The Catholic Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, holds firmly to a set of doctrines that guide its teachings, practices, and beliefs. These doctrines are rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, serving as the foundation of Catholic faith. Here are the 12 core doctrines of the Catholic Church:
1. The Trinity
The Catholic Church believes in one God in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Trinity is central to Catholic faith and underscores the unity and co-equality of the three divine persons.
2. The Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation holds that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, took on human flesh and became man. Born of the Virgin Mary, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a mystery central to Christian belief.
3. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Catholics believe in the saving work of Jesus Christ through His Passion (suffering), Death on the Cross, and Resurrection from the dead. This redemptive act provides the means of salvation for humanity.
4. The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ
The doctrine of the Ascension states that Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father. Catholics also believe in the Second Coming of Christ, when He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead.
5. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is believed to be the giver of life and the sanctifier of the faithful. The Holy Spirit guides the Church, bestows spiritual gifts, and enables Christians to live a holy life.
6. The Church
The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ. The Church is the mystical body of Christ, with the Pope as its visible head on earth and the bishops as successors to the apostles.
7. The Sacraments
The Church recognizes seven sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. These sacraments are outward signs of inward grace and are essential for the spiritual life of Catholics.
8. The Communion of Saints
Catholics believe in the communion of saints, which includes all the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven. This doctrine emphasizes the spiritual solidarity and intercession among all members of the Church.
9. The Virgin Mary
The doctrine of the Virgin Mary holds that Mary is the Mother of God (Theotokos) and was conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception). She remained a virgin throughout her life and was assumed body and soul into heaven (the Assumption).
10. Original Sin
The doctrine of original sin teaches that the first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God, resulting in the fallen state of human nature. This sin is inherited by all human beings, but through Baptism, original sin is washed away, and one becomes a member of the Church.
11. Justification and Grace
Catholics believe that justification is the process by which a person is made righteous and holy through the grace of God. This grace is received through faith and the sacraments, enabling the faithful to grow in holiness and attain eternal life.
12. The Last Things (Eschatology)
The doctrine of the Last Things encompasses beliefs about the end of human life and the world. It includes teachings on death, judgment, heaven, hell, and purgatory. Catholics believe in the resurrection of the body and the eternal life of the soul.
These 12 doctrines form the bedrock of Catholic theology, guiding the faithful in their spiritual journey and relationship with God. They reflect the richness and depth of the Catholic faith, rooted in centuries of tradition and divine revelation.
FAQs
10 commandments catholicism
1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
12 Articles of Catholic Faith
Article 1: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Article 2: And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Article 3: Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
Article 4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
Article 5: He descended into hell. The third day he arose again from the dead.
Article 6: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Article 7: He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Article 8: I believe in the Holy Spirit.
Article 9: the holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints.
Article 10: the forgiveness of sins.
Article 11: the resurrection of the body.
Article 12: And in life everlasting.