The Catholic Religion: What does it mean to Catholics



The Catholic Religion: What does it mean to Catholics?

(my name)

HUM 130

August 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Catholic belief system is a very complex one for some to understand if they are not a member of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church believes that the Bible must be interpreted, which they do using the Tradition of the Apostles. Apostolic Succession is the passing down of authority from apostles to their successors, such as the Pope and Bishop (BCBP, 207). Catholics believe that creation is good, which is used by God for his purposes, which is marred by original sin. Original sin is the result of sin by the first human beings. The only way to remove original sin is through a sacrament called Baptism. This is the first and most important sacrament of the Catholic religion. Baptism is said to symbolize that one belongs to Jesus, not to themselves anymore. Catholics believe that a person has to be born again to be saved. Baptism is symbolic for being born again (BCBP, 2007).

Another belief of the Catholics is that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. He is believed to be the awaited Messiah of Israel. Jesus is said to be born of a virgin, Mary, and then suffered through a torturous death from being nailed to a cross. He is believed to have risen from the dead, which further symbolizes to Catholics that this further proves his divine authority. "The Nicene Creed is a belief by Catholics that God exists as three persons" (BCBP, 2007). These three are believed to be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity, which is the belief in three Gods. There are seven practices of Charity that Catholics believe that they should practice. Such practices including giving something to drink to those who are thirsty, giving food to those who are hungry, giving clothes to those who are naked, visiting the sick, providing shelter for the homeless and burying the dead. (CPDCL, 2007). "Catholics also believe that there are seven deadly sins with conquering virtues" (Cline, 2007). Our fallen human nature leaves humankind vulnerable to these sins. Such sins include: lust, gluttony, wrath, greed, pride, sloth, envy, greed and sloth. Many Catholics also believe that certain responsibilities fall upon them due to their religion. Such duties include receipt of Communion at least once annually, to maintain attendance on Sundays and on holy days, to have the receipt of the sacrament of reconciliation, to observe the abstinence and fast days established by the church, to support the Church and to obey the Church’s marriage laws (CPDCL, 2007).

There are seven gifts by the Holy Spirit, according to the Catholic religion, that Catholics believe that they have been given through sacrament. These sacraments are tools which Catholics believe to help them live good Christian lives. These gifts are understanding, counsel, knowledge, piety, wisdom, fear of the Lord and courage. These gifts are considered to be a sign of God within us. Catholicism is very different in comparison to the Lutheran religion. A Catholic belief is that the authority is given to the Pope and the Church to determine the doctrine; however Lutherans believe that "the Scripture alone has the authority to determine the Doctrine" (TLC, 2003). One similarity among the two religions is the belief of Christ's blood and body being present in the Lord's Supper; however Catholics believe that the bread and wine are forever changed into Christ's body and blood. The Lutherans do not believe this (TLC, 2003).

My site visit was at Immaculate Conception in Clarksville, TN. I asked a friend of mine who works as a Sunday school teacher to introduce me to an unbiased party. She introduced me to her friend Lisa. After attending the Mass I asked Lisa if she was available for an interview and she agreed. The interview proceeded as follows:

1. What are the most significant traditions and holidays in this religion? Her response to this was "There are quite a few important ones. One of the largest know holidays is, of course, Christmas. This is the celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Easter Sunday is another significant day for us because it marks the day when Jesus rose from the dead after dying for our sins."

2. How has religion shaped your life? Her response is "My religion has given me the strength to live a better life. After the birth of my children, I found it important to raise my children under the guidance of God. I have done a lot of wrong things in my life, but I know that God is a forgiving person and I will always be welcome in his Church. I want my kids to grow up with this same belief system."

3. What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion? "I don't believe that there are any challenges to being a Catholic. The only problem that is presented to me is finding the time to get to church every week. I must admit that I do miss it on occasion, but I do practice my religion in my every day life, so I think that this is ok."

4. What does the holy water represent to you? "The holy water represents being one of God's children. Holy water is pure and I believe that it is cleansing."

5. What do you think about the fact that priests are forbidden to be married by the scriptures? Do you think that it is outdated? "I am not sure what I think about this practice. Priests are human too. I do believe that they should have the love and companionship of a mate just as the rest of us do. I think that this is outdated and should be re-examined."

6. If you could ask God anything, what would it be? "I think this is a very easy question to answer. If I could ask God anything, it would be what our purpose for existence on this earth is for?"

7. Do you believe in abstinence? "This is a hard one to answer. I think that love is not a sin, but it really depends on your age. I am single at 32 and do not practice abstinence. I do not think that it is practical out it is very out dated."

8. Do you consider those who are divorced sinners? "No, I do not. First of all, I am not one to judge others. Second, both of my parents are remarried and divorced. They are very good people, but sometimes life just happens and you find yourself in something that doesn't make you happy anymore. I do not believe that God would want you to stay in a place where no one was happy."

9. Why can the divorced not receive communion? "I honestly don't know the real answer to this, but I think that it has something to do with the Church looking down on divorce. The Church does not approve of it, thus you do not receive the sacrament of communion."

10. How is your religion different in comparison to others? "I really do not know. I am only educated in my religion. I was in a long-term relationship with a Baptist once. The one thing that I noticed is that Baptists do not believe in drinking, where Catholics serve wine in their mass."

11. Do you believe that children who are not baptized will not go to heaven? "Gosh no, I sure do not believe that. I have heard many people in the Church talk about this. I know that man is born with original sin against their soul. I guess the Baptism is in a way getting rid of the original sin. Children have no choice in whether or not they are baptized, and I do not believe God holds this against anyone."

12. Why do Catholics believe that God is three persons? (The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). "Well, God is a part of Jesus. I believe that this is the father and son part. Jesus rose from the dead and I believe that this is the Holy Spirit aspect."

13. Why do Catholics believe in purgatory when there is no mention of this place in the bible? "I, personally, do not believe in purgatory. I think that there is either Heaven or Hell. I do not agree with all of the beliefs of the Catholic faith."

In conclusion, I have learned an enormous amount about the Catholic religion. I have learned the differences between the Lutheran and Catholic, and I was able to get some firsthand insight from an unbiased Catholic Church member. Although all faiths have different beliefs, I have learned that basically we all believe in doing what is right. We all believe that we need to treat each other as we want to be treated, with respect. Although we are different, we are the same.

 

Reference Page

“Basic Catholic beliefs and practices” (2007). Retrieved August 1, 2009

From

“Catholic practices, duties, and common lists” (2005). Ancient and future

Catholics. Retrieved August 1, 2009, from

Cline, A. (2007). “Seven deadly sins, theory & practice: What's wrong with the seven

deadly sins?” , Retrieved August 3, 2009, from

“Differences with Catholics.” (2003). The Lutheran Church, Missouri synod,

Retrieved August 5, 2009 from



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