Comprehensive Overview of Church Hierarchy, Doctrine, and History

Peter

Jesus appoints Peter as leader, saying, 'You are Peter, which means rock, on this rock I will build my church,' giving him the Keys of the Kingdom.

Hierarchy

The means system of leadership in Greek means holy order, including the Pope, the Bishop, the priest, the laity, the deacons, and the archbishop's Cardinals.

Church as One

We are united in love (charity), One Faith, through the sacraments and Apostolic leadership, united even with differences.

Ecumenism

Efforts by Christians to restore Unity among all Christians.

Interreligious dialogue

Dialogue with non-Christian religions to promote Unity.

Creed

Creed means I believe, helps keep everyone believing the same core truths, summarizing our faith.

Deposit of Faith

Means all revealed Faith includes scriptures and tradition, magisterium, teaching Authority, the church protects and teaches truth.

Liturgy

Means public worship.

7 sacraments

Initiation (baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation), healing (reconciliation and anointing), service (Marriage and holy orders).

Orthodoxy

Means right belief/right teaching from Greek, accepting the true teachings of the church based on Creeds and church councils.

Apostasy

The total rejection of the Christian faith.

Schism

The refusal to submit to the Pope's authority as head of the church, resulting in division.

Heresy

A belief, doctrine/theory that strongly deviates from established Orthodox beliefs or religious teachings.

Gnosticism

Founded by Simon Magus, it teaches that the human body is corrupt and salvation comes through gnosis (secret knowledge).

Manichaeism

Founded by Manichaeus of Persia, it believes in radical dualism with two distinct gods.

Nestorianism

Belief that Jesus is actually two separate persons, one human person and one divine person.

Monophysitism

Founded by Eutyches, it believes Jesus had only one nature, the divine nature.

Pelagianism

Founded by Pelagius, it believes Adam's sin did not affect humanity and grace is not necessary for salvation.

Early Church Fathers

Notable figures include Clement of Rome, Origen, and Augustine.

Constantine Edict of Milan

Issued in 313 AD, it granted religious tolerance for Christianity.

Theodosius Edict of Thessalonica

Issued in 380 AD, it declared Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.

5 hums of authority

Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

Canon of Scripture

Refers to the collection of biblical books considered authoritative, containing 73 books in the Catholic Bible.

Deuterocanonical books

Includes Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees.

Monasticism

A religious way of life where monks or nuns focus on God and spiritual growth, often in isolation or community.

Asceticism

A lifestyle of self-discipline and simplicity, giving up certain pleasures for spiritual reasons.

Hermit

A person who lives in solitude to focus on prayer and spiritual growth.

Monastery

A building or community where monks or nuns live under religious vows.

Monastic vows

Commitments to poverty, celibacy, and obedience made by monks and nuns.