Expressing beliefs about the nature of God
The Bible
The BibleThe holy book of Christians split into two sections: Old Testament and New Testament. expresses fundamental ideas and beliefs about the nature of God. Catholics regard the Bible as an important and unique source of authority. The belief is that the Bible is the Word of God and that God inspired the authors of the Bible to record what they knew and witnessed.
There are different ways to read and understand the Bible. Some Christians believe that the biblical accounts should be taken literally. This means that the Biblical accounts are to be taken as fact and they are not to be interpreted.
On the other hand, some Catholics believe the content of the Bible has to be understood within the time that it was written. The Church uses tradition and prayer alongside scripture to ensure that the true meaning and message of God is understood.
Creeds
creedA summary statement of religious beliefs, often recited in worship. express and make clear the most important Christian beliefs, including about the nature of God. The congregation often recites them during acts of worship, usually standing.
There are three main Christian creeds:
- Apostles' CreedA Christian creed based on the teaching of the Apostles. It had been written by the 4th century AD.
- Nicene CreedA Christian creed that was adopted at the Council of Nicaea in AD325.
- Athanasian CreedA Christian creed named for St Athanasius who lived in the 4th century CE.
Apostles' Creed
This is based on the teaching of the Apostles. It was written in the 4th century CE and is used by churches in the West. It represents a summary of Christian belief about the following:
- the oneness of God and the TrinityThree Persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- the incarnationThe belief that God took human form in Jesus Christ. It is also the belief that God in Christ is active in the Church and in the world. of Jesus Christ as the Son of GodJesus Christ; the second Person of the Trinity.
- the meaning of the crucifixionRoman method of execution by nailing someone to a cross, often until they die of asphyxiation; used on Jesus and many others., resurrectionChristian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after the crucifixion; the rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day; the new, or risen, life of Christians. and ascensionFor Christians, when Jesus went up to Heaven 40 days after he rose from the dead. of Jesus
- the person and work of the Holy SpiritThe third element of the 'Trinity' (God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is active as God's presence and power in the world.
- the Church as the body of ChristIn Christianity i) the Christian Church, ii) the consecrated host (bread) in the Eucharist.
- the communion of saintsThe spiritual union of members of the Christian church, living and dead.
- sinAct of rebellion or disobedience against the known will of God in Judaism, Christianity or Islam. and the means of salvationHaving one’s sins forgiven and being granted eternal life.
- Last JudgementThe Last Judgement, a time of judgement by God of all humanity. and the world to come
Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is a development of the Apostles' Creed. It was formed as a result of the Council of NicaeaThe first council of the Christian Church from 325 AD. which aimed to solve any misunderstandings that had arisen within the church. The basic content is the same as the Apostles Creed, but is longer and has a more detailed explanation of the key beliefs.
Athanasian Creed
This creed is very rarely used in the Catholic Church, but is accepted. The key beliefs and statements about the Trinity and the Incarnation are the same as the other two creeds.
Worship
Many Catholics worship God both in private and in public, eg through personal prayer and attending Mass. The Catholic Church teaches that the Mass is the greatest form of worship and that the Mass is a sacrament, through which grace is received from God. In the Mass, the Eucharist is received and is described as the "source and summit" (CCC 1324) of Catholic life.
Catholic social justice
Many Catholics believe that they should follow the example of Jesus to work for justice for all. They therefore donate to and may volunteer for charities.
Many Catholics consider issues of justice - locally, nationally and internationally.
