A General View Of Catholic Church Teachings

By Brenda Warner


The beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church are distinctive and remain as the distinguishing factor for centuries. Catholic Church teachings on various issues are followed by the faithful all over the world and have remained as such for centuries. Though some clauses have changed over the years, the fundamentals have remained intact.

Catholics believe that God created the universe and all within it over a six day period, and rested on the seventh. Man was given dominion over animals, vegetation, the earth and everything in it. This dominion is to be held on behalf of God the Almighty. God intended that Adam and Eve live forever in the Garden of Eden. It was sin that led them to be banished from this paradise.

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.

Catholics have a distinct belief about death and destiny of each soul. Death ushers one into purgatory, heaven or hell. Hell is for the grave sinners while heaven is preserved for the righteous. Purgatory is for those whose sins are not as grave and thus can be cleansed before admission into heaven.

The definition of marriage is under pressure to change as people embrace single parenthood, gays and homosexuals. The recent synod of bishops produced a more pragmatic pope who appeared to be lenient on the subject. Since there was no consensus, Vatican retained the traditional definition of father, mother and children.




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