This book tries to give an overview over the pillars of catholic faith and tries to introduce and explain those foundations of faith from several points of view.
This book is not a specialized theological work. Rather, it is a lucid explanation of the catholic faith capable of reviving spiritually dead and dying Catholics to full realization of the richness of the heritage they are entrusted with. It starts with a explanation of the Roman Catholic Church itself, before moving on to the topic of virgin Mary, the sacred images of the Roman Catholic Church and its saints.
Subsequently, the holy rosary and the doctrin eof purgatory, as well as the eucharist are explained, before trying to answer some of the most pressing questions in connenction with the Catholic Church. Finally, the book closes by discussing the way of the mass and the holy spirit.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: THE HOLY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
THE BEAUTY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Catholic Church is open to all as Christ is.
The Catholic Church like Christ seeks to nurture souls for heaven
The Catholic Church cares for her flocks as Christ would.
The Catholic Church Teaches the Mind of Christ
SOURCES OF CATHOLIC TEACHINGS
THE CHURCH - AN OBJECT OF ADMIRATION AND CRITICISM
The Church - an object of admiration
The Catholic Church - An object of criticism
What the Church is
Why I remain a Catholic
CHAPTER TWO: THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
MARY - THE MOTHER OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
MARY - THE MOTHER OF ALL CHRISTIANS
MARY - WHY SHE DESERVES OUR HONOUR
CHAPTER THREE: THE SACRED IMAGES AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
WHY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH USE IMAGES
WHY CATHOLICS BOW TO SACRED IMAGES
WHY CATHOLICS PRAY BEFORE STATUES
CHAPTER FOUR: CATHOLICS AND PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS
ARE SAINTS IN HEAVEN NOW?
DO SAINTS INTERCEDE
HOW DO WE KNOW THE SAINTS?
Miracles through the intercession of the Saints
CHAPTER FIVE: THE HOLY ROSARY
PRAYING THE ROSARY
THE BEAUTY OF THE ROSARY
THE POWER OF THE ROSARY
CHAPTER SIX: THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY
WHAT IS PURGATORY
PURGATORY AND THE PROTESTANTS
REVELATIONS ON PURGATORY
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE BLESSED EUCHARIST
The Eucharist as a sign of the New Covenant
The Eucharist as a memorial of the sacrifice of Christ
MIRACLES THROUGH THE EUCHARIST
CHAPTER EIGHT: QUESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CHURCH
Why is the Catholic Church referred to as the Holy Roman Catholic Church?
Why do Catholic Priests not marry?
Are Knights not Secret Cultists?
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SACRAMENTS
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
Why does the Church baptize by sprinkling and not immersion?
Is Infant baptism justified?
QUESTIONS REGARDING LITURGY
Why do Catholics burn incense?
Why do Catholics use candles?
Why is there always a procession before and after mass?
Why is the bell rung during mass in the Church?
QUESTIONS ON CATHOLIC MODE OF PRAYERS
Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross?
Why do Catholics sign themselves before the gospel reading?
The repetition in the Rosary, does it not bore?
Why do Catholics recite prayers?
CHAPTER NINE: THE WAY OF THE MASS
THE INTRODUCTORY RITE
The Sign of the Cross
I confess
Lord have Mercy
The Gloria
The opening prayer
The Liturgy of the Word
The Readings
The sermon
The Credo (I Believe)
The Prayer of the Faithful
THE LITURGY OF THE EUGHARIST
The consecration
The Communion
THE CONCLUDING RITE
The best way to prepare for Mass
CHAPTER TEN: THE HOLY SPIRIT
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Role of the Spirit in the Life of Christians
The Benefits of the Holy Spirit to a Christian
The Holy Spirit protects us
Objectives and Themes
This work aims to clarify the structural and theological foundations of the Catholic Church, challenging Christians to ground their faith in reason rather than unexamined passions. It explores the Church’s origin, the role of the Virgin Mary, the necessity of sacred images and the Eucharist, and the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit.
- The apostolic and historical roots of the Catholic Church.
- The theological significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints.
- The role of sacred images, the Rosary, and the Eucharist in spiritual life.
- The nature and function of the Holy Spirit as the comforter and guide.
- Rational and theological justifications for Catholic liturgy and practices.
Extract from the Book
The Church - an object of admiration
The Church - the Catholic Church is and has been the object of admiration of pagans and Protestants alike. It has to be so because there are a lot of reasons why the Church cannot escape the admiration of (especially disinterested) spectators. A unique, continuous and consistent history she has to show, a mixture of venerable age and vigorous youth she possesses, a powerful organization, spread throughout the world, with hundreds of millions of adherents and a strictly powerful hierarchy she wields. She has a system of beliefs rich in tradition and noble in its solemnity. She has put up a profound system of doctrinal theology and has in her possession sets of cultural and social achievements. She radiates with wisdom, prestige, splendour and great influence.
Thomas Babington Macaulay who himself was not a Catholic captured his admiration of the Church thus:
There is not and there never was on this earth, a work of human policy so well deserving of examination as the Roman Catholic Church. The history of that Church joins together the two great ages of human civilization. No other institution is left standing which carries the mind back to the times when the smoke of sacrifice rose from the Pantheon, and when camelopards and tigers bounded in the Flavian amphitheatre. The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs. That line we trace back in an unbroken series, from the Pope who crowned Napoleon in the nineteenth century to the Pope who crowned Pepin... The republic of Venice came next in antiquity. But the republic of Venice was modem when compared with the Papacy; and the republic of Venice is gone, and the Papacy remains. The papacy remains, not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and youthful vigour. The Catholic Church is still sending forth to the farthest ends of the world missionaries as zealous as those who landed in Kent with Augustine, and still confronting hostile kings with the same spirit with which she confronted Attila... nor do we see any sign which indicates that the term of her long dominion is approaching. She saw the commencement of all the governments and of all the ecclesiastical establishments that now exists in the world; and we feel no assurance that she is not destined to see the end of them all.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: THE HOLY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: This chapter traces the historical origins of the Catholic Church from the time of the apostles and highlights the beauty and care the Church provides for its followers.
CHAPTER TWO: THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: This section explores the significant role of the Virgin Mary as the mother of Christ and the Church, emphasizing her example of faith.
CHAPTER THREE: THE SACRED IMAGES AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: This chapter justifies the use of images and statues within the Church, distinguishing between the use of aids for worship and the act of idolatry.
CHAPTER FOUR: CATHOLICS AND PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS: This chapter examines the belief in the intercession of the saints and provides biblical evidence for their existence in heaven.
CHAPTER FIVE: THE HOLY ROSARY: This chapter details the history and power of the Holy Rosary as a spiritual tool for meditation and connection to the mysteries of Christ.
CHAPTER SIX: THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY: This chapter explains the theological basis of purgatory as a state of purification and addresses common misunderstandings held by Protestants.
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE BLESSED EUCHARIST: This chapter discusses the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and its significance as a covenant meal and memorial.
CHAPTER EIGHT: QUESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH: This chapter provides answers to common questions regarding Catholic practices, such as priestly celibacy and the role of the Knighthood.
CHAPTER NINE: THE WAY OF THE MASS: This chapter explores the spiritual depth of the Mass, from the introductory rites to the concluding blessings, and how to prepare for it.
CHAPTER TEN: THE HOLY SPIRIT: This final chapter discusses the nature and role of the Holy Spirit as a person, guide, and comforter in the life of a Christian.
Keywords
Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, Blessed Virgin Mary, Eucharist, Holy Spirit, Purgatory, Intercession, Rosary, Sacraments, Tradition, Magisterium, Faith, Salvation, Miracles, Priesthood
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental theme of this work?
The book serves as an explanation of the Catholic faith, intended to strengthen the conviction of Catholics and provide insights to non-Catholics regarding the Church's structure and beliefs.
What are the primary fields of interest covered in the book?
The central themes include the historical and divine origin of the Catholic Church, Marian devotion, the significance of the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), the intercession of saints, and the active role of the Holy Spirit.
What is the core objective of the author?
The primary objective is to challenge Christians to move beyond passion-led behavior and instead use their intellect to understand their faith, ultimately encouraging them to hold fast to the Catholic tradition.
What scientific or religious methodology is applied?
The author utilizes a scriptural and historical-theological method, drawing on the Bible, the Catechism, and the writings of early Church Fathers to substantiate Catholic doctrines.
What does the main body of the work focus on?
The main body focuses on key Catholic doctrines and practices, offering detailed justifications for the Church’s hierarchy, the importance of the Rosary, the doctrine of Purgatory, and the transformative power of the Mass.
How would you describe the book’s key terminology?
The work is defined by terms such as 'Apostolic Tradition', 'Magisterium', 'Transubstantiation', 'Intercession', and the 'Mystical Body of Christ', which characterize the theological framework of the text.
How does the author explain the use of statues in the Church?
The author distinguishes between 'praying to' and 'praying before' statues, arguing that they serve as psychological and spiritual aids to connect the faithful to God and the saints, rather than as objects of worship.
What specific testimony does the author provide about the Holy Spirit?
The author shares a personal testimony of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit while praying in his room, describing it as a transformative experience involving vibrating sensations and speaking in tongues.
- Quote paper
- Dr Peter Bisong (Author), 2019, The Catholic Church. Her Structure and Belief-System, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/508577
