Here’s the way that debates over the meaning of “Rock” within Matthew 16:17-19 frequently go between Catholics and Protestants. Catholic: Christ founded His Church upon Peter! In verse 18-19, He says, “And so I say to you, you are Peter [“Rock], and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the… Continue reading Peter as the Rock
Tag: Church
Salvation Outside of the Church
The Catholic Church teaches that there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church. Yet, She acknowledges that it is possible that there are some on Earth who nobody thinks of as Catholic, and yet are saved. This teaching is the source of a lot of confusion and misrepresentation, with a number of people (both… Continue reading Salvation Outside of the Church
A Thaw in the Ice for Catholics and Orthodox?
Eastern Orthodox relations have been improving markedly under Pope Benedict XVI. John Paul II anxiously awaited a path towards reunion with what he called the “other lung of the Church,” but he was met with a pretty icy response, and was refused entry to visit Russia. In no small part, petty ethnic politics played a… Continue reading A Thaw in the Ice for Catholics and Orthodox?
The Mass Done Right
I’ve done my share of kvetching about the Mass done poorly — those Masses with sappy songs about and to us; those homilies which start out bland and end up heretical; all done within the confines of a church which looks like a conference room in wartime. I mention these things for one major reason:… Continue reading The Mass Done Right
Soccer and Catholicism
Yesterday was my friend Carlos’ birthday, and he’s been asking me for weeks to do a post about “how soccer is like Catholicism,” without giving me even a hint where he’s seeing a connection. After giving it some thought, here’s what I’ve got: Catholicism is very diverse, but not in the way that Protestantism or… Continue reading Soccer and Catholicism
Daniel 2’s Proof for Jesus Christ and His Church
One of the great Christological prophesies is found in Daniel 2, and it involves the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar’s recurring nightmare. The back-story is worth reading, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll cut to the chase. Daniel, the Jewish Prophet, is able to not only interpret the dream, but tell him what he dreamed in… Continue reading Daniel 2’s Proof for Jesus Christ and His Church
Beauty as a Proof for God
The lead blogger behind Catholic Eye Candy has determined that he’s not called to be a priest after all, and has apparently left the seminary. He announced on Thursday that he’s closing the blog, although thankfully, leaving it up. He has determined that he is not, after all, called to the priesthood, although he seems… Continue reading Beauty as a Proof for God
Douthat on the Lasting Impact of the Sex Abuse Scandal on the Church
Ross Douthat wrote a short article for the Atlantic, where he used to work. Called “The Catholic Church is Finished,” he makes two points. Both are right, and few people seem to grasp both at once, much less articulate them this well: This was the year when the cover-up of priestly sex abuse, a long-simmering… Continue reading Douthat on the Lasting Impact of the Sex Abuse Scandal on the Church
Fourth Century Icons of Jesus and the Apostles Found
This is a pretty cool story. Underneath an office building in a working-class part of Rome, they’ve discovered some ancient ruins (probably a noblewoman’s tomb) containing the oldest icons dedicated to Peter, Paul, Andrew, and John.* The icons date to the early 300s. Since it’s Rome, it’s fitting that these four followers of Christ were… Continue reading Fourth Century Icons of Jesus and the Apostles Found
Is There Salvation Outside of the Church? And Other Questions.
Leon Suprenant was asked the following question on his blog: I have a Protestant friend who has asked me two questions. I was wondering if you could help me with them. Thanks!!! First, the conclusion of the Papal Bull “Unam Sanctam” states: “Further, we declare, say, define, and pronounce it to be altogether necessary for… Continue reading Is There Salvation Outside of the Church? And Other Questions.