Deep Dive into Roman Catholicism

The Roman Catholic Church understands itself as the visible continuation of the church founded by Christ, uniquely possessing the fullness of the means of salvation. This system is defined by its comprehensive structure of authority, its view of salvation as a process, and the centrality of its sacramental life.

The final norm of faith is a threefold structure comprising Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium. Scripture and Tradition—oral teachings transmitted from the apostles, some of which are not explicitly recorded in the Bible—are viewed as equally authoritative, forming one "deposit of faith." The Magisterium (the Pope and bishops) acts as the decisive interpretive authority, claiming divine assistance to define faith without error. This hierarchy is crowned by the Pope, who is recognized as Christ’s vicar and visible head of the church. The First Vatican Council (Vatican I, 1869–1870) formally defined the key dogma of papal infallibility, asserting that the Pope is preserved from error when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith or morals, making such declarations an irreformable standard of truth.

The Council of Trent (1545–1563), in response to the Reformation, codified Catholic doctrine, condemning Protestant teachings like Sola Fide (faith alone) and Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone).

Justification is defined as an ongoing process of inner transformation in which God infuses grace into the soul, primarily starting at baptism, thereby making the person actually righteous over time. This process is never achieved by faith alone; justifying faith must be "formed by love" and accompanied by good works, which are considered truly meritorious. Justification can be increased or lost through mortal sin and restored through the sacrament of penance.

The Christian life is structured around seven official sacraments. The Eucharist (Mass) is central, described as the "source and summit" of the Christian life. This is because, through consecration (transubstantiation), the substance of the bread and wine is believed to be changed into the very body and blood of Christ, and the Mass is understood as a sacrificial re-presentation of Christ’s one sacrifice on the altar, through which grace is applied to the living and the dead.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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