Abstract This paper takes a look at the oldest and largest single denomination of Christianity, Catholicism. This paper aims to demystify the religion and explain what Catholicism means in today's day and age. The paper goes on to discuss the similarities between Catholicism and Judaism.
Outline:
Introduction
The Site
The Interview Summary
Catholicism and Judaism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Because Christianity emerged from Judaism, there are many similarities. Of the major world religions, Catholicism and Judaism are the most similar (Kreeft, 1987). Catholics and Jews both believe in one God who is almighty and infinite. Both religions believe in one God who is holy, righteous, and just, as well as loving, forgiving, and merciful. Catholicism and Judaism share the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) as the authoritative Word of God, although Catholicism includes the New Testament as well. "
Tags: father, bible, old, testament, origional, sin, God, faith, church
Abstract This paper explains that only after Scripture had been shaped and bordered did it turn out to be natural, or indeed likely, to see and to classify Christianity as a scriptural religion. The author points out that the traditional Catholic doctrines were, from the start, predicated upon the survival of Scripture as an absolute. The paper states that Catholicism is a faith able to differentiate itself from any society and yet is able to connect with and change them all.
Table of Contents
The Concept of Scripture in Catholicism The Concept of Tradition in Catholicism The Attempt of Church to Resolve Them
Conclusion
From the Paper "John England, Bishop of Charleston, marked the pastoral and he mirrored the theology of Francis P. Kenrick. Kenrick had been a theologian at the First Provincial Council, then coadjutor Bishop of Philadelphia (1842-1851), Bishop of Philadelphia (1830-1842), and Archbishop of Baltimore (1851-1863). Extensively considered as the leading theologian among the bishops, in 1839, he published the first edition of his Theologia Dogmatica. In his dissertation on the Word of God, he attempted to give a tradition for the rule of faith."
Abstract This paper discusses Roman Catholicism. The author describes the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholics as well as the history and formation of the religion. The paper explains Catholics' idea of sin and belief in angels and Satan and also how Roman Catholicism differs from other denominations of Christianity.
Outline:
Introduction
Catholic Beliefs
Catholic Philosophy
Who is Catholic?
The Practice of Catholicism Holidays
Sharing the Gospel with a Catholic
Works Cited
From the Paper "Instead, bringing the Gospel to Catholics may require some extensive theological studies, so that one can argue about the true facts behind Christianity and the deception practiced by the Catholic Church. For example, one of the main tenets of Catholicism is that only celibate men can be members of the priesthood, based on the idea that Jesus only chose men as his Apostles. However, there is substantial scriptural and historical support for the idea that Mary, Mother of God, and Mary Magdalene were among Christ's first Apostles. Mary, Mother of God, certainly played an important role in the beginning days of Christ's church. Moreover, the Catholic Church has spent the last 2,000 years decrying the importance of Biblical writings that stress the equality of women, despite the fact that historical and Biblical experts place these books as part of the Bible."
Abstract This paper discusses Roman Catholicism and what it means to the people of Latin America with whom the writer has come into contact. It first outlines the basic principles, beliefs and practices of Roman Catholicism. It then looks at the ethics, institutional structure, doctrines, rituals and key institutional figures (leaders) within the Church. The paper also discusses the role of history in shaping the faith and the role of religion in the lives of its followers and its concomitant impact on the world at large.
From the Paper "As this paper draws to a close, it is pretty evident that Roman Catholicism has played a major role in the lives of the Latin Americans I have met within and without the United States. For one thing, these people believe strongly in family and also believe strongly in the sanctity of life; several of them, in fact, told me that they could not fathom how the euthanasia debate could continue to persist after all this time. For these men and women, child-bearing is a wonderful instance of God's Grace and they seem content to focus upon family rather than upon simply achieving more material possessions. In a real sense, they have eschewed a materialistic lifestyle for something they believe is more enduring."
Abstract The paper reviews the book "The Long Loneliness" which is set during the Depression era. Dorothy Day desperately searches for some meaning and purpose to her life. This search results in her conversion to Catholicism. From then onwards, she devotes herself to community work, which is her way of staying in touch with God. Her autobiography, "The Long Loneliness" talks about the turmoil of her times, and her renewed faith in religion and God. The paper reflects on various experiences of Day's life and the lessons she learns from them.
From the Paper "Dorothy Day is and will always be remembered as one of the most prolific American writers of the Depression era. But Day was not exactly a writer, as one would conclude from the warm reviews that that her books received. She was essentially a social activist who wrote novels only to serve her life goals and objectives. "
Abstract This paper expounds upon the conversion of Graham Greene to Catholicism. Based on an analysis of his writings and correspondence and biographical writings, the paper reflects the view that while Greene converted for the love of a woman, in fact he needed some sort of belief that made him stabilize his rebellious and hyperactive personality.
Abstract This paper studies the dramatic changes and upheavals Roman Catholicism has faced in its three hundred year history in the U.S. The paper discusses how individual Catholics and their church have at times been the targets of glaring religious prejudice and discrimination. The paper also examines the relationship between the American church and Rome, citing that while the the church was established by Rome, it was actually later condemned by the Pope himself. The paper then examines how the American Catholic church settled back into a period of calm obedience with the Papacy, before once again becoming a noisy, fractious divided place of worship over the last four decades.
From the Paper "Remarkably, Americans began their branch of the Roman Catholic Church in distinctly democratic fashion. The first diocese began in Baltimore in 1789, and the first American bishop, John Carroll, was elected the following year by clergymen of the diocese. These clergymen and even Carroll himself envisioned the continuation of this elective process, though, of course, Rome's approval would be required for all choices. Indeed, they also envisioned a church grounded in principles of religious tolerance that would be open and inviting to all, and, of great importance, in which Mass would be said in English. However, it did not take long for this vision to fade. Under prodding from Rome, by 1800 the elective experiment had been abandoned and Rome was making all appointments of bishops. Soon, Latin displaced English in church ceremonies and services, and the American Catholic church more and more resembled a virtual clone of the ancient European model. At the same, American independence slowly slipped away (Gillis 58)."
Abstract This paper begins with a general definition on the Roman Catholic denomination of Christianity. The paper focuses on the the origins of Catholicism and offers a historical review on this topic. In the conclusion the author offers a personal opinion on findings, and mentions the theories that doubt the existence of a historical Jesus.
Table of Contents:
The Roman Catholic Version
The Historical View of the Origins of the Catholic Religion
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Very few non-Christian writings from the period mention Jesus or Christianity. Only the work of four major non-Christian historians contains any mention to Jesus or Christianity. They include Josephus, a Jew and Roman citizen who wrote Antiquities of the Jews in 93 AD; Pliny the Younger (c. 63-113 AD) who was a lawyer and philosopher in ancient Rome; Suetonius (c. 69-110), a Roman historian and biographer; and Tacitus (c. 56-117) another important Roman historian. Even the writings of these writers about Christianity are extremely sketchy and do not throw significant light on the light and teachings of Jesus, his early followers or the origins of Christianity. In fact the passage in Josephus' "Antiquities" about Jesus has been noted by some scholars to contain several "internal indicators" that are seem to be inconsistent with the rest of Josephus' writing, indicating that part or all of the passage may have been interpolated by later Christians."
Abstract In this article, the writer deals with the attempted conversion of the Amerindian during the Spanish conquest of the New World. The writer explains why this conversion occurred and why it was not completely successful. The writer then analyzes the Catholic Church's perceptions of devil worship and its reactions to New World diabolism as well as discussing the causes of these reactions. The writer notes that the common medieval and Colonial Era views of unknown populations must be also discussed and understood. Further, the writer discusses how native diabolism plays an interesting role in the fusion of Catholicism and native religion.
From the Paper "It can be comfortably argued that the discovery and subsequent conquest of the Americas is the single most influential event of modern times. Furthermore, it is doubtlessly the most influential event of its relative time period; it begins and defines the Colonial Era. This discovery initiated countless conflicts over land, money and resources. Aside from the material causes of conflict, the incorporeal issues of humanity and religion in the New World were sources of heated contention that were powerful enough to mold and shape long held values systems and religious ideologies.
"Despite the extent of the Catholic Church's political power in the Colonial Era, Amerindian culture may well have been left in relative peace if it were not for the papal bull of 1493."
Abstract In this article, the writer first provides an overview of Judaism and Roman Catholicism. The writer then presents a comparison of the two religions. The writer looks at Jewish and Roman Catholic beliefs in particular regarding God and Jesus Christ. The writer concludes that Judaism and Roman Catholicism have roots in the same culture and religious history that emerged in the Middle East. Both religions are monotheistic and believe ostensibly in the same God. Both religions share the same Old Testament books of the Bible. The writer maintains however, that in the history of both religions there have been important divergences from these common roots.
Outline:
Introduction: Brief Overview of Judaism and Roman Catholicism Comparison
The Understanding of God
The Relevance of Jesus Christ
Original Sin
Heaven and Hell
Conclusion
From the Paper " In other words, sin from the Roman Catholic perspective is the measure of the distance from God or righteousness and this original sin is rectified by the intervention of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In contrast, Judaism does not recognize the validity or the concept of original sin. In contrast to the Christian view of salvation, the Jewish view is that the individual is not born intrinsically good or bad. The focus in Judaism is on the moral will, which can overcome evil and temptation in the individual. There is a greater emphasis in Judaism on individual action and personal moral perception, compared to the more deterministic view of original sin in Catholicism. "
Abstract This paper discusses the history of Catholicism in the United States and how it has greatly influenced how America thinks and operates, especially when considering the core beliefs and practices that continue to be so pervasive in contemporary American culture. The paper discusses the factors that influenced Catholic immigration to America, as well as what influenced the increase in popularity of Catholicism within America itself.
From the Paper "Second, Pope John XXIII who had been elected as Pope in 1958 became one of the most popular and beloved Catholic Pope in modern history, due to his attempts to bring Catholics and non-Catholics together in friendship and appreciation. Third, John XXIII also convened the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II between 1962 and 1965 which "brought about substantial and long-lasting changes and innovations in the Catholic church." Accordingly, this council "solved some of the lingering problems of being a Catholic in America and made it possible for Catholics to feel less different in the eyes of their contemporaries and non-Catholic neighbors" (Marino, 256). And fourth, Pope Paul VI, the successor to John XXIII, issued "Humanae Vitae" which contained a strong reaffirmation on the ban on artificial contraception, a subject which continues to create much controversy and debate in today's America."
Abstract This paper compares the views of Theravada Buddhism and Catholicism on the topic of salvation. It explores some of the areas of similarity and dissimilarity between Theravada Buddhism and Catholicism. The paper then emphasizes the central underlying differences between the two religions, which impact on the meaning of salvation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism
Catholic And Christian Concepts Of Salvation
Conclusion: Area Of Convergence And Divergence
From the Paper "Despite these divergences in basic philosophy there is the argument that both religions are aware of the necessity for salvation and both are in agreement that the common human situation is one that needs radial change. The differences Between Catholic Christianity and Theravada Buddhism are the result of very different worldviews and perceptions of reality. This has a direct impact on their views of salvation. The Catholic religion is founded on the Western philosophical model which builds on centuries of belief in a dualistic, logocentric and rational model of reality. Theravada Buddhism comes from a long Eastern heritage of thought which adheres to non-dualistic and anti-rational thinking. This accounts for the in salvation as well as other religious concepts and views."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of women being excluded from the Catholic priesthood throughout the Catholic Church's history. It examines the historical, cultural, and current Catholic positions, as listed by the Vatican, on ordination of women as priests and concludes that admitting females to priesthood in Catholicism is a necessary step for Roman Catholicism to take.
From the Paper "The debate about whether women have been priests or ministers in the Roman Catholic Church has been contested for generations. In early Biblical texts, there are mentions of women serving as ministers and disciples. One of the clearest examples of women in the role of active ministry is in Romans. The author of Romans, presumed to be Paul, writes, "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is (also) a minister of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many and to me as well" (Romans 16: 1-2). In this case, it is widely accepted that the word minister refers to a deacon because in the original Greek texts, the word diakonos (deacon) appears (New American Bible footnote). However, Paul continues on by saying, "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles; greet also the church at their house" (Romans 16: 3-4). It is accepted that this is the same couple that appears in several other Biblical verses: Acts 18:2; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19. Paul does not say my co-worker in Christ; rather, he states that both Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila ran the church in their home together. It cannot be implied the nature of Priscilla's role; hence, it is open to interpretation that Prisca and Aquila were equal ministers in their home church. Two additional references to women in the early church are made in Paul's greetings in the following verses: "Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the apostles and they were in Christ before me" (Romans 16: 6-7). The Mary in this passage cannot be specifically identified, but clearly, this Mary has done a considerable amount of work for the early Christian church. According to Meehan, Doko, and Rue, the reference to Andronicus and Junia is the only reference in the Bible to apostles outside of the twelve apostles and Paul (2006, 2). It is unclear what role Andronicus and Junia played in the early church aside from this reference, but to be called apostles shows that there was a special calling by Jesus that set the fifteen people (the Twelve Apostles, Paul, Junia and Andronicus) mentioned apart and are fully capable of setting up the early church."
An examination of the main character in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist" as a Young Man. The author examines the character's loyalties to Catholicism and Irish nationalism.
2,605 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 78.95
Abstract An examination of the main character in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist" as a Young Man. The author examines the character's loyalties to Catholicism and Irish nationalism.
From the Paper "The character of Stephen Dedalus in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is forged in the twin fires of Catholicism and Irish nationalism but he nonetheless manages to elude the dogma of both. Church and politics are, in some respects, paradoxically intertwined in Stephen's childhood experience and he struggles to separate them and simultaneously separate himself from them. While he declines the priesthood and refuses the sacraments, it is arguable that Stephen remains a Catholic at some inner level. However, his antipathy toward politics in general and the nationalist cause in particular, can be traced throughout the novel as it becomes progressively more pronounced and caustic."
