CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY
Catholicism is a religious tradition of Christianity. It has similar beliefs, scripture and morals to other Christian religious traditions.
BELIEFS
Catholics believe that there is one God. God created both Heaven and Earth, and everything on it. That he is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus was God's true son and was born of a virgin. Jesus death was not as a result of unfortunate events, but because God's predefined plan for him. Through baptism, original sin is removed and it puts Catholics in union with Christ who died to forgive their sins. They believe that there is life after death, and actions and decisions on earth decide if one goes to Heaven or hell.
Catholics believe that there is one God. God created both Heaven and Earth, and everything on it. That he is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus was God's true son and was born of a virgin. Jesus death was not as a result of unfortunate events, but because God's predefined plan for him. Through baptism, original sin is removed and it puts Catholics in union with Christ who died to forgive their sins. They believe that there is life after death, and actions and decisions on earth decide if one goes to Heaven or hell.
MYTHS AND SACRED STORIES
Most sacred stories are found in the bible. However, other myths exist due to miracles from saints. Jonah and the whale: Found in the Old Testament, this story tell of how Jonah was trapped in the belly of a whale for 3 days and 3 nights because he did not want to preach God's message. Five loaves and two fish: This myth is found in the New Testament of the bible, and is one of Jesus' miracles. Jesus had been preaching all day to a large crowd. When it had become late, Jesus and his disciples had no food to feed the hungry crowd. So Jesus took five loaves and two fish, said a prayer to God, and shared the food amongst the people. There was enough food to fill everyone up, with some leftovers. The Passion of the Lord: Found in the New Testament, this sacred story is the core belief of the Catholic church. Jesus was betrayed on the passover and was arrested and trialled. On Good Friday he was put to death on the cross, although Pilate found no cause to kill him. He was buried in a tomb for 2 days, before rising from the dead. Our Lady of Fatima: This myth happened in 1917, where the blessed virgin Mary appeared to a young girl in Portugal. This myth was declared true by Pope Pius XI in 1930. |
SACRED TEXTS
|
RITUALS
The seven sacraments:
The sign of the cross: Signifies the Holy Trinity and the cross that Jesus was crucified on. Going to mass: Celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday reaffirms one's faith. At mass, readings from the bible are read, prayers are said and songs are sung in worship for God. |
SYMBOLS:
|
SOCIAL STRUCTURES
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Most ethical principles are given by the catechism. Topics concerning abortion, euthanasia, suicide, marriage, sexual orientation, etc.
Abortion: the Catholic church condemns abortion because it believes that life begins from the moment of conception. It is said in the bible "You are made in the image and likeness of God". Upholding the sanctity of life (all life is precious and must be saved) means that abortion, in the eyes of the church, is banned.
Euthanasia: the Catholic church also condemns euthanasia as it prematurely ends life. Similar to abortion, it is not upholding the sanctity of life.
Marriage: in the Catholic Church, one is only allowed to be married once, and the couple is bound together forever (meaning they are not allowed to divorce). The only case where someone may remarry in church is if their spouse has died.
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
Catholics aim to live out Jesus' mission: To love everyone. In their everyday lives, Catholics they aim to pray, to be compassionate and Christ-like. On Sundays, Catholics go to church to pray, worship and receive Communion. They also try to do charitable things such as donating money or volunteering for a good cause.
Catholics aim to live out Jesus' mission: To love everyone. In their everyday lives, Catholics they aim to pray, to be compassionate and Christ-like. On Sundays, Catholics go to church to pray, worship and receive Communion. They also try to do charitable things such as donating money or volunteering for a good cause.