Catholic ChristianityCatholics believe in the Holy Trinity, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Catholics and Christians do share many similar beliefs, most importantly that Christ gave his life on the Cross to save people from sin. Although, the main difference between Catholics and Christians comes with different interpretations of what the Bible teaches us.
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BeliefsCatholics believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit. They believe in the Holy Bible as this reveals the word of God, Catholics believe that Jesus Christ was sent to earth to justify humanity's sins through his death and resurrection. Jesus shared the teachings of God which are demonstrated today in the New Testament of the Bible.
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Myths and Sacred StoriesThere are many myths within the bible, the majority of stories are more of a symbolic narrative and were not written to be taken literally. An example of this is the Creation Story, it is a common misconception that Catholics take this story literally and they believe this is how the world came about. Other types of myths associated with Catholics is other people's views on Catholicism, such as Catholics aren't Christians and the Catholic Church is opposed to science and rejects evolution,
Parables are sacred stories as they are a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels and show Jesus' teachings and how they are applicable to everyday life. Many would consider all the stories in the Bible to be sacred, however, well known sacred stories include; • The Creation Story • Noah’s Arc • The 10 commandments • Jesus Dies on the Cross • Jesus Rises • The Good Samaritan |
Sacred texts and Other Religious WritingsThe Bible plays a vital role in Catholic religion as it is the primary sacred text. The Christian Bible is put into two parts, the Old Testament, which follows very similar stories and structure as the Jewish Bible with stories such as how the world was created, and the New Testament, which is a collection of Christian writings associated with Jesus and his teachings. Catholics' belief system, morals and history all come form the Holy Bible which is collection of many stories which aren't written to be taken literally, but rather to have interpreted history, preserved for future generations, not for their factual accuracy, but their faith generating component. It holds the history, teachings, principles, customs and knowledge of the Christian religion, therefore the key to Catholic beliefs.
Other forms of Catholic religious writings are things such as the Nicene Creed which is recited at every mass, and The 10 Commandments which summarise the basic obligations an individual has to act towards God and other individuals. Another sacred text for Catholics is the Catechism which summarises he principles of the Christian religion in the form of question and answers, which Catholics often turn to for religious instruction. |
RitualsThe 7 Sacraments are rituals to Catholics as they confirm their belief in God, they are as follows:
• Baptism: First step in a life long journey of commitment and discipleship. Also a time of cleansing. Sins are washed away. • Eucharist: Eucharist is commonly known as communion. The bread and the wine are symbols of the body and blood of Christ, and we receive this in acknowledgement of Christ who gave his life to save ours. • Reconciliation: Is a time to reconcile with God. There are 3 elements to this sacrament; conversion, confession and celebration. Reconciliation is a time where we repent our sins and ask forgiveness from God. • Confirmation: Is one of the tree sacraments of initiation and is often associated with the gifts if the holy spirit. • Marriage: Is the union between two people. A Husband and Wife. Marriage is also know as Holy Matrimony and is a public sign of both love and commitment. • Holy orders: A time in which a member of the clergy is ordinated. • Anointing of the sick: Formerly known as last rites or extreme unction. Anointing of the sick is a ritual of healing, not only for the physical state but also for the mental and spiritual. Another ritual is celebrating Mass and receiving the body and blood of Christ which varies how many times a Catholic will do this, most commonly either every day or once a week but some may only go to Mass for special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. |
SymbolsThe Crucifix/Cross-
Jesus' body attached to a cross symbolises Jesus when he sacrificed his life for his people. This is a significant event for the Catholic church. The Cross isn't just for Catholicism but is more widespread for all Christianity. This also represents the cross on which Jesus died on. The Dove- The dove is seen with the olive branch , this symbolising peace and forgiveness. The dove also represents the Holy Spirit, which came down onto Jesus when he was baptised. Fish- The fish is used to mark someone as a Catholic since the times of the Romans, whilst Christians were being persecuted for their faith. It is symbolic of Christ Holy water- Holy water is blessed by a priest, bishop, or deacon. It represents the sacrament of Baptism and is used on many occasions. It is commonly available upon entering a church and it restores the individuals faith. |
Social StructuresAs shown on the right, the hierarchy of Catholicism is the foundation of the whole structure of the Church. Without it, there would be no organised establishment, but only many people trying to live by the teachings of Jesus. A body needs to have structure and the ability to act in a unified way.
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Ethical Principles or Oral and Written Codes of BehaviourTen Commandments:
The Bible tells us that God Himself spoke the 10 Commandments from Mount Sinai and wrote them with His own finger on tablets of stone. Jesus went on to explain that the Ten Commandments are based on the prominent feature of love. Seven Ethical Principles of Catholic Social Teaching: 1. Life and dignity of the human person: All human life is sacred. Dignity of an individual is the foundation or moral vision for society. 2. Call to family, community and participation 3. Rights and responsibilities: Everyone is untitled to basic human rights. The responsibility of each individual is to respect these rights. 4. Option for the poor and vulnerable: Help those who are in need or who are less fortunate. 5. The dignity of work and the rights of workers: Everyone deserves the dignity to work and to bring home an income for their families. Workers rights must be respected and protected, and the rights to join fair work unions must be allowed. 6. Solidarity: We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. 7. Care for god’s creation: We must show respect to world given to us. Every living thing, weather its animals, plants or humans must be respected. |
Religious Experiences and SpiritualityLike the other religions, religious experience some what lies with the individual. Whether it is the feelings they may experience when they receive the Eucharist for the first time or get married. These events are that which occur during ones life that has a defined impact on themselves. It can confirm the beliefs of which Catholicism needs such as the existance of God and the Holy spirit.
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