jeudi 26 novembre 2015

A Summary Of Catholic Church Teachings

By Brenda Warner


The beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church are distinctive and remain as the distinguishing factor for centuries. Catholic Church teachings on various issues are followed by the faithful all over the world and have remained as such for centuries. Though some clauses have changed over the years, the fundamentals have remained intact.

The doctrines advocated by Catholics on God and his Creation state that humanity was created on the sixth day after God had created the earth, vegetation, animals and all other creatures found on earth. Man was given dominion over all creation to rule on behalf of God. Adam and Eve were meant to live forever in the grace of God. It is only after sin that they were sent off the Garden of Eden.

The teaching on Jesus Christ recognizes him as the Son of God and savior of mankind. He was born of the Virgin Mary and a foster father called Joseph. The conception of Jesus was immaculate which means that it was through the power of the Holy Spirit which meant that Mary did not lose her virginity. Jesus will return on the judgement day to carry with him those who have been righteous and pronounce judgement to the wicked.

The Roman Catholic Church is known to accord special recognition to Mary Mother of God. With Jesus being regarded as both God and man, Mary is regarded as Mother of God. She is venerated through a number of prayers including the rosary. She acts as an intercessor for human kind. It is believed that she never died but got assumed into heaven with her physical body.

The Pope governs Roman Catholics from Vatican. He is considered as the successor of Apostle Peter and a representative of Christ on earth. The pope thus holds unquestionable authority that cannot be questioned. His election is done by cardinals and he rules until death. He may however resign as Benedict XVI did. The authority of the pope may also be exercised through institutions that he has created.

The Holy Eucharist is another distinct feature among Catholics all over the world. It is made of the body and blood of Christ and celebrated as communion. Only persons who are permit can receive the Eucharist. Such a person must also have gone through confession, a cleansing process led by a priest. Christ remains in the Eucharist at the tabernacle for adoration after the Eucharistic celebration.

Catholics have a distinct belief about death and destiny of each soul. Death ushers one into purgatory, heaven or hell. Hell is for the grave sinners while heaven is preserved for the righteous. Purgatory is for those whose sins are not as grave and thus can be cleansed before admission into heaven.

With changing definitions of marriage from different quotas, Catholics are under pressure to revise their teaching. Recognition of gay marriages and single parenthood has been a heated subject in a recent synod. While the pope appears pragmatic about the issue, the bishops are not willing to change. The definition thus remains that of the father, mother and children.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire