1. Beliefs ~
Catholicism, or known as Roman Catholic, is one of the first religions to come under and associated with the Christian belief system in God, Jesus and Faith. Despite Christianity and Catholicism being diverse religions, both share similar beliefs and values in regards to the foundation of the religion.
Catholicism has an advanced amount of beliefs in regards to every aspect of the religion, however there are few main beliefs that are essential for any practicing Catholic. The Bible, which is regarded as the fundamental sacred text of Catholicism, and is inspired by the word of God, is an error free text that provides the Catholic church, and it’s believers, about Jesus’ mission through sacred scripture and tradition. The Bible essentially can be regarded as words and deeds of Jesus Christ through his journey of passion, death and resurrection. Alongside and included in The Bible are the 10 Commandments of God which provide compass and a specific standard to live and abide by. These commandments differentiate right doing from wrong, and therefore conclude in the acceptable actions of members of the Catholic Church. However, despite The Bible and the 10 Commandments being highly respectable and significant aspects of the Catholic Church, the celebration of Baptism is also a remarkable event in every calendar of a Catholic. Being the necessary act for salvation with the assistance of water, blood and desire, Baptism is the essential rite in becoming a Catholic, and being accepted by God into his Church and Kingdom. This act of Baptism is the foundation for being and believing as a Catholic, and is closely linked with the Holy Trinity, which is the overall belief in God as a divinity. The Holy Trinity, made up of God, who is the Father, the Son and of course, the Holy Spirit. |
2. Myths and Sacred Stories ~
Included in the studied and well known sacred Holy Bible, the Catholic Church has many Myths and Sacred Stories that have been questioned, preached and learnt over the course of history. The Sacred Texts of the Bible are divided into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament, where both testaments withhold a collection of myths and stories, that display and exhibit the belief system of Catholicism.
Myths within religion is a subject that is thoroughly questioned, and independently relies on faith or interpersonal belief in order to have any slight truth. The Creation Story and the Creation of the world we are familiar with is a controversial but fascinating myth that is apparent in the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible. The Old Testament, The Book of Genesis to be exact, outlines how God created Heaven and Earth, light and dark, and furthermore the land that we recognise as ours. Similar to the mythology related to the Creation Story, Noah’s Ark is also a myth that appears within the Catholic church. Also in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Noah’s Ark highlights the biblical account of a flood that occurred, and how God saved Noah, his family and two of every animal to ever exist from the natural disaster that took place. Concludingly, the story of how humans coming to be is reflected and exampled through a famous myth known as Adam and Eve, who were the first recorded man and woman to walk the face of Earth. Through these myths, it becomes evident that Catholics essentially believe in God as the foundation creator of our world, our animals, our nature and the land we love and preserve.
Myths within religion is a subject that is thoroughly questioned, and independently relies on faith or interpersonal belief in order to have any slight truth. The Creation Story and the Creation of the world we are familiar with is a controversial but fascinating myth that is apparent in the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible. The Old Testament, The Book of Genesis to be exact, outlines how God created Heaven and Earth, light and dark, and furthermore the land that we recognise as ours. Similar to the mythology related to the Creation Story, Noah’s Ark is also a myth that appears within the Catholic church. Also in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Noah’s Ark highlights the biblical account of a flood that occurred, and how God saved Noah, his family and two of every animal to ever exist from the natural disaster that took place. Concludingly, the story of how humans coming to be is reflected and exampled through a famous myth known as Adam and Eve, who were the first recorded man and woman to walk the face of Earth. Through these myths, it becomes evident that Catholics essentially believe in God as the foundation creator of our world, our animals, our nature and the land we love and preserve.
3. Sacred Texts and Religious Writings ~
In accordance with the myths exampled throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, many other sacred texts and religious writings are seen and studied throughout the Catholic religion, and by the members of the Catholic Church. Aside from the two testaments, which essentially divides the sacred Bible into two, Catholicism has a vast array of texts including the following:
- The Catechism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a collection of Catholic doctrines that recognise and highlight the faith and morals of the church and its members. These collections also include essential teachings of the Church, all in regards to tradition of the church, past and presently.
- The Beatitudes. Recognised as 8 blessings in the Gospel of Matthew, the Beatitudes resembles a proverb like proclamation about following in the footsteps of Jesus, thus a life of eternity in Heaven.
- Lectionary. The Catholic Lectionary is a collection that contains scripture readings allocated for daily or weekend mass sessions. Lectionaries usually consist of responsorial psalms, extracted from the bible, that make up the Liturgy of the Word.
- Catholic Social Teachings. The Catholic Social Teachings are a body of doctrines developed by the Church which highlight issues in society such as poverty, economics, government and giving back. These teachings incorporate aspects of everyday life such a politics, personal struggles and spirituality into a modernistic approach. The teachings include the following:
- Preferential Option for the Poor
- Dignity of the Human Person
- Stewardship of Creation
- Subsidiary and Participation
- The Common Good
- Solidarity
4. Rituals ~
Catholicism, like many other religions, has many rituals that show a practicing member of that church their devotion towards their belief system. The Catholic Church has numerous religious and formal ceremonies that consist of sayings, actions, prayers and practices that celebrate the church and the members within it. All these ceremonies are usually performed communally or individually where an order is followed to successfully ritualise and reinforce beliefs as an act of holiness.
From birth to death, as a member of the Catholic church, there are various rituals that bring Catholics closer to God in a spiritual and holistic sense. Various sacraments that are usually undertaken by majority of practicing Catholics, are of importance to many Catholics and are celebrated by the individual, the church and the extended community. The 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church include:
From birth to death, as a member of the Catholic church, there are various rituals that bring Catholics closer to God in a spiritual and holistic sense. Various sacraments that are usually undertaken by majority of practicing Catholics, are of importance to many Catholics and are celebrated by the individual, the church and the extended community. The 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church include:
- Baptism. The initiation of a long life journey through the Catholic Church belief system. This can occur at any stage of an individual's life, but generally occurs as a baby or infant.
- Eucharist. This is essentially the sacrifice of a meal. This highlights the presence of Jesus who died for our sins, and through the act of receiving the body and blood of christ, Catholics are brought closer to God.
- Reconciliation. Through the confession of sin, Catholics begin to understand about God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
- Confirmation. A Catholic Sacrament of being accepted into the church as an adult, and deepening the spirituality and nourishment received at baptism. This is closely linked with the Holy Spirit.
- Marriage. Despite not every Catholic undertaking the Sacrament of Marriage, the sacrament within itself is a statement and recognition to God about love and the devotion of one’s love to the church and their significant other.
- Holy Orders. The ordination of a priest in order for them to be able to lead other Catholics on their journey through Catholicism.
- Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament usually occurs towards the conclusion of an individual's life. Also known as the Last Rites, this is a form of healing which assists with mental and spiritual sickness.
5. Symbols ~
Symbols in the Catholic Church are recognition and icons of importance which are respected and notable within every aspect of Catholic life. Symbols of the Catholic Church in one way or more resemble teachings of Jesus, and express the desire for Jesus’ lessons to be expressed through actions and prayer in modern/everyday life.
The symbols that resonate God’s vision of the world, and Jesus’ concept of humility are the following:
The symbols that resonate God’s vision of the world, and Jesus’ concept of humility are the following:
- The Cross. The Cross is considered one of the most significant and common symbols within the Catholic Church. The Cross, which Jesus Christ was nailed too is frequently associated with Catholicism, and represents a spiritual and devotional connection between leaders and members of the Church.
- Statue of Mary. The statue of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, who is worshiped by members of the church.
- Tabernacle. Recognised as a ornate box that holds the blessed and consecrated hosts, known as the bread presented at Eucharist. Once blessed, the hosts remain as the Body and Blood of Christ. Sometimes, there is a red light at the tabernacle to indicate the presence of the hosts, and thus represent the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The Tabernacle also indicated prayer and reflection.
- Candles and/or Fire. Related to the concept of light in the church, a candle or fire resembles and indicates the presence of God and how he was and still is - ‘the Light of the World’.
- Dove. The Dove is described as the ‘Universal symbol of the Holy Spirit’. The main reasoning for the Dove being a Catholic symbol is it’s appearance in the bible, and how during the Baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended onto the child of God.
- Rosary. A form of devotion in honour of Jesus’ Mother, the Virgin Mary. The Rosary consists of a number of specific prayers.
- Oil. Oil is used vastly throughout the Catholic Church in various sacraments, and importantly, it signifies strength and faith. Oil within Catholicism is also said to impart the power to resists evil.
6. Social Structure of the Catholic Church ~
The evident social structure of the Catholic Church is a social model to which many Catholics and members of society conform to. A social structure of system often places religious leadership in the community and organises roles and patterns for communication within the church to run systematically. The social structure of the Catholic Church often is an act that brings the church closer together, and creates bonds between leaders and regular practicing Catholics. The Social structure is arranged as follows:
Sister - Also referred to as a Nun, they are members of religious order of women who take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to successfully spread the Gospel of the Lord.
Brother - A non ordained member of a religious order of men who attain holiness by fulfilling their own particular duties in life.
- The Pope. The Pope is the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, and his role is derived from the traditional successor to Saint Peter, to whom Jesus gave him the keys to heaven. The Catholic Church often teaches that the Pope personally has been appointed as the leader of the Church through God’s will, but also the church as a unity.
- The Cardinals. Within the Catholic Church, Cardinals have no purposeful power, however, they are chosen by the Pope from bishops, and given a formal title. This role involves the essential act as an advisory panel for the Pope, and when a new Pope is to be elected, the Cardinals are in charge.
- Archbishops. An Archbishop is merely a Bishop who controls larger than average territory and is located in a city of importance. Archbishops primarily have no power over Bishops who are outside their own diocese, but do supervise other bishops in the same geographical area. Some Archbishops are elected, however, some are appointed by the Pope.
- Bishops. Similar to Archbishops, but are the successors of the apostles, and are usually leaders of local churches promoting spirituality.
- Monseigneur’s. A very honourable title given to a diocesan priest in recognition of his contributions to life within the Church.
- Priests (Including Nuns and Brothers)
Sister - Also referred to as a Nun, they are members of religious order of women who take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to successfully spread the Gospel of the Lord.
Brother - A non ordained member of a religious order of men who attain holiness by fulfilling their own particular duties in life.
7. Ethical Principles or Oral and Written Codes of Behaviour ~
Ethical principles and written codes of behavior within the Catholic Church are essentially ideals of a perfect world that have been visioned by God and exampled through the actions of Jesus. These principles influence morality, normality and ideas about what is considered ‘correct’ in the Church’s eyes. Advice, qualities and laws all represent this ideal, thus why these are explored throughout the Bible, and furthermore in many aspects of Catholicism.
A prime example of these ethical principles and codes of behavior are the Ten Commandments, which outline the freedom from sin that is essential to the life as a Catholic. These Commandments also express duties to God and others in the community, as well as represent obligations as a Catholic. It is considered a sin if these commandments are knowingly or willingly broken. The Commandments include:
Similar to the Commandments, The Beatitudes, which were priorly mentioned, present Catholic ideals that essentially focus on spirit, love and humility in reference to a biblical theme. They furthermore are in accordance with the teachings of Jesus about mercy, spirituality and compassion. Commonly referenced with The Beatitudes is the Golden Rule, frequently preached and mentioned by many Catholics. The Golden rule purely means and is about treating others as one wants to be treated, and is expressed by Christ in his Sermon on the Mount, which occurs at the initiation of the Gospel of Matthew. The Golden Rule ties in all the Commandments and Beatitudes into a mantra for Catholics to live by.
A prime example of these ethical principles and codes of behavior are the Ten Commandments, which outline the freedom from sin that is essential to the life as a Catholic. These Commandments also express duties to God and others in the community, as well as represent obligations as a Catholic. It is considered a sin if these commandments are knowingly or willingly broken. The Commandments include:
- Only one God.
- The Lord’s name shall not be used in vain.
- The Lord’s Day should be kept holy and divine.
- Your Mother and Father should be honoured and respected.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness.
- You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.
Similar to the Commandments, The Beatitudes, which were priorly mentioned, present Catholic ideals that essentially focus on spirit, love and humility in reference to a biblical theme. They furthermore are in accordance with the teachings of Jesus about mercy, spirituality and compassion. Commonly referenced with The Beatitudes is the Golden Rule, frequently preached and mentioned by many Catholics. The Golden rule purely means and is about treating others as one wants to be treated, and is expressed by Christ in his Sermon on the Mount, which occurs at the initiation of the Gospel of Matthew. The Golden Rule ties in all the Commandments and Beatitudes into a mantra for Catholics to live by.
8. Religious Experience and Spirituality ~
Catholicism examples many spiritual, sacred and personal connections between religion and reality. Many of the sacred texts within the Catholic Church incorporate life events in religious and non-religious contexts, which furthermore assist in personal development through the course of life. The sacred practices that Catholicism examples are usually useful to realistic situations, and are preparation for the sometimes treachery of life.
Examples of Religious experience and Spirituality can be seen through prayer within the Catholic church. Prayer is often associated with a yearning for God, and moreover an opening and accepting of God within the hearts of his believers. Prayer not only connects religion to life, but also celebrates and strengthens the relationship of an individual with the living God and true God. Other examples of this connection are seen through the following:
Examples of Religious experience and Spirituality can be seen through prayer within the Catholic church. Prayer is often associated with a yearning for God, and moreover an opening and accepting of God within the hearts of his believers. Prayer not only connects religion to life, but also celebrates and strengthens the relationship of an individual with the living God and true God. Other examples of this connection are seen through the following:
- Liturgy. The worshiping of God through a ceremony, either publicly or privately.
- Sacraments. Each of the 7 Sacraments recognised in the Catholic Church are an act of bringing members of the Catholic Church closer to God realistically, therefore God is present through light, love, celebration and experience when sacraments are undertaken.
- Pilgrimages. In history many practicing Catholics have gone on life changing pilgrimages that adapt and advance their connection to God, and their perspective on their faith and belief system.