Overview of Catholicism and its distinctives

A presentation on Catholicism

1. The Catholic Traditions REL 452/SOC 364 World Christianity Dr. Darren Duerksen

2. Christianity’s Four Big Traditions

3. Catholic Christianity: Group Discussion Catholics, or those who have some Catholic background or experience: What are two things that you/they would want non-Catholics to know about the faith? What is meaningful to you/them about the faith? Non-Catholics: What are two questions you have about Catholicism?

4. Catholic understanding of Revelation Primary Distinction: Authority Luther: sola scriptura Catholic Church: Scripture and Tradition

5. Scripture and Tradition

6. Tradition in Scripture …

7. The Latin-speaking Roman Empire eventually becomes Catholic Latin Speaking Greek Speaking

8. Following 1054 schism 1100-1400 Clerical celibacy Clerical garb Purgatory Transubstantiation Religious orders proliferate (Franciscans, Dominicans, etc.)

9. Current “flavor” of the Church Vatican II (1962-65) Convened by John XIII Closed by Paul VI Effects: Mass in vernacular language, Church engages with modern world, interreligious dialogue, liturgical variety, lots of official documents with guidance still used.

10. Roman Catholic Christians see the Church as the Body of Christ on earth Body of Christ on earth The institution is “the church”

11. Leadership passed on from Peter The Pope=Bishop of Rome One Church One earthly Head of the Church

12. Basic structure of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Bishops & Archbishops Priests/Clergy Deacons/Lay folks Consecrated Religious

13. God’s Grace Christ’s Merit Spiritual Power The Sacraments

14. Catholic Sacraments “efficacious signs of Grace” Baptism Confirmation Reconciliation (Confession) Holy Orders (Priests, Religious life) Marriage Anointing of the Sick (Last rites) The Eucharist (transubstantiation)

15. Catholic Salvation Original Sin Baptism Continual process, aided by sacraments, pious acts, serving the poor. Sanctification determines standing with God Heaven Hell Purgatory

16. Purgatory

17. And of course … A common question …

18. Summarize some similarities and differences between Catholic and Orthodox Traditions