Presbyterian vs. Catholic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Presbyterian and Catholic are both Christian denominations, but they differ in theology, governance, and liturgy. While Presbyterians have a decentralized, representative governance model, Catholics follow a hierarchical structure with the Pope at the top
Difference Between Presbyterian and Catholic
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Key Differences
Presbyterian and Catholic are both branches of Christianity, but they diverge notably in areas like governance, tradition, and certain theological beliefs. Presbyterianism features a system of church governance that is generally democratic and representative, usually overseen by elected elders. In contrast, Catholicism is centralized and hierarchical, governed by the Pope and a series of bishops and cardinals.
Presbyterians place a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the authority of the Bible. They generally follow Reformed theology, which was influenced by theologians like John Calvin. Catholics, on the other hand, regard both the Bible and church tradition, including papal authority, as equally authoritative.
Presbyterian worship services often have a simpler, more austere quality, focusing on preaching and community participation. Catholic worship is typically more liturgical and sacramental, featuring rituals like the Mass and the use of religious artifacts.
Presbyterians commonly practice two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. In contrast, Catholicism recognizes seven sacraments, including Confirmation, Penance, and the Eucharist, among others.
Finally, the relationship between church and state can differ between these two denominations. Presbyterians often emphasize the separation of church and state, while the Catholic Church has a history of being more intertwined with governmental structures.
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Comparison Chart
Governance
Decentralized, representative
Centralized, hierarchical
Theology
Reformed theology
Based on Tradition and Scripture
Worship Style
Simpler, focused on preaching
Liturgical and sacramental
Sacraments
Two (Baptism, Lord's Supper)
Seven
Church-State
Emphasizes separation
Historically more intertwined
Compare with Definitions
Presbyterian
Presbyterian emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the authority of the Bible.
In the Presbyterian faith, the Bible is the ultimate source of truth.
Catholic
Catholicism recognizes both the Bible and church tradition as authoritative.
Catholics consider papal encyclicals as part of their doctrine.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian often advocates for the separation of church and state.
The Presbyterian stance on church and state tends to favor separation.
Catholic
Catholic worship is liturgical and includes the Mass.
The Catholic Mass features the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian refers to a Christian denomination with a representative form of church governance.
The Presbyterian Church elects elders to make decisions.
Catholic
Catholicism has seven sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
The Catholic Church offers the sacrament of Penance for forgiveness.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian services usually focus on preaching and are less ritualistic.
The Presbyterian service was simple but meaningful.
Catholic
Catholic Church has historically been intertwined with state affairs.
The Catholic Church had a strong influence in medieval European politics.
Presbyterian
Presbyterianism commonly practices two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
The Presbyterian Church held a baptism last Sunday.
Catholic
Of the Roman Catholic faith.
Presbyterian
Of or relating to ecclesiastical government by presbyters.
Catholic
A member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian Of or relating to a Presbyterian Church.
Catholic
Of broad or liberal scope; comprehensive
"The 100-odd pages of formulas and constants are surely the most catholic to be found" (Scientific American).
Presbyterian
A member or an adherent of a Presbyterian Church.
Catholic
Including or concerning all humankind; universal
"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).
Presbyterian
Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
Catholic
Of or involving the Roman Catholic Church.
Presbyterian
Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
Catholic
Of or relating to the universal Christian church.
Presbyterian
One who maintains the validity of ordination and government by presbyters; a member of the Presbyterian church.
Catholic
Of or relating to the ancient undivided Christian church.
Presbyterian
A follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church
Catholic
Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.
Catholic
Universal; all-encompassing.
Catholic
Alternative case form of Catholic.
Catholic
(obsolete) Common or prevalent; especially universally prevalent.
Catholic
Embracing all.
Catholic
Universally applicable.
Catholic
Of universal human interest or use.
Catholic
(slang) Permissive of unprotected sex.
Catholic
Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.
Catholic
Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
Catholic
Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.
Catholic
A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
Catholic
An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic.
Catholic
A member of a Catholic church
Catholic
Of or relating to or supporting Catholicism;
The Catholic Church
Catholic
Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;
Catholic in one's tastes
Catholic
Catholic refers to the Roman Catholic Church, governed by the Pope.
The Catholic Church is headquartered in Vatican City.
Common Curiosities
Is Presbyterian a Christian denomination?
Yes, Presbyterian is a Christian denomination with a decentralized form of governance.
Is Catholic also a Christian denomination?
Yes, Catholic refers to the Roman Catholic Church, a Christian denomination with centralized governance.
Do Presbyterians have a Pope?
No, Presbyterians do not have a central figure like the Pope in Catholicism.
What is the focus of Catholic worship?
Catholic worship is more liturgical and focuses on sacraments like the Mass.
Do Catholics also regard the Bible as important?
Yes, but Catholics also give equal weight to church tradition and papal authority.
Is the Bible important in Presbyterian theology?
Yes, the Bible holds significant authority in Presbyterian theology.
How many sacraments do Catholics observe?
Catholics recognize seven sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
How many sacraments do Presbyterians observe?
Presbyterians typically observe two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Do Catholics and Presbyterians read the same Bible?
They both read the Bible, but the Catholic Bible includes additional books known as the Deuterocanonicals.
Do Presbyterians have a central church authority?
No, Presbyterian governance is generally decentralized.
What is the focus of Presbyterian worship?
Presbyterian worship often focuses on preaching and community participation.
Is Catholicism older than Presbyterianism?
Yes, the Catholic Church was established before the Reformation, which led to Presbyterianism.
Do Presbyterians and Catholics both believe in Jesus Christ?
Yes, both believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.
Are Presbyterians and Catholics considered Protestant?
Presbyterians are considered Protestant, while Catholics are not.
Are there different branches within Presbyterianism?
Yes, there are various Presbyterian denominations and branches.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
