Rachel Evans
There is no single word that encompasses all non-Catholic people. The term non-Catholic is used to describe anyone who does not follow Catholicism, including people of other religions and atheists. While the term Protestant is sometimes used to describe non-Catholics, this term specifically refers to Christians who are not Catholic or Orthodox and has many denominations with distinct beliefs and practices, such as Lutherans, Baptists, and Mormons. Some people who are neither Catholic nor Protestant may identify as Orthodox Christians, but this term can be ambiguous as it may or may not include Catholics depending on the context. Ultimately, there is no single word that captures the diverse range of beliefs and identities among non-Catholics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A person who is not a Catholic |
| Used in a sentence | "Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example." |
| Synonyms | Non-Catholic Christians, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Reformed |
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What You'll Learn
Non-Catholic Christians
The term "non-Catholic Christians" refers to Christian denominations that are distinct from the Catholic Church. While the term “Catholic” is often used casually to refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church, it technically includes a broader range of churches, such as Orthodox churches and other tradition-based churches.
The term "Protestant" is sometimes used to describe non-Catholic Christians, particularly in an academic context. However, the label "Protestant" is not universally accepted or applicable to all non-Catholic groups. The Protestant Reformation gave rise to a wide array of faith traditions, and the term "Protestant" is generally associated with churches whose beliefs are rooted in the arguments of that historical movement.
Some non-Catholic Christian denominations, such as Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and certain African Gnostic traditions, have developed beliefs and practices that are distinct from the arguments of the Protestant Reformation. As such, they are considered a separate category from Protestants, even though they are neither Catholic nor Orthodox. These groups may be referred to as "restorationist" or fall under other theological classifications.
It is important to recognize that the religious landscape is incredibly diverse, and labels or categories may not always capture the complexity of an individual's or a group's beliefs and practices. While terms like "non-Catholic Christians" can provide a broad framework for understanding religious identities, they should not be relied upon as definitive or all-encompassing descriptions.
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Protestants
As of 2025, there are nearly 1.2 billion Protestants worldwide, including over 628 million traditional Protestants, 409 million Christian independents, and around 151 million unaffiliated Christians. Protestantism has influenced the social, economic, political, and cultural life of many areas where it gained a foothold, and it has had a significant impact on the development of Western civilization.
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Orthodox Christians
Eastern Orthodox Christianity, also known as Eastern Orthodoxy or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Chalcedonian Christianity, alongside Catholicism and Protestantism. The Eastern Orthodox Church is defined as the Eastern Christians that recognize the seven ecumenical councils and are usually in communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Antioch, and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The church has no central authority figure like the Pope in the Catholic Church, but the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is recognized as "first among equals".
Eastern Orthodox theology is based on the Scriptures and holy tradition, incorporating the dogmatic decrees of the seven ecumenical councils and the teachings of the Church Fathers. The church teaches that it is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church established by Jesus Christ, and that its bishops are the successors of Christ's apostles. It maintains that it practices the original Christian faith, as passed down by holy tradition. The Eastern Orthodox Church claims that it is the continuation and preservation of the early church, a claim also made by several other Christian churches, including the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in a monotheistic conception of God, who is both transcendent and immanent. They understand the Trinity as "one God in three persons," with each person fully sharing in the divine essence. They reject the Filioque clause ("and the Son") added to the Nicene Creed by the Latin Church, holding that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. Eastern Orthodox Christians also reject the Augustinian position on original sin, arguing that while humans are "inclined to sin," they are not inherently evil or guilty of the original sin of their ancestors, Adam and Eve.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is the primary religious confession in several countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria. Eastern Orthodox Christians are also one of the main religious groups in countries such as Albania, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The spread of Eastern Orthodoxy began in the eastern Mediterranean Basin within Byzantine Greek culture, and its communities share similar teachings and offices, considering themselves as parts of one Church. An increasing number of people from various backgrounds are becoming interested in the Orthodox Church, attracted by its ancient faith, rich traditions, and mystical vision of God and His Kingdom.
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Jehovah's Witnesses
One of the main points of contention between Jehovah's Witnesses and other Christian denominations, including Catholics, is the rejection of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses identify Christ with Michael the Archangel and believe that Christ is the greatest angel. They also reject other Christian beliefs and practices, such as the celebration of Christmas, Easter, and other religious holidays, as well as the use of religious pictures and statues.
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Non-denominational Christians
The term "non-denominational" means "not denominational" and is distinct from the well-known, historical denominations of Christianity. These churches are often established by individual pastors or communities seeking to practice a unique approach to traditional Christian worship. They may also be founded to perform a particular social benefit as an independent Christian organization. Non-denominational Christians typically regard the Bible as their authority rather than the customs of a specific church. This allows for more adaptability in an individual's worship or outlook. For example, some historic denominations have become involved in social matters that favor a particular political bias. In contrast, non-denominational Christians often seek out churches that avoid politics while remaining engaged with social issues.
Non-denominational Christianity first arose in the 18th century through the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, with followers referring to themselves simply as "Christians" or "Disciples of Christ". Some non-denominational churches are associated with movements such as evangelicalism or Charismatic Christianity. Congregations in this tradition often refer to themselves as Churches of Christ or Christian churches. Certain independent non-denominational churches may use the name "Independent Christian Church" to differentiate themselves from other Christian churches.
In 2010, non-denominational churches collectively represented the third-largest Christian grouping in the United States, after the Roman Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention. Political scientist Ryan Burge has noted that non-denominational Christians are similar to Southern Baptists but tend to be younger, more racially diverse, and hold more moderate theological positions on the Bible.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single word that encompasses all non-Catholics. However, in the context of Christianity, non-Catholics are often referred to as "Protestants", although this term has a wide range of denominations and traditions within it.
Yes, "Orthodox Christian" is another term that is used to refer to non-Catholics. However, it is important to note that the term "Orthodox" can have different connotations and may not always exclude Catholics.
In a broader sense, non-Catholics can simply be referred to as "non-Catholic" or by their specific religious affiliation, such as "Lutheran", "Baptist", or "Mormon".
Non-Catholics can include a wide range of religious groups, such as Christians who are not Catholic or Orthodox, as well as people of other faiths such as Hinduism, Islam, or other non-Christian religions.
