Blog Archives - Catholic Teaching Around Us

Drew's Articles

11/13/2013

An Agreed Statement on the Church - This document is a result of the dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Catholic Church. It states that the Church is distinguished because of its faith in the Holy Trinity. Furthermore, the Church must interpret the entire world through this lens. The two groups have also agreed that the Church is a communion of people who live in Jesus Christ. The Church's history and continuation are due to the Holy Spirit, which is expressed in Scripture and the sacraments. Also, each individual church is both independent and part of a larger community of churches. The different levels of this community mirrors the Trinity. Furthermore, all churches equal, even though their is an established hierarchy to establish order. Also, the Catholic and Orthodox churches explain this hierarchy differently, with the major difference being the primacy of the Pope. Finally, both churches agree that the relationship between them is difficult to harmonize, but they both affirm that the Holy Spirit is working through them to bring them together.

Original article: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ecumenical-and-interreligious/ecumenical/orthodox/church.cfm

An Agreed Statement on Mixed Marriage - This document is another result of the dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. First of all, the term "mixed marriage" refers to a couple who each are of a different sect of Christianity, and not a racial mixed marriage, as the term normally refers to. Both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church discourage mixed marriages. However, both churches recognize that, due to the conditions of modern life, mixed marriages will continue to take place. For them to work, both churches affirm that there is a need for counselling. Also, both churches recognize that the parents have a desire and right to bring up their children in their respective Christian faith. Both partners should take part in the Christian upbringing of their children. In addition to this, both partners must respect the others religious beliefs and practices. Also, the Catholic Church and Orthodox Church require a major Catholic clerical figure present, or an Orthodox pastor, respectively. Both churches declare that they will continue to study and discuss their own respective doctr

Similarities and Differences between the Jewish and Catholic worships

11/6/2013

The Jewish and Catholic religions have differences and similarities. The most significant difference between the two religions is the person of Jesus. They both agree Jesus was a historical figure, he was born of a Jewish woman named Mary, and other slight characteristics. The Jews believe that there is still a messiah age to come, whereas the Christians believe it was already occurred. A significant similarity between the Jewish and Catholic worship is between Holy Thursday and Passover. The Passover remembers the Jewish exodus from Egypt. Holy Thursday. Holy Thursday is the celebration of Passover.

Describe the relationship of the notion of Incarnation between Jews and Catholics.

11/6/2013

Jews are expecting a fully human Messiah who is anointed by God. They do not expect this person to be divine. This is in contrast from the idea of Catholics. They believe that Jesus is fully human, but also fully divine. They put the responsibility of being one with God on the person themselves so that they may be reconciled with God. Both believe that the word of God became tangible at creation. Christians believe that Jesus and the Bible are the tangible word, while Jews believe the Torah is the tangible word. This is both a similarity and a difference between Catholics and Jews. The Old Testament and the Bible are both acknowledged as the tangible word, but not the New Testament. The New Testament is only acknowledged as the tangible word by Christians.

The relationship between pentecost and shavuot

11/6/2013

The Christian feast of Pentecost and the Jewish fest of Shavuot are related. in fact Shavuot is known also as Pentecost. Pentecost refers to fifty days after Passover. and Shavuot began as a spring harvest feast, but better known as a celebration of when god gave the Torah and the mosaic law to the Jews through Moses the event on mount Sinai is when the Jews became a covenantal people. when the first followers of Jesus were celebrating Shavuot and Pentecost in Jerusalem and the holy spirit came upon them.

What is the Jewish/Catholic understanding of the Messiah?

11/6/2013

Both Catholics and Jews alike believe that Jesus is a historical figure. He was born to a woman named Mary and raised in a Jewish home in their homeland. He was a great teacher. Jews believe that Jesus is not the Messiah. They are still waiting for their true Messiah to come rebuild the House of David. Catholics believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Jews expect a political leader as a Messiah, while Christians accept the spiritual figure of Jesus Christ.

Hasidism

11/5/2013

The devotion to their faith is one very admirable characteristic of Hasidic Jewish beliefs. They are a minority, not only in their society, but in their own religion as well. This does not stop them from living out their faith. Even though society may look at them and treat them like outcasts, they still go about all of their faithful traditions just as they would. One similarity between Hasidic Jewish beliefs and Catholicism is the use of intercession. They pray to their deceased Rebes for intercession and help in the difficult parts of life. Catholics do this as well through the prayers of the faithful at mass. They also believe in an afterlife in Heaven. Hasidic Jews have leaders of specific regions called a Rebe. They serve a role very similar to Catholic Bishops. Both of their jobs are to lead the region of people that they live in.

What takes place on Shabbat?

11/5/2013

On Shabbat, Jews refrain from work, attend services at the synagogue, and study the Torah.

Why did the relatively minor feast, Hanukkah, take on more significance, especially in America?

11/5/2013

Hanukkah became a bigger celebration because coincides it with the Christmas season.

What are the "days of awe", and what is their significance?

11/5/2013

The "days of awe" are the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when Jews turn back to the proper way of living.

The similarites between Rosh Hashanah and Pesach.

11/5/2013

Rosh Hashanah is a time that God judges each individual for his or hers actions. Pesach is the Passover celebration which means God judge the people based on them following his order. Both of these festivals are based around God's judgement.