Denomination Differences

Catholic vs. Quaker Beliefs

CatholicQuaker
a.k.a.Friend
Number of Members1,360,000,000[1]400,000
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.[2][3]Varies widely
Who gets saved?Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.No established doctrine
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.Baptism not practiced.
How should baptism be done?Baptism should be by pouring water on the head.Baptism not practiced.
When does one receive the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is received at baptism.There is "that of God in everyone".
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.[4]There is "that of God in everyone", making humans inherently good.
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.[5]No established doctrine
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".Christian perfection is possible and a major goal of Quakers.
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.Communion not practiced.
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.[6]Perfection must take place during life, not after death.[7]
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.Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.
What are the requirements for clergy?Priests must be unmarried men over 25 ordained by bishops.
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.[8]The church does not have any ordinances more sacred than any other practice.[9]
To whom do Christians need to confess their sins?Mortal sins must be privately confessed to a priest at least annually.[10][11]Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.
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.Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.
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.Varies widely[12]
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.Varies widely[13]
Who can speak with God's authority today?The Pope speaks infallibly with God's authority when speaking ex cathedra.[14][15]
How was the earth created?The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.
What is marriage?Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[16]Varies widely
Is sex permissible outside marriage?No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.Varies widely
When is divorce permissible?Divorce is never permissible.
May a Christian remarry while his former spouse is still alive?Divorce is never permissible.
When does a fetus become human?Humanity begins at conception.[17]Most believe humanity begins sometime between conception and birth.[18]
Is contraception permissible?No, contraceptives are not permissible.[19]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.[20]
Should Christians drink alcohol?Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[21]No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[22][23]
Should Christians fight in wars?Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[24][25]No, Christians should never fight.[26][27]
Whom does the Holy Spirit come from?The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[28]
Who can be demon-possessed?Demons can possess anyone.[29]
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.[6]No established doctrine