Comparative Religion Grid 1: The Basics Category Or Question ✓ Solved

Comparative Religion Grid1 The Basicscategory Or Questionc

1. Comparative Religion Grid - Basics

Catholicism

• Founder or founders: Jesus Christ and Apostles
• Description of God: Monotheistic belief in one God in three persons (the Holy Trinity).
• Message of the religion in one sentence: Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to the teachings of the Church.
• Number of world followers: Approximately 1.3 billion.
• Geographic distribution: Predominantly in Europe, the Americas, and parts of Africa and Asia.
• Image: The crucifix.

2. History and Development

Where and when did it originate? Originated in the 1st century AD in Judea.

Identify any schisms or splits: The Great Schism (1054) between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Key historical figures: St. Peter, the first Pope; St. Augustine, influential theologian.

Key historical events: The Council of Nicea (325 AD); The Protestant Reformation (16th century).

Historical relations with the two other religions: Historically, contentious relations with Eastern Orthodoxy and adversarial relations with Protestantism post-Reformation.

3. Sense of the Sacred

Sacred text/book and how it is divided: The Bible, consisting of the Old Testament and New Testament.

Sacred scripture (key quotations): “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16); “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6).

Key sacred symbol: The Cross.

Sacred places of worship are called: Churches.

Sacred places (two key specific sites): St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City; the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.

Sacred officials and who qualifies: Bishops and priests, ordained through the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Role of the laity: Active participation in the Church's mission and sacraments.

Sacred times (two important holy days): Christmas (celebration of the birth of Christ); Easter (celebration of the resurrection).

Sacred day weekly: Sunday, the day of worship.

Sacred ritual (weekly): The Mass.

Number of sacraments: Seven.

Sacrament of initiation: Baptism.

Sacred objects: Rosaries, crucifixes, and the Eucharist.

4. Theology (Beliefs)

Three central teachings: The Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Resurrection.

Nature of the divine: God is transcendent and immanent, existing as three persons.

Central sacred story: The story of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Creation story: God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 1).

Belief in afterlife: Yes, belief in heaven, hell, and purgatory.

Problem of evil: Acknowledgment of human free will and original sin as catalysts for evil.

Violence and non-violence: Preference for peace, though historical instances of violence in the name of faith exist.

Belief in Martyrs: Yes, such as St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity.

Messiah figure: Jesus Christ is recognized as the Messiah.

Universal or local religion: Universal, with followers worldwide.

Theological issue of current debate: The role of women in the Church.

Belief in Apostolic succession: Yes, the belief that authority passed down from Christ through Apostles.

Presence of Christ in Eucharist: Belief in transubstantiation, where bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.

Role of Mary: Venerated as the Mother of God, holding a special position as intercessor.

Authority of Pope: Recognized as the spiritual leader and authority on Earth.

5. Social Issues Beliefs and Engagement

Social justice work: Active involvement in social justice, advocating for the marginalized.

Gender beliefs: Traditional views on gender roles, with ongoing debate for more inclusivity.

Beliefs regarding homosexuality: Teachings affirm marriage is between a man and a woman, yet there’s a growing call for inclusivity.

Care of environment: Increasing emphasis on stewardship and care for creation.

Searching for common ground with other religions: Promoting ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

Contemporary controversies: Issues regarding sexual abuse scandals, gender equality, and the Church's response to social issues.

6. References

• Brown, R. E. (1989). Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Harper & Row.
• De Lubac, H. (1998). Catholicism: Christ and the Common Destiny of Man. Ignatius Press.
• O'Collins, G. (1999). Jesus: Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Paulist Press.
• Pope Francis. (2015). Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home. Vatican Press.
• Schweitzer, A. (2009). The Quest of the Historical Jesus. Fortress Press.
• Stark, R. (2017). The Rise of Christianity. Princeton University Press.
• Timothy, S. (2011). Catholic Social Teaching and the Crisis of Globalization. University Press of America.
• Vatican Council II. (1965). Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Vatican Press.
• Wright, N. T. (2003). The Resurrection of the Son of God. Fortress Press.
• Yocum, L. S. (2020). The Role of Mary in the Catholic Church. Catholic University Press.

Concluding Thoughts

Through this comparative study of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, I have gained a greater understanding of the rich diversity and shared beliefs within Christianity. Analyzing the distinctions and similarities has not only enhanced my theological knowledge but has also encouraged me to reflect on my own beliefs and how they align with or differ from these religious traditions. This exercise has significant implications for my professional experience, especially in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding in increasingly pluralistic societies.