The Catholic Faith: Scripture, Tradition, and the Authority of the Church
The Catholic faith is deeply rooted in the belief that divine revelation is conveyed not only through Scripture but also through Apostolic Tradition and the authoritative teaching of the Church. This comprehensive approach to revelation shapes the core beliefs and practices of Catholicism, emphasizing the importance of both written and oral sources of divine truth.
The Role of Scripture and Tradition:
Catholics venerate the Scriptures as the divinely-revealed, written Word of God, akin to the veneration of the Lord's body. However, they also recognize that God's Revelation is not exclusively confined to Scripture but is also conveyed through Apostolic Tradition, which encompasses teachings, practices, and interpretations passed down from the apostles through the Church's history.
The Church Founded by Christ:
Scripture identifies the Church as the one built by Jesus Christ upon the rock of Saint Peter, signifying the foundation of its authority. Jesus entrusted Peter with the keys of authority, appointing him as the chief steward over His earthly kingdom and charging him with shepherding Jesus' flock. This teaching authority, symbolized by the power to bind and loose, was passed down to future bishops through apostolic succession.
Understanding the Foundations of the Catholic Church
Understanding the Foundations of the Catholic Church
- Explores the biblical origins and characteristics of the Church as depicted in the New Testament, highlighting its mission, structure, and significance in the Christian faith.
- Examines the scriptural basis for the primacy of Peter among the apostles and its implications for the leadership and authority of the Church.
- Discusses the concept of apostolic succession in Catholicism, tracing the lineage of bishops back to the apostles and its importance for preserving the apostolic teaching and authority.
- Explores the writings and contributions of the early Church fathers to the development of Christian doctrine, theology, and spirituality.
- Examines the role of the Magisterium and tradition in Catholic theology, emphasizing their authority alongside Scripture in interpreting and transmitting divine revelation.
Ecclesiology and Communion of Saints
- Discusses Catholic ecclesiology, the study of the Church, and its understanding of the communion of saints, including the intercession of Mary and the saints.
- Explores the impact of the Second Vatican Council on the Catholic Church, including its reforms, teachings, and efforts to engage with the modern world.
- Examines the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the call to evangelization and social justice.
Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue
- Discusses Catholic efforts towards Christian unity through ecumenical dialogue with other Christian traditions and interfaith dialogue with non-Christian religions.
The Church Militant and Triumphant
- Explores the Catholic understanding of the Church as comprising the Church Militant (believers on earth), the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven).
- Discusses the principles of Catholic social teaching, including the dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.
- Examines the call to a new evangelization in the modern world, emphasizing the use of new media, evangelization strategies, and missionary outreach.
Embarking on the Path to Catholicism: The Initial Inquiry Phase
Distinguishing Perspectives: Catholic and Other Christian Worldviews
Understanding the Foundations of the Catholic Church
An Exploration of Traditional Catholic Prayers, Creeds, and Ejaculations
