3.1.7 Catholic Christianity — Overview

Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination with approximately 1.3 billion members worldwide. It is an alternative to mainstream Christianity (3.1.1) for AQA GCSE RS. For this spec, study both Catholic beliefs (3.1.7.B) and practices (3.1.7.P).

Core Catholic beliefs at a glance

• Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit — one God in three persons (same as mainstream Christianity)
• Creation: God created the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo); humanity is made in God's image (imago Dei)
• Mary: the Theotokos (God-bearer / Mother of God) — revered above all saints; the Immaculate Conception (born without original sin); Assumption into heaven
• Sacramentalism: the physical world can be a vehicle for grace; the seven sacraments are necessary means of grace
• Authority: the Bible AND Sacred Tradition (teachings of the Church through history) are equally authoritative. The Pope is the head of the Church on earth — infallible when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals
• Purgatory: a state of purification after death for those who die in God's grace but still need cleansing before entering heaven

Key Catholic practices at a glance

• Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony
• The Mass: the central act of Catholic worship; the Eucharist (transubstantiation — bread and wine become the real body and blood of Christ); weekly attendance obligatory
• The Rosary: a series of prayers (Hail Mary, Our Father) meditating on key events in Jesus' and Mary's lives; popular devotion
• Pilgrimage: Lourdes (France — apparitions of Mary in 1858; healing waters); Rome (the Vatican; St Peter's Basilica)
• Mission and worldwide Church: Catholic Church is global and hierarchical; strong tradition of charitable work (Caritas, CAFOD); social teaching on justice

Key differences from mainstream Protestantism

• Seven (not two) sacraments
• Transubstantiation (not symbolic memorial)
• Papal authority and infallibility
• Role of Mary and saints in prayer and devotion
• Purgatory and prayers for the dead