Denomination Differences

Catholic vs. Methodist Beliefs

CatholicMethodist
a.k.a.
  • Wesleyan
  • Nazarene
Number of Members1,360,000,000[1]80,000,000[2][3]
How does one get saved?Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you, be baptized, participate in the Eucharist, and don't die with any unconfessed mortal sins.[4][5]Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.
Who gets saved?Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.
Can one lose his salvation?Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy or by committing a mortal sin.Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.
Who gets baptized and why?The unsaved, typically as infants, get baptized as the first sacrament of Christian initiation, cleansing them of all sins.Saved people and their infant children get baptized by as the first sacrament of Christian initiation, cleansing them of all sins.
How should baptism be done?Baptism should be by pouring water on the head.Baptism should be by sprinkling water on the head.
When does one receive the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is received at baptism.The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.
What is the trinity?The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
What is the human nature?Human nature is not totally corrupt but is wounded and inclined to evil.[6]Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.
Are we guilty of Adam's original sin?No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin.[7]No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin.
Are Christians required to keep the Old Testament ceremonial laws?No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.
Can Christians become sinless in this earthly life?"Christian perfection" is attainable in this life, but this does not mean one is sinless, as one will always commit minor "venial sins".Yes, Christians can become evangelically perfect through sanctification.
Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ?Transubstantiation: Yes, the bread and the wine change into the body and blood of Christ.No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ is present in an unknown way.
Can one be baptized of behalf of someone who has died?No, the dead cannot be baptized.No, the dead cannot be baptized.
What happens if a saved person dies without being perfect?Christians who die imperfectly purified must be purified through purgatory.[8]Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[9]
Did Mary ever sin?Immaculate conception: No, Mary was free of original sin and remained sinless throughout her life.Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.
What spiritual gifts are available today?Most believe that all spiritual gifts are still available to believers.
What framework has God used in dealing with man?Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace.
What are the requirements for clergy?Priests must be unmarried men over 25 ordained by bishops.Varies widely
How many church ordinances/​sacraments are there?The church has seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.[10]The church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.[11]
To whom do Christians need to confess their sins?Mortal sins must be privately confessed to a priest at least annually.[12][13]Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. A general confession of sinfulness is usually done as a group during a service.
How should a church be structured?Episcopal: Churches should be governed by the bishop in that diocese, who in turn is governed by an archbishop, who is governed by the Pope.Connectionalism: Churches are governed by conferences of representatives. How respresentatives and pastors are chosen varies widely.
What day of the week should Christians worship?Christians worship on Sunday.Christians worship on Sunday.
How does God's revelation come to us today?Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition have equal authority and comprise one finished deposit of faith.Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible.
How many books are in the Bible?There are 73 canonical books of the Bible: 39 protocanonical books, 7 deuterocanonical books, and 27 New Testament books.There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.
Was the Bible written inerrantly?No, the Bible was written inerrantly on matters of salvation but may contain errors in other matters.No, the Bible is not inerrant in any respect.[14]
Who can speak with God's authority today?The Pope speaks infallibly with God's authority when speaking ex cathedra.[15][16]
How was the earth created?The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.Generally that the earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.[17]
What is marriage?Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[18]Varies widely[19][20][21][22]
Is sex permissible outside marriage?No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.Varies widely[19][20][21][22]
When is divorce permissible?Divorce is never permissible.Varies widely[23][24]
May a Christian remarry while his former spouse is still alive?Divorce is never permissible.Varies widely[23][24]
When does a fetus become human?Humanity begins at conception.[25]No established doctrine[26][27]
Is contraception permissible?No, contraceptives are not permissible.[28]Yes, contraceptives are permissible.
Are blood transfusions permissible?Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.
Should women cover their heads?No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes.[29]No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes.[30]
Should Christians drink alcohol?Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[31]Most believe that yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[32][33]
Should Christians fight in wars?Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[34][35]Most believe that no, Christians should never fight.[36][37]
Whom does the Holy Spirit come from?The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[38]The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[39]
Who can be demon-possessed?Demons can possess anyone.[40]
Do icons glorify God?Yes, icons are holy and should be venerated.
Where does a Christian's soul go after death?Some Christians first go to purgatory to be purified when they die.[8]No established doctrine[41]