What does this phrase from Angels In America mean?

Question

a rabbi says to Lou.

"Catholics believe in forgiveness, Jews believe in guilt"

what does he mean? its more the latter that i don't understand.

Answer 1

American is the land of the free, which probably means free will choice right or wrong.

Answer 2

Catholics believe in the forgiveness of sins.  This is called confession.  Before a person dies, Last Rights are given to forgive all sins.

Jews believe a person cannot die for the sins of another person.  Every man shall be put to death for his own sin.  This is a guilt trip till you die.

I am not an expert in religion, but this would be an excellent question for 'Society & Culture' > 'Religion & Spirituality' subcategory.