It is a vast difference, to big to enter in discussion. Although they both are Christian Faith, Non-Denominational churches are mostly of the Protestant stream. I can’t sense from your question the reasoning you want to know, but If you are seeking, the best thing is to do is pray to God for direction, then go visit both of them for while, and see which one “feeds” you spiritually, and which allows your gifting to be used. Good luck…

Well I might start dating this girl. She is nodenominational and I while not truely catholic do believe some of the spiritual side. I was trying to get a grasp on what the general beliefs are and the major difference between those and the catholic ones

There are many major differences... The MAJOR and MOST IMPORTANT thing for you both is from the start and if you two get serious, HOW WILL YOUR CHILDREN BE BROUGHT UP. Read Proverbs......

1) Both reject Denominationalism, for different reasons: - for the Roman Catholic Church, there is only one exclusive "Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church", so everyone outside this church are heretics. There is only one thinkable authority. This is also the view of The Anglican Communion, The Church of Christ and The Eastern Orthodox churches. - the non-denominational Christians reject any kind of established, denominational authority, and they are politically and theologically independent. 2) non-denominational Christian: "In Christianity, the term non-denominational refers to those churches that have not formally aligned themselves with an established denomination, or remain otherwise officially autonomous. This, however, does not preclude an identifiable standard among such congregations. Non-denominational congregations may establish a functional denomination by means of mutual recognition of or accountability to other congregations and leaders with commonly held doctrine, policy and worship without formalizing external direction or oversight in such matters. Some non-denominational churches explicitly reject the idea of a formalized denominational structure as a matter of principle, holding that each congregation must be autonomous. Non-denominational is generally used to refer to one of two forms of independence: political or theological. That is, the independence may come about because of a religious disagreement or political disagreement. This causes some confusion in understanding. Some churches say they are non-denominational because they have no central headquarters (though they may have affiliation with other congregations.) Other churches say they are non-denominational because their belief structure is relatively unique. Members of non-denominational churches often consider themselves simply "Christians", yet the acceptance of any particular stance on a doctrine or practice (for example, on baptism) about which there is not general unanimity among churches or professing Christians, establishes a de facto credal identity. In essence, it can be said that each non-denominational church forms its own unofficial "denomination" with a specific set of tenets as defined by the beliefs and practices of their own congregation." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-denominational 3) "Denominationalism is the division of a religion into separate religious denominations. The term is particularly used in reference to the various Protestant schools of thought. Some such denominations are: The Adventists The Anabaptists The Baptists The Congregationalists The Lutherans The Methodists The Pentecostals The Presbyterians The Reformed Some denomination-like groups do not view themselves as such, as they consider themselves more a "communion" than a denomination. Examples include: The Anglican Communion The Church of Christ The Eastern Orthodox churches The Roman Catholic Church Many Christians view denominationalism as a regrettable fact. The current trend as of 2005 is that the divisions are becoming less sharp, and there is an increasing cooperation between denominations. (See denomination for a distinction between denomination and association in religious governance.) For an American example, despite historically deep differences in their respective theologies, few lay members of the United Methodist Church and the United Presbyterian Church could give an account of what those differences are. It is likely that laypeople from one denomination who attended a worship service of the other would find themselves in a mostly familiar environment. A far deeper divide, one that encompasses theological, cultural, and language differences, divides the neo-evangelical members of the Confessing Church movement in either denomination from the adherents of liberal Christianity. This division, though, exists in both denominations; and it is likely that members on either side of the inter-denominational line would have more in common with their counterparts in the other than they do with those on the other side of that line within the same denomination. Theological denominationalism ultimately denies reality to any apparent doctrinal differences among the "denominations", reducing all differences to mere matters de nomina--"of names". A denomination in this sense is created when part of a church no longer feel they can accept the leadership of that church as a spiritual leadership due to a different view of doctrine or what they see as immoral behaviour, but the schism does not in any way reflect either group leaving the Church as a theoretical whole. This particular doctrine is, of course, unacceptable to those Christian groups that see themselves as being the "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church" as a whole. This includes the Eastern Orthodox, the Roman Catholics, the Oriental Orthodox Communion, and the Anglican Communion each of which claims to be the exclusive "Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church". In these denominations, it is not possible to have a separation over doctrinal or leadership issues, and any such attempts automatically are a type of schism." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denominationalism 4) "While all non-denominational churches will differ to some degree, there are a number of aspects that are common to almost all of them. Because they do not look to any human organization for doctrine, non-denominational churches generally claim the basic tenet of sola scriptura, that the Bible alone is the source of doctrinal authority. From this, a number of similar doctrinal points can be found across most non-denominational churches, such as those found in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed. Individual churches differ in terms of how literally they interpret various texts of the bible. Since most Christian non-denominational churches stemmed from the Protestant movement, almost all of them hold to the five solas, which are solus Christus, sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, and Soli deo gloria (solely to God be glory). Because the five solas are the main tenets of the Protestant faith, many non-denominational churches are Protestant churches. However, some non-denominational groups reject this term for etymological reasons, stating that they are not protesting anything. Many non-denominational churches can also be considered evangelical, especially when it comes to how one may be saved. Often (though certainly not always), non-denominational churches are loosely Baptist in doctrine and often borrow from charismatic, Pentecostal, Calvinist or fundamentalist ideas and practices as well. Outside of doctrinal areas, non-denominational churches are generally more accepting of people from various religious backgrounds and political views. Services are occasionally modeled after those of another denomination, but are also usually tailored to the preferences of the congregation, and can change drastically even from week to week." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-denominational

many non-denominationals are total fanatics and are very much into "converting" others. They are taught that, for example, the Roman Catholic Church is a fraud and that the communion of Saints is "unGodly". They are wrong and they misinterpret the bible in whichever way is more convenient for them. I am a Catholic (obviously) and many of my friends were non-Denominational and have tried to "convert" me feeding me loads of information that was false (that was fed to them at their church). I even attended their services, and I have found them to be full of "brain-washing" techniques: repeating the songs again and again and again...to the point that when I left they got stuck to my head for 2 days! Seriouly, re-consider what you're getting into when you marry a non-denominational.

The principal issue between the two forms of Christianity is where they derive their authority from. Non-denoms have the basic protestant Bible alone form of authority, which immediately brings up three questions. "Does the Bible support Bible alone?" "What did Christians do before they had the Bible(NT)?" and "If this is true why are there 29.000 denominations that believe in the Bible alone, but disagree with each other on what the Bible actually means?" Non-denoms also typically rely heavily on their pastor's interpretation of Scripture. Catholics believe that the Catholic Church contains an unbroken line of succession from the Apostles to the current bishops of the Church. It also claims to contain the fullness of Christian truth, and to be the one true faith. This does not mean that the Catholic Church does not respect other Christian denominations, just that it believes that they are lacking something. This is where the hundreds of differences in belief between these two groups stem from. Hope that helps!

I have been reading all the answers on the differences between non-denominational churches and catholic churches ... wow what a difference. Aren't we all Christians because Jesus died on the cross for our sins? At the end of the day, aren't we all trying to go back to Heaven? and definately not Hell? Than why are we fighting on which sect. is correct and which aren't. Cancon has given a very nice answer. Seek the Lord for the truth. I belong to a non-denominational church whilst all my closest friends are Catholics. We don't have any problems whatsoever at all, even if we are sharing the Word of God. The most important thing is whether we have the fruits of the Holy Spirit or not? (Galations 5.22). I am not talking about the gifts. Its with the fruits of the Holy Spirit that enables us to go to Heaven. I am aware that there are a lot of non-denominational churches that are filled with tongue talking charismatic people that think they are greater than the Catholic priests. But let me tell you, I have met a lot of Catholic priest and you can see how meek and humble they are although they do not speak in tongues. My dear friend, do not waste your time on finding out the major differences between the 2 churches instead seek to know God even more. that is where you will find your peace .. Glory be to God.