Tuesday 29 March 2011

BLOG ENTRY #4 - CONTRAST AND COMPARISON BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC AND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

INTRODUCTION
The Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church both have similarities and differences. These similarities will be compared and the differences will be contrasted. Historical origins of the denomination, theological understandings and core beliefs, and liturgy will be compared and contrasted.  

HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF THE DENOMINATION
Both Catholics and Presbyterians have main reformers. Presbyterian reformers were Martin Luther and John Calvin, and the Catholic reformers were Peter the apostle and Constantine.
Presbyterianism traces its origins to the Protestant Reformation movement in the 16th century, whereas, the Catholics believe that the Catholic Church began in 33A.D, by Peter (the apostle). Peter was the first Pope of the Catholic Church; however, Presbyterian Churches do not have Popes.  
Catholics believe that the church began in 33A.D. Around the year 45A.D; Peter went to Rome and assumed control of the church. During his persecution, Peter was imprisoned and tormented. He was then executed by crucifixion. For the next 300 years, Rome began a serious persecution against the truth.  In 306, Constantine became sole emperor of Rome. He declared the state religion would be Christianity. 318 bishops came and established the Nicene Creed. In 606 A.D, Boniface III was given the title "universal bishop," the Pope of Rome. This marked the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church[1]. Catholics believe that Catholicism was established in God’s command to His apostle, Peter.
Presbyterianism history is different than Catholicism. Presbyterianism traces its origins to the Protestant Reformation movement in the 1500’s by Martin Luther. Luther wrote the 95 these in 1517, which were statements conflicting selling indulgences, which called for a full reform of the Christian Church. His writings were considered disrespectful, and Luther was charged with being a heretic. As the printing press came to Europe, it spread Luther’s ideas all across Europe. The church was then split into two religions: Catholic faith and Protestant faith. Martin Luther was the founder of the Protestants. The Protestants then split into different Protestant faiths[2]. After the church split, the people lacked respect for the Pope and the church, and this ended up in 100 years of religious war. The Council of Trent was then formed in 1545, which reformed the church[3]. Other reformers such as John Knox and John Calvin adapted to Luther’s ideas and works. John Calvin helped continue Luther’s religion and built upon it.
Martin Luther died of old age in 1546, whereas, Peter was executed by crucifixion.

THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND CORE BELIEFS
Both Catholics and Presbyterians believe in the same God which is the creator of the universe. Baptism is very important to both Presbyterians and Catholics because it is believed that it brings individuals closer to God. Presbyterians and Catholics both conduct communion.
In the Catholic Church, for a child to be baptized is it essential that one parent is a catholic and both parents agree to nurture the faith life of the child. One God parent should also be catholic. However, in the Creek Road Presbyterian, the only way for a child (infant) to become baptized, is if the parents are seriously following God.
The Creek Road Presbyterian have two sacraments: communion and baptism. However, the Catholic Church have seven sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders. The Eucharist is the Holy Communion, which is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. When the Catholic Church (that was visited) conducted communion, the priest stood at the front of the church, and people lined up in front of the priest to get an oil liquid on their forehead. The Priest blessed them. Then the people walked off to the sides and drank from the cup which contained wine. Whereas, in the Presbyterian Church, a piece of bread and a small cup of grape juice was handed out to each person.
Presbyterians believe that God is the head of the church, whereas, Catholics believe the Pope is the head of the church.
Creek Road Presbyterian Church allows individuals to give offering (optional), whereas, the Catholic Church does not believe in giving money to God. Creek Road Presbyterian Church runs a children’s ministry, however, the Catholic Church does not.
Catholics core beliefs are God, man, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, salvation from sin and death, the seven sacraments, the sacrifice of the mass, the resurrection of the dead, and Satan and evil. However, Presbyterians core beliefs are the Westminster Confession of faith and Christ alone, Bible alone, and Faith alone.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is very important to the Catholics because she is the mother of Jesus, and she was obedient to God[4]. Catholics worship Mary, as well as Jesus. However, Presbyterians say Mary should not be regarded as a mediator between man and God.  It is believed that Mary should be a model for Christians, and should be honoured as ‘God Bearer’[5].   
Presbyterians do not believe in purgatory, however, Catholics do. Purgatory is a place of torment after death[6].

LITURGY
Similarities in liturgy are that both churches worship God. They include music and body language.
Differences in liturgy are noticeable between the two churches. Creek Road Presbyterian Church is more informal than traditional Presbyterian Churches. For example, Creek Road Presbyterian worship is more charismatic compared to passive worship in a traditional Presbyterian Church. The Roman Catholic Church that was visited was formal and traditional in liturgy. The Catholics kneel down when worshiping God. Whereas, in the Creek Road Presbyterian Church, individuals clap hands, stand up, and raise their hands. At youth services, individuals jump and sing loud; whereas, the Catholic Church does not have a youth service. The Creek Road Presbyterian Church used modern instruments (piano, guitar, drums), however, the Catholic church had an organ and a piano which were not used during the visit. Creek Road Presbyterian music was quite loud and lively compared to the Catholic Church, whereas, the Catholic Church had soft music playing when the hymn was sung.

CONCLUSION
Both Catholic and Presbyterian historical origins impacted the development of the churches. The origins were traced back to one individual from each religion, Peter the apostle and Martin Luther. Both Catholics and Presbyterians believe in the same God, however, Mary, mother of Jesus, is more important to the Catholics. Both churches have sacraments, however, the Catholic Church are known to have more. Baptism is considered extremely important to both churches because it is believed it brings new life and a closer relationship to God. Traditionally, Catholics are formal in liturgy compared to the Presbyterians; however, the Presbyterians seem to be able to change as time progresses.



BLOG ENTRY #3 - CRITICISM OF ZOE'S PRESBYTERIAN BLOG

The blog that will be commented on is Zoe Larwill’s Presbyterian blog. Both blogs are similar and there are not many differences because the same pastor (Pastor Strong) was spoken to in a small group including Zoe, Bethany, Emmanuelle, and myself, and the same service was attended (10:30am, Sunday, 13th February).

Both Presbyterian blogs were very similar in numerous ways. Historical origins of the denomination both included the reformer Martin Luther, and how he reformed the church. Both blogs included his biography, how the church split, the 95 thesis, and how the church reformed.
The theological understandings and core beliefs, both blogs included that Presbyterians believe in pre-destination; the main doctrine is the West Minister of Faith and Christ alone, Bible alone, and Faith alone. Presbyterians follow the Great Commission, and they support 8 missionary couples. Communion is important, however, it does not link you to God. Baptism is a symbol of faith. John Calvin’s writings were often misunderstood. Humanism is believed to be wrong, and they are God centered, not human centered. Angels are real, and so is hell; they do not believe in purgatory. The issue of the heart is more important than giving money. Each belief was explained throughout both blogs.
Both blogs included the governance of the Presbyterian Church which included the elders and then the pastors. There were 13 elders throughout the Creek Road Presbyterian.
Both blogs implied the liturgy and music of Creek Road Presbyterian was more modern and informal. The musical instruments were modernized, for example, piano, guitar, and drums. Hillsong Church songs were played as well as a hymn.  

Both Presbyterian blogs had some differences. For example, in the historical origins of the denomination, I explained how John Knox reformed the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church, whereas, Zoe just mentioned it and did not explain.  
Zoe’s Presbyterian blog did not mention that communion and baptism were the two sacraments the Creek Road Presbyterian Church believed. She explained both, however, did not state they were sacraments.

Zoe’s Presbyterian blog was well researched and constructed accurately. Zoe’s information that was obtained was correct, therefore, leading to an excellent blog. 

BLOG ENTRY #2 - PRESBYTERIAN BLOG

INTRODUCTION
The church that was visited was a Presbyterian Church on Creek road at 10:30am on Sunday the 13th of February. Presbyterian worship services are characterised by the centrality of the Christian scriptures. Services include prayer, preaching, music, sacraments, and an optional offering. Presbyterians believe that Jesus is the Lord Saviour and the King and head of the church. By faith is how Presbyterians receive God’s forgiveness. Presbyterian churches have traditionally emphasized doctrine. They have produced several confessions expressing the doctrines of their denomination. The main doctrine Presbyterians follow is the Westminster Confession of Faith and Christ alone, Bible alone, and Faith alone.
Evidence of attending Creek Road Presbyterian Church.
HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF THE DENOMINATION
Presbyterianism traces its origins to the Protestant Reformation movement in 1517 when Martin Luther wrote the 95 theses. Martin Luther was a reformer in the Protestant Reformation. Luther was a Christian theologian and Augustinian monk whose teachings inspired the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Protestant and other Christian traditions. Luther wrote the 95 theses in 1517, which were statements conflicting selling indulgences, which called for a full reform of the Christian Church. His writings were considered disrespectful, and Luther was charged with being a heretic. The church tried everything to silence Luther; however, he did not recant. When the printing press came to Europe, it helped spread Luther’s ideas all across Europe. After all this commotion with the church, it split into two religions: Catholic and Protestant. Martin Luther was the founder of the Protestants. The Protestants then split into different Protestant faiths[1]. After the church split, the people lacked respect for the Pope and the church, and this ended up in 100 years of religious war. The Council of Trent was then formed in 1545, which reformed the church[2]. The Presbyterian Church is a reformed Catholic church. Unfortunately, Martin Luther died in 1546 of old age[3].  
John Knox was another reformer within the church. John Knox worked in Geneva with John Calvin who was a key player in the reformation in Europe both as a preacher and a writer. When John Knox returned to Scotland, he was recognised as a leader of the reformation. The style of the church life, worship and theology encouraged by John Knox, spread throughout Scotland and took the name ‘Presbyterianism’[4]
Presbyterian beliefs are rooted in the thought of the French reformer John Calvin. Calvin was the reformer who adapted Luther’s religion and works. Calvin trained for the Catholic priesthood at the University of Paris and afterward as a lawyer, but he eventually converted to the Reformation movement and became a theologian and minister. He wrote a great deal during his career, including Bible commentaries and a work of systematic theology. Although he had planned to live the quiet life of a scholar, Calvin was instead coerced into leading the Reformation in Geneva, Switzerland[5]. Despite this, Calvinists are often miss-understood. The sermons in the Presbyterian Church are mainly focused on the bible.

THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND CORE BELIEFS
The Creek Road Presbyterian Church that was visited is a modern church; more traditional Presbyterians churches may differ in their beliefs. 
Presbyterians follow the Great Commission. Presbyterian’s beliefs concerning the great commission include it is essential to make disciples, proclaim the gospel to non-Christians, and guide them to God. The Presbyterian Church remains open to the possibility of salvation of infants and those with no knowledge of Christ, denies ‘double pre-destination’, and teaches that fallen humanity is capable of some virtuous actions[6]. Presbyterians believe in predestination, but only to an extent. They believe that God is in control; however, we are responsible for our choices. God chooses some individuals, but passes over some. Free will also exists.
Presbyterianism does not believe in purgatory, however, they do believe in hell. They believe that if they belong to God, they will go straight to heaven once they have died, and do not have to wait.
Presbyterians do not believe in Humanism. It is believed they are theists, not humanists, and they are not human centered people, they are God centered. Theists are people who believe in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe.
Presbyterians recognise only two sacraments: communion and baptism. Communion is the bread and wine of Jesus. The wine represents his blood, and the bread represents what He did for us. His body died on the cross so that we may live. Even though communion is important to the church, it is believed that it is only a symbol and cannot connect you with God. Communion is conducted four times a year in this particular Presbyterian Church. However, in more traditional Presbyterian Churches, communion is conducted once a month.
Baptism is a sign of being a disciple, having faith, having freedom, and following God. Presbyterians believe that some people are not born again when they get baptized. There are two forms of baptism: adult and infant. Infant baptism is practiced throughout the Creek Road Presbyterian. Some adults choose to baptize their children (infants) when they are young so they would be born again in Christ at an early age. However, if the adult is not seriously following God, then the infant is not allowed to be baptized. In baptism God washes away the child's past, however short it may be, and prepares the child and strengthens the child for its future, however long it may be. Christian parents have the right to present their infant children for baptism as a sign and seal of God's promise to them as heirs of the covenant. Many churches stress the importance of adult baptism as a necessary part of a total plan of personal salvation[7].
Since we are all sinners, we are all separated from God. It is believed that we are responsible for all our actions.
In addition, Creek Road Presbyterians support around eight couples of missionaries overseas. These missionaries are important to the church, and it’s an extension of what the church does. The collection of taxes/tides throughout the church is not very important to their beliefs. This particular church collects tithes at the back of the church instead of handing out buckets. It’s the individual’s choice whether or not they give money. Creek Road Presbyterians believe it’s the issue of the heart, and that’s more important than money. It’s a good starting point, but it’s not a rule to give money. Presbyterians do believe in angelology. They only believe in angels to an extent of what the bible states.
Presbyterianism main core beliefs are bible alone, Christ alone, and faith alone. John Calvin was very important to the reformation; however, Presbyterians believe his works are often miss- understood. Creek Road Presbyterian believes in the Bible first and then the writings of John Calvin. Elders in the church are important, because they lead and manage the church. Presbyterians love God, love His word and believe people are important. Salvations and discipling is important to increase an awareness of God. Three services are held throughout a Sunday in this particular church; 8:30am, 10:30 am, and 6:30pm[8]. Some Presbyterian Churches only have two services on a Sunday.
Life groups are part of this particular church. These groups meet to connect, learn more about Gods word and pray for one another. This church also provides a Children Ministry where Sunday School occurs in the morning services. Volunteers teach children more about Jesus and they use craft, bible stories and songs to implement it. Youth services occur at 6:30pm. These services focus more on the youth[9].

GOVERNANCE
Each congregation is usually under the supervision of mature Christian leaders called elders, who are chosen by the members of the congregation. A church board is formed, including the elders and the pastors. The Bible teaches that some elders have special responsibilities to lead, (sometimes called Ruling elders) and some have special responsibilities to teach as well as lead. These are sometimes called Teaching elders or Ministers. The number of managers is determined by the elders of the congregation and the elders are also members of the Committee or Board of Management[10]. There are thirteen elders altogether throughout the Creek Road Presbyterian Church.

LITURGY AND MUSIC
Traditionally, Presbyterian liturgy use to be more ritual, however, nowadays, their services are less ritual and symbolic, and more informal. Presbyterians worship standing up, expressing their love and passion for God. In this particular church, the people raised their hands and clapped along to the music. They sang/worshiped multiple times throughout the service, whilst preaching and quoting bible scriptures. Throughout the 10:30 service, numerous pastors spoke about one passage from the bible, and quoted scriptures from that passage. Modernized instruments are used. However, in the 10:30am service, the Creek Road Presbyterian only used a piano and a guitar. There was a drum kit; however, it was not used during that service. They sang songs from Hillsong Church, and a hymn.  

CONCLUSION     
Presbyterian Churches are quite large organizations, but the church that was visited was a large congregation. Other service times including 8:30am and 6:30pm usually have more people attending. The church welcomes and celebrates the diversity of gifts and talents of individuals. They believe in only one God, the creator and ruler of the universe. Creek Road Presbyterians believe they are saved, after they ask Jesus in their heart to be ruler of their life. They enjoy worshiping God using simple instruments, and singing. Their services are relaxed and scripture is always preached. The Presbyterian Church provides a place for all to attend providing life giving encouragement and the love of God to all that come along.





BLOG ENTRY #1 - CATHOLIC BLOG

INTRODUCTION
The Catholic Church that was visited on the 15th of February was the St Stephens Cathedral. Catholic churches are traditional and formal. The number of Roman Catholics in the world (nearly 1.1 billion) is greater than that of nearly all other religious traditions. The Cathedrals the Catholics worship in are beautifully decorated and represent the era they were built in. Mary, Jesus’ mother is very important to the Catholics. Many statues and stained glass windows show many and baby Jesus.

HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF THE DENOMINATION
The outcome of changes in society and the Church is that today's Catholic community looks very different from that of the 1950s. Mass attendance rates have fallen; the number of priests, sisters and brothers are declining and their average age is increasing. The Church's teachings have been re-interpreted in the light of modern understandings of history, sociology, the sciences and other fields of human endeavour, and then re-expressed in language more suitable for the times[1].
The Roman Catholic Church traces its history to Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Catholics believe that our Lord Jesus Christ found the Catholic Church in the 33A.D. When Jesus told Peter, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," he was appointing Peter as the first catholic Pope and the instituting of the church.
Around the year 45A.D, Peter went to Rome and assumed control of the church. During the persecution of Christians by the emperor Nero, Peter was imprisoned and tormented. He was then led to the top of Vatican Mount to be executed by crucifixion. Deeming himself to be unworthy to die in the same position as God, he asked to be crucified upside down. He received his eternal reward in 67A.D. 266 Popes have succeeded Peter since. 
For the next 300 years, Rome began a serious persecution against the truth. Christians began to make changes throughout the church. Elders of the church were known as bishops. Near the end of the third century, each congregation of any size had a bishop as its head, with a group of elders under the bishop.
In 306, Constantine became sole emperor of Rome. Constantine’s mother became a Christian and urged Constantine to ease up on the persecution of Christians. He declared the state religion would be Christianity. Since there was division throughout the church, Constantine decided to call a meeting to be held in Nicaea in 325 A.D. He held the meeting to discuss and unite over the issues that divided the church. 318 bishops came and established the Nicene Creed.  The Nicene Creed is a passage about believing in God who exists as three people.
In 606 A.D, Boniface III was given the title "universal bishop," the Pope of Rome. This marked the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church[2].
The Catholic Church is around 2000 years old. As years went by, the Roman Catholic Church split into the east and west (Roman Catholic, and Orthodox). Eventually, the Church of England (Anglican) left the Roman Church and later became the Protestant Reformation[3]
Mary MacKillop was an important person to the Catholic Church. She was born in 1842. At a young age, she had a desire to follow God, and to educate poor people. As she became older, she became involved in a church (St Joseph). In 1867, Mary became the first Sister and Mother superior of the newly formed order of the Sisters of St Joseph. By the end of 1867, ten others had joined the Sisters of St Joseph. Mary was an inspiring person and a great leader[4]. Mary MacKillop influenced many people, and if she did not take a stand, there would probably be no Sisters in the Catholic Churches today.

THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND CORE BELIEFS
Catholics main belief is that God entered the world through the incarnation of His son. Incarnation means to become a human being. Catholics core beliefs are God, man, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, salvation from sin and death, the seven sacraments, the sacrifice of the mass, the resurrection of the dead, and Satan and evil[5]. They believe in the gifts of spirit which are special abilities provided by the Holy Spirit to Christians for the purpose of building up the body of Christ[6]
Catholics believe to receive salvation; individuals have to have faith, good will, and have to be baptized. Baptism is very important to the Catholics because they believe it is essential to receive God’s salvation, and it brings them new life and closer to God. Baptism is a sacramental entry into Christian life[7]. Baptism of the infant is the beginning of a child’s faith life and journey with the Christian community. Therefore, it is a very important decision to make on behalf of the child by the parent. For a child to be baptized is it essential that one parent is a catholic and both parents agree to nurture the faith life of the child. One God parent should also be catholic.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is very important to the Catholics. The Roman Catholic Church that was visited had many glass windows of Mary and baby Jesus. Mary is stated as the ‘Mother of all Christians’.  Catholics rightly proclaim her to be the most blessed woman on the earth. Catholics created ‘Mariology’. Sometimes Catholics mistakenly teach doctrines that cannot be supported by scripture. This makes Mary look like a horrendous idol[8]. Catholics venerate Mary in prayer and song. The meaning of veneration is giving special honor to a saint. Catholics venerate Mary because she is the mother of Jesus, and she was obedient to God[9]
Catholics believe in purgatory which is a place where individuals go after death. It is believed that purgatory is a place of burning torment[10].
Catholics believe in seven Sacraments. These sacraments are Baptism, the Forgiveness of Sins in Reconciliation with the Church (Confession), Ordination to Ministry (Holy Orders), Marriage of Christians, Confirmation, Eucharist, and the Anointing of the Sick[11]. Catholic ethical doctrines are based ultimately on the New Testament teachings but also on the conclusions reached by the church, especially by the Popes and other teachers. Catholics believe in the Nicene Creed, and therefore believe in one God who exists as three people. Catholics believe that Jesus literally gave us his body and blood in Communion. The bread represents Jesus’ body, and the wine represents his blood.

GOVERNANCE
The papacy is the government of the church. Roman Catholics are taught that the papacy began with Peter, the apostle[12]. There are six hierarchies within the Catholic Church. The Pope is the head of the church; he is based at the Vatican. The Pope is infallible in defining matters of faith and morals. The Cardinal is appointed by the Pope. There are178 cardinals worldwide, including 13 in the U.S., make up the College of Cardinals. The cardinal advises the Pope and, on his death, elects a new Pope. The Archbishop is a bishop of a main or metropolitan diocese, also called an archdiocese. The U.S. has 45 archbishops. A bishop, like a priest, is ordained to this station. He is a teacher of church doctrine, a priest of sacred worship, and a minister of church government. The U.S. has 290 active bishops, 194 head dioceses. A Priest is an ordained minister who can administer most of the sacraments, including the Eucharist, baptism, and marriage. He can be with a particular religious order or committed to serving a congregation. A Deacon is a transitional deacon which is a seminarian studying for the priesthood. A permanent deacon can be married and assists a priest by performing some of the sacraments[13].

LITURGY
The document on the liturgy, the first document released by the council, instigated a revolution in Catholic worship. Changes included the celebration of Mass in the vernacular. Throughout the mass, there were various bible readings and prayers which everyone repeated together. Catholics mainly worship kneeling down on their knees.

MUSIC
The Roman Catholic Church that was visited had a Jubilee Pipe organ with over 2000 pipes throughout it. The Cathedral's Jubilee Pipe Organ was completed in 2000. It is an instrument with 47 speaking stops and three manuals. The Cathedral has its own concert series, which features both Cathedral musicians, and other local and international artists.  This particular Cathedral has a strong lively music program. This music program is staffed by both professional and voluntary musicians. Organist and cantor accompany on Sunday masses and choirs lead some of them. They believe music is a gift from God, and is fitting that the great gift should be used to give glory to God through regular worship[14]. The Catholic Church that was visited sang hymns; however, there was no music.

CONCLUSION
The Catholic Church is a large organization attended by many all around the world. It welcomes and celebrates the diversity of gifts and talents of individuals. They believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They meet weekly in Cathedrals, beautifully decorated. Their priests wear white gowns, however, on special events (e.g. Easter, Christmas), the priests wear various colours. They enjoy worshiping God using organs and choirs. Their services are generally traditional and routine. The Catholic Church provides a place for all to attend providing life giving encouragement and the love of God.




BIBLIOGRAPHY - ALL BLOGS

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“What is the History of the Catholic Church.” [Internet], http://www.allaboutreligion.org/history-of-the-catholic-church-faq.htm, 5 March 2011.