...The Christian church that has been an influential spiritual vigor in Western civilization’s history and alongside with Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy, one of the three main aspects of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church follows its past to Jesus Christ and his Apostles. In excess of centuries, Catholicism has built up an extremely refined theology and an intricate clerical composition regulated by the papacy, which is the oldest enduring definitive dominion in the world. In retrospect, the explanation of Roman Catholicism is directly linked as a relation of Christianity. In its individual analysis of history, Roman Catholicism was created in the actual rise of Christianity (Fairchild, 2011). An indispensable element of the characterization of any of the other domains of the Christian countries and groups in addition to its association to Roman Catholicism, how did Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy happen to divide? Was the split among Rome and the Church of England predestined? On the contrary, these questions could be vital to the explanation of Roman Catholicism itself. Such a description that remains rigorously to the authoritative Roman Catholic examination a general consensus in which the Roman Catholic Church has preserved a steady continuity from the time of the Apostles, all the while other religious groups, from the earliest Coptic to the modern church are a divergence from it. Now, the belief of faith that is shared by Christian churches is embedded...
Words: 2124 - Pages: 9
...World Religions Report Name HUM/130 Axia College of University of Phoenix Introduction The Roman Catholic Church is considered the largest of all Christian churches (Believe, 2007). Roman Catholicism is a branch of Christianity governed by the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Today the Roman Church with the Pope, Archbishops, Cardinals, Monsignors, Priests, Deacons, and Nuns has become a huge global operation reaching almost every country in the world. This report will include a personal viewpoint gathered from an interview with a Roman Catholic follower and a recent visit to their church. In addition to the personal viewpoint on Roman Catholicism, this report will include researched facts on Roman Catholic beliefs and practices as well as a comparison between Catholicism and Islam. Although Catholics and Muslims have distinct beliefs and worshipping practices, they share similar fundamental principles. Church Visit Presentation BVM was the place of worship visited on Saturday May 29th, 2010 for Saturday Mass. The Church is located in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania at 100 Old Soldiers Road. The mass was conducted by the Pastor of the church, Father Harrison. The church service for this day was extremely interesting and was based on the concept of the Holy Trinity and its importance to honor this belief. This topic was fascinating because of the marvel in the doctrine of the Trinity. I was grateful...
Words: 2156 - Pages: 9
...Catholicism is a broad term for the body of the Catholic faith, its theologies and doctrines, its liturgical, ethical, spiritual, and behavioral characteristics, as well as a religious people as a whole.[1][2] For many the term usually refers to Christians and churches belonging to the Roman Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See.[3] For others it refers to the churches of the first millennium, including, besides the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East.[4][5] And for others again it refers to "adhering to the catholic faith as it has been inherited from the earliest Christians ... seeking to restore the faith and order of the primitive church",[6] as claimed by the Anglican Communion, various Lutheran churches,[6][7][8] and other Reformation and post-Reformation churches.[9][10] The Catholic claim of continuity is based on, among other factors, Apostolic succession, especially in conjunction with adherence to the Nicene Creed.[11] In the sense of indicating historical continuity of faith and practice, the term "catholicism" is at times employed to mark a contrast to Protestantism, which tends to look solely to the Bible as interpreted on the principles of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation as its ultimate standard.[12] It was thus used by the Oxford Movement.[13] This contrast, however, is not so clearcut for Anglican theologians such as Alister McGrath: "Anglicanism is not...
Words: 2573 - Pages: 11
...being submitted represents my own work and has not been taken from the work of others save where appropriately referenced in the body of the assignment. Signed Date: This essay explores the extent to which new religious diversity in Ireland challenges traditional definitions of Irish national identity. National identity can be defined as the cultural outcome of a discourse of the nation. This concept of national identity exists for a number of reasons. It gives us a sense of collective belonging, it decides who should be allowed become a full citizen of the nation, and it influences the goals of a nation that are thought to be in the collective social interest (O’Mahony et al, 2001). Irish national identity used to depend on Catholicism. Although predominantly Roman Catholic, Ireland today is a multi-cultural society where all religions are embraced and respected as playing vital roles in the societal make-up of the country (educationireland.ie). The first impression when religious beliefs and practice in Ireland are compared with those in Europe as a whole is that Ireland remains an outstandingly Catholic country (Fogarty et al, 1984). While it is true that the vast majority...
Words: 1929 - Pages: 8
...Catholics vs Protestants Catholicism and Protestantism are two of the largest religions in the world. One rich in tradition and unwaveringness, the other in diversity and innovation. Both have the same basis, but at the same time are vastly different. Both Catholicism and Protestantism are based on the belief that Jesus Christ, Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven where he is now with God the father. They also believe in the holy trinity, that is three persons in one, God the father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit. ` The first, and maybe the most radical, difference between the two religions is the beliefs of the afterlife. Both Protestants and Catholics believe that Jesus died on the cross to enable us to have the chance at eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16. However, Protestants believe that all one must do is believe in Jesus and you will receive eternal life. Good deeds are not considered meritorious; rather, they are a result of divine grace. This is because, they say, humans are free to do only evil and good acts are inspired by God. Catholics believe that one must also act according to Gods word and his or her good deeds, along with Jesus’ sacrifice, will ensure them eternal life in heaven. Good acts are meritorious because man has freewill to choose good or evil. A second...
Words: 827 - Pages: 4
...Catholicism Uncovering a religious understanding requires a universal acceptance of a higher being, and the willingness to accept the teachings of that particular faith. There are questions that many want answered in regards to what is religion, why so many different kinds of faiths, and what urges a person to practice certain religious traditions. What is known today is that religious traditions make who a person has become. Religion being a very complex issue throughout the world is a simple belonging, an attachment to the ultimate being. Some may look at having a religion as not being alone, or having a sense of direction in this confused world. Some find peace and answers sitting in from of a statues praying and some hold a cross. Others aim their prayers to the sky while some to the walls. Whatever the symbol God is present, through religious rituals people find division in yet all say basically the same. Assessing a religion to figure out why is this religion considered a true religion, and what drives these followers lives to be shaped in circumstance that hinder ones belief system. One of the most common religions today is Christianity, which carries the belief system that Jesus Christ was our savior, entailing the acceptance that Jesus is the son of God. At one point in history Christianity was divided in sects of the same belief system but including a newer understanding and tolerance of the faith. A faith of peace and clarity was established out of Christianity...
Words: 2239 - Pages: 9
...Catholicism in the California Bay Area: Origin, Beliefs, and My Culture Catholicism is one of the more prominent religions in the world, and the Bay Area region of California. From a historic standpoint, Catholicism in America often is tied to ethnic backgrounds; and therefore is a religion that embodies diversity. While most of the religions of the world have followers of different races, it seems that the diversity of Catholicism is more wide spread. The American city I was born in, San Francisco, CA, has a very rich and vast Catholic community. Initially, the early Catholic communities were comprised of early Irish Americans that settled on the western part of the United States. In the mid to late 1800s several other American immigrant nationalities relocated to western cities like San Francisco, sharing the same Roman Catholic Church beliefs, and practices. From Seattle, WA down to Los Angeles, CA there were several Catholic churches founded by German, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Mexican American communities. The Mexican American community consisted of primarily Mexicans that lived in then Mexican states prior to the Mexican American war in the 1840s. This westward immigration of Catholic communities was also closely followed by the immigration of Asian Americans, and the growth of African-American Catholic communities. Chinese Americans made up most of the Asian Catholic community, as they worked on the westward expansion of the railroads. When Chinese American...
Words: 3556 - Pages: 15
...It forbids the action of idolatry, the worship of false idols, and polytheism, the belief in many gods (“Catholicism"). These beliefs were most prevalent in ancient time cross-culturally; Greece, Egypt, China, etc. This commandment, however, instead advocates for monotheism, the belief in one God (“Catholicism"). The Christian religion honors this first principle by only believing and worshipping one God. Although some may argue Christians also worship Jesus, the community of this religion understands God produced the Messiah to sacrifice his life for our sins (“What Is the Difference”). This is shown in the widely used Nicene Creed. While in church, the Christian community recites this ritualistic creed; “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father” (Catechism of the Catholic...
Words: 1393 - Pages: 6
...In the world today there are many religions that any person can choose to worship, some of these are Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam as well as many more than one can choose to follow. Therefore, people are pushed toward certain religions. Most often people learn religion from what their parents believe in, for example the first religion I ever learned about is Baptist. Religious stories have been inspirational to many children all over the world of every religion; a good example of this is the biblical story of David versus Goliath. Most laws that I know of are close to the Ten Commandments from the Bible. Religion can play a vital role in teaching morals and ethics. The two religions that I chose to compare are Catholicism and Judaism I chose these because they are two religions that are interesting. These religions are extremely similar but in some ways they are polar opposites. The religion I chose to do an interview with a member of is Catholicism I did my interview at “Our Lady of Fatima Church” in Alcoa, Tennessee. The church itself is very beautiful. The location of the church is ideal to people in Alcoa and Maryville Tennessee. Inside the church they have their own baptismal pool. I believe that the church is one of the most beautiful churches I have seen. The church is a very large building with a fewer smaller buildings connected by a covered walkway. I have seen colleges smaller than the church. While inside the church I noticed that some preconceived...
Words: 1934 - Pages: 8
...Roman Catholicism, Christian church that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of Western civilization. Along with Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, it is one of the three major branches of Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church traces its history to Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Over the course of centuries it developed a highly sophisticated theology and an elaborate organizational structure headed by the papacy, the oldest continuing absolute monarchy in the world. The number of Roman Catholics in the world (nearly 1.1 billion) is greater than that of nearly all other religious traditions. There are more Roman Catholics than all other Christians combined and more Roman Catholics than all Buddhists or Hindus. Although there are more Muslims than Roman Catholics, the number of Roman Catholics is greater than that of the individual traditions of Shīʿite and Sunni Islam. These incontestable statistical and historical facts suggest that some understanding of Roman Catholicism—its history, its institutional structure, its beliefs and practices, and its place in the world—is an indispensable component of cultural literacy, regardless of how one may individually answer the ultimate questions of life and death and faith. Without a grasp of what Roman Catholicism is, it is difficult to make historical sense of the Middle Ages, intellectual sense of the works of Thomas Aquinas, literary sense of The Divine Comedy of Dante, artistic sense of the Gothic cathedrals...
Words: 1257 - Pages: 6
...RUNNING HEAD: CATHOLICISM 1 Religious Field Research: Catholicism Diana Haynes Professor Jacqueline Trussell REL 212: World Religions March 3, 2012 CATHOLICISM 2 Many people have many misconceptions about the catholic religion myself included. Among the misconceptions that I had will also come the correct explanation of what really takes place or how things are really done within the religion of Catholicism. I had always believed that people of the catholic religion prayed to different saints and the Virgin Mary as kind of like you would an idol. What I did not realize was that this is not the case at all. As most people of the Christian faith do if we are having a hard time or if we have a prayer request, we ask those of faith to pray for us. In the catholic religion they do the same thing, a lady named Annie who has gone to St. Augustine’s Catholic church since she was a baby explained it to me as. “When they are praying to the saints or to the Virgin Mary they are praying for one of two things, either to ask that person to pray for them, or to ask them to intercede on their behalf.” (Adair, 2012) What interceding does is like when a child gets in trouble, or if they know they are going to get into trouble. They usually will go to one parent and talk or try to explain their side. So that, that parent can go to the other parent on their behalf, and explain what happen in hopes of a lesser punishment, or that the parent that...
Words: 1731 - Pages: 7
...possessing hope and faith in God. Women’s roles within the religion and church have altered throughout the progression of time and growth of the religion. Firstly, some associated characteristics of Catholicism have some unique similarities with many of the other World’s religions. Roman Catholic beliefs do not differ drastically from those of the other major branches of Christianity, Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. All three main branches hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, and so on. But on other doctrinal points, there are clear Catholic distinctive in belief. Distinctive Roman Catholic beliefs include the special authority of the pope, the ability of saints to intercede on behalf of believers, the concept of purgatory, and the doctrine of transubstantiation - that is, that the bread used in the Eucharist becomes the true body of Christ when blessed by a priest. (Catholic Beliefs, 2015) So it is apparent that the Catholic religion has some common ties with other major religions. Secondly the Catholic religion rises to modern hurdles with direct and appropriate measures, this is what Mary Ann Glendon a professor of Law at Harvard had to say in relation to this matter. The Church's work in the ever-changing world is thus perhaps best regarded as an ongoing...
Words: 1032 - Pages: 5
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Contemporary Roman Catholicism Dr. Ebele Adioye THEO 510 (FALL 2015) Survey of Contemporary Theology by David Boston November 3, 2015 Table of Content I. Introduction: How do Evangelicals agree or disagree with contemporary Catholicism? II. This paper will explore the different motif within Contemporary Roman Catholicism while examining the differences between Evangelicals and Contemporary Roman Catholics. A. Origin of the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Different views of Church History. 2. Apostolic Succession. 3. Veneration of the Saint/ Virgin Mary. B. Mass/ Sacraments/ Eucharist/ Purgatory. III. Protestant Reformation. A. Council of Trent. 1. Vatican Counsel II. 2. Biblical Canonization/ Apocrypha B. Evangelical Attitude toward Contemporary Roman Catholicism? 1. Areas of Agreement. 2. Area of Disagreement. 3 Different views of Church of Authority. 4. Different view on Salvation on justification. IV. Conclusion: Evangelicals persist that some of the Contemporary Roman Catholic teachings can be misleading, in spite of this salvation to the believer can still be achieved. Introduction ...
Words: 4191 - Pages: 17
...Modern Challenges XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX REL/134 March 23, 2015 Professor XXXXXXXXXXXX Modern Challenges Out of the many religions of the world and that were focused on during this class, I chose to focus on Christianity, specifically Catholicism. As the oldest Christian religion and notably the most unique and specific, Catholicism is revered throughout the world. It is the most talked about, both in society and religiously and the most controversial among the different Christian religions. As a world religion, there are some similarities that are shared with the other religions. The first similarity is the deity God that is worships. Among the Christian, Jewish and Islam world, God is the only deity that is worshipped. How he is viewed and worshipped is the only difference. The second similarity is between the Jewish, Islam and Catholic religions. This similarity is the traditions and rituals. Even though these traditions and rituals are performed in different ways and for different reasons, they are the foundation that holds our religions together. Finally the last similarity between the Christian, Jewish, Islam and Catholic faiths is that they originated from the same genealogy. In the Bible the reader gets to the story of Abraham. It is during this story that two faiths emerge, Jewish (Hebrew) and the Islam religion. The rest of the Bible focuses on the Jewish history and leaves behind Islam. However, it is during the time after Jesus’ death that the reader is introduced...
Words: 1385 - Pages: 6
..."Roman Catholicism" as it is today. There was no Protestantism or Eastern Orthodoxy to differentiate it. There was the "one, holy, catholic church" confirmed in the first beliefs, which was the group of Christian followers completely over the world, unified by mutual beliefs, church structure, traditions, and worship (catholic means "universal"). During the Middle Ages, if you were a Christian, you went to the Catholic Church. Any Christianity other than the Catholic Church was an unorthodox, not a denomination. Catholic Beliefs Roman Catholic beliefs don’t vary extremely as of those of the other main divisions of Christianity - Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. Altogether three foremost divisions hold to the principle of the Trinity, the holiness of Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, etc. There is a strong Catholic distinctive in belief. Distinctive Roman Catholic beliefs contain the exceptional power of the pope, the capacity of saints to mediate on behalf of followers, the idea of Purgatory as an area of life after death cleansing before arriving in Heaven, and the principle of transformation. Distinctive Catholic Practices Catholic Mass The Catholic mass has a tendency to be more ceremonial and ritualized than its Protestant equals. Masses follow a set ritual and priests wear more extravagant robes than most Protestant ministers. In Catholicism, the...
Words: 1212 - Pages: 5
