indeed. It’s remarkable how these faiths have spread and evolved across various continents and cultures.
Absolutely. The global footprint of Catholicism and Methodism is a testament to the enduring appeal of these beliefs.
I appreciate the balanced approach taken in this article. It presents the information objectively and without bias.
Agreed. It’s refreshing to see an article that maintains neutrality on such complex religious topics.
The article provides a well-rounded understanding of both Catholicism and Methodism. It’s evident that thorough research went into this piece.
Absolutely. The author’s dedication to presenting a comprehensive overview of these religious traditions is evident.
I completely agree. The depth of analysis in this article is commendable.
I disagree with the emphasis on hierarchy and tradition in Catholicism. I believe Methodism’s focus on personal experience and individual interpretation is more in line with modern values.
I think both approaches have their merits, but it’s interesting to consider the implications of these differences.
I see your point, but some may argue that the emphasis on tradition and hierarchy provides a sense of continuity and stability in Catholicism.
The detailed breakdown of the beliefs and denominations of Catholicism and Methodism is quite enlightening. It highlights the diversity within Christianity.
Absolutely. It’s important to recognize the various interpretations and practices within the Christian faith.
The historical background provided about the origins of Catholicism and Methodism is fascinating. It adds depth to the discussion.
I agree. Understanding the historical context is crucial to fully comprehend the development of these religious traditions.
This article is enlightening and thought-provoking. It’s a great read for anyone interested in the differences between Catholicism and Methodism.