The History and Structure of the Roman Catholic Church
If one was to consult a Catholic apologist as to what the origin of the Catholic Church was and when it was established; he would invariably respond by saying that it was the Church established by Jesus Christ; the Church born out of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection in approximately 30 AD. The Roman Catholic Church claims to trace its history to Jesus Christ and His apostles. It believes that its bishops are the actual successors of the apostles and its pope is the successor of Peter.
In this second part of a teaching series looking at the core teachings of Roman Catholicism, we look at the history of the Roman Catholic Church and its elaborate structure of Church governance.
Download teaching notes (pdf)
http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/2_Is_Roman_Catholicism_True_Christianity_Pt2.pdf
Introduction
The Roman Catholic Church views itself as the one and only true Church established by Jesus Christ. Many Evangelicals see no problem whatsoever in labelling Roman Catholicism Christian. What are we to make when “America’s Pastor” Rick Warren – best-selling author and Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church, the eight-largest evangelical Church in the U.S. – calls for evangelicals to unite with Roman Catholics? When Joel Osteen – the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church the largest evangelical Church in the U.S. whose televised sermons are seen each month by over 20 million people in some 100 different countries – makes a special trip to the Vatican and praises Pope Francis for his efforts in trying to make the Church more inclusive and to take everybody in? Are the differences that separate Protestants, Catholics just minor matters of insignificance?
In this first part of a teaching series looking at the core teachings of Roman Catholicism, we give a concise but insightful insight into the teachings and beliefs of one of the largest religions on planet earth.
Download teaching notes (pdf)
http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/1_Is_Roman_Catholicism_True_Christianity_Pt1.pdf