Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

RELIGION LIBRARY

Roman Catholicism

Toggle navigation

Beginnings

The Church marks her origins from when Jesus chose apostles and began his public ministry, continuing on after his passion and ascension under the leadership of the Apostle Peter and his successors. read more

Influences

Jesus declared that he was the fulfillment of the precepts of Judaism. Initially apocalyptic in outlook, the Early Church drew on a variety of sources—Jewish ideas, Greek philosophy, etc.—to explain the mission of the Church as both a visible sign of the Kingdom of God and the path of salvation for all humanity. read more

Founders

Jesus founded the Church, which recognizes the Apostle Peter as his representative on earth. As the original apostles established missionary churches, the concept of apostolic succession developed into a system of bishops tracing their origins back as custodians and defenders of the deposit of faith. read more

Sacred Texts

The writings of the apostle Paul to local churches were the beginnings of New Testament scriptures. Shortly thereafter, eyewitness accounts of Jesus' life were set down as well. The canon of scriptures was determined over time authoritatively by various Church councils. read more

Historical Perspectives

Through various Councils, the most recent being the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church continues to proclaim, and develop more fully, the teachings of her founder. read more

Overview History Back to religion Library

editors picks View All Columns

Evangelical

Before You Unplug or Sign Out for Good

Guest Contributor

Evangelical

What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts, and How Do You Discover Yours?

New Visions

5 Ways to Hear What God is Telling You

Muslim

How Awake Are We? When Waking Up is Falling Asleep

Daniel Thomas Dyer

Latter-day Saint

"The Church supports the use of vaccinations"

Evangelical

Luther and the Beauty of Christ

Guest Contributor

The Soul of Gospel Music Explored in New Netflix Series "Voices of Fire"

Seven Ways to Think About Christian Mysticism

Evangelical

Cancelling Alice Walker?

Evangelical

Does God Have His Own Logic?

Muslim

Imam Ali’s letter to the Governor- Everlasting Example of Good...

Progressive Christian

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Copyright 2008-2026, Patheos. All rights reserved.

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos