The Catholic Church and its views and teachings on specific subjects.
10
votes
1answer
79 views
Who calls the conclave?
There must be someone to oficially call the cardinals to a conclave. Who is it?
It can't be the old pope - resignation is hardly the normal situation, so the old pope is supposed to be dead. I guess ...
4
votes
1answer
72 views
Can Catholics choose to be baptized by immersion?
I understand that the most prominent manner in which Catholics are baptized is by pouring. However, I saw somewhere that baptism by immersion is not considered wrong by the Catholic Church. (If this ...
0
votes
1answer
85 views
Why does the Catechism of the Catholic Church abridge the first commandment?
(This question came up while I was speaking with someone, and I don't think that I was able to answer it very well. Note that I am not asking whether the Church is right or wrong, just for a clear ...
3
votes
2answers
51 views
What does “Catechetical Formula” mean?
I ran across the phrase in this question, and a Google search just keeps bringing me to the Ten Commandments example found in the link on the question. I'm not finding a definition anywhere. So what ...
3
votes
1answer
70 views
What is the basis for the Catholic practice of only the priest drinking from the common cup during communion?
I've heard from a number of people that in most Catholic churches, only the priest drinks from the common cup in communion. Is this true?
Assuming it is true, what is the basis for this teaching?
1
vote
2answers
165 views
How does a Catholic church support itself without Tithe?
Usually, in Protestant churches, the church's income is mostly from tithes and then offerings, and secondarily from any outside sponsors the church may have. I am less informed how the Catholic church ...
4
votes
2answers
72 views
According to Roman Catholic orthodoxy, is Jesus Christ a human person, a divine person, both, or none?
I'll give you an example of a divine person: God the Father.
I'll give you an example of a human person: the apostle Paul.
According to Roman Catholic orthodoxy (note: cite it), is Jesus Christ a ...
10
votes
3answers
425 views
What is the difference between “catholicism” and “catholic”?
In the Apostle's Creed, the term "catholic" is used in describing the reciter's belief:
I believe ... in the holy catholic church
This creed is used by a wide variety of denominations, and ...
9
votes
2answers
243 views
Why is Good Friday called Good?
My coworker asked "Why is Good Friday called good?" when I said we've got Good Friday off and I unfortunately don't know the answer to the question.
Is there a very obvious way to explain to someone ...
9
votes
2answers
127 views
Do Catholics tithe?
This might seem like a silly question, but I am not a Catholic, and so I do not know the answer!
Do Catholics tithe?
3
votes
1answer
63 views
What religious significance is there in marriage for Catholics and Protestants?
To be clear: This is not a question about why Catholics and Protestants get married. This is not a question about the biblical support for or against marriage. (I am very much for marriage).
I ...
7
votes
2answers
89 views
Is the choice of a new Pope inspired by the Holy Spirit?
Are Roman Catholics required to believe that the Cardinals choice of a new Pope is inspired by the Holy Spirit?
If so, how do we explain "bad" popes?
11
votes
3answers
454 views
Are non-Catholics allowed to go to confession?
As an Episcopalian, we techincally have the rite of Confession and Reconciliation as one of the things we are supposed to do, but in actual practice, I've never seen it done.
In contrast, I know that ...
8
votes
2answers
246 views
Does the priest have the power to forgive sins?
John 20:22-23 (KJV)
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; ...
11
votes
1answer
125 views
What Popes have resigned in the past?
Pope Benedict XVI recently announced his resignation. What other Popes have abdicated in the past? The media keep pointing to Gregory XII, but it is my understanding that he was deposed by the Council ...
7
votes
1answer
113 views
What is the significance of priest breaking the bread (Host) in a Catholic mass?
In a Catholic mass, just before the distribution of communion to people, priest breaks the Host in to pieces and people simultaneously acclaim: Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, Have ...
9
votes
2answers
138 views
The Pope is resigning. How does a living pope confer his authority?
I read that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning. I don't know much about Catholic/papal authority as it relates to leading the Church, but as far as I can remember, a pope dies before another one takes the ...
8
votes
2answers
228 views
What substitutes for prayers for the Pope's intentions during sede vacante?
One of the requirments one must meet to obtain an indulgence is to pray for the [edit]intentions of the[/edit] pope. When there's no pope, what's the substitute? I guess it's the conclave and the next ...
5
votes
1answer
39 views
What is the “Light-Life Movement”
I saw this in a user profile, and would just like a description of what the movement is. Beliefs, how it varies from "the norm" (if it does) history, etc.
So, simply, what is the Light-Life ...
6
votes
2answers
119 views
Why do Catholics believe that it is a priest's blessing that transforms the elements into the body and blood of Christ?
I understand that Catholicism teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, that is, that the bread and wine of the Eucharist are transformed into the literal body and blood of Christ. This apparently ...
10
votes
1answer
206 views
How can a Pope be chosen from outside the conclave?
It is well known that the cardinals can choose any baptised male Catholic to be the new Pope, though they typically choose one of their own, and that the election is held under strict conditions of ...
7
votes
2answers
130 views
How are doxologies formed for common prayers?
I'm not sure of the exact definition, but a doxology seems to be a prayer tagged at the end which consists of some sort of invocation of the Blessed Trinity.
I'm just wondering if the actual words ...
4
votes
2answers
90 views
Any dangers for the usage of sacramentals that are not-yet-blessed-by-a-priest?
I just bought a new Rosary, and I haven't asked our priest in the locality to bless it.
Is there any danger when I pray the Rosary (or use of any "not-yet-blessed" sacramental for this matter) using ...
10
votes
2answers
186 views
Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in private; out loud
For the laity, when praying the Liturgy of the Hours in private, is it more in keeping with tradition to you pray out loud or silently or does it matter?
Also, do you change the way you repeat ...
5
votes
1answer
118 views
What translation does the Catholic Breviary of England use for Psalms?
I've heard that in England the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours uses a different translation for the readings from the U. S. (Specifically, the British use Jerusalem Bible in their liturgies ...
15
votes
1answer
121 views
Is the Pope allowed to publish books after resignation?
I've heard that after popes die (at least after Bl. John Paul II died) all their unpublished works and letters are burnt and I heard on the radio this morning that Pope Benedict XVI is pretty much ...
9
votes
3answers
2k views
Why is bread and wine used to represent the body and blood of Christ?
I don't know about other churches, but in the Catholic church you have communion, in which you receive the body and blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. Why was bread and wine chosen to ...
32
votes
5answers
566 views
Praying to people outside the Trinity
I understand that the Roman Catholic church direct some prayers to Mary, the mother of Jesus. For me it would be strange to address my prayers to anyone outside the Holy Trinity. Do Catholics pray to ...
8
votes
2answers
131 views
What makes someone an antipope?
Rather straight forward question. There have been multiple men declared antipopes. Is it different each time, or generally the same set of circumstances that causes this?
7
votes
3answers
327 views
What is the biblical basis for the doctrine of Papal Infallibility taught by the Catholic Church?
I understand that the Catholic Churches teaches the doctrine of Papal Infallibility. What is the biblical basis for this and how does that account for the Scripture that references Peter's error?
...
12
votes
1answer
228 views
What is the argument for papal succession?
First off, I do not mean for this question to sound as an attack on the Catholic Church. I would like to know the stance of the church regarding this.
I found this resource, which documents the ...
9
votes
2answers
678 views
Is Roman Catholic reconciliation with the Orthodox likely (or possible)?
I have consistently heard rumors that the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics will be reconciling at some point (at least to the point of Catholics being able to receive Orthodox sacraments). Sometimes ...
1
vote
2answers
225 views
The Godfather Baptism Killings
In The Godfather, can anyone that is more familiar with the Catholic faith, tell me if Michael would be considered absolved of his sins considering that he agrees to "renounce satan and all of his ...
5
votes
1answer
60 views
How long, and in what cases did Catholics participate in the Black Fast?
I ran across the term "Black Fast" and looked it up. The articles I'm finding indicate that it's extreme, and give some information about the types of foods allowed during it, but I keep expecting to ...
4
votes
2answers
103 views
What is the biblical argument used by Protestants against the Catholic doctrine of Penance?
The Catholic Church holds to the doctrine of Penance. As I understand it, this refers to various deeds prescribed by a priest to the confessing person that must do to make amends for his own sin, ...
5
votes
2answers
105 views
What is the basis for penance (satisfaction) in sacramental confession?
From the Catholic Encyclopedia, The Sacrament of Penance (Confession):
As stated above, the absolution given by the priest to a penitent who
confesses his sins with the proper dispositions ...
5
votes
1answer
79 views
Is there any connection between minimum age for marriage in Catholic Church and tradition about Mary's age at Annunciation?
According to Canonic law, the minimum age for marryage to be valid for girls is fourteen (it can be and usually is higher for the marriage not to be illicit):
Can. 1083 §1. A man before he has ...
11
votes
2answers
183 views
How is “Veneration” similar or different from “Adoration”?
Most Catholics teach about honoring the saints, and mostly about "venerating" the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Though in my country (I'm from the Philippines), the line between honoring saints / Mary and the ...
3
votes
1answer
66 views
From where did Mary get the attribution of “Full of Grace”?
The Catholic prayer referred to as a "Hail Mary" ascribes the phrase "full of grace" to Mary. The Scriptures describe both Jesus and Stephen as being "full of grace". In Greek, this is "πλήρης ...
3
votes
1answer
102 views
Does a list exist showing Papal succession from Peter through our current Pope?
If I'm not mistaken, the claim of the Catholic Church is that Papal Succession is unbroken all the way back to Peter.
Is there a list of popes and the history from Peter to the present day? If so, ...
5
votes
2answers
142 views
Why was eating meat on Fridays forbidden in the Catholic Church for so many years?
I understand that the Catholic Church forbade people from eating meat on Fridays for many years. It seems that it is no longer every Friday, but just during Lent. Also, it is not all meat, but all ...
5
votes
1answer
68 views
What is a Consistory?
In Raymundi Martini's Pugio Fidei, there is a section entitled, De Consistorio. While it seems he is using it in reference to Judaism, it also appears there is an equivalent in Catholicism. So, what ...
4
votes
1answer
31 views
What was the miracle of Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocch?
Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocch were beatified by Pope John Paul II. They were the first married couple to be beatified. They lived exemplary lives in Fascist Italy during WWII; but I can't find ...
6
votes
1answer
67 views
What is the “General Magisterium” in Roman Catholicism?
I understand that there are three magisterium in Roman Catholicism.
What is the General Magisterium according to Roman Catholic belief?
5
votes
1answer
50 views
What exactly is the meaning of the text of Doxology in the concluding part of Catholic Eucharistic prayer?
With these solemn words, the priest ends the Eucharistic prayer at the centre of which is the event of the consecration.
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in ...
4
votes
0answers
76 views
Justification of perpetual virginity of Mother Mary [duplicate]
How do Catholics justify St. Joseph not being able to consummate his marriage with his wife?
It would seem as though the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity is at odds with Catholic teaching ...
4
votes
1answer
73 views
What is the basis for the Roman Catholic teaching regarding the Sin of Presumption?
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is something called the Sin of Presumption, which states that it is a sin for one to believe that he or she is assured of his or her salvation.
It seems ...
-1
votes
1answer
105 views
Have there been any high-profile converts from Catholicism back to high-church traditions? [closed]
There are several high-profile "defectors" (tongue-in-cheek!) or converts from high-church traditions (such as Anglicanism) to Roman Catholicism. I am thinking in particular of G. K. Chesterton and ...
4
votes
2answers
543 views
How does Pope Benedict XVI reconcile conscience and authority?
A recent talk by Father Bob Pierson 1 quoted Joseph Ratzinger (as he then was, now Pope Benedict XVI) as saying that the individual conscience must overrule ecclesiastical authority. I was intrigued ...
2
votes
2answers
315 views
What is the biblical argument against Papal Succession? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are the biblical arguments against the papacy and papal succession?
The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of Papal Succession, that is, that starting from ...
