Catholic theology
In 1992, the Catholic Church published the official Catechism of the Catholic Church. This document serves as a comprehensive summary of the church's teachings on faith and morals. The theology rests on three pillars: canonical scripture, sacred tradition, and the magisterium. Scripture includes the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament written primarily in Greek. Tradition encompasses the living deposit of faith passed down through generations. The magisterium acts as the authoritative interpreter of these sources. It consists of the College of Bishops led by the pope. Ecumenical councils like the Council of Jerusalem began this process of interpretation. The Second Vatican Council ran from 1962 to 1965 and remains the most recent major council. Twice in history, the pope defined dogma without convening a full council after consulting all bishops. The church believes revelation is guided by the Holy Spirit. God never ceases to draw humanity toward himself despite human rebellion. Man is created in the image and likeness of God. Human reason can know God exists with certainty. Yet true intimacy requires divine grace and revelation.
Pope Pius V codified a standard book for Mass in 1570 at the Council of Trent. This Tridentine Mass used Latin as the universal language of the church. Participation was devotional rather than liturgical until the Second Vatican Council approved the Mass of Paul VI. That new order allows celebration in vernacular languages or Latin. Sunday is a holy day of obligation requiring attendance at Mass. Catholics believe bread and wine become the true body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ through transubstantiation. The Eucharist stands as the source and summit of Christian life. Seven sacraments exist including Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Eastern Catholic Churches call these holy mysteries instead of sacraments. The Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Eucharistic adoration derive from the Eucharist. These practices lead believers back to the central act of worship. Preparation is required before receiving certain sacraments to ensure proper disposition. Superstition arises when people attribute efficacy to external performance alone without interior faith. The Liturgy of the Word precedes the Liturgy of the Eucharist during Mass readings from Old and New Testaments.
The word trias first appears in works by Theophilus of Antioch writing about the Trinity of God. Tertullian used the term in his De Pudicitia chapter 21 during the following century. Origen found it in many passages throughout his writings. The Nicene Creed formulated at Nicaea in 325 and Constantinople in 381 became the universal creed ratified by Ephesus in 431. Catholics believe one God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God yet they form a single Godhead. The Father remains unbegotten while the Son is eternal yet begotten of the Father. The Holy Spirit proceeds from both Father and Son. Perichoresis describes how each person contains the whole divine substance without division. Karl Rahner stated that God really gives himself through grace and Incarnation. Jesus taught his apostles he would send the Advocate after his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit teaches everything and reminds disciples of all Jesus said. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of grace received at baptism. Spiritual graces include wisdom, right judgment, love for others, boldness, and rejoicing in God's presence.
The Gospel of John states Christ takes away the sins of the world as an atoning sacrifice. Eternal life cannot be merited but is a free gift of God. Lucifer meaning light bearer led angels who rebelled against God and his reign. Pride caused Satan to desire being God's equal. Adam and Eve sinned bringing suffering and death into the world according to Genesis. Mortal sin turns man away from God causing exclusion from Christ's kingdom if unredeemed by repentance. Venial sin does not set us in direct opposition to friendship with God though it constitutes moral disorder. Baptism cleanses personal sins admitting one as full member of the church once in lifetime. Infant baptism has been immemorial tradition since the second century. Penance or Reconciliation allows forgiveness for subsequent sins after Baptism. A priest hears confession then offers advice or imposes penance before administering absolution. The seal of the confessional forbids priests revealing any matter heard under penalty of excommunication. Purgatory serves as temporary purification state for those saved yet not free enough from sin to enter heaven directly. Indulgences historically measured duration in days quarantines or years equivalent to canonical penance. Pope Paul VI replaced time-based expressions with partial indulgence indicating remission through Church intervention.
Men become bishops priests or deacons through Holy Orders sacrament requiring theological training plus college degree. The Catholic Church ordains only males following apostolic tradition. Bishops possess fullness of priesthood while priests and deacons participate in bishop ministry. College of Bishops are successors of Apostles. The pope elected by College of Cardinals must be ordained bishop before taking office. Since fifteenth century current cardinal always gets elected. Many bishops head dioceses divided into parishes staffed by at least one priest. Permanent deacons preach teach baptize lead prayer witness marriages conduct funeral services. August 2016 saw Pope Francis establish Study Commission on Women's Diaconate. Eastern Catholic Churches ordain both celibate and married men unlike Latin Church requirement. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has ninety percent of diocesan priests married creating hereditary caste patterns. Married priests cannot remarry if wife dies. Men with transitory homosexual leanings may be ordained deacons after three years prayer and chastity. Apostolic succession maintains unbroken chain of consecration from original twelve apostles. The church believes gates of hell will not prevail against it based on Jesus telling Peter this truth.
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Common questions
When did the Catholic Church publish the official Catechism of the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church published the official Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992. This document serves as a comprehensive summary of the church's teachings on faith and morals.
What are the three pillars that support Catholic theology?
Catholic theology rests on canonical scripture, sacred tradition, and the magisterium. Scripture includes the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament written primarily in Greek while tradition encompasses the living deposit of faith passed down through generations.
Who codified the standard book for Mass in 1570 at the Council of Trent?
Pope Pius V codified a standard book for Mass in 1570 at the Council of Trent. This Tridentine Mass used Latin as the universal language of the church until the Second Vatican Council approved the Mass of Paul VI.
How many sacraments exist within the Catholic Church and what are they called in Eastern Catholic Churches?
Seven sacraments exist including Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Eastern Catholic Churches call these holy mysteries instead of sacraments.
When was the Nicene Creed formulated and which councils ratified it?
The Nicene Creed formulated at Nicaea in 325 and Constantinople in 381 became the universal creed ratified by Ephesus in 431. Catholics believe one God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.