Catholic - Protestant comparison chart

The chart below provides a quick-reference guide to the major differences between Catholic and Protestant theology, especially at the time of the Reformation. As is always true with charts and other summaries, the information is oversimplified for the sake of brevity and should be used alongside more complete explanations.
The Protestant positions listed here are based primarily on the historical Lutheran and Reformed perspectives. The beliefs listed for both Catholics and Protestants by no means represent those of all churches or individuals within that tradition.

Authority Scripture and tradition Sola Scriptura - Catholic - Scripture alone - Protestant

Sola Scriptura -the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness.

Bible Includes apocrypha - Cath.- Excludes apocrypha – Prot.

The term apocrypha is used with various meanings, including "hidden", "esoteric", "spurious", "of questionable authenticity"

Results of Fall Corruption and tendency to sin - Cath. - Total depravity and guilt-Prot.

Free will Free to do good or evil - Cath. - Free only to do evil – Prot.

Predestination Related to God's foreknowledge – Cath. Related to God's decrees – Prot.

Atonement Death of Christ created merit that is shared with sinners through sacraments – Cath. Death of Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied God's justice – Prot.

Divine grace Prevenient grace (no human decision involved) helps one believe; efficacious grace cooperates with the human will to do good – Cath.

Common grace enabling good works given to all; sufficient grace for salvation given to elect only - Prot.

Good works Meritorious – Cath. Results of divine grace and unworthy of merit - Prot.

Salvation Received at baptism; may be lost by mortal sin; regained by penance. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved. (Catech 847) – Cath.

Result of divine grace; unconditional. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved Prot.

The Church The Catholic Church is "the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation" (Catech 845) but those baptized in other Christian denominations are in communion with the Church (Catech 838) - Cath.  

 There is a distinction between the visible and invisible church. God saves anyone he chooses, or anyone with proper faith, regardless of church membership - Prot.

Sacraments Convey grace by their operation – Cath.

Means of grace only if received with faith - Prot.

Priests A special vocation for some believers; mediators between God and man - Priesthood of all believers - Cath.

Transubstantiation Affirmed – Cath. Rejected – Prot.

Purgatory Affirmed – Cath. Denied – Prot.

Prayer to saints Accepted - Cath. Rejected – Prot.