Introduction to Catholic Christianity (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A) : Revision Note

Introduction to Catholic Christianity

Introduction to Christianity

• Christianity is the main religious tradition in Great Britain

• Christianity is a major monotheistic religion which is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ

• It is an Abrahamic religion, which means it has the same roots as the other main Abrahamic religions, Judaism and Islam

Denominations of Christianity

• Christianity has lots of different denominations or branches

• The main branches of the Christian Church are:

  • Roman Catholics

  • Protestants, including denominations such as Baptists, Methodists and Pentecostals

  • Orthodox Christians

• Although these different denominations share key beliefs, such as belief in one God, the Incarnation, and the teachings of the Bible, they interpret some points of the faith differently, leading to differences in:

  • Tradition

  • Authority

  • Worship

  • Teachings

• The Church of England has both Catholic and Protestant features, and is the most common denomination within the UK

• Worldwide, the Roman Catholic Church is the largest branch of Christianity

The Roman Catholic Church

• The Roman Catholic Church has over a billion followers worldwide

• Like other Christians, Catholic Christians believe in one God, the Trinity, the Incarnation and the teachings of the Bible

• The Catholic Church traces its origins back to Jesus Christ and his apostles, particularly Saint Peter, who is regarded as the first Pope

• The Catholic Church believes in apostolic succession, meaning that the authority given by Jesus to his apostles has been passed down through the ages to the bishops and the Pope, who leads the Church from Rome

  • This means that the authority of the Pope and Church tradition is very important for Catholic Christians

• Catholic Christianity also puts great emphasis on the seven sacraments