Roman Catholic and Lutheran View in the Bible

By: Nia Hope

             The Bible is the sacred writings composed of Hebrew Scriptures to form the Old Testament and early Christian works to from the New Testament; the views on the interpretation of the Bible differ for various Christian denominations. Southern Baptists believe that it is through the individual interpretation of the Bible that they can come to understand the truth about God. Southern Baptists make the Bible accessible and available for all of its believers, including the average layperson (“Sola Scriptura”). This is based on the Protestant belief, which is accepted by Southern Baptists, of sola scriptura. Sola scriptura translates to “scripture alone” and explains that the Bible is the only authority for doctrine. It is a “sufficient basis for faith and practice” (“Baptist vs Roman Catholic Beliefs” ). As Reformed Protestants, the Southern Baptist emphasis on the Bible stems from one of the key components of the Protestant Reformation, the belief that the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church “wandered from the teachings of the Bible” (“Protestantism and the Bible”). As a result Martin Luther, the founder of Lutheranism, discredited the authority of the pope for interpreting the Bible and placed the Bible as the only authority; this belief is reflected in the doctrine of Southern Baptists. Southern Baptists believe that the sacraments are “’contrary to the teachings of the Bible and that grace is received directly from God”’ (Weeks). In the Helvetic Confession written by Henry Bullinger, Bullinger explains that Southern Baptists do not believe the Bible contains any error: “We believe and confess the canonical Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles of both Testaments to be the true Word of God, and to have sufficient authority of themselves, not of men. For God himself spoke to the fathers, prophets, apostles, and still speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures” (Brown).

Roman Catholics have various views on the inerrancy of the Bible. Some Roman Catholic theologians claim that the original version the Bible is without error (“Biblical Inerrancy as Viewed by Roman Catholics”). Some Roman Catholic churches teach that the Bible has limited inerrancy in certain matters: “faith, morals and the criteria for salvation” (“Biblical Inerrancy as Viewed by Roman Catholics.”). 

The Roman Catholic Church contains the Apocrypha within the Old Testament, which is not included in the scripture of Southern Baptists (Dow and Mercatante). The Roman Catholic doctrines are based on the Bible, church traditions (Brown), and teachings of the Pope (“Baptist vs Roman Catholic Beliefs”); the Pope’s interpretation of the Bible holds “authority for doctrine” (Matthews 300). The authority of the Roman Catholic Church stems from several beliefs: Jesus founded the church to continue His ministry and teachings, and the Holy Spirit was given to the church to guide it (Bransfield). Monsignor Bransfield further explains, “The Revelation of Jesus is thus extended to the Apostles and handed on through two means: Sacred Scripture and Tradition” (Bransfield). Roman Catholics believe that the Bible, when interpreted by the church, contains the truth about God.

Word Count: 500

Works Cited:

“Baptist vs Roman Catholic Beliefs.” Baptist vs Roman Catholic Beliefs, http://www.baptistcatholic.com/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

“Biblical Inerrancy as Viewed by Roman Catholics.” Religious Tolerance , http://www.religioustolerance.org/inerran1.htm.

Bransfield, J Brian. “Bible at Core of Catholic Beliefs.” Bible at Core of Catholic Beliefs, http://www.usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible/study-materials/articles/bible-at-core-of-catholic-beliefs.cfm. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Brown, Stephen F. “Branches of Protestantism and Their Basic Beliefs.” Protestantism, Third Edition, Chelsea House, 2009. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/417310?q=sacred text lutherans . Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Dow, James R., and Anthony S. Mercatante. “Bible.” The Facts On File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition, Facts On File, 2004. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/425626?q=roman catholic view on bible. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 289-290. Print.

Melton, J. Gordon. “Protestantism and the Bible.” Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/259495?q=roman catholic view on bible. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Melton, J. Gordon. “Sola Scriptura.” Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/259154?q=sola scriptura. Accessed 8 Dec. 2017.

Weeks, Lee. “How Do Catholics & Baptists Differ?” Baptist Press, 18 Apr. 2005, http://www.bpnews.net/20599/how-do-catholics-and-baptists-differ. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Christian Ethics

John Patrick Nora

Ms. Weidner

IB World Religions II – Gold 1

8 December 2017

Christian Ethics

            One of Christianity’s most significant ethics is the 10 Commandments. These are some of the most prominent guidelines in all of Christianity, and were created by God. These 10 Commandments include: You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make idols. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet. The Commandments themselves are not difficult, as they list basic guidelines such as not having other gods, keeping in mind God’s day, respecting your parents, no killing, no stealing, etc. However, it can be difficult to simultaneously and properly follow all of these guidelines. One must keep in mind that these commandments were spoken by God Himself, and this truly shows the significance of them and how we must truly follow them.

Another one of Christianity’s ethics is to follow guidelines and complete certain actions with the mind, but more importantly, with the heart. This means that one should not be doing an action simply because it is required, but rather that a person genuinely wants to do it. One example of this is going to weekly mass. Weekly mass is required, as part of the 10 Commandments, and people do go. However, even if a person goes to mass every week, there is no real purpose in doing so if a person is only doing it if is required. If that is the case, then a person will not be able to build a real and genuine relationship with God. Building a relationship with God is one of the most important aspects of Christianity, and identifying how it can so negatively be affected merely by doing something because it is required rather than actually wanting to should show how important it is to do everything a person can with all of his or her heart.

A third example of ethics in Christianity is to participate in the Sacraments. Although the number of Sacraments is dependent on the denomination, the two main Sacraments that nearly all denominations of Christianity include are Baptism, and the reception of Holy Communion. Baptism refers to the Sacrament in which a person is first welcomed into the Church. In addition to the welcoming, a person is also washed clean of original sin. Baptisms generally include some form of immersion in water, or others a sprinkling of water. This mainly depends on the denomination. Water is the most important factor of Baptism, as it represents when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The second main Sacrament is known as Holy Communion. There are many names for this, but the most general term that many denominations accept is Holy Communion. This is when a person receives the bread and wine, either representing Jesus’ body and blood, or what is believed to be His actual body and blood. This belief depends on the denomination, as some believe that the bread and wine represents His bod and blood, whereas others believe that it is actually transformed into it. Christians receive the body and blood so that a person can become closer to God and become more unified with Christ.

Word Count: 560

 

Works Cited

Cochran, Clarke E. “Christian Social Ethics.” Encyclopedia of American Religion and Politics, Updated Edition, Facts On File, 2008. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/169890?q=christianity ethics. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Duval, R. Shannon, and Susan Terkel. “Christian Ethics.” Encyclopedia of Ethics, Facts On File, 1999. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/429176?q=christianity ethics. Accessed 7 Dec. 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.”World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 311. Print.

Authority of Scripture in the Southern Baptist and Roman Catholic Churches (Sarah Kelchner)

Sarah Kelchner

According to Southern Baptists, the Bible is the ultimate authority on matters of spiritual truth. The Bible is the definitive Word of God: perfect, divinely inspired, and “unconditioned by time or cultural circumstances” (Balmer 11). Southern Baptists believe in the doctrine of biblical literalism because since the Bible is divinely inspired and inerrant, biblical statements must be accepted as unconditionally and literally true; in conjunction with the doctrine of sola scriptura, this means that Scripture therefore holds ultimate authority and should be believers’ only source of spiritual truth (Rogers). Since biblical messages are evident and literally true, the Bible is deemed to be easily accessible and understandable by all (Farnsley 40). Therefore, Southern Baptists uphold the autonomy of each individual in interpreting Scriptures; this idea that each believer has the authority to interpret the Scriptures for himself/herself is known as the “priesthood of the believer” (Farnsley 41). Accordingly, the Southern Baptist Church is characterized by a democratic polity, which is a governance structure which relies upon “the competency of a…believer to interpret the Scriptures rightly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” rather than on Church authorities to establish acceptable explanations of the Scriptures (Farnsley 42). The Southern Baptist Church acknowledges that remaining committed to the ultimate authority of the Scriptures and to the resultant freedom of individuals to interpret them personally can lead to a degree of subjectivity and even inaccuracies amongst various interpretations. However, the Church roots itself in the conviction that it is even more dangerous to place the authority to interpret Scriptures in the hands of a select few; rather, each “believer-priest” should receive whatever individual message God seeks to convey through the Scriptures and the guidance of both the Holy Spirit and the pastors and ministers available to guide believers to accurate and applicable spiritual truths (Pinson).

Catholics believe that the Bible is absolutely true, but that since it is a compilation of human-made documents, interpretation and guidance from the Church are necessary to accurately determine the meanings of the Scriptures (“Catholics and the Bible”). The Catholic Church points out that while the Bible was divinely inspired and therefore is imbued with some degree of authority from God, the very formation of the scriptural canon was coordinated by the Church when the scriptural canon was established in the late third century (Flinn, “Inerrancy of Scripture;” Matthews 289-290). Therefore, the authority of the Bible depends on the authority of the Church (“Catholics and the Bible”). Since, according to Pope Leo XIII’s statements in the Providentissimus Deus, the sacred writers sought not to provide factual accounts of science or history through the Scriptures, the Bible cannot be assumed to be literally true on all accounts; however, this does not discount the credibility of the Bible in any way on topics of spiritual truths (“Catholics and the Bible”). Rather, this simply means that Church experts use exegesis to disentangle potentially misleading statements from fundamental spiritual truths by examining the cultural and historical context of the Scriptures (“Catholics and the Bible”). In this way, the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the divine and human aspects of the Bible (Flinn, “Inerrancy of Scripture”). While individuals are encouraged to read the Bible and learn from God’s Word, they must also rely upon the Church’s authority to interpret Scripture and utilize the tools provided by the Church for guidance in reaching complete and accurate conclusions about spiritual truths (“Catholics and the Bible”). Specifically, Catholics are encouraged to follow the missal, which contains readings and responses, during each mass and then listen to the homily, or the priest’s interpretations and explanations of the Scriptures based on Church doctrine (Flinn, “Roman Missal”). There are also commentaries available from theological experts who create detailed explanations for Bible passages to help readers understand the meaning and appreciate the richness of the Scriptures.

Word Count: 599

Works Cited

Balmer, Randall. “Why Southern Baptists Insist on Biblical Literacy.” The Lakeland Ledger 22 Jun. 1991: 11. Print.

“Catholics and the Bible.” Catholic Education Resource Center, Catholic Evidence Guild, 1921, http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/catholics-and-the-bible.html. 7 Dec. 2017.

Farnsley, Arthur Emery. “Ambiguity without Consensus: The Development of Procedural Polity.” Southern Baptist Politics: Authority and Power in the Restructuring of an American Denomination, Pennsylvania State University Press, 1994, pp. 40–43.

Flinn, Frank K. “Inerrancy of Scripture.” Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/263443?q=catholic scripture. 7 Dec. 2017.

Flinn, Frank K. “Roman Missal.” Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/263187?q=missal. 7 Dec. 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 289-290. Print.

Pinson, William M. “The Authority of the Bible.” Baptist Distinctives, 20 Jan. 2015, http://www.baptistdistinctives.org/resources/articles/the-authority-of-the-bible/. 7 Dec. 2017.

Rogers, Adrian. “The Baptist Faith and Message.” Southern Baptist Convention, 2017, http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp. 7 Dec. 2017.

The Bible in the Catholic and Southern Baptist Churches

Matthew Cain

Although there are many different editions and translations available, Catholics typically use the New American Bible, with 46 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Catholic Bible includes the Apocrypha (the books of Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and I & II Maccabees), and Church leadership has explicitly stated that these books are of equal reverence as the rest of the Bible (Saunders). Catholics believe that the Scripture is sacred, but that it is not the entire word of God, and thus they do not “limit their understanding” of faith to solely the Bible. Rather, Catholics also look to the teachings of priests, bishops, the Pope, and Church councils for authority in interpreting Scripture when it is unclear or silent on certain topics (Harden). Catholics believe that the authority to interpret Scripture and to teach Church doctrine has been passed down through Church leaders since Jesus’ Apostles, and that the fullness of teachings is found through “both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition” (Harden).

The Catholic Church was officially formed through the centralization of power in Rome under leaders who traced their authority back to Peter, and thus this Church has a tradition of looking to Church leaders for authority (Matthews 296). Catholics believe that the Bible was inspired by God and written by humans to teach humans about God and how to act as His people, but they do not believe that this logically means that the Bible should be the only authority on faith (Harden). Catholics understand that the Bible, as stated directly in John’s Gospel, cannot contain all information about Jesus’ life, the nature of God, and humans’ relationship with Him: “Scripture is most certainly a part of Divine Revelation, but it is not the fullness of it” (Harden). Catholics emphasize that Jesus did not write any Scripture or compile a canon, and that rather he started the tradition of the Church through Peter. He did not confine his teachings to a book, but rather he sent forth his human followers to spread the faith (Harden).

Southern Baptists typically use the King James Bible, which does not include the Apocrypha (Saunders). Baptists believe that the most essential teachings of the Bible are clear enough for all believers to understand, so they reject a centralized authority charged with interpreting and explaining Scripture. When a Bible verse is unclear, clearer passages are often used to interpret the more ambiguous verses (Geisler). Baptist Church services are heavily focused on the reading of Scripture, and the most focal aspects of a Baptist church are the pulpit, for reading Scripture, and the choir, for singing Scripture.

Baptists adhere strictly to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, which states that “Scripture alone is the primary and absolute source for all doctrine and practice,” including faith and morals (Geisler). The Protestant Reformation began largely as a reaction against the corruption of Church leaders, and thus the Baptist Church formed from a tradition of a rejection of a centralized authority over believers (Matthews 299). The Bible is divinely inspired: its words are God’s words, so Baptists hold it as the only ultimate and necessary authority for Christian teachings. The Church leadership is fallible, and only the Bible is infallible (Geisler). The Baptist Bible does not include the Apocrypha because Martin Luther did not believe these books to be equal to the rest of Scripture (Saunders). Furthermore, verses within these books support the doctrines of Purgatory, the authority of the priesthood, and merited salvation, which the Baptist Church rejects (Gantly). Church services focus on Scripture readings because reading the Bible is only way to know God’s revelation, learn about the sufficient grace of Jesus’ sacrifice, and understand salvation.

Word count: 598

Works Cited

Gantley, Mark. “The 7 Books Removed by Martin Luther.” Global Catholic Network, 1 May 2005, http://www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage.asp?number=438095.

Geisler, Norman. “What is Sola Scriptura?” Christian Research Institute, 8 Apr. 2009, http://www.equip.org/article/what-is-sola-scriptura/.

Harden, John. “The Bible and Tradition.” Bible Study for Catholics, Ascension Press, 4 Feb. 2016, biblestudyforcatholics.com/bible-tradition/.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 296, 299. Print.

Saunders, William. “The Missing Books of the Bible.” The Arlington Catholic Herald, 19 Sept. 2016, http://www.catholicherald.com/Faith/Bishop_Loverde/Bishop_s_25th_Anniversary/The_Missing_Books_of_the_Bible/.

Exegesis of the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist. Landon Clime

Southern Baptist proclaim themselves to be the “people of the Book” (Elliff). Southern Baptists believe the Bible is the greatest teaching authority and put a greater emphasis on Bible study (Matthews 314). This stress on the importance of the Bible relates to the doctrine Sola Scriptura. Sola Scriptura can be directly seen in the practice of the Lord’s Supper in the Southern Baptist Church. The Southern Baptists’ exegesis of the scripture is that Jesus Christ ordered them to eat the unleavened bread and drink the wine as symbols of his resurrection. According to the Southern Baptist Convention, “The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming” (“The Baptist Faith and Message”). This act of remembrance is because of the way Southern Baptist interpret the Bible and the importance they place on it. Southern Baptists look towards the Bible to create their doctrines and structure their theological beliefs (Elliff). Specifically in 1 Corinthians, Paul proclaims that Jesus said to his disciples, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (New Oxford Annotated Version, 1 Corinthians 11). To the Southern Baptist, their exegesis of the Lord’s Supper is to solely do it in remembrance of Him, not to reenact the event. This interpretation of the Bible is why Southern Baptists have uniques views on grace, salvation, and faith.

Catholics infer from the Bible that the bread and wine are not merely signs of remembrance, but they are the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. Catholics do not take the Bible at its face value. Rather, they construct their doctrines and beliefs around the Patriarch’s view of the Bible. For example, the Catholics’ doctrine of transubstantiation was established in 1545 at the Council of Trent. A council of highly ranked Catholics had to congregate in order to come up with it; it did not solely come from the Bible. One of the most famous verses in the Bible that Catholics interpret as their proof of transubstantiation. Jesus claimed that “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. . . . For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (New Oxford Annotated Version, John 6:51-55). This verse reflects the exegesis Catholics use to view their sacred text. However, it is not solely a word-for-word reading of the Scripture. Catholics typically generate their doctrines during important conferences or from higher authority and then find the evidence within the Scripture. This type of exegesis stems from the importance of the Church in Catholicism. The Pope is infallible and is in works with the Holy Spirit, so his perspective on the Scripture is followed by others. Because Catholics have a more holistic exegesis of the Bible, including the input from high ranked church official, their beliefs are distinct from other denominations.

Word Count: 527.

 

Ellif, Tom. “Understanding Baptism.” Journal of the Southern Baptist Convention,
http://www.sbclife.net/Articles/2006/09/sla5. Accessed 7 December 2017.

Fay, William. “The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: Basic Questions and Answers.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/order-of-mass/liturgy-of-the-eucharist/the-real-presence-of-jesus-christ-in-the-sacrament-of-the-eucharist-basic-questions-and-answers.cfm. Accessed 7 December 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/
Wadsworth, 2008. 313. Print.

“The Baptist Faith and Message.” Southern Baptist Convention. http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp. Accessed 7 December 2017.

The Bible. The New Oxford Annotated Version, 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2001.

 

 

Scripture in Lutheranism and Catholicism

Katherine Close

Mrs. Weidner

The books of the New Testament comprise what is known as the Christian Canon, the list of books which are universally considered Scripture despite differences amongst the denominations (Matthews 289). However, different denominations have different versions and methods of exegesis (theological investigation of the true meaning of Sacred Scripture) of this common base in Scripture, as evident when comparing Roman Catholicism to a Protestant denomination such as Lutheranism (Maas).

In Catholicism equal emphasis is placed on Tradition and Scripture, which means that the Church does not derive all of its revealed truths from Scripture alone, but also from the interpretations of the Church’s appointed teaching authority (Bransfield). Such exegesis involves the analysis of the literary structure and context of passages in order to extract the true sense of the words as applicable to desired situations (Kodell). The process involves the analysis of the literal, or explicit, sense and the derivative, or implicit, sense (Maas). While the explicit truths are easily found in the Bible, implicit truths exist because of the allowed interpretation and are thus usually unique to Catholicism (Bransfield). This is also extended to the Old Testament, which is read and interpreted in relation to the coming of Jesus in the New Testament despite having been written long before the latter half (Kodell). In the interpretation, Catholics avoid irreverence and respect the infallibility of the Scripture while respecting the Church’s set definition, the Patristic interpretation, and potential analogies of faith (Maas).

Lutheranism places a different emphasis on Scripture. As the first Protestant denomination to develop, Lutheranism was the first to advocate for a doctrine of Sola Scriptura. It places the doctrinal emphasis on Scripture; they believe that the Bible alone should be the basis of Christian faith and the sole authority when determining doctrine (Melton). This authority is facilitated by their belief in God as the true Author of the Scripture (Matthews). Their exegesis states that Scriptural passages have three different meanings: literal, moral, and anagogic (Martin Luther removed the mystical or allegorical interpretation from Lutheran philosophy). Later on, categories of doctrine were added to the process of interpretation (Grant). Lutherans refrain from extreme interpretation of the words to avoid inserting additional meanings into passages so that they may preserve the original significance of the Bible within their doctrine (“Authority”). This traditional philosophy lies in accordance with their concern for continuity with the Church of the past; Lutherans want to stick to the original Lutheran Church’s understanding of scripture as closely as possible (“Authority”).

The official approved english translation of the Bible in Catholicism is the New American Bible (NAB) while most popularly used Bibles in Lutheranism are the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the Revised Standard Version (RSV) (Kevin). The NAB does its translation with stringent observance of the rules of criticism and reverence for the words. It also includes eight additional books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, which only Catholics use (Vatican.va). The RSV, and now the NRSV, are the only major translations which include both the Protestant Canon and the Apocryphal books. They are offered in three different versions containing specific books for different denominations (BibleGateway).

Word Count: 520

Works Cited

“Authority of God’s Word.” Lutheran Core, 2017 ed., 15 Apr. 2007, http://www.lutherancore.org/what-we-believe/authority-of-god%E2%80%99s-word/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Bransfield, J. Brian. “Bible at Core of Catholic Beliefs.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, http://www.usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible/study-materials/articles/bible-at-core-of-catholic-beliefs.cfm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Grant, R. M., et al. “History of the Interpretation of the Bible.” The Interpreter’s Bible, by R. H. Grant, edited by Erwin L. Lueker et al., rev. ed., New York, Concordia Publishing House, 2000, pp. 106-41. Christian Cyclopedia, cyclopedia.lcms.org/display.asp?t1=e&word=EXEGESIS. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

The Holy Bible. New Revised Standard Version, National Council of the Churches of Christ, 1989. BibleGateway, National Council of the Churches of Christ, http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-NRSV-Bible/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

The Holy Bible. Edited by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, New American Bible, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2002. Vatican.va, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/__P1.HTM. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Kodell, Jerome. “Basis of Catholic Interpretation of Bible Differs from Protestats.'” Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, 12 Jan. 2002, http://www.dolr.org/article/basis-catholic-interpretation-bible-differs-protestants%E2%80%99. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Maas, Anthony. “Biblical Exegesis.” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol 5 ed. New Advent, Robert Appleton Company, 1909, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05692b.htm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Matthews, Louis. “A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles.” The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, 13 July 1973, http://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/doctrine/statement-of-scriptural-and-confessional-principles. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 289. Print.

S., Kevin. “Denominations and Bible Translations.” NewEpistles, 25 Oct. 2007, newepistles.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/denominations-and-bible-translations/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.

Matrimony in Catholic Church and EOC. Landon Clime

The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a very important sacrament in the religion of Christianity. The greatest marriage ever was between Jesus Christ and the Church (Matthews 314). The meaning of marriage is highlighted in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (The Bible. Ephesians 5:25 ). This is the core for all marriages under Christianity. However, like most of the sacraments, there are difference among the denominations of Christianity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes the wedding at Cana as a sign that marriage will be a reminder of Jesus’ presence (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1613). In Catholicism, the marriage between two Catholics is held during a Holy Mass, which involves the sacrament of the Eucharist. The coming together of two Catholics represents the New Covenant, Jesus’ ultimate love by offering himself. This commemoration of the New Covenant is also in the sacrament of marriage, which is why the two sacraments are paired together during the service (1621).  The two partners take on “one flesh”. The two must be baptized members of the church in order to receive the blessing and sacrament of marriage. The marriage between a Catholic and non-Catholic/non-Catholic are referred to as mixed marriages. Mixed Marriages are not forbidden in the Catholic Church, but the Church does address that it may cause problems. For example, the education of the children of the marriage may be an issue that arises. According the Catechism, “a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage” (1635). The couple must be granted special permission from the bishop, and both parties must understand the significance and purpose of matrimony.

Even though the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church are similar in regards to marriage, their perspective on it is not identical. Foremost, the Eastern Orthodox Church does not attach as much weight to the wedding at Cana as much as the Catholic Church. The EOC developed the sacrament of marriage around baptism. The couple processes into the Church and are spoken to similarly as they were during Baptism (“Marriage”). The couple are also given crowns to recognize their Kingship and to be become his martyrs. The sacrament of marriage requires no oaths or vows; it is simply “the baptizing and confirming of human love in God by Christ in the Holy Spirit. It is the dedication of human love in the divine perfection and unity of the eternal Kingdom of God as revealed and given to man in the Church” (“Marriage). The EOC does not view this sacrament as most people believe it to be. Finally, the marriage between a member and a non-member of the EOC is permitted but must be granted by the Church. The EOC believes the creation of children reflects God’s love and care for all of his children. The procreation of children is encouraged in a marriage, but the Church does not require it if the couple is unable to.

Word Count: 520

Works Cited

Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Article 7, The Sacrament of Matrimony. 2nd ed. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2000. Web.

 

“Marriage. The Orthodox Church in America. https://oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/marriage. Accessed 20 November 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 314. Print.

The Bible. The New Oxford Annotated Version, 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2001.

Communion in Roman Catholic and Southern Baptist Traditions

Sarah Kelchner

Christianity Paper 1: Rituals and Religious Experience–Communion

The Roman Catholic Church refers to the practice of communion as receiving the “Eucharist,” which comes from the Greek word meaning “to give thanks” (Alles and Ellwood, “Eucharist”). This is the ritual in which individuals consume a piece of pressed bread known as the “host” and a small amount of wine that have been consecrated by a priest. In Catholic mass, participating in the Eucharist is the central act of worship, the paramount spiritual experience, and the primary purpose for holding mass (Matthews 313). Although Catholics’ reception of the Eucharist represents their participation in the community of believers, it also is the means by which individuals directly receive God’s grace (Flinn, “Eucharist”). According to the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation established in the 16th century, the elements of the Eucharist are supernaturally transformed into the literal body and blood of Jesus (Flinn, “Eucharist;” Melton, “Transubstantiation”). This transformation occurs when the priest consecrates the elements by reciting Jesus’ words of institution affirming that the bread and wine are His body and blood (Flinn, “Canon of the Mass”). The Catholic Church states that while this consecration occurs by the power of the priest, Jesus is the ultimate power who endows the priest with this authority (Melton, “Transubstantiation”). In this way, the mass is a literal reenactment of Jesus’ sacrifice (Matthews 313).

By contrast, the Southern Baptist denomination refers to this practice as sharing “Communion.” The reception of Communion is not deemed a sacrament, but rather an ordinance that should be performed as a Biblical precept in accordance with Scriptural instructions (Melton, “Sacraments and Ordinances”). While the Catholic Church adopts the doctrine of transubstantiation, Southern Baptists accept the Memorialist doctrine set forth by Ulrich Zwingli, which states that the Lord’s Supper is simply a meal commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice and His Last Supper with His disciples (Melton, “Lord’s Supper”). According to the Memorialist doctrine, Communion involves no supernatural elements or transformations; rather, it is “a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming” (Melton, “Lord’s Supper”).  In Southern Baptist church services, Communion is not emphasized as the central act of worship; rather, the most significant parts of the service are the acts of singing and preaching Biblical truths (Alles and Ellwood, “Baptists”). For Southern Baptists, Communion is shared by distributing the elements, which usually consist of a piece of bread and a small cup of grape juice, to recipients in their seats (Alles and Ellwood, “Baptists”). Communion is typically shared in Southern Baptist churches once a month rather than during each gathering in the Catholic tradition (Alles and Ellwood, “Baptists”).

The differences in views of Communion between the Catholic and Southern Baptist denominations strongly reflect their larger-scale doctrinal differences. Catholicism’s characterization as more traditional and ritualistic is revealed through the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is a sacrament and represents a literal representation of the physical body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. Likewise, the Southern Baptists’ divergence from orthodoxy is reflected in their belief that Communion is merely a symbolic commemoration of the Lord’s Supper and a means by which the members of the community affirm their faith. In a similar way, the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is a sacrament represents a more traditional view and contrasts with the Southern Baptists’ doctrinally liberal reference to Communion as an ordinance to be observed based on its Biblical roots rather than a sacrament. While the Eucharist is the primary focus of Catholic mass, the sharing of Communion occurs less frequently and more informally (although it is still very important)  in Southern Baptist churches because in accordance with the Baptist emphasis on the Scriptures, a stronger emphasis is placed on singing and preaching God’s Word during services rather than performing rituals.

Word Count: 595

Works Cited

Alles, Gregory D., and Robert S. Ellwood. “Baptists.” The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2006. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/248475?q=Southern baptist communion. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Alles, Gregory D., and Robert S. Ellwood. “Eucharist.” The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2006. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/249231?q=Catholic Eucharist. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Flinn, Frank K. “Canon of the Mass.” Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/263543?q=catholic Eucharist words of institution. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Flinn, Frank K. “Eucharist.” Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/263476?q=Catholic Eucharist. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 313-314. Print.

Melton, J. Gordon. “Lord’s Supper.” Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/259125?q=Baptist lord’s supper. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Melton, J. Gordon. “Sacraments and Ordinances.” Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/259094?q=Baptist lord’s supper. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Melton, J. Gordon. “Transubstantiation.” Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions, online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/258360?q=Catholic Eucharist. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Baptism for Catholics and Southern Baptists

Katherine-Aria Close

Baptism

Baptism draws its significance from the records of Jesus’ life in scripture, specifically the book of Matthew, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him…Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness'” (Matthew 3: 13-17). This is the first mention of Baptism in the Bible, and Jesus’ thoughts promoting it are what caused the ritual to gain significance. Over time, the ritual became the right of initiation for Christians. To the faithful, it represents the death of an initiate’s old life of sin and the spiritual resurrection into a new life of grace in Christ (Matthews). Although its significance has remained the same throughout time, the formation of denominations such as Catholicism and Southern Baptist generated new perspectives of Baptism.

The Roman Catholic Church adheres closely to the traditional understanding of Baptism. It is the first of the seven sacraments in this denomination and is necessary for a believer to participate in the following sacraments to receive grace. This is because Baptism provides a person with supernatural, spiritual life which the other sacraments build upon in restoration, growth, healing or communication. This new life, or new birth, generates a relationship between the initiate and God formed through grace. This is why Baptism is associated with the words rebirth and regeneration, the re’s indicating the creation of a new, eternal life in Christ. Since Baptism by either water or of desire is necessary, infants who have not received it do not possess the new relationship with God. If unbaptized infants die, Catholics believe it is up to the mercy of God for them to be saved. In the Bible, Jesus addresses this and states to not hinder the little ones from coming to Him. Thus, Catholics practice infant Baptism to follow the words of Jesus (Hardon).

Southern Baptists believe in a different version of Baptism. Baptism is one of two ordinances within this denomination. To them, it is the immersion of a believer in water and is symbolic for the faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Christ. Baptism reflects this belief through the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the believers old life, and the resurrection of the believer’s new life in Jesus. Baptists also believe that baptism symbolizes other beliefs, like Christ’s unity with the church and believer’s obedience to Jesus’ teachings (Brackney). Since it is a symbol, baptism does not itself give salvation and the water used is not sacred, but rather is a method to enhance the symbolism. Baptism is also not regenerative in this tradition due to its symbolic nature (Brackney). Despite being symbolic, baptism still has significance within the denomination. It allows for a believer to publicly display trust in Jesus as the Lord and Savior and their forgiveness of sin (“Baptists’ Two Ordinances”). Thus, candidates must be capable of choosing to be baptized on their own in order to be baptized into this tradition, otherwise this public display would be empty and the significance would be invalid (Brackney).

Word Count: 512

Works Cited

“Baptists’ Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” Baptist Distinctives, edited by Wm M. Pinson, Jr., http://www.baptistdistinctives.org/resources/articles/two-ordinances-baptism-and-the-lords-supper/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2017.

Brackney, William A. Doing Baptism Baptist Style: Believer’s Baptism. Baptist History and Heritage Society, 2001. The Center for Baptist Studies, centerforbaptiststudies.org/pamphlets/style/baptism.htm. Accessed 20 Nov. 2017.

Hardon, John A., S.J. “The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.” Catholic Education Resource Center, 1998, http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-sacraments-of-baptism-and-confirmation.html. Accessed 20 Nov. 2017.

New American Bible. 2009 ed., Devore & Sons, 1987.

Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 314. Print.

Baptism: Roman Catholic and Southern Baptists

Nia Hope

        Baptism is Greek and translates “to plunge into” and “wash in water” (Flinn). In Christianity Baptism is a sacrament or “a sign Christ instituted so that believers might receive God’s grace for their salvation” (Matthews 314). During the ritual of Baptism, a person is washed of sin, becomes purified, and begins a new spiritual relationship as a child of God” (Flinn). One of the main figures in Christianity is Jesus, and as a result of His baptism, the church institutionalized the sacrament of Baptism. Roman Catholics believe Jesus began His “messianic mission” after He was baptized by John the Baptist, which occurs in the synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Paul explains that Baptism “unites the believer to the death and resurrection of Jesus […] through it the Sprit incorporates a person into the Body of Christ beyond social categories of being a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person” (Flinn). In accordance with Paul’s explanation, Roman Catholics believe that Baptism is the rite of entry into the church that removes original sin.
The didache is a teaching of the Twelve Apostles that explains the rules for Baptism, which Roman Catholics follow. It explains that during Baptism the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit must be used to emphasize the belief of the Trinity or God in three persons. There is also a preference for “flowing water and fasting prior to the rite” (Flinn). The ritual of Baptism is performed by bishops, priests, and deacons; however, in emergency situations anyone can “administer the rite both lawfully and validly” if the administrator “intends to fulfill the intentions” of the recipient (Flinn). Roman Catholics also believe that Baptism produces a mark on the “soul of the recipient,” making Baptism “essential to obtain grace for salvation (Flinn). In contrast to Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists believe Baptism is not essential to obtain grace.
Southern Baptists have a strict focus on the sacred texts of Christianity, the Bible, which they use to supply their evidence for the distinctive beliefs on the ritual of Baptism. Southern Baptists believe that the ritual of Baptism is a symbol of salvation (“Baptists: Believer’s Baptism”); therefore, they use the term “ordinance” instead of “sacrament” (“Baptists’ Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper”). In the New Testament Baptism followed conversion, so Southern Baptists do not believe it is a requirement of salvation (“Baptists: Believer’s Baptism”). Also in contrast to Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists believe that Baptism is “not a means of channeling saving grace but rather is a way of testifying that saving grace has been experience” (“Baptists: Believer’s Baptism”). In the New Testament faith in Jesus as God is voluntary, since the ritual of Baptism marks this faith, Southern Baptists believe that Baptism should be voluntary. As a result, Southern Baptists do not believe infants should be baptized. Also in contrast to Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists believe the recipient of the ritual of baptism should be immersed. This belief originates from the Baptism of Jesus, in which Jesus’ entire body was immersed in the water.

Word Count: 509

Works Cited
“Baptists: Believer’s Baptism.” Baptist Distinctive, 3 Jan. 2016, . Accessed 19 Nov. 2017.
“Baptists’ Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” Baptist Distinctive. Accessed 19 Nov. 2017.
Flinn, Frank K. “Baptism.” Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Second Edition, Facts On File, 2016. World Religions,e online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/235677?q=Baptism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2017.
Matthews, Warren. “Christianity.” World Religions. 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 314. Print.