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.

Jesus is recognized as the Son of God and the savior of mankind. His conception by Virgin Mary was immaculate, meaning that she never lost her virginity during conception. The conception was through the power of the Holy Spirit. The foster father for Jesus was Joseph. The savior of mankind will come again on the final day to judge the living and the dead. The righteous will go to heaven while sinners will face damnation without relief.

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.

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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