Roman Catholic Beliefs

Roman Catholic Beliefs questions and answers

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Q: What is the difference between the Roman Catholic Beliefs and the Easter Orthodox, such as Greek and Russian?
I've been noting some articles about how the Russian Orthodox Church wants to put a stop to the influx of Roman Catholics and other "Western" Churches. What is the difference in their beliefs?

A: Ecclesiastical: Orthodox bishops are independent, as are Orthodox Churches. The Roman Catholic Church has an ecclesiastical hierarchy. Orthodox priests are free to marry, as long as they do so before ordination. Orthodox Christians do not recognize the authority of the Pope as the 'bishop of bishops' or the arbiter of orthodoxy. Ritualistic: Orthodox Christians follow the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which is considerably different from the Latin Mass. Orthodox Christians celebrate the death of the Virgin Mary, rather than her bodily assumption into heaven. Orthodox Christians take both bread and wine in the Eucharist, and use leavened bread instead of unleavened bread. Theological: Vastly different. Orthodox theology does not accept the doctrines of Original Sin, substitutionary atonement, created grace, purgatory, or a created hell. They do not believe that the bread and wine is literally transformed into the flesh and blood of Christ, but that the bread and wine are permeated with the energy of God. Orthodoxy maintains that there is a difference between the Essence and Energies (or attributes) of God. Salvation in Orthodoxy is not a matter of being equitted for breaking a law - salvation in Orthodoxy is a matter of attaining an ontological union with God. That is a very superficial explanation. I recommend that you dig a little deeper if you want a complete analysis of the differences between these two denominations. Also keep in mind that there are 'Uniate' Churches who are Eastern Orthodox in exterior form, but Roman Catholic in theology. Russian Orthodox Churches are also much closer to Roman Catholicism than Greek Orthodox Churches. And many Orthodox Churches in the U.S. are populated by converts who may or may not be familiar with traditional Orthodox doctrine or theology (despite publishing many, many books on the subject). Recommended Reading: Anything put out by the Church of Greece, Fr. John S. Romanides (http://www.romanity.org), Orlapubs articles on Eastern Orthodoxy (I forget the link), anything by Met. Hierotheos Vlachos, Georges Florovsky, Kalistos Ware.

Q: Roman Catholic Beliefs?
What are the beliefs of the Roman Catholic faith on how to be saved. And why do they confess to priests, worship Mary, and have rosary? In reading about this I would like to answer Father K on his points. Firstly John 20:21. Jesus wasn’t sent to forgive sins as a man on earth, but by His death. They were not sent to be priests and kings, like him, but only prophets. As he was sent to bear witness to the truth, so were they; not to be mediators of the reconciliation, but only preachers and publishers of it. Was he sent, not to be ministered to, but to minister? (Matt 20:28) not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him? (John 5:30) not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fill them up? (Matt 5:17) So were they. Secondly, John 20:23. So by the doctrines of the Roman Catholic faith, unless our trespasses and sins are spoken to an apostle (priest if you may) then we will not have them forgiven. This is far off the mark. The power to forgive sin belongs only to God, but Jesus claimed to have this power and right (Mark 2:5-7). What he commits to the disciples, and to us, is the power and privilege of g

A: I'll take the Confession part: Simply because Jesus Christ Granted the Apostles His Authority to Forgive Sins!!!! John 20:21 - before He grants them the authority to forgive sins, Jesus says to the apostles, "as the Father sent me, so I send you." As Christ was sent by the Father to forgive sins, so Christ sends the apostles and their successors forgive sins. John 20:22 - the Lord "breathes" on the apostles, and then gives them the power to forgive and retain sins. The only other moment in Scripture where God breathes on man is in Gen. 2:7, when the Lord "breathes" divine life into man. When this happens, a significant transformation takes place. John 20:23 - Jesus says, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained." In order for the apostles to exercise this gift of forgiving sins, the penitents must orally confess their sins to them because the apostles are not mind readers. The text makes this very clear. Matt. 9:8 - this verse shows that God has given the authority to forgive sins to "men." Hence, those Protestants who acknowledge that the apostles had the authority to forgive sins (which this verse demonstrates) must prove that this gift ended with the apostles. Otherwise, the apostles' successors still possess this gift. Where in Scripture is the gift of authority to forgive sins taken away from the apostles or their successors? Matt. 9:6; Mark 2:10 - Christ forgave sins as a man (not God) to convince us that the "Son of man" has authority to forgive sins on earth. Luke 5:24 - Luke also points out that Jesus' authority to forgive sins is as a man, not God. The Gospel writers record this to convince us that God has given this authority to men. This authority has been transferred from Christ to the apostles and their successors. Matt. 18:18 - the apostles are given authority to bind and loose. The authority to bind and loose includes administering and removing the temporal penalties due to sin. The Jews understood this since the birth of the Church. John 20:22-23; Matt. 18:18 - the power to remit/retain sin is also the power to remit/retain punishment due to sin. If Christ's ministers can forgive the eternal penalty of sin, they can certainly remit the temporal penalty of sin (which is called an "indulgence"). 2 Cor. 2:10 - Paul forgives in the presence of Christ (some translations refer to the presences of Christ as "in persona Christi"). Some say that this may also be a reference to sins. 2 Cor. 5:18 - the ministry of reconciliation was given to the ambassadors of the Church. This ministry of reconciliation refers to the sacrament of reconciliation, also called the sacrament of confession or penance. James 5:15-16 - in verse 15 we see that sins are forgiven by the priests in the sacrament of the sick. This is another example of man's authority to forgive sins on earth. Then in verse 16, James says “Therefore, confess our sins to one another,” in reference to the men referred to in verse 15, the priests of the Church. 1 Tim. 2:5 - Christ is the only mediator, but He was free to decide how His mediation would be applied to us. The Lord chose to use priests of God to carry out His work of forgiveness. Lev. 5:4-6; 19:21-22 - even under the Old Covenant, God used priests to forgive and atone for the sins of others.

Q: If you wear a scapular will you go to heaven by roman catholic beliefs?
Also how do i wear it?

A: No. Don't be ridiculous. A scapular is a sacramental...it's not magic and it gets you nowhere. If it is worn...it should be a symbol of Christ's yoke - and your devotion to Him. Where do people get this stuff???

Q: What are some celebrities that are Roman Catholic or have religious beliefs having to do with god and jesus?
What are some celebrities or other famous people that are Roman Catholic or have religious beliefs having to do with god and jesus?

A: nicole kidman leo dicaprio

Q: Anglo-Catholics: What are the main differences in your beliefs vs. Roman Catholic beliefs?


A: "What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII) Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians. Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006): By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works. There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much. A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor. With love in Christ.

Q: What are the differences between the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church?


A: The greatest one that I know of is the orthodox do not recognize and acknowledge the authority of the bishop of Rome as the head of the church. That is what caused them to split up. The orthodox also permit their priests to marry. Other than that, the teachings are practically the same. The orthodox still have valid sacraments although they are in schism. That does not mean a Catholic is permitted to receive the sacraments from the orthodox. As they are in schism we are not permitted. pax in Christo

Q: What are some famous people that are Roman Catholic or have religious beliefs having to do with God and Jesus?
What are some celebrities or other famous people that are Roman Catholic or have religious beliefs having to do with god and jesus?

A: mel gibson and josh harnnett

Q: What are the beliefs of Roman cathololism or the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church?
What was it like in the 15th century?

A: A summary of Catholic beliefs is contained in the Nicene Creed (from the year 325): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. These beliefs have not changed. For a complete description of what Catholics believe, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm With love in Christ.

Q: What is the difference between Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant beliefs?


A: "What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII) Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians. Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006): By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much. A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm With love in Christ.

Q: comparing beliefs of roman catholics and members of the church of christ?
comparing beliefs of roman catholics and members of the church of christ?

A: One of the largest differences is the source of authority in the church. I believe many of the other differences stem from this. The Catholic Church has the Pope, cardnials, and an elaborate organization that oversees the local congregations and determines the doctrine. Doctrine changes from time to time, as handed down from the Pope and the world-wide and regional headquarters. The Church of Christ believes that Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). This being the case, there is no regional, national, or world-wide "headquarters" on Earth. Instead, each congregation is overseen by a group of elders within that congregation and each congregation goes directly to the Bible to see what should be taught, how to worship, and the things that should be practiced. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The Church of Christ believes that the Bible is the word of God and it is a sufficent source for doctrine. There is no need to change doctrine over time. Instead, we should all return to the doctrine that was taught when the church was established. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines..." (Hebrews 13:8-9)

Q: Lutherans vs. Roman Catholics in beliefs?
I haven't been able to find a comparison of Lutheran beliefs compared to Roman Catholic beliefs. Can somebody help me out here? Looking specifically into subjects like good deeds, how to communicate with god (prayer, church), and indulgences.

A: Hi, While the 95 Theses are what got the ball rolling, the document you are looking for is the Augsburg Confession. The AC summed up all of the points of doctrine where we Lutherans differ from our RC brothers and sisters; and where we share the same doctrine. All Lutheran Churches (and the Moravians) subscribe to the AC. Here is a link: http://www.bookofconcord.org/pdf/augsburg.pdf Addendum: We also have the "Historic Liturgy" complete with chanting, and organ. The "Bach" that our Catholic friends love so much was a Lutheran. Check this out!: http://www.ctsfw.edu/chapel/audio.php

Q: How do roman catholics put their beliefs about abortion into action?
If you are a catholic and believe abortion is wrong, how do you go about it to make a point, that you believe its wrong? Any comments would be useful! Thanks!

A: Besides speaking out against abortion and making it clear that it is the murder of the most innocent and helpless of humanity we offer alternatives to abortion. We teach moral responsibility. We teach the only foolproof method to prevent abortion which is abstinence. We offer counseling to those who are pregnant. We provide funding to those who choose to have their child. We offer adoption services for those who do not desire to keep their child. We offer prenatal and postnatal care. We offer housing. food and job assistence. We offer day care and child rearing counseling. We coordiate with secular public assistance. These are just a few of the things the Church does. In Christ Fr. Joseph

Q: Roman Catholic Church....rituals and beliefs...??
I am trying to find info on the Roman Catholic Church. I have looked for info on the beliefs and rituals for the it, but get confused while reading about it. I am not of that faith and do not know anyone who is. Anything is appreciated.... Sorry G, the philosophy is required for my degree! But I am a Christian, just not Catholic...still confused as to why they "worship" Mary...

A: May I suggest that you go to Catholic Answers at http://www.catholic.com and then look at the left sidebar: You will see many subjects. You can click on one and see tracts that will probably answer your questions. Also, the search engine will search 20 years worth of articles from "This Rock" magazine. There are a lot of great articles there too Also, the"official" Catechism Of The Catholic Church is online at: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/entiretoc1.htm This is a difficult document to read. (The book is about three inches thick!) But, there is a wealth of information there too if you take the time to learn how to navigate it.

Q: What's the difference between catholic and baptist beliefs ?
I need some help. Anything non-catholic beliefs is a sin to me. I was raised roman catholic and eventhough, I don't attend mass every sunday...I still deeply believe in what I was taught. baptist don't believe in saying the 'rosary' when someone dies...i do it because we asking god to forgive you for your sins...my mom in law says "i pray people into heaven when she's got it all wrong" baptist believe that if you confess to god himself you are forgiven...yet catholics believe that you must confess to that who is closest to god and that is a priest...my mil sayd this is wrong...downing my beliefs...they also don't believe in the virgin mary and my in laws claim i am wrong in believing this because you need sperm to make a child. just wondering what else are the different beliefs..

A: I can only comment on what your mother-in-law has said and not about the Baptist religion as a whole. The reason is because each Baptist church is separate and different from the other. They may have the same name but most of them have no connection to the other, even with different beliefs. You could go to your mil's church, hear their beliefs, go to another baptist church, hear their beliefs, and the two be totally different. Welcome to protestantism. Point your mil to this website as it might help answer a few questions: http://catholic.com/library/Confession.asp http://catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp She doesn't believe in the Virgin Mary? Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is in the Apostle's Creed. If she doesn't believe this, ask her how DOES she believe Jesus was conceived? To deny this holy conception is to deny everything about Jesus. God bless. Email anytime if you need help with anything.

Q: What in your opiniion is the difference in Roman Catholic and plain ol' Catholic?
My opinion is: the Roman Catholic Church follows the ancient Roman Catholic belief that Julius Caesar was god and Octavian was the Christ. When they died the myths took over and they just let sleeping dogs lay. CA (Caesar Augustus) T=mark of the beast. HOLIC=pretaining to the holy Caesar Augustus. If you do not know how to read their symbols (Roman or Greek) you will never figure out what they were up too. You will just have to trust me.

A: Your absolutely nuts.