Michael Brooks
The word Catholic comes from the ancient Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos), meaning universal. It is a combination of the Greek words κατά (kata), meaning about, and ὅλος (holos), meaning whole. 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. The proper name of the Church is the Catholic Church, and it is not called the Christian Church. The name Christian was never commonly applied to the Church herself. The word Catholic in English can mean either of the Catholic faith or relating to the historic doctrine and practice of the Western Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | Late Latin "catholicus", from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos" meaning universal |
| First use | By Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD) |
| Meaning | "The Church is catholic" because it proclaims the fullness of the faith, administers the totality of the means of salvation, and speaks to all men |
| Denomination | Catholic Christians |
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What You'll Learn
The name 'Catholic' means universal
The name "Catholic" is derived from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos", which means "universal". The word comes 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 110 AD. In this letter, Ignatius of Antioch referred to the "Catholic Church", marking the earliest documented use of the term to label the Church. However, it is possible that the term was used even earlier, perhaps during the time of the apostles.
The use of the word "Catholic" to describe the Church reflects its understanding of itself as the universal body. This notion of universality is further emphasized in the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "The Church is catholic... She proclaims the fullness of the faith. She bears in herself and administers the totality of the means of salvation... She is sent out to all peoples. She speaks to all men. She encompasses all times".
By embracing the name "Catholic", the Church asserts its belief in its universality and its role as the true and comprehensive bearer and administrator of salvation for all people across time. This distinction from other congregations is further highlighted by early Church historian J. N. D. Kelly, who notes that the early Church Fathers envisioned an "empirical, visible society", setting themselves apart from heretical congregations.
The term "Catholic" has also been used in a broader sense within Christianity. For example, St. Augustine, in his work "Against the Epistle of Manichaeus called Fundamental", chapter 4: Proofs of the Catholic Faith, expressed his faith in the gospel, moved by the authority of the Catholic Church. Here, "Catholic" is used to describe the universal and authoritative nature of the Christian faith as a whole, rather than specifically referring to the institutional Church.
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The first use of the term was in a letter from Ignatius of Antioch in 107 AD
The first known use of the term "Catholic" was in a letter from Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop of Antioch in Syria, in 107 AD. The letter, addressed to St. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, and his flock, contained the phrase, "Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
Ignatius of Antioch was one of the early Church's great martyrs, and his letter was written as he was being taken to Rome to face martyrdom. In the letter, he urged Christians in Rome not to interfere with his martyrdom, famously writing, "The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God."
The term "Catholic" is derived from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos," which means "universal." The original sense of the word "Catholic" in the context of the Church, as intended by Ignatius, is also "universal." Ignatius considered the Catholic Church to be the aggregate of all Christian congregations, in contrast to heretical congregations that were beginning to form.
The use of the term "Catholic" in Ignatius' letter indicates that it was already in widespread use by the early second century. While it is unknown who first used the term, it is clear that by the time of Ignatius, it was a well-understood concept within the Christian community.
The term "Catholic" has since been used extensively in Christian literature and ecclesiastical contexts, often referring to the Catholic Church as the true Church of Christ, distinct from heretical or schismatic groups. The name "Catholic Church" was naturally and widely adopted by the time of the First Ecumenical Council of the Church in 325 AD.
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The Church of Christ became known as the Catholic Church
The Church of Christ, also known as the Catholic Church, has a name derived from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos", which means "universal". The word comes 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 "Catholic" to describe the Church was by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans, written around 110 AD. However, the term may have been used earlier, possibly during the time of the apostles.
By the time of the First Ecumenical Council of the Church in 325 AD, the term "Catholic" was being used in official documents, such as the Creed, to refer to the Church of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Church is Catholic because she proclaims the fullness of the faith and administers the means of salvation to all peoples.
The name "Catholic" was also used to distinguish the true Church from heretical congregations. For example, in the early 5th century, the Catholic Church decreed that followers of orthodox Christianity could assume the title of Catholic Christians, while those with heterodox views would be branded as heretics.
Over time, the Catholic Church has become a visible, worldwide entity, with the Pope governing and sanctifying alongside bishops around the world who are successors of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The Church holds Mary, the mother of Jesus, in special regard, and has developed teachings and devotions centred around her life. The Church also has specific sacraments that require proper form, matter, and intent to be validly celebrated, such as the Eucharist, which non-Catholics are ordinarily prohibited from receiving.
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Catholic Christians were distinguished from heretics
The name Catholic comes from the ancient Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos), meaning 'universal'. The word has its roots in the Greek phrase καθόλου (katholou), which means 'on the whole, according to the whole, in general', and is a combination of the Greek words κατά (kata), meaning 'about', and ὅλος (holos), meaning 'whole'.
The first known use of the word "Catholic" was by the church father Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD). The term was later adopted by the Church of Christ, which became known as the Catholic Church.
Secondly, Catholic Christians were seen as those who accepted the whole deposit of faith proposed by the Church, while heretics accepted only those parts that commended themselves to their own approval. Heretics were also viewed as those who violated the faith by holding false opinions about God, while remaining within the Church community.
Thirdly, the Catholic Church made a distinction between material and formal heresy. Material heresy was considered an error made in good faith, without the knowledge that it contradicted Church teachings. On the other hand, formal heresy was the wilful and persistent adherence to an error in matters of faith, which was considered a grave sin resulting in excommunication.
Finally, the Catholic Church viewed heretics as those who made a personal decision against the unity of the Church, characterised by obstinacy and persistence in their private ways. This distinction was particularly important in the context of the increasing power and influence of the Church of Rome, which led to the definition and condemnation of heresy.
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The Catholic Church is missionary by nature
The name Catholic comes from the ancient Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos), meaning 'universal'. The word comes from the Greek phrase καθόλου (katholou), which means 'on the whole, according to the whole, in general', and is a combination of the Greek words κατά (kata), meaning 'about', and ὅλος (holos), meaning 'whole'. The first known use of the word "Catholic" was by the church father Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD).
The missionary nature of the Church is reflected in the stories of great missionaries, from Francis Xavier to Katherine Drexel, who travelled to far corners of the world to spread the story of Jesus. The Church grew in the Middle East and North Africa, and centuries later, missionaries spread to the Americas, China, Japan, and Korea. They travelled great distances, risking their comfort, safety, and finances to share the Gospel.
The Second Vatican Council emphasized the Church's "missionary nature", basing it on the Trinitarian mission itself. The missionary thrust belongs to the very nature of Christian life and is the inspiration behind ecumenism. The Church addresses people with full respect for their freedom and does not impose anything. Instead, she proposes, respecting individuals, cultures, and the sanctuary of conscience.
The Church is missionary because she evangelizes by her very identity. As Pope St. Paul VI said, the Church exists to evangelize, and this is a constitutive element of who she is. The Church is a community with the goal of creating new disciples, and this proclamation of Jesus Christ is demanded of each member.
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Frequently asked questions
The word 'Catholic' is derived from the ancient Greek adjective 'katholikos', meaning universal.
The name 'Catholic Church' was first used in a letter from Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote around 107 AD while being taken to Rome for execution.
The proper name of the Church is the Catholic Church. It is not called the 'Christian Church'.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "The Church is catholic [...] she proclaims the fullness of the faith. She bears in herself and administers the totality of the means of salvation. She is sent out to all peoples. She speaks to all men. She encompasses all times. She is 'missionary of her very nature'.
In the Bible, St. Augustine writes about "the faith which binds my mind with ties so many and so strong to the Christian religion [...] I should not believe the gospel except as moved by the authority of the Catholic Church".
