Bible Question:

What is the difference between a Catholic and a Jew? How can I know about other religions?

Bible Answer:

What is the difference between a Catholic and a Jew? That depends upon one’s definition of a Jew. It is important to understand that the term Jews refers to a race of people who are descendants of Jacob, who was later named Israel. The term Jew is an alternate form of the name Judah. Unfortunately, many people confuse the race of Jews with the religion called Judaism.

So, one possible explanation of the difference between a Catholic and a Jew is that a Catholic is any person who is a follower of the Roman Catholic religion, but a Jew is a descendant of Judah by race. The second possible explanation is that a Catholic is any person who is a follower of the Roman Catholic religion, but a follower of Judaism is anyone who follows the Jewish religion that began with Abraham, a non-Jew. It is this definition that is explained in this article.

The primary difference between Roman Catholics and the followers of Judaism is that Roman Catholics believe that Jesus was God in human flesh. He was and is the Messiah who died to forgive our sins so that we can live with God eternally. But the followers of Judaism believe that Jesus was only a man, who was not the promised Messiah. There are many secondary differences. We will cover only a few of these secondary differences. Protestantism will be included in the comparison.

The Sacred Books

Protestants, Catholics, and Jews believe the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) or the Old Testament is the Word of God, but the followers of Judaism reject the New Testament. In addition to the Old and New Testaments, Catholics accept a subset of books called the Deuterocanon, a subset of the Apocryphal books, as written by God. Neither the Jews nor the Protestants accept the Deuterocanon as inspired. In addition to the Old Testament or Torah, the followers of Judaism follow the Mishnah. Roman Catholics also accept “ex cathedra” statements by the Roman Catholic pope as sacred and inspired. But Protestant Christians regard only the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible as sacred Scriptures. They do not follow any other books as scared or inspired.

Concept of Salvation

The followers of the Roman Catholic religion believe that God will review our good and bad deeds after death and then determine who will go into heaven. That is, they believe a person must work to gain favor with God in order to earn eternal life. The followers of Judaism also believe a person earn eternal life by doing certain good deeds such as circumcision, reading the Torah, keeping the Mosaic feasts, and observing certain rules from the Mishnah. But Christ and the apostles taught that we are saved only by faith in Jesus Christ. For an explanation, please read “Is salvation by grace through faith alone?” Therefore, Catholics teach that faith plus works, baptism, penance etc. are essential to earning salvation.

Both Catholics and the followers of Judaism believe that one’s moral life here on earth will determine the degree of punishment one will experience in the afterlife. However, Protestants believe that a person goes either to heaven or to hell which is the lake of fire. One’s future destiny is determined by what one believes about Jesus. A person cannot earn eternal life by doing good works.

Central Issue Is Jesus Christ

We have already said that the central issue between Catholicism and Judaism is what they believe about Jesus Christ. That is also true of Protestantism. It is important to realize that the Old Testament contains many prophecies about Jesus Christ or the Messiah. One prophecy foretells that Christ would die. on April 1, A.D. 33. That is the date on which Christ was crucified on the cross for the sins of every person so that our sins can be forgiven. A detailed discussion of the prophecy is given in Daniel. Ancient historical documents written by secular historians reveal that Jesus existed and they report many amazing things that He did. When we realize that prophecy and history both speak of the existence and miracles that Jesus performed, then we should listen to Him. The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written so that we can know about Jesus Christ. Both Roman Catholics and Protestants accept these books, but the followers of Judaism reject them.

To Learn More

Now let’s consider some additional information and a few books that you may want to read for greater understanding. The first book is titled, The Roman Catholic Controversy and the author is James R. White. It discusses the differences between Protestants and Catholics.

Another book is the Bible. You are encouraged to read the entire Bible, especially the gospel of John.

The study series called Solid Roots is a discipleship series that will provide an overview of what the Bible teaches. There are many past Q&A about the Roman Catholic Church, Protestants, and Judaism that will be helpful. This website teaches what the Bible teaches.

Conclusion:

May God’s Holy Spirit speak to you as you search for Him. We will be praying for you.

Suggested Links:

Was Noah a Jew? If not, where did he come from?
Who is a Jew according to the Bible?
Why is it that our clergy persist in calling Abraham and Jesus Jews?
What is the Tanakh and Talmud?
How is the Jewish Bible or Tanakh different from the Bible?
What are the additional books of the Bible in the Catholic religion?
Is the Roman Catholic Church the pillar and defender of the truth?
Is salvation by grace through faith alone?
What is the Lake of Fire in Revelation 20:10-15?
Solid Roots