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I have never heard of anyone differentiating between "Catholic" and "Christian". This must be an American thing.
One could look at it several ways, but basically the differences between Catholics (usually meaning Roman Catholics) and Protestants (usually meaning those that do not recognize the Pontificate) is one of doctrine and interpretration. Another way of putting it would be that they are all different sects within the one religion.
It is analogous to the differences between the Sunni and Shi'te muslim "sects". They are both Islam, but have differences in opinions with regards to particular dogmatic issues. And then you have the smaller sects like Wahibists.
Indeed, I believe the Jewish faith has several sects or branches too, all the way from lapsed or "everyday" Jews to hardline haredi ultra-orthodox Jews.
Why is this an issue? Every faith has sects and Christianity is no different.
Mr Mephisto
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