Catholic Theology

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the modern Catholic Church and its approach toward universality. This theological question is addressed in modern terms as well as from a historical perspective. The author defines Catholicism and considers it, as opposed to other branches of Christianity. The paper then explores the term universality and how this is defined and expressed in the Catholic Church today.

From the Paper:

"In order to understand the universality implied in the word Catholic one has to review the history of the word and the Church, as well as taking into account the contemporary context of the problem. Another important aspect of the designation of universality is the meaning of the word in terms of the difference between the denominational meaning and the spiritual sense of universal, which refers to the inclusion of all humanity in its religious ambit. The term has also raised considerable debate within the Catholic Church and Western religious community with regard to the contemporary view of the relativity of all religions. This is a central aspect of this discussion, as the view that all religions are equally relevant or 'universal' is contested from some quarters as problematic in a theological sense."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Catholicism. May 14, 2006. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism>
• Fredericks, James. "The Catholic Church and the Other Religious Paths: Rejecting Nothing That Is True and Holy." Theological Studies 64.2 (2003): 225+. Questia. 17 May 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001943127>.
• Hicks J. An Interpretation of Religion: The Challenge of Other Religions Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1989.
• Hoeller A. S. Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition on Inner Knowing. New York: Quest Book 2002.
• One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. May 14, 2006. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Holy_Catholic_and_Apostolic_Church

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