Learn about the history, doctrines, and influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholicism, Christian church that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of Western civilization. This resource examines in detail the main differences between Roman Catholic beliefs and the teachings of most other Protestant denominations. In some places in the world, people practice Catholicism publicly, with religious displays in city squares, streets and even stores, while in other places, religious practice is considered private, and reserved for the home and sacred spaces.

Understood as outward signs of God's presence, sacraments mark major transitions in life and, in the case of Communion and Reconciliation, are part of life's texture. Roman Catholic Church: Beliefs, Doctrines, and Practices To belong to the church one must accept as factually true the gospel of Jesus as handed down in tradition and as interpreted by the bishops in union with the pope. Catholicism shares some beliefs with other Christian practices, but essential Catholic beliefs include the following: The Bible is the inspired, error-free, and revealed word of God. Authority Within the Church- Roman Catholics believe the authority of the church lies within the hierarchy of the church; Protestants believe Christ is the head of the church. Catholics of different countries and regions of the world practice and celebrate the faith in diverse ways. Baptism, the rite of becoming a Christian, is necessary for salvation — whether the Baptism occurs by water, blood, or desire.

Catholic religious practice revolves around the liturgy and the seven sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony. The main tenets of the Catholic religion are that 1) God is universal and loves everyone; 2) Jesus Christ came to save all the people; 3) not formally belonging to the Catholic church is objectively sinful, and 4) no one who is sinful makes it into heaven. But the New Testament idea of faith is not simple; indeed, it possesses a breadth of meaning that has led to varying understandings, even within a single Christian communion. Roman Catholic Practices. Along with Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, it is one of the three major branches of Christianity. Roman Catholicism - Roman Catholicism - Beliefs and practices: The idea of faith shared by all Christian churches is rooted in the New Testament. Some cities and neighborhoods organize elaborate feasts and … Fundamental in this divine tradition is the Bible, its text determined and disseminated by the church.