CATHOLIC CHURCH BLOG
INTRODUCTION
In Week 4 of Term 1 the grade 10 History classes visited a Catholic Church. We attended mass, asked the priest questions and received a guided tour around the cathedral of Saint Steven. It was very interesting to see how Catholics interpret the Bible and worship God. The service attended was very formal and respectful. Only the priest spoke unless a certain person or the congregation was instructed to. When asked questions, the priest was very friendly and so were the members of the Church who gave the guided tours.
HISTORY ON THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Originally Catholicism was the only form of Christianity. The Catholic Church was founded in 33 A.D. by Jesus Christ. It is believed that Peter was appointed as the first Pope[1].
The Catholic Church controlled everything in Western Europe[2]. The Catholic Church told everyone what to think and what to do in order to be saved. If you were not a part of the Catholic Church you were condemning yourself. Taxes were paid to the Church, which were then sent to Rome to the head of the Church, the Pope. The Church made the laws and the Pope held the ability to tell you how to gain forgiveness when you had sinned. There was no separation between church and state.
The Church was criticized in many ways. Ideas of humanism began to spread and the people yearned for lives like the ancient Romans, lives where there were no Church constraints and the people were free to be creative with arts and literature[3].
The Church became corrupt. The priests did not give guidance to the people and they violated biblical laws. Church positions were bought, given to family members and one person may have had many titles[4].
Indulgences were sold to the people. These were certificates stating that the buyer of the indulgence had been relieved of the punishment of their sins in purgatory. These indulgences paid for the arts and lavish lifestyles of the Church leaders[5].
In the 1517 the Protestant Reformation began[6]. Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk, who had originally been studying to become a lawyer[7]. After many years of studying the Catholic faith, Luther began to develop his own personal theology, called the 95 Theses. These 95 Theses criticized the Catholic Church, particularly, the sale of indulgences[8].
Luther continued to write heretical works and the ideas spread across Europe. Other reformers followed his lead and soon, the Catholic Church split[9].
CATHOLIC BELIEFS
When asked, the priest at St Stevens stated that you need to have faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized in order to gain salvation. But he also said that good people will not be denied grace. If people do not know God, but they follow their conscience and are good people, they will be saved. The Catholic Church has always believed that through good works, faith and sacraments, a person can receive the grace of God and be saved[10].
Communion: One traditional sacrament is communion. To the Catholic Church communion is not just a ceremony of remembrance, communion is where the bread and wine that the Catholics eat and drink actually turns into the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. This is called transubstantiation[11].
The Bible: Catholics believe in all sixty-six books of the Bible, plus, the books of the Apocrypha[12]. The Apocrypha is a list of books that were only included in the Catholic Bible during the Council of Trent in 1545. This was because they contained information that supported certain Catholic doctrines and traditions[13].
Forgiveness of sin: A person may receive forgiveness through confession with the priest. This is a traditional Catholic ritual[14].
Hell: Hell is a place that is a punishment for those who have sinned. It includes limbo and purgatory[15].
Pope: The Pope plays a very important role in the Catholic Church. He is the head of the Church. In the New Testament Peter is considered the main disciple because Jesus told him that he would build his church on him. Peter is also the disciple mentioned the most throughout the New Testament[16]. Peter is seen as the first Pope and 266 Popes have ruled after him[17].
Prayer: Catholics pray to God and they also pray to saints. They do not pray and treat saints like gods, but they pray and ask for the saints assistance in praying for their needs[18].
Sacraments: There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church; Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony[19].
GOVERNANCE
The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope. He is considered as “the universal Pastor with full authority over all of the Church”[20]. The current Pope is Pope Benedict XVI[21]. Under the Pope there is the Cardinal, who is chosen by the Pope. The duty of the Cardinal is to advise the Pope and choose a new one when the current Pope dies. There are 178 cardinals currently, all over the world.
Then there are Archbishops. The Archbishops are bishops that are in charge of land that is part of the Church. Another title for the Archbishop is Archdiocese. A Cardinal can also be an Archbishop at the same time. Under the Archbishops are the Bishops. They are people who teach the doctrines, are in charge of sacred worship and are ministers of the Church government.
The Priests are next on the hierarchy and are able to conduct most sacraments. They can either be committed to serving a congregation or be part of a particular religious order. The last and lowest position on the Catholic Church hierarchy is the Deacon. There are two types of Deacons; a transitional Deacon and a permanent Deacon. A transitional Deacon means the person is studying to be a priest. A permanent Deacon is allowed to be married and will assist the priest with only some sacraments[22].
LITURGY
Liturgy is, “The official, public worship of the Church[23].” In the Catholic Church, liturgy is conducted by responding, singing, listening and joining the gestures. In the Catholic Church, liturgy has continued to develop for over 2000 years. There are scriptures and prayers assigned for each mass using a liturgical calendar. The main types of liturgy are Mass, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals and Penance[24].
MUSIC
In the Cathedral of St Steven there is a very large organ with over 2000 pipes. There is also a piano that was used to sing “O Saving Victim” during the service attended by Grade 10 History. The organ was not used on the Tuesday’s mass, but, this organ would be used on the main service on Sunday. Only one hymn was sung on Tuesday, although it is possible that more hymns may be sung at the main service on Sundays.
CONCLUSION
The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ in 33 A.D. and appointed Peter as the first Pope[25]. The Pope is believed to be the head of the Church and people receive salvation by faith and good works[26]. The service was very formal and traditional, but, the people at the Catholic Church were friendly and accommodating.
All About Religion. 2002. “What is the History of the Catholic Church.” All About Religion [Internet] http://www.allaboutreligion.org/history-of-the-catholic-church-faq.htm, 21 February 2011.
Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane. 2011. “Liturgy.” The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane [Internet] http://bne.catholic.net.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=11421, 20 March 2011.
Catholic Enquiry Center. 2009. “What are the seven sacraments?” Catholic Enquiry Center: Reaching out in faith [Internet] http://www.catholicenquiry.com/baptism/what-are-the-seven-sacraments.html, 10 March 2011.
Catholic Mission Leaflets. 2011. “What is the role of the Pope?” Catholic Mission Leaflets [Internet] http://www.catholicmissionleaflets.org/leafpope.htm, 20 February 2011.
Demand Media. 2010. “History of Catholic Church – Renaissance and Reformation.” Essortment: Your source for knowledge [Internet] http://www.essortment.com/all/historycatholic_rfxp.htm, 17 March 2011.
Hooker, Richard. 1996. “Martin Luther.” World Civilizations. [Internet] http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/LUTHER.HTM, 17 March 2011.
“How the Catholic Church Started.” [Internet] http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/thechurch.html, 6 March 2011.
“The Renaissance and the Church.” [Internet] http://www.all-about-renaissance-faires.com/renaissance_info/catholic_church_in_the_renaissance.htm, 21 February 2011.
“The Roman Catholic Church in 1500.” [Internet] http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/RomanCatholic-Church-in-1500.htm, 21 February 2011.
“Roman Catholic and Orthodox Faith Examined and the Apocrypha.” [Internet] http://www.bible.ca/catholic-apocrypha.htm, 27 March 2011.
Time Magazine. 2007. “Roman Catholic Church Hierarchy.” infoplease: all the knowledge you need [Internet] http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0922582.html, 6 March 2011.
“Why the Apocrypha is not in the Bible.” [Internet] http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/apocryph.htm, 27 March 2011.
[5] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[11] Ibid
[15] Ibid
[24] Ibid
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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| IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Emma Nylander, Bethany Walton, Emmanuelle Alexis, Zoe Lawill |
In a small group, the Presbyterian Church on Creek Road was visited. Observations were made during the service and afterwards, the Pastor was asked questions. Creek Road Presbyterian is a modern and more informal than traditional churches. Three services are held on Sundays at 8:30am, 10:30am and 6:30pm. There are services for kids and teenagers and there is a youth program on Friday nights to entertain and spiritually challenge kids. There are Bible studies and growth groups and other ways people can connect with others in the Church and learn more and more about Jesus Christ[1].
HISTORICAL ORIGINS
Martin Luther was the founder of the Protestant faith. Martin was studying to be a lawyer when he had a religious experience. He was struck by lightning and promised God that he would become a monk if he was able to survive.
After years of religious study, in 1517, Martin criticized the Church and the Church’s practices by nailing his 95 Theses on the Schlosskirche Castle Church’s doors[2]. These Theses mainly criticized the practice of indulgences. Theses number 32 states,
“On the way to eternal damnation are they and their teachers, who believe that they are sure of their salvation through indulgences[3].”
These writings were considered blasphemous and Luther was charged with being a heretic[4]. Although, no matter how hard the Church tried to silence Luther, he was not going to recant and with the help of the printing press, Luther’s works spread all across Europe[5].
Luther’s ideas were adapted by many other reformers such as, John Calvin who gave structure to the Protestant Reformation. He wrote the “Institutes of the Christian Religion”[6]. The reformers who followed Luther’s lead built on his teachings[7].
The Catholic Church was divided into two different denominations of Christianity. These were Protestant and Catholic. Then the Protestant religion, founded by Martin Luther, separated into numerous forms of the Protestant faith[8].
The Presbyterian Church is a reformed Catholic Church. The differences between the two denominations are that Presbyterians believe in justification by faith and that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, not the Pope.
THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND CORE BELIEFS
The beliefs of the Presbyterian denomination differ between churches. Traditional Presbyterian churches may have slightly different beliefs than a more modern Presbyterian church.
Creek Road Presbyterian is a more modern Presbyterian church. The beliefs of the Pastor and the congregation are that God is in full control. Predestination is true, because God chooses some and passes over others. He controls who gets into heaven or not. It is also believed that you will receive eternal life by having faith in Jesus Christ.
The Presbyterians follow the Great commission and believe that it is very important. Everyone, all over the world should hear about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. Creek Road Presbyterian is currently supporting eight missionary families.
It is believed that we are responsible for our actions. We are all separate from God because we are all sinners.
The doctrines used by the Presbyterian Church are the Westminster Confession of Faith and Christ alone, Bible alone, Faith alone.
Communion is an important part of Church, but for Presbyterians, it is only a symbol and cannot link you to God. At Creek Road Presbyterian, communion is conducted four times a year. Although in more traditional Presbyterian Churches communion is conducted once a month.
Baptism is another symbol of faith used by Presbyterians. It is a similar idea to circumcision, where it is a sign to show that you are a person of God. Infant baptism is practiced at Creek Road Presbyterian, although, if the parents aren’t seriously following God then they will not be allowed to have their child baptized.
Pastor Phil Strong has read the writings of John Calvin. He believes that some of Calvin’s ideas are correct, while some are incorrect. Creek Road Presbyterian believes in the Bible first and then the writings of John Calvin.
“Sometimes Calvin is misunderstood and sometimes Calvin was wrong just like Church Pastors can be, but God is always right” stated Pastor Strong. Presbyterians are not followers of John Calvin; they are followers of Jesus Christ.
At Creek Road Presbyterian, the central idea of humanism is believed to be wrong. Our lives should be God centered, not human centered, but the other ideas of humanism are correct.
The core beliefs of Creek Road Presbyterian are that Jesus is King and Savior. No human can step into Jesus’ place. The Bible is the source of reference when wanting to know what God wants us to believe. Salvation is received by faith in Jesus Christ. The church believes in Christ alone, Bible alone, faith alone.
Angels are believed to be real and so is hell, although, purgatory is not believed to exist. People die once and then face Judgment. If people belong to God, they will go straight to Heaven, if not; they will go straight to Hell.
In Creek Road Presbyterian, tithing is not compulsory and if a person does give tithes, there is no specific amount or percentage of their living that they must give. The issue of someone’s heart is considered to be more important than what they give.
GOVERNANCE
The elders in the Church are the leaders of the Church. There is a church board, including the elders and the pastors. The staff at Creek Road Presbyterian church include the Senior Pastor; Connect Pastor; Growth Groups and Pastoral Care Pastor; Kids Pastor; Youth Pastor; Office Administrator; Administrator Finance; Students Pastors; Young Adults Coordinator; Cross-cultural Growth Groups Leader and Ministry Trainees[9].
MUSIC AND LITURGY
It is often believed that the word “liturgy’ is only associated with Roman Catholic and Anglican churches and has nothing to do with evangelical churches. In fact, the word ‘liturgy’ simply means the order in which a worship service is conducted. Therefore, every church has a liturgy[10]. Traditionally, the liturgy of the Presbyterian Church was a highly structured ritual; however, in modern times many Presbyterian churches have given way to a more informal service with less ritual and symbolism[11]. Creek Road Presbyterian is one of these churches. Modern instruments were set up on the stage, but, at the 10:30am service only a guitar and piano were used. Hillsong Church songs and a hymn were sung. The sermon was not simply a topic with scriptures that match. A passage from the Bible was taken and the sermon was based around that passage.
CONCLUSION
Martin Luther founded the Protestant faith in 1517 when he posted his 95 Theses on the doors of the Catholic Church[12]. Presbyterians believe that Jesus is the head of the Church and people are justified by their faith in Him. Creek Road Presbyterian is a modern church with a more informal liturgy. Creek Road Presbyterian Church is a great place to connect and learn more about Jesus Christ.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Creek Road Presbyterian Church: Connect Grow Serve.” [Internet] http://www.creekrdpc.org/#/home, 27 March 2011.
Demand Media. 2010. “History of Catholic Church – Renaissance and Reformation.” Essortment: Your source for knowledge [Internet] http://www.essortment.com/all/historycatholic_rfxp.htm, 6 February 2011.
Hooker, Richard. 1996. “Martin Luther.” World Civilizations. [Internet] http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/LUTHER.HTM, 17 March 2011.
Rev. Dr. Rayburn, Robert S. 2000. “The Purpose of Liturgy.” Faith Presbyterian Church [Internet] http://www.faithtacoma.org/content/nl-worship-02.aspx, 20 March 2011.
Sacred Destinations. 2005. ‘’Castle Church, Wittenburg.” Sacred Destinations: sacred place, religious art [Internet] http://www.sacred-destinations.com/germany/wittenberg-castle-church, 17 March 2011.
Uncommon-Travel-Germany.com. 2007. “Martin Luther 95 Theses.” Uncommon Travel Germany [Internet] http://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/martin-luther-95-theses.html, 17 March 2011.
Webster, John. 2007. “’ Liturgical minimization in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.” NOVA: University of Newcastle Research Online [Internet] http://ogma.newcastle.edu.au:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:5834, 20 March 2011.
[5] Ibid
[7] Ibid
PART B: COMPARISON OF CATHOLIC AND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
Introduction
There are many differences between Catholic and Presbyterian faiths. There are differences in the traditions kept, the liturgy of the Church, the music used to worship God, the core beliefs of the Church and the hierarchy of control within the Church.
Church Governance
Every church has a form of governance, a hierarchy of who is in control. Hierarchy means “holy government” and refers to the order of importance in the Church[1]. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. The early Catholic Church had divided its believers into three groups; the Laity or Episcopate, the religious or Presbyterate and the clergy also known as the Diaconate. The Diaconate has its own hierarchy that goes from the priests and bishops to the Pope. This order of importance in the Church still applies today. The Bishops are in charge of the Dioceses and the Dioceses are separated into parishes. The parishes are overseen by the Priests. Deacons are elected by the parishes, and are under the control of the Priests. Sacraments such as communion, penance or anointing the sick are done by Priests or those in positions higher than the Priests.
Jesus Christ is the founder of the Christian faith. He founded it in 33 AD and it is believed by Catholics that Peter was selected as the first Pope.
The Presbyterian Church has a hierarchy of its own, based in its theology. The theological beliefs of the Presbyterian Church are that God is the head of the church. No one is higher than God and there is no position equal to that of the Pope[2]. While local churches are encouraged to be individual, they are not completely self-governing of other Presbyterian Churches. Certain Congregational members make up a Session. A Session is in charge of its own local Presbyterian Church. Deacons and elders are chosen by the congregation. These Deacons and elders assist the pastor of the church with pastoral care. All decision making within the local church includes the Session. The congregation also chooses the pastors for their local Presbyterian Church[3].
Church Authority
The Catholic faith was founded by Jesus Christ in 33 A.D. with Peter elected as the first pope. The Catholics believe that Peter was the head of the Church and was God’s representative on Earth[4]. They believe that Peter became infallible when he was appointed as Pope. There have been 265 Popes who have succeeded Peter. These Popes were believed to be infallible too and in perfect communion with God[5]. In 1870, the First Vatican Council decided that when the Pope speaks on matters of faith and morality, he is protected by the Holy Spirit and cannot speak in error[6]. This opinion is different in different denominations of Christianity. For example, Presbyterians believe that Jesus is the head of the Church and not the Pope[7]. Although, the Pastor of Creek Road Presbyterian stated that they do believe that Peter was the first leader of the Church after Jesus died. However, they do not believe that Peter or the following leaders of the Church were infallible.
Baptism
Baptism is used in both Catholic and Presbyterian Churches. However, the reason and the importance of Baptism varies between people and denominations. Catholicism promotes baptism as a justification and sacrament. Baptism is a very important part of the Catholic faith and is usually performed in infancy. Catholics do not practice full immersion baptism, but sprinkle Holy water on an infant’s head. They believe that when a child is born, it is born into a world of sin and is separate from God’s grace. When the child is baptized, they are forgiven and are filled with the mercy of God[8]. Baptism originated from the Old Testament in the Bible. God set rules for washing and cleansing yourself when you become desecrated or unclean[9]. In the New Testament John the Baptist baptized many people, including Jesus, in the River Jordan[10].
Presbyterians believe that baptism is important, but is not necessary for salvation. It is a choice that symbolizes commitment to Jesus Christ[11]. At Creek Road Presbyterian, infant baptism is only practiced if the parents of the child are serious followers of Jesus. Otherwise, it is preferred that the child choose for themselves when they are old enough to understand what it means to be baptized.
Scriptures
The Bible is used in both Catholic and Presbyterian churches. The same sixty-six books of the Bible are accepted in both denominations, except, the Catholic Church has also added the books of Apocrypha. These books were not officially part of the Catholic Bible until the Council of Trent in 1546. This was because they contained information that supported certain Catholic doctrines and traditions, such as belief in purgatory and sacrifices and prayers for the dead[12]. The books of Apocrypha were not accepted in Protestant faith because it was believed they were not written by prophets inspired by God. Protestants believed that these books contained material that is offensive to God and teach immoral doings, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation[13].
Forgiveness of Sins
Catholics and Presbyterians have different methods, but both denominations have forgiveness of sins as an important part of their lifestyle[14].
In the Old Testament, forgiveness was given when the sinner repented and offered a sacrifice to God. The sacrifices were usually unblemished animals, whose blood covered the sins of the person offering the sacrifice. This system for forgiveness was created by God, after He had brought the Israelites out of Egypt[15]. In the New Testament Gods Son, Jesus, came to the Earth and lived a sinless life. He died so that his untainted blood could cover the sins of every person in the world. People would no longer need to kill animals, they just needed to confess their sins to God and ask for forgiveness[16].
People from the Catholic faith gain forgiveness through confession with the Priest. This tradition started on Easter Sunday when Jesus appeared to the Disciples who were having a meeting behind locked doors. He told them that whoever they forgive would be forgiven. Jesus gave the Disciples the power to forgive people of their sins. Priests are the modern disciples and are able to forgive others of their sins for God[17].
The Presbyterian Church believes in gaining forgiveness another way. They believe that by confessing their sin to God and repenting, forgiveness will be graciously given to them. No other person is needed to repent a person’s sins for them[18].
Conclusion
The Catholic Church and Presbyterian Church are very different in many areas of their faith. However, they are also very similar in various ways. Both churches have a liturgy; they use music and have a hierarchy of control.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
All About Religion. 2002. “What is the History of the Catholic Church.” All About Religion [Internet] http://www.allaboutreligion.org/history-of-the-catholic-church-faq.htm, 21 February 2011.
Demand Media. 2010. “History of Catholic Church – Renaissance and Reformation.” Essortment: Your source for knowledge [Internet] http://www.essortment.com/all/historycatholic_rfxp.htm, 17 March 2011.
Earl, C Davis. 1991. “Holman Bible Dictionary: Entry for FORGIVENESS.” Study Light Org: Plug in and turn on [Internet] http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T2107, 29 March 2011.
Fr. Hardon, John A. 2000. “Penance, The Sacrament of Forgiveness and Peace.” Conversations with God Reference Page: Forgiveness [Internet] http://www.therealpresence.org/chapel/penance.htm, 29 March 2011.
“Jesus is Baptized by John in the River Jordan.” [Internet] http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/baplord.htm, 27 March 2011.
The Presbyterian Church of Australia. “Section 4.” pca: Presbyterian Church of Australia [Internet] http://www.presbyterian.org.au/section4.htm, 29 March 2011.
Richert, Scott P. 2001. “The Papacy of the Catholic Church.” About.com [Internet] http://catholicism.about.com/od/organization/p/The_Papacy.htm, 28 March 2011.
Rudd, Steve. “The Three Tier Hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.” The Interactive Bible [Internet] http://www.bible.ca/catholic-church-hierarchy-organization.htm, 28 March 2011.
“What’s the history of Christian Baptism.” [Internet] http://myredeemer.org/foundation/baptism/history.shtml, 27 March 2011.
Young, John. 2006. “The importance of early baptism.” AD2000 [Internet] http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2006/aug2006p20_2330.html, 28 March 2011.
