Roman Catholicism
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Roman Catholicism (Catholic meaning 'universal') is the Christian confession which derives directly and without any breaking from the Apostolic Church of two thousand years ago by means of the Apostolic tradition, represented by the Bishops and the Pope, their chief.
Like other Christians, Catholics believe a person called Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Catholics believe that because of his love for all people, Jesus Christ died so that all of us will live forever in heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that Catholics should follow the example of love Jesus Christ teaches; to love each other so much that one is even willing to die for another.
The leader of the Roman Catholic religion is called the Pope. Catholics say Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church, and appointed the first Pope, a person named Saint Peter, to lead all Christians. Over the next 2,000 years, different Popes have lead the church. The current Pope is called Benedict and he lives in a country called Vatican City, a very small country inside the city of Rome, Italy. In addition to the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope also leads the Eastern Catholic churches. Together with the Roman Catholic Church, they are known as the Catholic Church.
Some of the traditional worship practices of Roman Catholics include making the sign of the cross, kneeling, bowing, and receiving the Eucharist during their worship ceremonies. Their main form of worship is called the Mass and is celebrated every day, and Catholics have to attend on Sunday. However, there are many other Holy Days where Roman Catholics also attend church services. Two main Holy Days are Christmas and Easter. While these are all practices of Roman Catholics, other Christian churches also use many or all of these same practices. Catholics put more emphasis on the Virgin Mary (Jesus's mother) than other Christian denominations
Catholics believe that some of the official statements that the Pope makes about their religion are true and cannot be proved incorrect, an idea called infallibility. In certain cases, bishops can also make such statements. In some cases, a number of cardinals can also make such statements.
Catholics believe in the necessity of Love, hope and faith- in order to gain salvation, but that these all come from grace (a supernatural, unmerited gift of God). This is different from the 16th century interpretation created by Luther. Catholics interpret the Bible (Christian religious book) by Augustine's rule, and by Tradition. Tradition is the records of the teachings of the early church. Especially those before the what was in the bible was finalisede in the fourth century. (The acceptance of the gospels was already current in the 2nd century). A basic rule for Catholics is that "Truth Cannot Contradict Truth". They translated the bible with this in mind. No interpretation of interpretable material can be accepted if it contradicts another revealed truth. The bible is considered revealed.
Catholics, like Orthodox Christians accept the Nicene Creed, a combination of th Council of nice (325 A.D.and the later council of constantinople A.D. 382as true:
We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen." Nicene Creed
Eastern Orthodox or Protestant people believe many of the same things. They disagree on the role of saints, on what a priest can do, and on how exactly God should be worshipped.
