The document discusses the history and structure of Christianity and the Catholic Church. It describes how Christianity split into the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox branches. It outlines the Catholic Church's hierarchical structure headed by the Pope, and key events like the Great Schism of 1054 which divided Western and Eastern Christianity.

1. The Catholic Church and its Popes

2. Christianity today Christians are people who follow the teachings of Christ believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the World Christians are divided into 3 majors groups Roman Catholics – governed by the Pope Protestants – Christians who do not recognize the authority any person over their own interpretations of the Bible Eastern Orthodox – do not recognize the primacy of the Pope and are governed as congregations rather than individuals 2 Billion people say they are a Christian in the world today

3. Catholicism Catholic means universal Catholic Church means universal Church Catholics are Christians and believe that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ/Annointed One of God to save the world from sin Catholics tend to be hierarchical and believe that the Pope is the ultimate temporal authority on spiritual matters

4. The Pope The word, "Pope", is derived from "papa", meaning "Father". Absolute Authority over the Catholic Church Catholics believe that Jesus gave this authority to his disciple Peter who then granted it to each Bishop of Rome as his successor

5. The Controversy By about 150 AD their were 5 Bishops in 5 cities (Antioch, Jeruselum, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople) who were all called Popes and all held power over their geographic areas About 300 the Council of Nicea, the conversion of Constantine to Christianity and its acceptance in the Roman Empire gave the Roman Pope the greatest power in the West The other Popes called the Roman Pope the “first among equals” and he had some special authorities in councils

7. Council of Nicea -325 AD

8. 1054 The Great East-West Schism The division of the Roman Empire into halves was eventually echoed in the church. The break came when Michael Cerularius was Patriarch of Constantinople and St. Leo pope in Rome. Cerularius believed that Catholics use unleavened bread and shouldn’t Catholics believe that Holy Spirit originates with the Father and the Son; Eastern orthodox believe only from the Father The Popes messenger replied on July 6, 1054 by placing a bull on the altar in Byzantium, excommunicating Cerularius Eastern and Western Christianity were divided and remain so today http://www.gospelcom.net/chi/DAILYF/2001/07/daily-07-06-2001.shtml

9. 1453 When Constantinople was taken by the Muslims the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church moved to Moscow and Russian Orthodoxy become the head of the Eastern Orthodox church

10. Judeo/Christian contributions to Western Civilization United Western Civilization’s basic premises One God exists Truth is absolute (changing today) Truth is more important than feeling/emotion Importance of education for all to be closer to God Basic equality of all people Importance of the Individual over the community Preservation of Classical Knowledge

11. Judeo/Christian Contributions Idea of Christendom unites Western Civilization Morality/Ethics are based on 10 Commandments and the “Golden Rule” “ Treat others as you want to be treated Sympathy, kindness, and Charity as guiding ideas (Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, World Vision, and thousands more)

12. Globalization Influence of Christianity in the West is declining Influence of Christianity in the South and East is rising Influence of tradition everywhere is declining while new ideas are gaining ground

14. Things to Know Over the past 2000 years, the Catholic church is the most powerful and influential institution in Western Civilization Nearly 1 Billion people are Catholics in the world today American Catholics are not normal – because they are flexible on birth control, abortion, not follow the Pope on feminism, homosexuality, Priest sex abuse scandals and many other issues are different from the rest of the world American Catholics are not a big proportion of world Catholics (most are in South America)

15. Terms to Know Hierarchy God Pope Cardinals ArchBishops Bishops Priests Congregation

16. Terms (cont.) Excommunication Papal Bull Purgatory Great Schism Simony Indulgence Pluralism

17. Terms (cont.) 7 Sacraments Baptism, Confirmation, Mass (Holy Eucharist, Communion) Holy Annointing (extreme unction or last rights) Holy Matrimony Holy Orders Penance