Michael Brooks
The word Catholic has a rich history and several usages. Derived from the Greek phrase καθόλου (katholou), meaning on the whole, according to the whole, in general, the term Catholic was first used by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans around 107 AD. In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it refers to the Catholic Church, a worldwide organisation with followers across the globe. The term Catholic also carries the secondary sense of orthodox or non-heretical, arising from the belief that Catholics represent the whole Church and teach the entirety of the truth. The word has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, often used to encourage inclusive attitudes and a wider perspective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of the word "Catholic" | Derived from the Late Latin "catholicus", from the ancient Greek adjective "καθολικός (katholikos)" meaning "universal" |
| First known use | By Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 107 AD or 110 AD) |
| Meaning in non-ecclesiastical use | Including a wide variety of things, all-embracing |
| Meaning when referring to "Catholic church" | Often refers to "the pope and the bishops" or "the Vatican" |
| Controversy surrounding the term | Can be used to enforce a narrow version of orthodoxy, contributing to a climate of fear |
| Ambiguity | The word can evoke different reactions, such as "thought control" or "one-issue myopia" |
| Roman Catholicism | The largest of the three major branches of Christianity, with about 1.3 billion followers out of an estimated 2.5 billion Christians worldwide |
| Proper name of the Church | The Catholic Church; not referred to as "the Christian Church" or Roman Catholic by the Church itself |
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What You'll Learn
The word's etymology
The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek phrase "καθόλου" (katholou), which means "on the whole, according to the whole, in general", or "through the whole". It is a combination of the Greek words "κατά" (kata), meaning "about", and "ὅλος" (holos), meaning "whole". The word was first used by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 107 AD), in which he wrote:
> "Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
From the second half of the second century onwards, the word "Catholic" began to be used to mean "orthodox" (non-heretical). This was because Catholics claimed to teach the whole truth and to represent the whole Church, while heresies were seen as arising out of the exaggeration of a single truth and were thus considered partial and local. The word "Catholic" in this sense was used in an early Canon of Scripture, the Muratorian fragment (circa 170 AD), which refers to certain heretical writings as "not received in the Catholic Church".
In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I limited the use of the term "Catholic Christian" to those who followed the faith of Pope Damasus I of Rome and Pope Peter of Alexandria. The term "Catholic" is also related to the word "Ecclesia" or "assembly", which is applied to the Church as a whole, as opposed to individual congregations or assemblies. The word "Catholic" can be used in a non-ecclesiastical sense as well, meaning "including a wide variety of things" or "all-embracing".
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Earliest recorded usage
The word "Catholic" comes from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos", meaning "universal". It is derived from the Greek phrase "katholou", which means "on the whole, according to the whole, in general", and is a combination of the Greek words "kata", meaning "about", and "holos", meaning "whole".
The first known use of the word "Catholic" was by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans, written around 107 AD. In this letter, Ignatius of Antioch wrote to Christians in Smyrna, encouraging them to remain united with their bishop: "Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." This is the earliest recorded evidence of the use of the term "Catholic Church". The original sense of the word is "universal", and it is used in this context to contrast the universal Church with the particular Church of Smyrna.
In the second half of the second century, the word "Catholic" began to take on a secondary meaning of "orthodox" or "non-heretical". This usage can be seen in an early Canon of Scripture, the Muratorian fragment (circa 170 AD), which refers to certain heretical writings as "not received in the Catholic Church". This secondary sense arose from the original meaning, as Catholics claimed to represent the whole truth and the whole Church, while heresy was seen as a partial and local exaggeration of a single truth.
The term "Catholic" continued to evolve and take on additional nuances. By the fourth century, Cyril of Jerusalem elaborated on the meaning of the word, stating that the Church is called Catholic not only because it is spread throughout the world but also because it teaches completely and without defect all the doctrines that ought to come to the knowledge of men. This idea of catholicity, encompassing doctrine, authority, and universality, is also evident in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and the later epistles.
The proper name of the Church is the Catholic Church, and it is distinct from terms such as "the Christian Church" or "Roman Catholic". While the term "Roman Catholic" is commonly used in English, it is a relatively modern term that does not appear in the official documents of the Vatican Council. The Church herself does not use the term "Roman Catholic", and Pope Paul VI signed the documents of the Second Vatican Council as "I, Paul. Bishop of the Catholic Church."
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'Catholic' vs 'Catholic Church'
The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek adjective "katholikos", meaning "universal". The earliest recorded use of the term was by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 107 AD). In this letter, Ignatius exhorts Christians to remain united with their bishop, writing: "Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
From the second half of the second century onwards, the word "Catholic" began to be associated with orthodoxy (as opposed to heresy). This was because Catholics claimed to teach the whole truth and to represent the whole Church, while heresies were seen as partial and local exaggerations of a single truth. In this context, the term "Catholic" was used to distinguish the orthodox faith from heretical writings and groups.
The term "Catholic Church" specifically refers to the institutional structure and worldwide community associated with Catholicism. It is often used interchangeably with "Roman Catholic Church", which is the largest branch of Christianity, with approximately 1.3 billion followers worldwide. The Catholic Church is led by the Pope, who resides in Vatican City, and is assisted by a group of cardinals and bishops who govern and teach the faith.
While the terms "Catholic" and "Catholic Church" are often used interchangeably, it is important to recognize that "Catholic" can also be used in a broader sense. Lowercase "catholic" can refer to a universal or all-inclusive attitude or perspective. In this sense, it can be used to describe an ecumenical spirit that transcends denominational boundaries. Additionally, "Catholic" can also refer to the broader intellectual, artistic, and social justice traditions associated with Catholicism, which are rich and diverse.
In summary, while "Catholic" and "Catholic Church" are closely related, they are not identical. "Catholic" has a broader range of meanings and connotations, including universal principles, intellectual traditions, and ecumenical attitudes, while "Catholic Church" specifically refers to the institutional and communal dimensions of Catholicism.
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'Catholic' as a weapon
The word "Catholic" has a rich history and a complex evolution, and understanding its origins can provide insight into how it has been used as a tool or a weapon throughout time.
The term "Catholic" originally derived from the Greek word "katholikos," which means "universal." It was first used by the early Christian church to describe the faith as a whole, expressing the belief that Christianity was a universal religion meant for all people. This sense of universality and inclusivity was a powerful tool in the spread of the faith, as it suggested that the Christian message was relevant and applicable to people from all backgrounds and cultures.
However, the very universality inherent in the word "Catholic" also became a point of contention and a weapon in religious conflicts. As Christianity spread and diversified, the interpretation of "catholicity" became a matter of debate. Different sects and denominations emerged, each with its interpretation of Christian doctrine and practice. The term "Catholic" then became a label claimed by certain groups to assert their authority and legitimacy, while it was used as a derogatory weapon by others to exclude and marginalize groups that did not conform to their particular interpretation of the faith.
During the Reformation, for example, the term "Catholic" was used by Protestant reformers as a weapon to criticize and distance themselves from the practices and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther and other reformers used the term "Roman Catholic" to associate the Church with corruption and excess, while they claimed the label "Evangelical Catholic" for themselves, emphasizing their return to what they saw as the pure, universal, and apostolic faith.
In more recent times, the word "Catholic" continues to be used as a tool and a weapon in cultural and political debates. In some contexts, it is employed to promote unity and inclusivity, such as in the Catholic Church's efforts to bridge divides and bring people of different backgrounds together under a shared religious identity. However, it can also be wielded as a weapon to exclude and stigmatize those who do not conform to particular moral or social teachings associated with Catholicism, particularly in areas of sexual morality and gender roles.
Ultimately, the word "Catholic," with its inherent sense of universality, remains a powerful concept. Its very nature as a broad and inclusive term makes it susceptible to appropriation and manipulation by various groups seeking to assert their authority or differentiate themselves from others. Understanding the evolution and ongoing usage of this term provides valuable insight into the complex dynamics of religious identity and its role in societal conflicts and harmony.
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'Catholic' in the New Testament
The New Testament is made up of twenty-seven different books attributed to eight different authors, six of whom are numbered among the Apostles (Matthew, John, Paul, James, Peter, Jude) and two among their immediate disciples (Mark, Luke). The New Testament was not written all at once. The books that compose it appeared one after another in the space of fifty years, i.e. in the second half of the first century. Written in different and distant countries and addressed to particular Churches, they took some time to spread throughout Christendom.
The word 'Catholic' comes from the ancient Greek adjective 'katholikos' meaning 'universal'. It is derived from the Greek phrase 'katholou' meaning 'on the whole, according to the whole, in general'. The first known use of the word 'Catholic' was by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD). In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it has a rich history and several usages.
In the New Testament, the word 'catholic' is used to refer to the 'Catholic Church'. The earliest recorded evidence of the use of the term 'Catholic Church' is the Letter to the Smyrnaeans written by Ignatius of Antioch in about 107 AD. In the letter, Ignatius of Antioch exhorts Christians to remain closely united with their bishop:
> Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.
The word 'Catholic' in the New Testament is also used to refer to the Catholic Epistles. The seven Epistles that follow (James; I, II Peter; I, II, III John; Jude) are called 'Catholic' because most of them are addressed to the faithful in general.
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Frequently asked questions
The word Catholic means "through the whole," that is, "universal," "worldwide," or "all-inclusive."
The word Catholic is derived from the Late Latin "catholicus" and the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos," which means "universal." It is a combination of the Greek words "kata," meaning "about," and "holos," meaning "whole."
The first known use of the word Catholic was by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans around 107 AD. In this letter, he exhorted Christians to remain united with their bishop, writing, "Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
Roman Catholic is a relatively modern term, largely confined to the English language. The proper name of the Church is the Catholic Church, and it includes various branches, such as the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest branch of Christianity.
From the second half of the second century, the word "Catholic" began to be associated with "orthodoxy" as opposed to "heresy." Catholics claimed to teach the whole truth and represent the whole Church, while heresy was seen as partial and local.
