First of all, welcome to the fullness of Christianity!
for independent study, may I suggest
www.newadvent.org ? (if you haven't already been there) now let's get to work...
Today at 06:02 AM GTX said this in Post #1 (http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?postid=645835#post645835)
I am interested in the Catholic faith (Universal Church). I know it was the first church, but has it changed since Jesus' time?
Who wrote the Catechism? The sacraments?
Where did the extra (or maybe not extra, I don't know) tradition and seemingly different style of worship come from?
How can the Pope claim to be infallible in matters of doctrine? I know scripture says that the church has the final say in matters of scripture (or something like that), I presume the Universal Church (Catholic?).
Correct me if I'm wrong, and feel free to answer my questions. I am not here to debate, but to learn.
I am protestant, but would like to know more about the first Church.
Is it cool if I have a pint and hang out in here, and learn?
Some changes are necessary as man's needs change. Homilitical and pastoral styles and certain practices (such as clothing and languages) have evolved over the centuries. However, In matters of Dogma, once one is made. It can NEVER be changed. Ironically, throughout history, there have been some really currupt popes. However, these men though they had the ability to do tremendous doctrinal harm, were typically too absorbed in temporal matters to bother with the church. For the Faithful catholic this is yet another indication of God's keeping of his promise to protect his church. However, If you look at the early church and it's liturgy, you'll be amazed just how little has changed in over 2000 years.
The word catechism actually means "guide". There have actually been numerous catechisms over the centuries. The current latest one I believe was commissioned by the latest ecumenical council of bishops (Vatican II).
It is also noteworthy to mention that though Catechisms may come and go, they are bound to the dogma and doctrine of the church as set forth by the Holy See. (The Holy See is the Church leadership located in Rome)
As for the Sacraments, they are actually instituted by Christ himself.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13295a.htm#III
As for the (capitol "T") Tradition of the church, it actualy preceeded the bible itself. Tradition refers roughly to the body of teachings which the church holds and maintains which accompany sacred scripture and the Magisterium.
GK Chesterton said:
"Catholics have been accused of hiding the bible. This is of course untrue. However if it were true, It would pale in comparison to the protestant reformation which successfully hid everything else!"
The seemingly different style worship is actually not diferent at all. It's the secularized version of contemporary worship of protestantism which is "different". However, I need to state that newer charasmatic, and contemporary methods of worship are not intrinsically wrong or sinful by virtue of their existence.
As for Papal infallibility, this widely misunderstood aspect of Catholicism is very complicated and only applies to matters of Doctrine. In fact, it is important to note that in the over 2000 years of the church's existence, no Dogma has ever been rescinded or otherwise changed from it's original meaning. That alone is tremendous when you factor in the centuries of curruption which the church has endured.
I would also like to quickly explain one reason the early church is called "catholic". As you likely know, the word catholic means "universal" or "for all". If you study salvation history however, this is unique. The first Covenant God made was with Adam and Eve, next came Noah, then Abraham, after that Isreal, Moses, and David. If you notice, each time, a covenant was broken, the one that replaces it grows. starting with the two people of adam and eve, then Noah's family, to Abraham's, growing eventually to David's Kingdom. Then Jesus delivers the 7th and final Covenant which is universal or "CATHOLIC". You should note how the 7 covenants mirror the 7 days of creation, 7 sacraments, etc...
well, I'm done rambling for now...
