How is Roman Catholicism different from Protestantism?

Roman Catholicism and Protestantism share a foundational belief in God, Christ, and the necessity of salvation, but they differ significantly in their doctrines, authority, and practices.1

Authority and Tradition

A primary distinction lies in the source of religious authority. Roman Catholicism holds that Scripture and church tradition are inseparable, both serving as sources of revealed truth. The church, led by the papacy, claims the authority to interpret these truths. In contrast, many Protestant traditions emphasize sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"), viewing the Bible as the primary or sole authority for faith and practice.231

Justification and Grace

The Protestant Reformation was largely sparked by differing views on justification. Protestants emphasize that humans are justified by grace through faith alone, independent of human works. Roman Catholic doctrine, as understood by the Reformers, traditionally emphasized a process where grace is infused into the soul, often involving the church's sacramental system and human cooperation through good works.34

Sacraments and Worship

Roman Catholicism recognizes seven sacraments—baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, matrimony, and holy orders—as essential channels of divine grace. Most Protestant churches limit sacraments to those explicitly commanded by Christ in the Scriptures, typically baptism and the Eucharist, and they reject the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation.13