A Brief 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.

Catholics believe that God created the universe and all within it over a six day period, and rested on the seventh. Man was given dominion over animals, vegetation, the earth and everything in it. This dominion is to be held on behalf of God the Almighty. God intended that Adam and Eve live forever in the Garden of Eden. It was sin that led them to be banished from this paradise.

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.

An outstanding teaching of the Catholic Church is on Mary. She is the mother of Jesus who is also regarded as God the Son. Mary is venerated for intervening between man and Jesus Christ. She holds a special place among the faithful and is venerated through daily rosary recital. Mary is believed to have been assumed into heaven, meaning that she did not die like other people do.

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.

Roman Catholics are also identified for their belief in the Holy Eucharist. It acts as a symbol of unity among the faithful. It is regarded as the body and blood of Christ that is a sign of communion. Those who receive the Eucharist must have been cleansed through confession. Christ remains in the Eucharist and is adored in shrines and chapels beyond Eucharistic celebrations or mass.

The teaching on death and destiny isolates the Pope led outfit from the other Christian groupings. The belief is that a person goes to heaven, hell or purgatory depending on the magnitude of sin. While hell and heaven are obvious, purgatory is designed for people who are not grave sinners. They are punished before being admitted into heaven.

As the definition of marriage changes with advancement in the secular world, the Rome based outfit is under pressure to rethink its stand. A recent debate during the Synod hinted at a change in the stand. With no agreement on inclusion of homosexuals, gays and divorcees, among other scenarios, the original definition remains that of mother, father and children.




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