A Summary Of Catholic Church Teachings

By Brenda Warner


The Catholic Church has remained steadfast on its belief and teaching on several fundamental social and spiritual issues. These are the issues that form the core of Catholic Church teachings. They identify the institution and its faithful worldwide. Though modifications are evident over centuries, the fundamental principles remain 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.

One of the defining teachings of the Roman Catholic Church is the position of Mary as the Mother of God. Jesus is regarded as both God, part of the Trinity and Son of God. Mary intervenes between the faithful and God. She is highly regarded and venerated through the rosary and other Marian prayers. The belief is that she did not die naturally like everyone else does but was assumed into heaven.

The pope acts as a representative of Christ on earth and holds absolute power over the faithful. He succeeded St. Peter whom Jesus described as a rock upon which he would build his church. He is elected among cardinals, rules with absolute power and should reign until he dies. History has incidences of popes who resigned for varied reasons. They include Pope Benedict XVI. Other ways of exercising authority is through institutions regarded as congregations.

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.

Death and destiny form another distinctive teaching by the Rome based outfit. The belief is that upon death, a person goes to hell, heaven or purgatory. It is the magnitude of sin that will determine where a person goes. Purgatory is for those whose sins are not grave. Saints will be admitted to heaven while sinners will be banished to eternal fire in hell.

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.




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