Christianity understands itself as beginning with the God of Abraham. As such, it is one of the three semitic monotheistic religions with Judaism and Islam. Christians see in Jesus of Nazareth the fulfillment of the prophecies of Hebrew Scriptures that a Messiah, or Anointed One would be sent by God. Jesus revealed the central Christian doctrines; that the unity of God is a communion of persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that through union with Christ, human beings can be in relationship with God in the Holy Spirit.Unity is a central theme of Catholic Christian life. The Lord Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments were to "Love God with your whole heart,your whole mind, your whole soul and your whole strength and love your neighbor as yourself." Such love moves us toward unity. Unity with God, self, and neighbor is the goal of the Christian life.Central to Chrisitan doctrine is that God is the creator and sustainer of all things. Also that God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, became a human being in Jesus. In that, act, the fundamental separation of women and men from God, themselves, and others was overcome. This opened for humanity the possibility of a relationship with God through Jesus in the Holy Spirit. Catholic Christianity seeks to deal with the problem of sin. Sin disrupts our unity with God, ourselves and others. Yet this can be overcome by unity with Jesus. As the means to this unity, Jesus instituted the sacraments.Catholic Christians live out their faith in four different "states of life." Each has a unique spirituality fitting to its circumstances. All involve ways of overcoming self-absorption, egoism and the pursuit of one's own pleasure by an attitude of self-giving. Single persons live out their baptismal faith primarily through a spirituality of work. Both in career and in voluntary service, single Christians use their freedom to respond to the needs of the world. In marriage, couples are consecrated to a common life through which they help each other in the procreation and education of children, and in charity, hospitality and sacrifice for the good of others. While the vast majority of Catholic Christians live out their spirituality through one of these two states, some few have a vocation.To be united with God in heart and mind requires an understanding of doctrine and morals. To love with our whole soul and strength requires a life of worship and prayer and vigorous service to humanity. Catholic Christians find their unity in agreement on doctrine, morals, worship and service even through there are vast cultural and ethnic differences among the nearly one billion members of this global religious family.
As a result of Jesus call to serve God, ourselves and others. Catholic Christians have established many institutions of service. Schools, soical service agencies, relief organizations and programs of advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised are part of the daily life of the Catholic Church.
Attention: When I request you to be my friend, please do not deny my request. Do not ever cuss in messages or comments. ..
Daily Bible Verse
tell your friends |
add to your myspace
