Catholic Beliefs

Catholic Beliefs questions and answers

Find more information on the Roman Catholic Religion @ The Adherents Religion Website.

Q: Catholic Beliefs?
I am dating this guy who doesn't really practice being catholic but I know that his family does very much. My question is this, what are some catholic beliefs that kind of sets them apart from other religions? I heard that they do not believe in taking birth control, can someone tell me more about this belief and if it is true? Thank you very much! If you hadn't figured it out I'm not Catholic and that is why I'm asking. Thank you very much!

A: I assume that you want to know what the differences are between Catholic beliefs and non-Catholic Christian beliefs. First, it should be noted that there is a lot more common ground than some might be willing to admit. That being said, there are some significant differences. When speaking of Catholic beliefs, you have to realize that they can fall into a variety of categories. The first category is the dogmatic teaching of the Church. These are non-negotiable beliefs that one must hold to be legitimately called a Catholic Christian. Many people call themselves Catholic but choose to ignore (or even deny) these teachings - they are heretics. I know that sounds rude but it's true and sugarcoating it won't change the fact. This doesn't mean you can't have doubts or questions or that you must fully understand these things at all times - it means that you must acknowledge them as revealed truths and give your intellectual assent. Another category of beliefs are perhaps better described as theological suppositions. Theologians ponder weighty issues and try to draw conclusions based on what we know and believe. Many of these have been around for a long time and they sometimes go in or out of favor. These are not dogma and one is not bound to believe them. A prime example of the difference between these two is purgatory and limbo. Purgatory is where people are cleansed of any remaining penalty of sin before entering into the presence and glory of God. It is a dogmatic article of faith. Our notions of what exactly it is like might change over time, but not our belief in it's existence. Limbo, on the other hand, is a final resting place of perfect and complete natural happiness for unbaptized infants. Noone with sin can enter into heaven. Babies who are unbaptized still have original sin but it is through no fault of their own and God is merciful. So the concept of limbo reconciles this. It is not a mandatory belief. The third category is more properly called discipline or practice rather than belief. These are the things which are usually the most visible differences. Disciplines would be things like Friday penances (it used to specifically include not eating meat) and the various days of fasting, etc. Practices would include things like making the sign of the cross or praying the rosary. Others have already provided links to good resources and I would especially recomend perusing the catechism. As to your specific question about birth control - yes it's true. The Catholic Church does teach that birth control is a sin. Most Protestant denominations also used to teach this. However, most studies that I have seen show that people describing themselves as Catholic are only slightly less likely to use birth control (or even to be sterilized) than the general population. Part of this is people who claim to be Catholic but make no effort to live as such, and part of it is bad, or non-existant, teaching. Unfortunately, to find out much of what the Church teaches many Catholics have to go out of their way to find the information. When you say that the guy you are dating doesn't really practice being Catholic, what do you mean? Does he have nothing to do with the Church except maybe going to mass once or twice a year to appease his parents? Does he attend mass fairly regularly and more or less believe what the Church teaches but lacks zeal and doesn't make his faith a regular part of his daily life? Since you are asking about birth control, I assume you are either having sex or considering the possibility that you might one day get married. If so, you need to find out where he stands because these are questions best answered earlier rather than later. And if you are having sex, don't assume that his current indulgence in sin will preclude him from a conversion or reversion to the faith - many of the greatest saints were once great sinners. +Pax Tecum+

Q: What are some catholic beliefs, traditions etc.?
I know many Catholics (mostly Roman Catholic), but I don't know any of the characteristic aspects of their religion. What are some things that set apart Catholicism from other branches of Christianity? (religious customs/attitudes, beliefs...)

A: Customs & Traditions: Some of the many standard customs and traditions from my own views are: Attend and participate in the Holy Mass celebrated by a priest or bishop, or in the absence of a clergy by an installed Lay Ministers to celebrate Eucharistic Service not a mass. Partake in the Communion with the body/blood of Jesus Christ as spiritual food of our minds and souls. Pray for one another specially for the healing of all and other needs. Pray the Rosary. Live through the values of the 10 commandmends of God as possible as we can. Reconcilliation to the Lord through Confession and repentance, Anointing the sick by priest and bishops. Others are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Matrimony, Anointing the Sick, Holy Order, (check the internet) etc... Beliefs: Some of the many Catholics beliefs on the above customs and traditions are: We believe in the 3 DIVINITY OF GOD: 1. God the Father as Creator. 2.His Word made flesh-Jesus Christ, 3.His Love and the Love of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. The Celebration of the Holy Mass is our unending commemoration of the crucifixion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ in Calvary, offered for the salvation of mankind and during consecration of the bread and wine, there is transformation that is always happening and God turns the bread into the body of Christ and the wine into the blood of Christ - this great evidence is in the Miracle of Lanciano (check internet) proves the customs of the Catholics and serve as earthly evidence for the unbelievers. Praying the Rosary in honor of Mary ( 18 miracles/apparitions of Lourdes) - the mother of Jesus, helps us all in our needs (Intercessory graces of the Mother of Jesus is powerful). Praying and healing the sick, the dying and the lowly (commands of our Lord Jesus) are gifts we received from our baptism that God had shared us His saving works by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Name to be used to help the ailing children of God in our communities, disregard of any denominations of faith they may belong and and we are experiencing this graces in the EUCHARISTIC PILGRIM HELEARS OF MARY (EPHOM) PRAYER AND HEALING MINISTRY we are sharing so that many will be saved to enter the Kingdom of God in Heaven, and love & peace may reign in all our hearts forever In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit and for the greater and honor of God the Father. Amen. What are said above are some differences in the main religions of Judaism, Islam and Roman Catholics and other Catholics. Even among Christians differ among our traditions. Protestants may have similar traditions because they originated from Jesus, Peter and others till they seperated lead by Martin Luther - Father of Protestantism, in 18 February 1546. I just mentioned the prime customs, traditions and beliefs because there is so much according to the teaching of Jesus Christ himself and down to the teaching of the Catholic Church. The only communality among Christians are the three divine persons. the rest, they all differ. Sometimes, many among us christians used this religion for power, popularity, politics, greed, business and other evil acts which are contrary to the teachings of the Jesus Christ and Catholic Church. So I advice you to seek the divine providence of God and lead you to know what you are searching for. Remember. His Love will teach you everything you want to know about Him. Amen. And finally, We Catholics believe that our souls came from God and from God our souls shall return. This serves only as your starter, check your internet everything is there. I hope you will discover you have been longing for to know. Thanks. Ka der Founder - EPHOM PRAYER AND HEALING MINISTRY

Q: What is the difference between catholic beliefs and christian beliefs?
Im catholic and today i went to church with my christian friend at her church. My nan got angry and didn't want me to go again. She said there are many differences between our to religions. When i asked my mum she didn't know any of the differences so that is why im asking this question.

A: Catholics venerate saints and the Virgin Mary, have seven sacraments, a hierarchy of priests, monsignors, bishops, cardinals, and the pope, have all male clergy that can't marry, and make the sign of the cross. They also believe in transubstantiation, that is, a miracle happened and Jesus' body and blood physically transformed to bread and wine.

Q: How should I approach my father regarding his Catholic beliefs and issues?
My father owes thousands of dollars to friends and family; he even owes hundreds of dollars to his younger 13-year-old son, James. He receives donation requests in the mail every day, and he gives in (guilt & obligation). His mindset stems from his strong Catholic mindset. I believe he falls short of his duties as a father because of this. My brother James doesn't get a healthy diet because quality foods are often "too expensive". There is little money left over for healthy recreational activities. I am his older son. It's difficult to approach him directly. Since I am no longer Catholic, he does not hold me in high regard. He sees me as one of his failures because of this. He donates money he doesn't really have (because of his debt) to the church and charities. He doesn't have much to share with James, either because most interests are "worldly" and therefore not worthwhile. What can I do? I am concerned for James’s welfare.

A: Your father doesn't have a Catholic issue - he has a priorities issue that he blames on Catholicism. He may also have a dissociative disorder that skews his priorities. I'd honestly recommend intervention. Your brother isn't getting sufficient food intake (and possibly sufficient attention in other matters) at a crucial time of emotional and physical growth. Your not being Catholic should have nothing do with your love for your father or your brother. If your father doesn't listen to you, then bring family members to whom he will listen. If you need to pick up groceries and offer to make dinner yourself, then do so. Perhaps this will help open the door to your father's heart. His debt is a major issue, but secondary to your brother's welfare, which is immediate. Perhaps a parish priest will be someone who can make headway into your father's life and be a good source of counsel. The Church teaches that reponsibility to one's family takes precendence over responsibility to charities - and neglect of a dependent son is a terrible sin. I'll say a prayer for your family. This is not an easy situation, and I'm sorry your brother is suffering because of it.

Q: Are the Catholic beliefs the reason I see many questions implying God controls Christians out of fear?
If not, why? Is that how you were brought up to know Him? I am seriously asking. I apologize ahead if I have offended any one by my question.

A: I am not offended, but as a Catholic I have to say that I am not a Christian out of fear, but out of love for Christ, the Father and the Spirit! I pray that is why everyone is a Christian!

Q: How do the Missionary Church beliefs differ from Catholic beliefs?


A: "What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII) Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians. Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006): By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much. A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm With love in Christ.

Q: What are the catholic beliefs on human nature and who are they ?
..?

A: Ashley has it almost right, but not quite. While there may be many individual Catholics who believe that we are inherently evil, that is not the Church's teaching on the idea of original sin. That (the idea that we are inherently evil) is a Calvinist idea that spilled over into the Church by osmosis, as it were. We Catholics believe that since we are made in the image and likeness of God, that we are not evil -- we are made for good and love. The concept of original sin is a way the Church explained how, even though we are born in His image for goodness and love, we still tend to choose sin and mediocrity over God's will. We believe that since we are made in God's image, there is a part of us that is always seeking Him, even if we don't know it. That part will never be at peace until we are actively seeking out God's love in our lives. Catholics are members of the Church that was founded by Jesus via St. Peter. Matthew 16:18

Q: Can an Evangelist be catholic or share in the catholic beliefs?
I'm asking if a Catholic can evangelize, not through media, but to spread the word of God and his love to people who have not heard of Jesus or the gospel, or even to people who want to have faith but do not have the accessibility to do so. In doing so, not preaching the catholic faith to people per say, but to simple teach the gospel and share the love.

A: Yes and you are encouraged to do so. I do all the time. In Preaching the True Gospel you are preaching the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Everything about the Catholic Church is in the bible. Do not fear, stick to Catholic Dogma and you cant go wrong. I will pray for you. Peace be with you.

Q: Is it against Catholic Beliefs to Murder someone?
Im writing a paper on hamlet and I cant seem to find the answer anywhere.. Im assuming it is but I just want to be positive.... :) Thanks =D

A: Yes. Properly translated from the original Hebrew, the Commandment is: You shall not murder. Look at a Jewish version of the Ten Commandments: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/ten_cmds.html The commandment "You shall not kill" forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance. (Gen 4:10) Killing in self defense, a just war, and lawful capital punishment are not considered murder. However many Christians including Catholics believe most modern governments no longer need to use capital punishment to protect society from criminals. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2258 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.shtml With love in Christ.

Q: Why do Protestants always make fun of Catholic beliefs & rituals? What's so special about Protestant faith?


A: "Protestant" refers to a group af religions which arose in "protest "of the Catholic faith. Which may be why they hold the Catholic religion to close scrutiny. (Just supposing, for I am neither Protestant nor Catholic.)

Q: What are some Catholic beliefs?
What are some Catholic beliefs? I just want to know what kind of things they are against, do they belief in the Virgin Mary, and there convictions. Things like that.

A: These are our most basic beliefs: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary , and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. In addition, we believe that Scripture (Bible), Tradition (of the Church) and Magisterium (Pope together with the bishops in communion with him) together contain all of God's revelation - all he wanted us to know about our salvation. We are not against anybody or anything, except sin, but we are for a lot of things, which might exclude some other things. For example, we are for life at any stage, so we cannot kill unborn babies. EDIT (added): We believe that Mary is the Mother of God and that we should honor her the way Jesus honored her. We believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, so when we receive Holy Communion, we really receive him, body and blood, soul and divinity.

Q: What are the catholic beliefs on marrying outside the catholic faith...(for instance, Methodist faith)?
My daughter has been brought up in the Methodist church and her fiance's family has always been Catholic. He has never been very active in the Catholic church and plans to join the Methodist church were they will be married. His family is putting alot of pressure on him and he is very confused. What are the beliefs of the Catholics on marrying outside their faith????

A: My whole family is Catholic but me. Honestly, none of them really seem to care. Though the church prefers if you both are Catholic. If you want to get married in a full Catholic mass (guh... complete with a very very very long cereomy. Think HOURS), you both have to be Catholic so she'd have to convert. They will make you agree to bring any children up Catholic, regardless. And you may get pressure from the church (but not neccesarily the family) for her to convert. Honestly, if he's going to join the Methodists anyway, then he needs to put his foot down and say "Thats enough" to his family. Family puts pressure on family members. Its what they do. All families do it. So its very hard to say no when you love them. But there comes a point at which you have to live for yourself, instead of living for others.

Q: how do catholic beliefs and teachings help a believer to decide whether to agree to a blood transfusion?
also about tansplant surgery

A: The Catholic Church teaches: Organ transplants (including blood transfusions) are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks incurred by the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Donation of organs after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a manifestation of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or those who legitimately speak for him have not given their explicit consent. Pope John Paul II's encyclical Evangelium Vitae states: 1. Organ and tissue donation is heroic and praiseworthy. 2. The donor must be dead before organs and tissue can be harvested. 3. The determination of death is left to medical experts. By the way, Pope Benedict XVI is a registered organ doner: http://www.donatelifeny.org/pdf/ratzinger_an_act_of_love.pdf For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 2296: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.htm#2296 Or the Encyclical EVANGELIUM VITAE: http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0141/_INDEX.HTM With love in Christ.

Q: Why appear ignorant when speaking of Catholic beliefs?
What does it accomplish? It is amazing that people do not bother to research Catholic beliefs before making false assumptions about Catholic beliefs and practices. Non-Catholic Christians who attack Christ's Church with false accusations only make themselves appear ignorant. Most of the accusations against Christ's Church are so ridiculous it would be like a Catholic saying that all Pentecostals, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists and non-denominationalists are Satan worshippers. That would be bearing false witness just the same as the Catholic haters, but then hatred only goes one way as Catholics are faithful in loving their enemies and having charity towards those lacking their grace and truth. May the Lord have mercy. Zach, Actually, contrary to what Alexander Hislop and Lorraine Boettner says the Catholic Church is not a church that follows Pagan beliefs. Such a claim is preposterous yet there are people that will believe such nonsense as your post proves. Who told you that Catholics believe they must go to the Father through St. Mary? Whoever told you this was a liar and one of the ravenous wolves the Bible speaks about. Saying that those who die in a state of grace are dead is against the teaching of the Bible and all of Sacred Tradition. The Bible says that to die in a state of grace means we go straight to heaven, “absent from the body, present with the Lord”. Denying such denies the power of the Cross and Christ’s sacrifice for us. The saints are alive and are the cloud of witnesses around us who bring our prayers before the altar of god just as Scriptures say. The bible says that St. Mary was not a sinner. It states that she was “FULL” of grace. Such a state of being does not allow I pray that you come to realize that attacking Christ’s Church and denying the promises that Christ made in creating His Church is blasphemy. You are calling Christ a liar when you say that He was wrong when He said He was creating an enduring Church that the “gates of hell will not prevail against”. Believe the Words of Christ and reject the doctrines of men which is true blasphemy. May the Lord have mercy. The bible says that St. Mary was not a sinner. It states that she was “FULL” of grace. Such a state of being does not allow sin for then one could not be full of grace. Nor is it theological logical that Jesus would have been carried in a vessel that was sinful but would instead have been protected from original sin by the Father.

A: THANK YOU!!! I'm so tired of being called a pagan. It's not fair that the general masses hate Catholics without cause. They don't even understand why they hate us. Before I (and any educated Catholic) form an opinion about another religion we always research it first and then form opinions. And I've noticed that Catholic sites are very fair to other religions. edit: I have to tell you this story someone told me. She was talking to her friends and she said, "Oh well I'm Catholic so..." (Her friends gave her that omg you're Catholic look) And one of her friends was like "No offence, but I don't like Catholics." and the girl was like, "Why not?" and her friend was like, "I just don't agree with the fact that you guys worship a sun god."

Q: Can you be a deist with catholic beliefs?
I was wondering if you can be a deist but still hold some catholic beliefs. I believe obviously in every aspect of deism but i still am weary of renouncing my religion. I am sure that many people like me believe that the catholic church has made many mistakes in the past and will make many in the future. i disagree with their willingness to change and that has weighed in on my decision. I was just wondering if i could still hold some beliefs of my former religion while proclaiming myself a deist? im sorry i meant willingness not to change, my bad.. one other question....what would you classify a person who belives in a "God" but from there choose what aspects he chooses to whorship whether it is taken from other religions or not

A: Deist, no. Theist, yes. A theist is one who believes in at least one divine being. Someone who believes there is only one God is a monotheist. Someone who believes in several gods is a polytheist. Deist is not a synonym for theist. A deist rejects revelation or authority as a source of belief, believing in God purely on rational grounds. The deists of the 17th and 18th century generally viewed God as the original creator of the universe and its laws but rejected the concept of God’s continuing involvement in creation. Have you discussed your misgivings with a priest or theologian? With love in Christ.