Catholic vs. Jehovah’s Witness: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 27, 2024
Catholicism is a Christian denomination with a Pope and mass rituals, while Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian group focusing on Bible study and door-to-door evangelism.
Key Differences
Catholics acknowledge the Pope as their highest religious authority, believing in the Trinity and celebrating sacraments like the Eucharist. Jehovah's Witnesses, however, recognize no earthly religious authority like the Pope and have unique beliefs about the nature of Jesus and God, rejecting the Trinity.
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Feb 27, 2024
Catholic doctrine is based on the Bible, church tradition, and papal authority. They believe in the immortality of the soul and hell. Jehovah's Witnesses rely solely on their interpretation of the Bible, deny the immortality of the soul, and do not believe in hell.
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Feb 27, 2024
In Catholicism, saints are venerated, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a special place. Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand, do not venerate saints or Mary, focusing only on Jehovah, their name for God.
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Feb 27, 2024
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of art, music, and literature, and its architecture is renowned worldwide. Jehovah's Witnesses avoid such embellishments in their places of worship, focusing on simplicity.
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Feb 27, 2024
Catholics participate in traditional rituals like confession and the Holy Communion. Jehovah's Witnesses, however, have distinct practices like memorializing Christ's death annually and rejecting blood transfusions on religious grounds.
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Feb 27, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Salvation
Through faith, good works, sacraments
Faith in Jesus and preaching activities
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Feb 27, 2024
Afterlife
Believe in heaven and hell
Earthly paradise for faithful after Armageddon
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Rituals and Practices
Mass, sacraments, veneration of saints
Annual memorial of Christ’s death, no rituals like mass
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Catholic and Jehovah's Witness Definitions
Catholic
Universal
The Catholic Church aims to be universal, reaching all corners of the world.
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Jehovah's Witness
Evangelical Duty
A Jehovah’s Witness is often seen engaging in door-to-door preaching.
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Catholic
Diverse Liturgy
Catholic masses vary in style from traditional Latin to contemporary services.
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Jehovah's Witness
Non-Trinitarian
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their non-Trinitarian belief system.
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Jan 17, 2024
Catholic
Hierarchical Structure
The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure includes priests, bishops, and the Pope.
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Jehovah's Witness
Biblically Focused
Jehovah’s Witnesses prioritize Bible study in their religious practices.
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Catholic
Historically Rich
The Catholic Church has a history spanning over two millennia.
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Jehovah's Witness
Apocalyptic
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold strong beliefs about an impending Armageddon.
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Catholic
Sacramental
Catholics receive baptism as a foundational sacrament of faith.
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Jan 17, 2024
Jehovah's Witness
Community-Centric
The Jehovah’s Witness community is tightly-knit, often gathering for Bible studies.
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Jan 17, 2024
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).
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Jan 15, 2024
Catholic
Including or concerning all humankind; universal
"what was of catholic rather than national interest" (J.A. Froude).
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Catholic
Of or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
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Catholic
Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war.
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Catholic
Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
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Catholic
Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act.
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Catholic
A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
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Catholic
Free from provincial prejudices or attachments;
Catholic in one's tastes
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do both view Jesus Christ?
Son of God, divine. Jehovah’s Witness: Son of God, not divine.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is the stance on the afterlife?
Heaven and hell. Jehovah’s Witness: Earthly paradise post-Armageddon.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is the highest authority in Catholicism?
Pope. Jehovah’s Witness: No earthly authority.
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Feb 27, 2024
Are there any unique practices?
Sacraments like Eucharist. Jehovah’s Witness: Door-to-door evangelism.
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Feb 27, 2024
How do both denominations view the Bible?
Alongside tradition and papal authority. Jehovah’s Witness: Sole authority.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is the view on salvation?
Through faith and works. Jehovah’s Witness: Through faith and preaching.
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Feb 27, 2024
Do they celebrate religious holidays?
Yes, like Christmas and Easter. Jehovah’s Witness: No, they do not celebrate most holidays.
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Are there dietary restrictions or practices?
Fasting during Lent. Jehovah’s Witness: No blood transfusions.
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Feb 27, 2024
Do Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Trinity?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witness: No.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is their stance on medical treatments?
Generally permissible. Jehovah’s Witness: No blood transfusions.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is the approach to worship?
Liturgical, with mass. Jehovah’s Witness: Meetings focused on Bible study.
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Feb 27, 2024
How is community life different?
Diverse community practices. Jehovah’s Witness: Close-knit, with emphasis on congregation.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is the role of women in the church?
Cannot be priests. Jehovah’s Witness: Cannot hold positions of authority.
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Feb 27, 2024
How do they view secular society?
Engagement with society. Jehovah’s Witness: Separation from secular society.
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Feb 27, 2024
What is their history and origin?
Dates back to Jesus’ apostles. Jehovah’s Witness: Founded in the late 19th century.
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Feb 27, 2024
How do they approach education?
Many run educational institutions. Jehovah’s Witness: Emphasize religious education.
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Are there specific dress codes?
Varies by culture. Jehovah’s Witness: Modest and conservative.
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Feb 27, 2024
Do they use religious symbols?
Cross, saints' images. Jehovah’s Witness: Minimal use of symbols.
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Feb 27, 2024
How do they view the concept of hell?
A place of punishment. Jehovah’s Witness: Non-existent.
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Feb 27, 2024
How do they view other religions?
Ecumenical approach. Jehovah’s Witness: Believe their faith is the true path.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 27, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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