Exploration of Belief Catholicism

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• Exploration of Belief Catholicism
• Agape Sunday School Class
• Broadway Christian Church

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Brief Overview of Church History

• AD 30 - Apostolic Era / Age of Church Fathers
• AD 300 - Imperial Church (Constantine/Augustine)
• AD 1000 - Great Schism / Crusades
• AD 1500 - Protestant Reformation

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Roman Catholics

• Catholic Universal
• 1.1 Billion Adherents
• Scripture Tradition
• Catechism of the CC
• Pope Leo 1 (AD 440)
• Apostolic Succession
• Successor of Peter
• 265 Popes
• 42 Antipopes

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Catholic Hierarchy

• Pope Based in the Vatican
• Pope Benedict XVI elected April 19, 2005
• College of Cardinals
• 178 Members Worldwide 13 in the United States
• Archdiocese (Archbishop)
• 45 ArchDioceses in the Unites States
• Diocese (Bishop)
• 179 Dioceses in the Unites States
• Parish (Pastor/Priest)
• Transitional / Permanent Deacons

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7 Sacraments (Gifts)

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Eucharist
• Confession/Penance
• Matrimony
• Holy Orders
• Extreme Unction

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Catholic Beliefs Practices

• Apocrypha
• Liturgy (Mystery)
• Mortal/Venial Sin
• Purgatory
• Communion of Saints
• Veneration of Mary
• Ecumenical Councils
• Vatican 2 (1962-1965)
• Religious Orders

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What we can learn from Catholics?

• Christus Victor
• Jesus resurrection defeats fear in this life
• Encounter Jesus through worship and contemplation
• Belief in one Church
• Refusal to split
• Welcome for all
• Respect for tradition
• Spiritual Disciplines
• Celebration

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Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Parade 2005
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How can we dialogue with Catholics?

• Many Catholics have sincere devotion to Christ
• Many Catholics do not see outside of tradition
• Catholic Hierarchy is a human organization
• Emphasize we saved by grace through faith
• Personal relationship w/ Christ can be
  revolutionary

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Eastern Orthodox

• Great Schism in AD 1045
• 200-Million adherents
• Use of Icons in worship
• Services are sung
• Self-governing churches
• Elaborate Weddings
• The Eternal Dance
• Jesus birth saves creation

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