Topical Encyclopedia The term "Catholic" is derived from the Greek word "katholikos," meaning "universal." It is used to describe the universal nature of the Christian Church. The Catholic Church, often referred to as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with a rich history that traces its origins to the early followers of Jesus Christ and the apostles.Biblical Foundations The concept of a universal church is rooted in the New Testament. Jesus Christ's commission to His disciples emphasizes the global mission of the Church. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission underscores the universal mission that characterizes the Catholic Church. The unity and universality of the Church are further highlighted in Ephesians 4:4-6 : "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage reflects the Catholic understanding of the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, as professed in the Nicene Creed. Apostolic Succession A key tenet of Catholicism is the belief in apostolic succession, the unbroken line of bishops dating back to the apostles. This is seen as essential for maintaining the integrity and continuity of the Church's teaching and sacramental life. In Acts 1:20-26 , the apostles choose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, demonstrating the early practice of appointing successors to carry on the apostolic ministry. The Papacy The Catholic Church holds that the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, is the successor of Saint Peter, whom Catholics believe was appointed by Christ as the head of His apostles. This belief is based on passages such as Matthew 16:18-19 , where Jesus says to Peter, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Sacraments The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments as means of grace instituted by Christ. These are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The sacraments are seen as vital to the spiritual life of believers, with the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, being the "source and summit of the Christian life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). Tradition and Scripture Catholic doctrine holds that divine revelation is transmitted through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 supports this view: "Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter." The Church teaches that Tradition complements and clarifies the teachings found in Scripture. Role of Mary and the Saints The Catholic Church venerates Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the saints, viewing them as intercessors and models of holiness. Luke 1:48 reflects Mary's special role: "For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed." The saints are seen as part of the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 , who inspire and support the faithful in their spiritual journey. Conclusion The Catholic Church, with its emphasis on universality, apostolic succession, and the sacraments, seeks to continue the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles. Its teachings and practices are deeply rooted in Scripture and Tradition, aiming to guide believers in their faith and relationship with God. ATS Bible Dictionary CatholicThis term is Greek, signifying universal or general. The church of Christ is called catholic, because it extends throughout the world, and during all time. In modern times the church of Rome has usurped this title, improperly applying it exclusively to itself. The "Catholic epistles" are seven, so called because they were addressed to the church or Christians in general, and not to any particular church. They are, one epistle of James, two of Peter, three of John, and one of Jude. Easton's Bible Dictionary Catholic epistles: The epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude; so called because they are addressed to Christians in general, and not to any church or person in particular. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.2. (a.) Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes. 3. (a.) of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act. 4. (n.) A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church. 5. (n.) An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CATHOLIC EPISTLESkath'-o-lik (epistolai katholikai): In distinction from the apostolic or Pauline epistles which were addressed to individual churches or persons, the term "catholic," in the sense of universal or general, was applied by Origen and the other church Fathers to the seven epistles written by James, Peter, John and Jude. As early as the 3rd century it came to be used in the sense of "encyclical," "since," as Theodoret says, "they are not addressed to single churches, but generally (katholou) to the faithful, whether to the Jews of the Dispersion, as Peter writes, or even to all who are living as Christians under the same faith." Three other explanations of the term have been given, namely, Library The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book History of the Catholic Church, Renaissance to French Revolution Of the Morals of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Epistles What the Doctrine of the Catholic Faith is Concerning the Trinity. Proofs of the Catholic Faith. Protestant and Roman Catholic Catechisms. Basic Catholic Prayers The Notes of a True Catholic. ... The Catholic System. Thesaurus Catholic...Catholic epistles: The epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude; so called because they are addressed to Christians in general, and not to any church or person ... /c/catholic.htm - 9k Immaculate Conception (6 Occurrences) Epistles (2 Occurrences) Keys (2 Occurrences) Apostles' Power (862 Occurrences) Dictionaries Church (110 Occurrences) Dogma Resources Catholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible support the Catholic practice of a marriage annulment? | GotQuestions.org Should a non-Catholic Christian participate in a Catholic Mass? | GotQuestions.org Catholic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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