Roman Catholicism

The largest of the four branches of Christianity; the others being the Anglican Communion, Protestant denominations and Eastern Orthodox churches.

During the fourth century AD, the branch of the early Christianity that was founded by Paul became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, gradually increased, as Christian missionaries spread out through western and northern Europe.

Starting in the 15th century, Roman Catholicism spread to the Americas. The church lost its religious monopoly in Western Europe at the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, but remains today the largest single Christian faith group, by far, with about a billion members.

Catholic Beliefs

Anathema

Eternal damnation pronounced on someone by the church.

Authority

Tradition is more important than scripture. Only the priest should interpret scripture. Their Bible includes the apocrypha and the 66 books of the Protestant canon.

Indulgences

Credits that can be used towards getting out of purgatory.

Infallibility of the Pope

Ecumenical councils of the bishops and popes are without possibility of making an error (perfect) when speaking about faith and morals.

Jesus Christ

Divine and human son of God.

Mary

Virgin mother of Jesus who mediates on behalf of humans.

Mass

Lateran Council of 1215 made this a doctrine. It is the continuation of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. During this process the bread and wine become the actual blood and body of Christ by transubstantiation.

Purgatory

Doctrine started in 1439 at the Council of Florence.

Sacerdolatism

The ordained Catholic priest has the power to forgive sins and God must approve of their decisions.

Salvation

People are saved through the Roman Catholic Church and its sacraments not by faith alone. Baptism removes original sin.

Seven Sacraments

Baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (mass), penance (indulgences), extreme unction (last rights for the dead), marriage, and ordination. The first five are necessary for salvation or a mortal sin is committed.