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The Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church

by Matthew D'Antuono

Overview

Within Christianity, there are many different denominations that all look very different from each other. While there are some irreconcilable differences between the denominations, they all share some fundamental beliefs. One of the largest of these denominations is the Roman Catholic denomination. The beliefs of this group and their context in history are far too many to be done justice here, but a short summary of the main points is possible.
God

The Catholic Church, along with all the other Christian denominations, strongly asserts the existence of one God. This God exists as three entities who are sometimes referred to as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Church teaches that God is outside of space and time, is all-loving, knows everything and is all-powerful. This God is the creator of all things and is worthy of our worship.

Jesus Christ

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ was the incarnation of God, and that his life is the fullest revelation of God to man. He was born to a virgin named Mary, lived and taught in the middle east and was crucified for alleged blasphemy because he clearly claimed to be God by the things he said and did in a Jewish society. Jesus attracted and accepted a large following because of his teachings and the miracles he performed. This belief, too, is held by all Christian denominations.
Forgiveness of Sins

The Catholic Church teaches that the death of Jesus on the cross in some way pays the price for our sins. Forgiveness of our sins comes by no other means than the love and grace of Christ through his sacrifice on our behalf. We receive this gift through our faith, and we express our faith through our efforts to follow Jesus as we learn to love and show compassion.
Sacraments

At various stages of our Christian journey, the sacraments impart God's strength to us in unique ways. Before receiving the gift of forgiveness of sins, we are imperfect beings, but strength is supernaturally communicated to us through the sacraments to help us become more virtuous and learn to love God and man better. These sacraments are more than mere ceremonies; they are actual means by which God helps us on our way to true blessedness and complete freedom from imperfection and sin.
Scripture and Tradition

The Bible is regarded as divinely authored by God and entrusted to the Church as a source for teaching truths communicated in writing from the apostles. Although the Bible is divinely inspired, it can be difficult to understand and often has more than one sense of meaning. Therefore, the Bible is best interpreted by the Holy Spirit through the Church. The apostles also communicated their inspired teaching orally, and the Church preserved these teachings, which is called "Tradition." Both Scripture and Tradition have a common source and help interpret each other. One without the other is incomplete.
Authority

The Church continues to properly interpret Scripture and Tradition and more clearly understand their meanings as She grows older, just as a man continues to learn and deepen in understanding as he matures. She exercises this authority by affirming and defining true doctrine as She always has when new questions of morality are raised or new heresies develop.