FOUNDER
Constantine made Christianity state religion in 313 AD, under protection & authority of the government
Bishop Leo declared himself heir of Peter’s ‘keys’ and ‘pope’ over bishops in other cities in 445 AD
Pope Gregory established self and bishopric of Rome as sovereign over all churches in 590 AD

NAME
“Roman” = Bishop of Rome asserted self as supreme over all other bishops
“Catholic” = “Universal” – see self as the one world church

AUTHORITY
1. Bible (as interpreted by the church, people unable to interpret or understand the Bible)
2. Church traditions and beliefs from the past – on par or above Bible
3. Rulings of the Popes

VIEW of GOD
Distant, unapproachable – so contacted through the ‘saints’ (those with more good works than sins)
Mary closest to God (“mother of God”) best interceder – ‘Co-Redeemer’ suffered with Jesus to redeem

VIEW of the TRINITY
Yes, same as us

VIEW of CHRIST
God come to earth, same as us
Pope is equal to Christ
Mass is the literal sacrifice of Jesus each time it is offered

VIEW of the HOLY SPIRIT
Yes, same as us, but not emphasized

VIEW of SIN
Original sin – same as us; Removing sin – very different from us, not just removed by Jesus
Venial sins – don’t lose salvation but cause sickness of the soul; Removed by repentance
Mortal sins – sins after baptism cause you to loose forgiveness of ALL previous sins & lose salvation
Removed by Confession (to a priest), Penance (good works to buy extra ‘grace’ to cover sin)

VIEW of SALVATION
Faith and good works (sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony)
Many are saved, but most deal with much guilt (stress God’s unconditional forgiveness & Jesus’ love)

VIEW of HEAVEN & HELL
Purgatory – while remaining sins being paid for