Christianity and Roman Catholicism: comparative analysis

Christianity vs. Roman Catholicism

The concept of Christianity has been in existence since the time of Christ, and has gone through several adaptations. Over the course of the centuries, the original ideas behind Christianity, hereafter noted as biblical Christianity, have been adapted and altered to suit the needs and belief systems of the society in which new forms of Christianity developed. While some of the base beliefs have been retained, many others have been changed drastically, resulting in a religious theology far different than that originally intended. This paper will discuss the origins of biblical Christianity as well as that of Roman Catholic religion, and will compare and contrast these ideologies to reveal the primary differences between them.

Originally, Christianity was a small offshoot of Judaism, based in similar principles, but differing in the concepts surrounding Christ. By 70 AD, however, Catholic Christianity began to develop. Roman persecution and pagan ridicule forced the people to turn to their spiritual leaders for guidance and support. Within three hundred years, Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire, and had begun to spread worldwide (Shelly, 1982).

Rome quickly became the authority for all Christian affairs, and by the late second century, bishops of the Church were left primarily unchallenged by any law other than that of the Church. However, as anti-Church groups such as the Gnostics began to show discrepancies between the evolving Roman Catholic Church and biblical Christianity, the Church began to make bold statements, such as "Outside the Church there is no salvation." (Shelly, 1982, 245) Such statements helped to form the new religion, and by the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Church was the highest authority and powerful establishment in many nations. It was during this time the papal office declared political and cultural power, and began to take responsibility for the holy cause in history and over the souls of men through eternity (Shelly, 1982).

However, in the late 1300's, an outcry began against the power of the Roman Catholic Church by those wishing to preserve the concepts of biblical Christianity. John Wycliffe and John Hus began to teach that all men were equal in the eyes of God, as long as they accepted Christ as the savior, reverting back to the concepts of biblical Christianity. Simultaneously, Wycliffe began showing how the papacy had led away from the simple faith and practice of Christianity through their use of power. He taught that the pope was the principle of falsehood, and that while Christ taught poverty and principle over materialism, the pope taught value in worldly magnificence, and temporal dominion (Hunt, 1994).

Throughout history, such individuals as Martin Luther King, those of the Protestant faith, and many others have noted similar difference between the Roman Catholic faith and biblical Christianity (Hunt, 1994). Perhaps one of the largest points of contention is the method through which individuals are saved. According to the Holy Bible, individuals are saved by the grace of God and his mercy, and not through works done in righteousness (Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9). On the other hand, the Roman Catholic Church doctrine teaches that salvation is "given through the Holy Spirit, based on good works" (Gendron, 1996). This difference is vital, in that the entire theology behind salvation is altered between the two religious faiths. In one, man is saved by God, and in the other, through good deeds. This small alteration in principal equates to a major alteration in life practice, in that those of the Roman Catholic faith tie their deeds to their salvation, and thus are expected to lead their lives performing righteous works.

Another fundamental difference between biblical Christianity and the Roman Catholic faith lies in the concept of who redeems the faithful. According to the Bible, the Holy Father gave the blood of his son, Jesus Christ, so that mankind could be redeemed of their sins (Peter 1: 17-19). The Roman Catholic Church, however, teaches Mary as the co-redeemer, and teaches that it is Mary who is the cause for salvation for the human race (Gendron, 1996). Again, this difference is fundamental, in that the redeemer is the entity responsible for the salvation of man. A difference in this ideology is a difference in the base foundation of biblical Christianity, and a difference in who each individual prays to for salvation.

Still further, the Roman Catholic Church teaches Mary to be the Advocate and mediator between man and God (Gendron, 1996). Biblical Christianity, however, declares Jesus Christ to be the only mediator between the two (Timothy 2:5, John 2:1). Again, this difference is fundamental, in that the while those who practice biblical Christianity use Jesus as the mediator, those of the Roman Catholic faith pray to Mary for mediation.

The existence and power of the Pope is also a prime difference between the two faiths. The Roman Catholic Church teaches the Pope to be the full, supreme, and universal power over the Church, ad that this power is unhindered by any. The Church teaches the Pope is infallible in his definitions of doctrines or morality (Gendron, 1996). In other words, the Pope is seen as being the earthly voice of God. On the other hand, the Holy Bible teaches God is the head of the Church, and the final word of subjection (Ephesians 1:22-23). While this difference is seemingly less fundamental, the power of the papacy has been a source of conflict for many centuries. The power held by the Pope over all doctrines and interpretations has led many whose faith lies in biblical Christianity to denounce the Pope as a false idol, forbidden by God (Hunt, 1994).

Another primary difference between biblical Christianity and the Roman Catholic faith is the beliefs pertaining to the coming of Christ. Biblical Christianity teaches Christ will return from heaven in the same way he has gone to heaven, implying the process of rebirth (Acts 1:11). On the other hand, the Roman Catholic faith believes Jesus returns on a daily basis to the alters of the Catholic Church to be worshipped and praised (Gendron, 1996). Since biblical Christians seek the second coming of Christ, this concept presets a major ideological difference in belief systems.

Another primary difference is the views surrounding the propitiation of sin. John 2:2 and John 4:10 of the Bible note that it is God's love, and the blood of Jesus Christ, that allow for the sins of man to be forgiven. Alternatively, Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that sins are propitiated through the cleansing fire of purgatory, and that man must strive to accept the punishment of sin as a blessing (Gendron, 1996). In other words, while biblical Christianity teaches that sin is forgiven through God's love alone, Roman Catholicism believes only purgatory can cleanse sin. This is a key difference in faith, in that biblical Christians learn to accept God's love, and expect God's forgiveness, whereas Roman Catholics learn to expect punishment for sin through purgatory.

Additionally, although biblical Christianity teaches that redemption was complete with the death of Christ (Hebrews 10:14; 7:27), Roman Catholicism teaches redemption is a continuing process, and that the sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharist are a single sacrifice (Gendron, 1996). Again, while seemingly only trite in nature of comparison, this difference is crucial to the basis of each faith. Whereas Christians believe redemption has occurred, and is complete, Roman Catholics continue to seek redemption through the Eucharist.

The power of the Roman Catholic Church in the religious saving of man again comes into comparison when one views the differences in views pertaining Christ's role as savior. Acts 4:12 of the Bible notes "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." In other words, according to Christianity, faith in Jesus Christ as savior is the only requirement for salvation. Alternatively, Roman Catholicism teaches that the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation (Gendron, 1996). Again, the Roman Catholic Church teaches a direct link between salvation and the papacy and Church, whereas biblical Christianity teaches the only thing needed for salvation is a firm belief in God's love, and in Jesus Christ as the savior.

The two religious ideologies also differ in their treatment of the Doctrine of Salvation. Romans 1:16, Corinthians 15:1-4, and Galatians 1:9 all pertain to the gospel as the power of God for salvation. Romans 1:16 refers to the gospel in such terms, and applies it to both the Jews and to the Greeks. Corinthians 15:1-4 promises salvation upon the gospel of God, while Galatians 1:9 curses anyone teaching a gospel other than that of the saving grace of God. Roman Catholicism, however, teaches a different gospel than the original biblical text, and this new gospel demands additional requirements to be saved. These additional components include the Sacrament, meritorious masses, church membership, purgatory, resistance of indulgence, and baptism. For biblical Christianity, these requirements show only the search for power by the Roman Catholic Church, in that again, their Doctrine adds requirements to the word of God that include only the Church. Like the Pope, such statements are seen by Christianity as a falsehood (Shelly, 1982).

Baptism is another point of contention between Christianity and Roman Catholicism. Christianity teaches those who listen to the gospel and believe in the Holy Spirit are a part of God, and that their eventual salvation is due to their joining with God (Ephesians 1:13; John 1:13). Thus, according to Christianity, man is an extension of God, and since God is saved, man in saved. Conversely, Roman Catholicism teaches baptism is the reason for salvation (Gendron, 1996). According to their Doctrine, salvation without baptism is not possible, and those individuals who are unbaptized must be cleansed in purgatory prior to salvation.

Salvation based on faith is another difference between the ideologies. Biblical Christianity notes in both Ephesians 2:8 and Psalms 49:7 that no man can save another. It is only though one's faith in God and in Christ, and through the gift of God's grave that salvation is possible. Ephesians 2:9 also notes that man should not boast of good works, since these works do not alter one's chances for salvation.

Conversely, Roman Catholicism teaches salvation though good works and faith. One is able in this religion to secure their own salvation through good works and indulgence avoidance while at the same time assisting their brothers and sisters. While faith is required, it is not enough to ensure salvation (Gendron, 1996).

Perhaps one of the most vast differences between biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism is the belief in Hell. Thessalonians 1:8-9 of the Bible states that "those who do not know God...will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his Power." Thus, Christianity does not mention Hell, but simply the absence of God's love, power, and presence. On the other hand, Roman Catholicism notes "immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer eternal fire (Gendron, 1996, p. 1035). In this passage, Roman Catholicism notes a punishment of fire in a physical location. This vastly differs from the Christian view of punishment through the absence of God. This difference is substantial, in that Christian belief stems from the idea that the absence of God is the ultimate form of punishment. The Roman Catholic Church Doctrines clearly see this punishment as not enough, and translate the Word to include physical punishment as opposed to only spiritual punishment.

The two ideologies also differ on their views of justification. Justification pertains to "the act of pronouncing righteousness or acquittal" (Hunt, 1994, p. 34). This process differs greatly between the two faiths. For biblical Christianity, justification is the action of God's forgiveness of man for his faith. Because of Christ's righteousness, believers are accepted by God. This process allows God to see even the unjust as just, and justification cannot be increased since all are just because of Christ's love and his sacrifice. It is a permanent verdict that is not affected by sin, and comes at the moment of acceptance of Christ. In biblical Christianity, the emphasis is on God's verdict (McDowell and Stewart, 1980). In Roman Catholicism, justification is God's act of making man righteous because of their goodness and good works. The sacrament is the process by which the believer is made acceptable by God. Justification is only granted when the believer becomes just through good works or purgatory, and can be increased through the sacrament. Justification is affected by sin, and is not determined until death, at the time of judgment (McDowell and Stewart, 1980).