World Religions: Part 7, Roman Catholicism & Eastern Orthodoxy

Sermon Notes

World Religions

Part 7: Roman Catholicism & Eastern Orthodoxy

Roman Catholicism 

1. What is Roman Catholicism? 

a.    One of three major branches of Christianity

b.    Name

c.     Leadership 

·      The Pope

·      Cardinals 

·      Bishops

·      Priests 

·      Deacons 

2. Beliefs of Roman Catholicism

a. Scripture

b. The Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit

c. Salvation

 d. The Church 

e. The Sacraments

 f. Mary 

g. Eschatology

Eastern Orthodoxy

1. What is Eastern Orthodoxy

a. One of three major branches of Christianity

b. Name

c. Leadership

•       Bishops over regions are viewed as successors of the Apostles.

•       No central administration (no Vatican or Pope)

•       The Patriarch of Constantinople is “first among equals”

•       Priests serve local parishes

d. The “Great Schism” with the Roman Catholic Church (AD 1045)

2. Beliefs

a.    Source of Authority

•       Scripture  

•       First Seven Ecumenical Councils

•       Church Fathers

b. On issues that divide Protestants & Roman Catholics

•       The Pope’s authority is rejected (as with Protestants).

•       Eastern Orthodoxy does not believe in purgatory.

      However:

•       Certain apocryphal books are accepted.

•       Mary is venerated as the Mother of God.

•       Veneration of icons and pray to Saints

•       Eucharist is the true body and blood of Christ.

c. Trinity

•       Fully Trinitarian: God is one in essence, three distinct persons.

•       Contrary to RCC, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, but not the Son.

•      The idea of “Mystery” is very prominent in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Study/Discussion Questions:

1. What are the three major branches of Christianity?

2. What is Roman Catholicism? Why “Roman”?  Why “Catholic”?

3. What is the leadership and authority structure of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC)?

4. What do Roman Catholics believe about the Bible? About the Trinity?  About salvation? 

5. What do Roman Catholics believe about Mary?

6. What does the name “Eastern Orthodoxy” mean?

7. What is the leadership structure of the Eastern Orthodox Church? 

8. In what ways do Eastern Orthodox Christians agree with Roman Catholics and how do they differ with reference to the following:

·      Their source of authority?

·      Purgatory?

·      The Apocrypha?

·      Veneration of icons and prayer to saints?

·      The Eucharist?

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