The Catholic Church has been around for nearly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest institutions in the Western world. As of 2022, there were roughly 1.39 billion baptized Catholics, making it the largest Christian church. Brazil leads with the most Catholics, followed by Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States.
Is Catholicism a Denomination or Religion?
Some people think of Catholicism as its own religion, rather than just a branch of Christianity. Christianity is the largest religion globally, with about 31% of the world’s population. Catholics make up roughly half of all Christians.
Because of its distinct teachings and practices, some people see Catholicism as separate. However, given its size and its connection to other Christian groups, it’s more accurate to consider Catholicism a Christian denomination.
This dual nature of Catholicism makes it unique among Christian groups. Let us explore 14 features of Catholicism that stand out among Christian denominations.
Unbroken Apostolic Succession
The Catholic Church values the preservation of the true doctrine which originated from Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. In order to ensure that the teachings can be passed down to generations, Catholics place great importance on apostolic succession. This line begins with the very first apostles of Jesus Christ and continues through the ordained bishops.
The Pope
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He appointed Peter to be the leader of the Church. The Pope, or the “Bishop of Rome” represents the direct link to Peter in the principle of apostolic succession.
He is the spiritual leader who unites all the members of the Catholic Church. He is given the authority to guide the faithful in matters of faith, morality, and spiritual governance as He is Jesus’ representative on earth
The Sacraments
The seven sacraments which are celebrated by all Catholics today started during Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. These sacred rites mark the journey of a Catholic from birth to death. Each sacrament represents a key moment in a Catholic’s spiritual life.
The Holy Eucharist
Another reason why Catholicism stands out among other Christian denominations is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. For Catholics, the Holy Eucharist does not only symbolize the body of Christ but it is believed to be the actual body and blood of Christ. When Catholics receive the Holy Eucharist, they are spiritually nourished and united with Christ in a unique and intimate way.
Giving Honor to the Virgin Mary
Just as we are commanded to honor our parents, the Catholics give the highest honor to the mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholics’ reverence for Mary is a unique characteristic that other Christian denominations may not share to the same extent. In Catholicism, Mary holds a special place of honor as the mother of Jesus, and her role in salvation history is deeply respected.
The Communion of Saints
All Catholics, both the living and the dead, are united by a spiritual bond called the Communion of Saints. This concept allows the living members to pray for the souls in Purgatory, while the saints in heaven can intercede the prayers of the living. This unique mutual support sets Catholicism apart from other Christian denominations.
Devotion to the Saints
For the Catholic Church, saints are more than just historical figures. They play an important role in the intercession of prayers and serve as examples of holy living.
The Holy Rosary
The Holy Rosary is more than just a repetitive prayer, but is also a form of meditation wherein the individual reciting it can block out the distractions of daily life by focusing on the “mysteries.” These mysteries represent key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Even non-Catholics are able to appreciate the meditative qualities of the Rosary. This unique form of prayer is a distinctive Catholic practice that sets it apart from other denominations.
Confession
Catholics have a unique and tangible way to experience God’s mercy and receive forgiveness, and that is through confession. This unique practice involves confessing their sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ. The priest, as a successor of the apostles, absolves and offers spiritual guidance to anyone who confesses before them.
The Liturgical Mass
For Catholics, the Mass is the highest expression of faith. What separates it from other forms of worship service is its structure and ritualistic nature. This structure has been carefully preserved and has remained consistent throughout centuries, thanks to the unbroken apostolic succession.
Sign of the Cross
While this practice is not exclusive to the Catholic Church, it is strongly identified with Catholicism. This is because Catholics do it more frequently than other denominations. It is both a prayer and a public declaration of faith.
Belief in Purgatory
The concept of purgatory is not a widely accepted Christian belief. But for Catholicism, purgatory is a key doctrine that highlights the importance of divine justice and mercy. The Catholics’ belief in purgatory leads them to pray for the dead and offer masses for their souls.
The Use of Holy Water
While the use of Holy Water may be accepted in other denominations, it is most commonly associated with and more widely used in Catholicism. For the Catholics, being in contact with the Holy Water is already a blessing in itself.
Celibacy of Priests
Remaining celibate throughout their lives is a promise made by Catholic priests. This ensures that they can fully dedicate their lives to serving God and the Church.
Resilience of the Catholic Church
Even with persecution and opposition, Catholicism has not only survived but thrived for nearly two thousand years. It has weathered historical changes and adapted to new situations. The impact of the Catholic Church is seen in how it has influenced not just religious practices, but also various aspects of human life and history.
Final Thoughts
Catholicism is distinctive among Christian denominations because of its deep-rooted traditions and practices. Its focus on things like apostolic succession shows a strong commitment to maintaining the teachings of Jesus. The Pope’s role, the respect for saints, and the Church’s ability to adapt and persevere through various challenges highlight its unique place in Christianity. Catholicism combines a rich historical tradition with a relevant, modern approach, making it a distinct and enduring expression of faith.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.