Catholicism is one of the oldest and largest branches of Christianity. There are an estimated 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, making up around 17% of the global population. Catholics follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down through the church and its tradition. While there are many aspects to Catholic belief and practice, there are 3 core Catholic beliefs that form the foundation of the faith.
Belief in One God
Catholics are monotheistic, meaning they believe in one God. The Catholic God is the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity represents a divine unity of three persons in one God. Each person of the Trinity has distinct roles, but they are all considered one being. God the Father is the creator and source of all life. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is believed to be the Word of God made flesh who came to Earth, was crucified for humanity’s sins and was resurrected from the dead. The Holy Spirit is seen as the ongoing presence of God on Earth and within the church and believers. While the Holy Trinity remains somewhat mysterious and hard to fully comprehend, it is a central doctrine of Catholic faith.
Attributes of the Catholic God
Catholics believe God possesses traditional monotheistic attributes such as:
- Omnipotence – all powerful
- Omniscience – all knowing
- Omnipresence – present everywhere
- Omnibenevolence – all good
- Immutability – unchanging
- Transcendence – exists outside space and time
God is seen as the supreme, eternal being who created the universe and all living things out of love. He continues to actively sustain Creation and work in the lives of human beings.
The Doctrine of the Trinity
The Trinity is considered a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended by human intellect. The word “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture but the concept is developed from verses and teachings about the Father, Son and Spirit – especially their relationship with each other. The doctrine of the Trinity formally originated at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople in the 4th century, though versions of it existed earlier. Key aspects include:
- There is only one God in three persons – Father, Son and Spirit
- Each person of the Trinity is fully God, not just a part of God
- The persons are co-equal and co-eternal, meaning none came before the other
- Each person has a unique role but they share the same divine nature
The Trinity is challenging to grasp but is considered a central mystery of faith that allows for a more complete understanding of who God is.
Jesus Christ as Savior
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to fulfill God’s promise of salvation. Christ’s life, ministry, death by crucifixion and resurrection redeem humanity and restore humankind’s broken relationship with God due to original sin. Jesus provides the means for salvation and eternal life for all who believe in him.
Incarnation
A key Catholic belief is that God became flesh as Jesus Christ through the Incarnation. This means the divine Word and second person of the Trinity took on human form and entered our material world. Catholics believe Christ was both fully human and fully divine – the hypostatic union. The Incarnation demonstrates God’s love for humanity by becoming Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Ministry and Works
According to the Gospels, Jesus gathered disciples and taught about the Kingdom of God through parables, sermons, healings, miracles and other works. He emphasized love, forgiveness, care for the poor and marginalized. Christ’s ministry reveals who God is and what it means to be in right relationship with God.
Crucifixion and Atonement
Catholics believe Christ willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as a sacrifice to make amends for human sin and be the path to salvation. Though sinless himself, his blood and death represent an atonement for the sins of mankind. His death reconciles and reunites humanity with God. The cross became the central Catholic symbol representing Jesus’ loving sacrifice.
Resurrection and Ascension
After his death, Catholics believe Jesus’ body was supernaturally resurrected by God on the third day. He appeared to his disciples and others for 40 days, commissioning them to spread the Gospel to all nations before ascending to Heaven. The resurrection symbolizes Christ’s power over death and that those who have faith in him will rise after death as well. The Ascension marks the entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s presence, where he mediates on behalf of believers.
Role of the Church
Catholics consider the Church to be the ongoing presence of Jesus Christ on Earth. It is the body of Christ and the kingdom of God. The Church is essential to living the Christian life and attaining salvation.
Apostolic Tradition
Catholics believe the Church was founded by Jesus himself on the “rock” of the apostle Peter. Its bishops and priests are successors in an unbroken line back to the original apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Church carries on Christ’s authority and teaching.
Marks of the Church
Catholics recognize four marks or identifying signs of Christ’s true Church:
- One – unified diversity
- Holy – set apart to serve God and lead people to holiness
- Catholic – universal
- Apostolic – linked to the apostles
The Catholic Church embodies these marks most completely according to its own teachings.
Magisterium
This refers to the Church’s teaching authority invested in the bishops and, most of all, the pope. Catholics are required to adhere to the doctrines and beliefs set by the magisterium. Its task is to faithfully hand on and interpret the Gospel message received from Christ and the apostles through Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
Seven Sacraments
Catholics practice seven sacraments as visible signs and vehicles of God’s grace. Each was instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. The sacraments are essential rituals that provide access to God’s ongoing sanctifying power, helping Catholics to live the Christian life.
| Sacrament | Description |
|---|---|
| Baptism | Initiation into the Church; washes away original sin |
| Confirmation | Seals baptism with gifts of the Holy Spirit |
| Eucharist | Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and Catholic communion |
| Reconciliation | Sacrament of Penance and forgiveness of sins |
| Anointing of the Sick | For healing and strength of seriously ill or near death |
| Marriage | Lifelong covenant between man and woman |
| Holy Orders | Ordination of bishops, priests and deacons |
These sacraments provide a pathway to God’s grace from birth to death.
Conclusion
At its core, Catholicism is centered on faith in the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ as humanity’s savior. Catholics find access to God’s presence and grace through the Church Christ established and the sacraments he instituted within it. These beliefs are expressed and deepened through prayer, liturgy, moral living and acts of service. While additional traditions and practices have developed over two millennia, these foundations of Catholicism remain constant and vital.