Engaging in Conversation with Catholic Friends and Family
I live in an area steeped in cultural Catholicism, particularly in Hispanic culture. One of the more challenging aspects of evangelism for believers in my area is engaging with an individual who already believes they are a Christian. Often, the conversation is shut down before it even really begins.
"I go to mass."
"I was baptized."
"I'm Catholic."
Pushing past these roadblocks can be quite a task. Once the conversation does get rolling, added complexity arises because of confusion over terminology. For example, saying "Jesus saves me" means one thing to me and something different to Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Catholics, and theologically liberal denominations (PCUSA, UCC, TEC, Disciples of Christ, Unitarian, etc.)—each example, of course, disagreeing with the others.
In a recent Sunday School series our church has been going through (Q/A), the question was asked, "How do we talk about Christianity vs Catholicism to friends and family? Especially when they say they are Christians?" The following are a few helpful points of consideration, though not exhaustive. If you hope to have a profitable conversation that leaves doors open for future engagement, it's essential to approach the individual with patience and biblical truth. Many Catholics consider themselves Christian; therefore, how you frame the discussion matters.
1. Start with Common Ground
Before discussing differences, it can be helpful to acknowledge similarities between biblical Christianity and Catholicism. There may be more than you think:
The Divinity of Christ
The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
The Bible is God's Word.
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
The need for faith in Christ.
Common ground helps keep the conversation focused and respectful. Ultimately, you seek to speak the truth rather than personally attack the other person.
2. Questions Are Helpful
Instead of being combative ("Catholicism is wrong, and you are stupid for believing this or that"), ask gentle questions that stimulate thinking and dialogue:
"What do you believe saves a person—faith in Jesus alone or faith plus works?"
"If we can pray to Mary and the saints, why did Jesus teach us to pray directly to the Father?" (Matthew 6:9-13)
The Bible consistently portrays prayer as directed to God alone (Psalm 65:2, Matthew 6:6, Philippians 4:6)
"If asking a saint to pray for you is like asking a friend to pray for you, why does Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 indicate that the dead have no part in things done 'under the sun' (among the living)?"
"If the Bible is God's Word, should church traditions ever contradict it?"
Asking good questions invites discussion rather than debate. It also helps you understand what the person believes instead of what you think they believe.
3. Key Differences Between Biblical Christianity & Catholicism
Here are some areas where Catholic doctrine differs from the Bible:
Topic Biblical Christianity Catholicism
Authority Bible alone (Sola Scriptura) Bible + Tradition + Papal Authority
(2 Tim3:16-17)
Salvation By grace through faith alone Faith + Sacraments + Works (Council
of Trent – see below) (Eph 2:8-9)
Mediators Jesus is the only mediator Mary & Saints as intercessors
(1 Timothy 2:5)
Justification Instant at salvation A process with purgatory
(Rom 5:1, Heb 10:14)
Confession Direct to God (1 John 1:9) Through a priest
Prayer Only to God (Matthew 6:6) Includes prayers to Mary & Saints
The Pope No earthly head of the Church Pope as “Vicar of Christ”
(Colossians 1:18)
These differences matter because they affect how a person understands salvation and their relationship with God.
4. Point Them to Scripture
You may find it more profitable to focus on the Bible rather than debating church history or tradition. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten into the weeds talking about the Reformation when I intended to talk to them about their relationship with Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – We are saved by grace through faith, not by works.
John 14:6 – Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father.
1 Timothy 2:5 – There is ONE mediator between God and men—Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:8 – Do not be taken captive by human traditions over Christ.
5. Be Patient & Pray for Them
Because Catholicism is often tied to cultural identity, change usually takes time and the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead of pressuring them, love them, pray for them, and let Scripture do the convicting.
If they resist, don't argue—keep planting seeds.
If they are open to the idea, offer to study the Bible together.
If they rely heavily on church teachings, challenge them to compare them with Scripture.
You do not have to have an immediate answer to every question, and neither do they. Don't be afraid to study and revisit topics.
Conclusion
Even the phrase "Christianity vs. Catholicism" seems to indicate that the goal is to "win" an argument. Our goal is not simply to "win" but to point lost people to biblical truth and salvation in Christ alone. Be kind, ask thought-provoking questions, and let God's Word speak for itself.
Below is a Summary of the Council of Trent. This Council was held 1545-1563 in response to the Protestant Reformation. Its goal was to clarify doctrine, establish reform within church practice and counter several protestant teachings. I have included it as an additional help in order to show some significant differences.
Key Points of the Council of Trent
1. Authority of Scripture & Tradition
Rejected "Sola Scriptura" (Bible alone).
Declared that Church tradition and the Bible were equal authorities in matters of faith.
2. Salvation: Faith + Works
Rejected "Sola Fide" (justification by faith alone).
2. Declared that salvation comes through faith AND works (including sacraments).
3. The Seven Sacraments
Reaffirmed baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, penance, marriage, holy orders, and last rites.
Declared that sacraments are necessary for salvation.
4. The Mass & Transubstantiation
Confirmed transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine in communion become the actual body and blood of Christ).
5. Purgatory, Indulgences, and Prayers to Saints
Reaffirmed purgatory (Council of Florence 1439) and the efficacy of prayers for the dead.
Indulgences were affirmed but abuses were condemned.
Praying to saints and Mary was upheld as valid.
6. Reform of Church Discipline
Addressed corrupt practices (such as simony and absentee bishops).
Required better training for priests (leading to the establishment of seminaries).
7. The Pope's Authority
Strengthened papal authority over the church.
Declared the Catholic Church as the only true church.