Catholic Christianity
Beliefs
The Nicene Creed
During the first 3 centuries, the church was extremely secluded and secretive, therefore they became quite corrupt and had many theological disputes. When Constantine won control of the Roman Empire in 312 A.D, he discovered the fractured ways of the church and what it believed. In order to create unity, he convened a council in the year 325 that met in the city of Nicaea, and out of this meeting came the Nicene Creed, which is still a standard belief of many Christian churches.
During the first 3 centuries, the church was extremely secluded and secretive, therefore they became quite corrupt and had many theological disputes. When Constantine won control of the Roman Empire in 312 A.D, he discovered the fractured ways of the church and what it believed. In order to create unity, he convened a council in the year 325 that met in the city of Nicaea, and out of this meeting came the Nicene Creed, which is still a standard belief of many Christian churches.
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The Trinity
The word 'trinity is used to represent the Christian doctrine that God exists as three distinct persons united.
1) There is only one God
2) The father is God
3) Jesus is God
4) The Holy spirit is God
5) Jesus is not the father
6) Jesus is not the spirit
7) The father is not the spirit
The word 'trinity is used to represent the Christian doctrine that God exists as three distinct persons united.
1) There is only one God
2) The father is God
3) Jesus is God
4) The Holy spirit is God
5) Jesus is not the father
6) Jesus is not the spirit
7) The father is not the spirit
Myths & Other Stories
Creation Story
One of the most profound stories the catholic tradition is the story of creation. The opening chapter of the Bible begins with these words, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This story tells of God's creation of the world and what he did in these seven days of creation.
One of the most profound stories the catholic tradition is the story of creation. The opening chapter of the Bible begins with these words, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This story tells of God's creation of the world and what he did in these seven days of creation.
- . Day 1 - God created light and separated the light from the darkness, calling light "day" and darkness "night."
- Day 2 - God created an expanse to separate the waters and called it "sky."
- Day 3 - God created the dry ground and separated it from the waters, calling the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters "seas." God also created vegetation (plants and trees).
- Day 4 - God created the sun, moon, and the stars to give light to the earth and to govern and separate the day and the night. These would also serve as signs to mark seasons, days, and years.
- Day 5 - God created every living creature of the seas and every winged bird, blessing them to multiply and fill the waters and the sky with life.
- Day 6 - God created the animals to fill the earth. On day six, God also created man and woman (Adam and Eve) in his own image to commune with him. He blessed them and gave them every creature and the whole earth to rule over, care for, and cultivate.
- Day 7 - God had finished his work of creation and so he rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy.
Sacred Text
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The sacred text of the catholic tradition is the Holy Bible. The bible is split into the Old Testament (consisting of 46 books) and the New Testament (consisting of 27 books).
The Old Testament
The Old Testament is the first devision of the catholic bible, focusing mostly on the history of the creation, the exodus of Israelites, and the Ten Commandments.
The New Testament
The New Testament is the second devision of the Bible and was not written all at once. It mainly focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus and the Christian church.
The Old Testament
The Old Testament is the first devision of the catholic bible, focusing mostly on the history of the creation, the exodus of Israelites, and the Ten Commandments.
The New Testament
The New Testament is the second devision of the Bible and was not written all at once. It mainly focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus and the Christian church.
Rituals
In the Catholic Tradition there are seven major rituals, also known as the 'The Seven Sacraments". These sacraments include Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
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The Sacrament of Confirmation
A person usually receive confirmation at the age of 12. Usually this sacrament consists of the person attending a number of workshops organised by the church group or their primary school. These workshops aim to teach them of the importance of Confirmation and the meaning of becoming Confirmed. During this ritual the candidate must chose a Saint that they feel is significant in their life. They must also chose someone to be there sponsor, to help guide them through both their Confirmation and through the rest of their life. It is said that the sacrament of Confirmation is to perfect the graces granted to us in Baptism and fully initiates you into the Catholic Church. During confirmation the main beliefs that are mainly focused on are on the Holy Spirit, because it was the Holy Spirit who confirmed the Apostles on Pentecost.
A person usually receive confirmation at the age of 12. Usually this sacrament consists of the person attending a number of workshops organised by the church group or their primary school. These workshops aim to teach them of the importance of Confirmation and the meaning of becoming Confirmed. During this ritual the candidate must chose a Saint that they feel is significant in their life. They must also chose someone to be there sponsor, to help guide them through both their Confirmation and through the rest of their life. It is said that the sacrament of Confirmation is to perfect the graces granted to us in Baptism and fully initiates you into the Catholic Church. During confirmation the main beliefs that are mainly focused on are on the Holy Spirit, because it was the Holy Spirit who confirmed the Apostles on Pentecost.
Symbols
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The Crucific
The cross of Jesus Christ symbolises love and sacrifice. Crosses and crucifixes are powerful visual reminders that Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice of love that reconciles us to God. Often Crosses and Crucifixes are placed in places to give sacred reminders of honor, usually over a doorframe, above a bedpost, or in another prominent place. They are also often worn around the neck to act as wonderful reminder of God’s love.
Social Stuctures
The social structure of the Catholic Church is a structure of authority that weaves its way from the parish priest all the way up to Pope. Jesus Christ is the invisible head of the church, and by his authority the Pope is the visible head.
Pope
The Pope is the ultimate authority in the roman Catholic Church and is based in the vatican. The pope is infallible in defining matters of faith and morals.
Cardinals
cardinals are bishops that have been appointed into this position by the Pope. They join the College of Cardinals, which consists of roughly 120 other cardinals.
Bishops
Bishops are priests that have been nominated by other bishops and appointed to their position by the Pope. Today bishops are more like managers and administrators, but were traditionally teachers and leaders of worship.
PriestsAn ordained minister who can administer most of the sacraments. He can be with a particular religious order or committed to serving a congregation.
Laity
Catholic people outside the ranks of the clergy who have faith in God.
Pope
The Pope is the ultimate authority in the roman Catholic Church and is based in the vatican. The pope is infallible in defining matters of faith and morals.
Cardinals
cardinals are bishops that have been appointed into this position by the Pope. They join the College of Cardinals, which consists of roughly 120 other cardinals.
Bishops
Bishops are priests that have been nominated by other bishops and appointed to their position by the Pope. Today bishops are more like managers and administrators, but were traditionally teachers and leaders of worship.
PriestsAn ordained minister who can administer most of the sacraments. He can be with a particular religious order or committed to serving a congregation.
Laity
Catholic people outside the ranks of the clergy who have faith in God.
Ethical Principles
Abortion
In the Catholic tradition the practice of abortion is seen as an act of evil, and the person who completes the abotion is sinning as they are taking the life of another. This is because in Catholic teachings the gift of life is seen to be significantly sacred and something that should be preserved at all costs. Life is believed to start from the very moment of conception, it is from that point that person is recognised as having the right of a person.
The 10 Commandments
1) I am the Lord of God. You shall not have strange gods before me.
2) You shall not take the name of the Lord thy in Vain.
3) Keep holy the Sabbath.
4) Honour your father and your mother.
5) You shall not kill
6) You shall not commit adultery.
7) You shall not steal
8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
9) You shall not covet your neighbours spouse.
10) You shall not covet your neighbours good's.
In the Catholic tradition the practice of abortion is seen as an act of evil, and the person who completes the abotion is sinning as they are taking the life of another. This is because in Catholic teachings the gift of life is seen to be significantly sacred and something that should be preserved at all costs. Life is believed to start from the very moment of conception, it is from that point that person is recognised as having the right of a person.
The 10 Commandments
1) I am the Lord of God. You shall not have strange gods before me.
2) You shall not take the name of the Lord thy in Vain.
3) Keep holy the Sabbath.
4) Honour your father and your mother.
5) You shall not kill
6) You shall not commit adultery.
7) You shall not steal
8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
9) You shall not covet your neighbours spouse.
10) You shall not covet your neighbours good's.
Religious Experience & Spirituality
Prayer
In the Catholic tradition prayer is a way of communicating with God. Catholics use prayer as a way of enhancing their spirituality and strengthening their connection with God. Often people will prey during times of need, if they have questions for God or if they need guidance.
In the Catholic tradition prayer is a way of communicating with God. Catholics use prayer as a way of enhancing their spirituality and strengthening their connection with God. Often people will prey during times of need, if they have questions for God or if they need guidance.