Michael Brooks
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a summary of the official teachings of Roman Catholic beliefs, including creeds, sacraments, commandments, and prayers. It was promulgated by John Paul II on October 11, 1992, and is divided into four parts: Profession of Faith, Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer. Faith is defined in the Catechism as a theological virtue, through which we believe in God and all that he has revealed to us, because he is truth itself. By faith, man freely commits his entire self to God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Theological virtue | Faith |
| Foundation of Christian moral activity | Hope |
| Committing oneself to God | Charity |
| Knowing and doing God's will | Righteousness |
| Witnessing and professing one's faith | Service |
| Salvation | Confession |
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What You'll Learn
Faith as a theological virtue
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1992, is a summary of the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It is divided into four parts, the first of which is the Profession of Faith.
Faith is one of the three theological virtues, along with hope and charity. It is defined as follows:
> Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. By faith, "man freely commits his entire self to God." For this reason, the believer seeks to know and do God's will. "The righteous shall live by faith." Living faith "works through charity."
Faith is a gift from God, which remains in those who do not sin against it. However, "faith apart from works is dead": when it is deprived of hope and love, it does not fully unite the believer to Christ.
The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it but also profess it, bear witness to it, and spread it:
> All however must be prepared to confess Christ before men and to follow him along the way of the Cross, amidst the persecutions which the Church never lacks.
Service of and witness to the faith are necessary for salvation.
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The Holy Trinity
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Pope John Paul II, is a summary of the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It is not a "teaching" document but a summary of the teachings that are conveniently located in one place to guide the average Catholic. It is divided into four parts: Profession of Faith, Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer.
The Catechism defines faith as the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that the Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. By faith, "man freely commits his entire self to God". The Catechism states that the gift of faith remains in one who has not sinned against it. However, "faith apart from works is dead": when it is deprived of hope and love, faith does not fully unite the believer to Christ and does not make him a living member of his Body.
The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it. Service of and witness to the faith are necessary for salvation.
The Catechism also mentions the Holy Trinity, stating that the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) relate directly to God and dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. They have the One and Triune God for their origin, motive, and object.
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The Apostles' Creed
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines faith as the theological virtue by which humans believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed because he is truth itself. By faith, a person freely commits themselves entirely to God and seeks to know and do God's will.
The Creed reached its final iteration in the early 7th century and was determined as the official profession of faith for the Catholic Church during Pope Innocent III's tenure. The text of the Creed is as follows:
> I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
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The Holy Scriptures
The Catechism was promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 11 October 1992, with his apostolic constitution Fidei depositum, also known as The Deposit of Faith. The Catechism is not intended to replace local catechisms approved by ecclesiastical authorities but to serve as a point of reference for them.
The Scriptures provide the scriptural backing for the Catechism, ensuring that its teachings align with the Word of God. This includes the Bible, which teaches that Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth and is the exclusive Head of the Church.
The Catechism is divided into four parts, with the first being the Profession of Faith, which includes the Apostles' Creed. This section summarises the essential beliefs that Catholics must profess, bear witness to, and spread. It is through this profession of faith that Catholics express their commitment to God and their willingness to follow Christ.
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Witnessing and professing faith
The Catechism outlines that faith is not just a personal belief system but a way of life that should be witnessed and professed openly. This is evident in the statement, "The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it". Catholics are called to be a witness to their faith, serving as a testament to their belief in God and His revelations.
This witness of faith is considered necessary for salvation. Catholics are encouraged to acknowledge and confess Christ publicly, following Him amidst persecutions. The Catechism quotes Christ, saying, "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven".
Professing and witnessing faith is not limited to words but also extends to actions. The Catechism emphasises that "faith without works is dead". True faith, according to the Catechism, is not just an intellectual assent but a commitment that transforms one's life, uniting the believer to Christ and making them a living member of His Body.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, issued by the Vatican, serves as a comprehensive summary of Catholic doctrine and teachings. It is divided into four main parts: Profession of Faith, Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer. This Catechism aims to be a reference point for Catholics worldwide, providing guidance on how to live out their faith and profess it confidently in their daily lives.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Catechism is a summary of the official teachings of Roman Catholic beliefs, including creeds, sacraments, commandments, and prayers.
The Catholic Catechism defines faith as the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us. By faith, "man freely commits his entire self to God."
The principal sources of the Catholic Catechism are Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church's Magisterium.
The Catholic Catechism is intended primarily for those responsible for catechesis, including bishops, priests, and catechists. It is also useful reading for all other Christian faithful.
According to the Catholic Catechism, faith must be lived out through charity and good works. The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith but also profess it, bear witness to it, and spread it.
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