What is the difference between Catholic and Baptist beliefs?

Catholics and Baptists both confess Jesus Christ as Lord, uphold the Trinity, value Scripture, and call people to conversion. Their deepest differences concern how Christ established His Church and how His grace reaches us through the sacraments.

Authority and the Church. Baptists generally hold that Scripture alone is the final rule of Christian doctrine, with each local congregation governing itself. Catholics receive Scripture and Sacred Tradition as one deposit of faith entrusted to the apostles and authoritatively interpreted by the Church's Magisterium (CCC 80-83, 85-87). Catholics believe Christ founded a visible, universal Church upon the apostles, with Peter holding a unique pastoral office continued by the pope (Mt 16:18-19; CCC 880-882). Baptist congregations have no single worldwide teaching authority, so beliefs can vary among Baptist groups.

Baptism and salvation. Baptists ordinarily baptize only those old enough to make a personal profession of faith, usually by full immersion. They commonly regard Baptism as an ordinance that publicly testifies to salvation already received. Catholics baptize infants as well as adults because Baptism truly gives new birth, forgives sin, and incorporates a person into Christ (Jn 3:5; Acts 2:38-39; CCC 1213, 1250). Catholics agree that salvation is entirely initiated by God's grace. Justification is received through faith and Baptism, and living faith must work through love (Gal 5:6; CCC 1987-1995). Good works do not earn God's initial grace, but grace enables real obedience and growth in holiness.

The Eucharist and other sacraments. Most Baptists understand the Lord's Supper primarily as a memorial and symbolic act. Catholics believe that bread and wine become Christ's Body and Blood while retaining their appearances. Jesus is truly, really, and substantially present (Jn 6:53-56; 1 Cor 11:27-29; CCC 1374, 1413). Catholics recognize seven sacraments instituted by Christ, including Confession, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1113). Baptists generally recognize Baptism and the Lord's Supper as two ordinances.

Worship and Christian life. Baptist worship normally centers on preaching, congregational singing, prayer, and Scripture. Catholic worship reaches its summit in the Mass, where Christ's one sacrifice is made sacramentally present and the faithful receive Him in Holy Communion (CCC 1324, 1367). Catholics also ask Mary and the saints to pray for them, while Baptists generally reject this practice. Catholics worship God alone and honor the saints as members of Christ's living body (CCC 956, 971).

If you are comparing the two, attend both a Baptist service and a Catholic Mass, then examine the biblical claims about the Church, Baptism, and the Eucharist. Ask which understanding best matches Christ's words and the practice of the earliest Christians.