‘Evangelical Christians’ mentioned in this website are those who profess to be ‘born-again’ Christians, meaning those who have trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior and have a personal relationship with Him. They are also addressed as ‘Believers’ or ‘Biblical Christians’. The 'Praying for Catholics' website has been specifically designed for Evangelical Christians to stand in the gap and pray for the salvation of the Catholics throughout the Catholic World. We do realize however, that this Prayer Guide may reach the hands of our Catholic friends, whom we love dearly. We understand that because of the vast doctrinal differences that have existed for centuries between Evangelical Christianity and Catholicism, there might be statements in this Prayer Guide that a Catholic may not approve of or agree to. Nevertheless, we have done our best to present the content as authentically, accurately and objectively as possible, so as not to offend anyone. The focus of this Prayer Guide is to encourage and help Evangelical brothers and sisters to passionately and fervently intercede for Catholics. The Prayer Guide offers valuable information that will help Evangelical Christians gain an in-depth knowledge, understanding and insight into Catholicism and the Catholic World. We hope that you notice the tremendous amount of thought and research that has gone into this project. It’s our prayer that God will raise up millions of intercessors to pray for the Catholic World. This Prayer Guide aims to bring the Catholic World closer to you!

Defining terms is an arduous task. No definition can be perfect or adequate enough. The goal, however, is to help our readers get a fair understanding of the terms used in this website. Catholic Church (Holy Catholic Church) The Catholic Church is the largest Christian church, with more than 1.3 billion baptised Catholics worldwide. The Church is headed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. Its central administration, called the Holy See, is in the Vatican City, an enclave within Rome, Italy. Catholicism Catholicism comprises the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Catholic A Catholic is a baptized member of the Catholic Church. Protestantism The second largest form of Christianity with collectively around 800 million adherents worldwide or nearly 40% of all Christians. It originated with the 16thcentury Reformation, a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in the Catholic Church. Protestant A member or follower of any of the Protestant denominations that is separate from the Catholic Church in accordance with the principles of the Reformation. Protestants are those belonging to Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Brethren, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Independent (non-denominational) and various other branches of Protestant denominations and Christian groups. Not all Protestants are Evangelicals, as the term Protestant implies belonging to a specific group of denominations, not necessarily born-again or having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Biblical Christianity Biblical Christianity adheres to the Scriptures (Holy Bible) as the only, sufficient, infallible rule of faith and practice. Biblical Christian This term is referred to a ‘born-again’ Christian who has trusted Christ as Lord and Savior and believing that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from ‘Works’. A Biblical Christian is used interchangeably with the term ‘Bible-believing Christian’ and ‘Evangelical Christian’. Evangelical Christian Those who profess to be ‘born-again’ Christians, meaning those who have trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior and have a personal relationship with Him. An Evangelical Christian believes in salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from ‘Works’. Evangelicalism Evangelicalism is a movement within Christianity which maintains the belief that the essence of the gospel consists of the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ alone. Orthodox Church Neither Catholic nor Protestant. It is a separate church. It is one of the three major doctrinal and jurisdictional groups of Christianity. It is characterized by its continuity with the apostolic church, its liturgy, and its territorial churches.

Agustinian (Order of St. Augustine) Also called Austin, is member of the Catholic religious order of men and women who follow the Rule of St. Augustine. Archbishop He is a bishop of higher rank or office. ​ Archdiocese The district under an archbishop's jurisdiction.​ ​ Basilica A church to which special privileges are attached. It is a title of honor given to various kinds of Churches.​ Benedictine (Order of St. Benedict) Black Monks, are a monastic Catholic religious order of monks and nuns that follow the Rule of St. Benedict.​ Bishop A bishop is a high-ranking ordained minister who governs Catholics in his jurisdiction. Bishoprics A diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs. Brothers (Catholic) A member of the society of male religious approved by the Catholic Church, but not taking Holy orders or one not ordained as a priest. Brothers are technically referred to as ‘lay religious’ men. They are men who have taken the vows of poverty, celibate chastity. ​ Cardinal A cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church, immediately behind the pope in the order of precedence. ​ Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Catechism of the Catholic Church is a universal catechism that sums up the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. ​ Church Fathers Ancient Christian theologians and writers who established the intellectual and doctrinal foundations of Christianity. ​ Clergy The entire ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Catholic Church that have received the Holy Orders, one of the Seven Sacraments. The Catholic clergy or priesthood comprises the Pope, the bishops, and the priests. ​ Council of Trent It is the 19th Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church, convoked to meet the crisis of the Protestant Reformation. ​ Counter-Reformation Also called the Catholic Reformation, was the period of Catholic resurgence, initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation. ​ Curate A curate is a person who is the parochial (relating to a parish) vicar or priest assigned to assist the parish priest. ​ Didache Also known as “The Teaching,” is an enigmatic primitive Church document describing early Christian ethics, practices, and order. ​ Diocese A particular church; a fully organized ecclesiastical jurisdiction under the pastoral direction of a bishop. ​ Dogma A Dogma is an official system of principles or doctrines of a religion, such as Catholicism. ​ Dominican It is an order of the Catholic Church founded in Toulouse, France, by the Spanish priest Saint Dominic in 1216. ​ Eastern Rite Also known as the Eastern or Oriental Catholic Churches, are churches of the Catholic Church, in full communion with the Pope. ​ Ecumenical Movement (Catholic) It is an attempt by the Catholic Church to reconcile with Protestants of all denominations. ​ Eucharist (Catholic) The twofold aspect of sacrament and Sacrifice of Mass, in which Jesus is truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. ​ Franciscan The largest of the Catholic religious order of men and women, founded in the early 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi. ​ Friars A friar is a brother and a member of one of the Catholic religious orders founded in the twelfth or thirteenth century. ​ Grotto A grotto is a natural or artificial cave. It refers to Catholic shrines built into a rock formation. ​ Holy Roman Empire It was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until 1806. ​ Holy See The Holy See, also called the See of Rome, is the apostolic episcopal See of the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. ​ Jesuits (Society of Jesus) It is a scholarly religious congregation of the Catholic Church for men founded by Ignatius of Loyola. The members are called Jesuits. ​ Latin Catholic Church Also known as the Western church or the Roman Catholic Church, it employs the Latin liturgical rites, and is headed by the Pope. Latin Rite Also known as the Roman Rite, is part of the Roman Catholic Church that employs Latin rite liturgies. ​ Magisterium The teaching authority of the Catholic Church, especially as exercised by bishops or the Pope. ​ Malankara Syrian Catholic Church Is an Eastern Catholic, autonomous, particular church, in full communion with the Catholic Church. ​ Marian Apparition A Marian apparition is a supernatural appearance by the Virgin Mary. ​ Mariology It is the study of Mary that seeks to relate Marian doctrines and dogmas in the context of scripture, tradition and the magisterium. ​ Mass It is the ritual in the Catholic Church where the bread and wine after consecrated becomes the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. ​ Monastery A building or buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows. ​ Mortal Sin A mortal sin, in Catholic theology, is a grave sin which can lead to eternal damnation in hell, if a person does not repent of the sin, confess it to a priest, and receive absolution (remission of sin, or of the punishment due to sin, granted by the Church). ​ Monsignor An honorary title of various senior Roman Catholic posts, such as a prelate or an officer of the papal court. Oblates A member of one of several Catholic communities of men or women living in monasteries. ​ Parish A parish is a community of the faithful within a particular church, whose pastoral care has been entrusted to a parish priest. ​ Parish Priest Also known as a pastor, is a priest appointed by the bishop to represent him to the local parish. Parishioner An inhabitant of a particular church parish, especially one who is a regular churchgoer. Parochial Vicar A priest assigned to the parish in addition to, and in collaboration with, the parish priest or rector. Patron saint One who in Catholicism is regarded as the heavenly advocate of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family or person. ​ Pontifical (Papal) Commission It is a of Catholic experts convened by the for a specific purpose. For e.g. birth control, protection for minors, etc. ​ Prefecture Apostolic A 'pre-diocesan' missionary jurisdiction where the Catholic Church is not yet sufficiently developed to have it made a diocese. ​ Priest (Catholic) An ordained minister of the Catholic Church, authorized to perform certain rites and administer sacraments. Primate The chief bishop or archbishop of a province. ​ Prelate A bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary (superior rank) within the Catholic Church. ​ Purgatory Purgatory is an intermediate state after physical death for expiatory purification. ​ Rector A priest directing a church with no parish priest or one whose parish priest has other duties. Religious Priest (Catholic) One who belongs to a particular religious order, like the Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits, etc. He has taken the vows of poverty, celibacy (celibate chastity), and obedience. ​ Roman Curia It comprises the administrative institutions of the Holy See through which the affairs of the Catholic Church are conducted. ​ Rome Another term for the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of Rome. ​ Rosary A form of devotion to Mary, in which a string of beads is used. ​ Rite (Catholic) Liturgical traditions with different forms of liturgy, often based on cultural and language differences, but all in union with the Pope. ​ Secular Priests or Diocesan Priests (Catholic) They do not belong to any religious order. A diocesan priest lives and works in a certain geographical area – the Archdiocese or Diocese and most often, assigned to a parish. ​ Shrine Erected for private devotions to a specific deity or saint, at which they are venerated. It usually contains a picture, statue, relic, etc. ​ Sister or Nun (Catholic) A member of the Catholic community of women, living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. ​ Syncretism (Catholic) Syncretism is the amalgamation or combining of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought with Catholicism. ​ Synod It’s an assembly of bishops from around the world to discuss and assist the pope regarding the essential matters of the Catholic Church. It is considered as an advisory body for the pope ​ Syro-Malabar Church It’s one of 23 ‘Eastern’ or ‘Oriental’ churches in full communion with the Catholic Church. ​ Vatican (Vatican City) It is a city-state that is the headquarters of the Catholic Church, and a home to the Pope and the Roman Curia. ​ Vatican Council II Council addressing relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world and a means of spiritual renewal for the Church. ​ Venial Sin According to Catholicism, a venial sin is a lesser sin that does not result in a complete separation from God and eternal damnation in hell, as an unrepented mortal sin would. ​ Vicar A representative or deputy of a bishop in the Catholic Church. ​ Vicariates The office, jurisdiction, or tenure of a vicar. ​ Vicar-general A vicar general is the principal deputy (assistant) of the bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority.

God’s Commission: Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us to, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’. “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20. ​ Obeying the Commission: One of the ways we can help fulfill the Great Commission is by PRAYING. Not everyone may have opportunity to travel or ‘Go’ to all of the nations, but everyone can still ‘Go’ to these places in Prayer. As we stand in the gap and intercede for these nations, we can be a ‘Prayer’ missionary to these nations. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5: 16. ​ Praying for the ‘Catholic World’ 'Praying for Catholics' website focuses on specifically praying for the ‘Catholic World’ .

Shouldn’t our prayer be focused elsewhere? ​ Catholics across the world actually get the least opportunity to hear and understand the true gospel. There are literally millions of nominal Catholics, who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. A vast majority of Catholics therefore need our prayer, and to be evangelized. We believe that prayer is at the heart of evangelism. ​ We also realize that membership within Orthodox and Protestant Christianity does not necessarily imply that they understand and believe the true gospel. It is imperative therefore that we intercede for all nominal Christians within these denominations too. We also seek to mobilize prayer for all people, regardless of their religious beliefs and practices. We encourage you to remember this as you take time to pray. ​ Your prayer will make a great difference in the world we live in!

Introduction: We are engaged in a spiritual battle for the souls. We need to therefore saturate the entire Catholic world with prayer. Prayer should envelope everything and every aspect of winning Catholics to Christ, and discipling them. We should have a prayer strategy in place. The Prayer Guide is one-of-a-kind prayer tools to help pray for the Catholic world. There are different ways that one can be praying. Here are just a few ideas: 1. Praying individually Each one can decide as to how and when to pray. You can either add praying through the 'Praying for Catholics' website, to your already existing prayer time, or else you can allocate another time to specifically pray for this need. ​ 2. Praying with your spouse If your plan is that both you and your spouse pray together, then work on a schedule so that you can pray for the Catholic world on a consistent basis. 3. Praying in families There is a power in prayer when a whole family comes together to pray. A family with a heart of praying for the Catholic world can achieve much for the Kingdom of God. Families may choose to pray in a variety of ways as they pray for the Catholic world. It can be a fun and exciting time for each one. 4. Praying in small groups Praying in small groups with like-minded Christians is very powerful and effective. This is especially true when the group has a common vision and passion to pray for a specific need. So, find believers who are interested in praying for the Catholic world, and then pray together daily, weekly or in any other way which is appropriate. 5. Praying in church/organization Pray together collectively in the church/organization. It will not only help the members to pray for the Catholic world, but will also envision and stir them up to reach Catholics for Christ. 6. Prayer and fasting As the Spirit of God leads, you can decide on times of prayer and fasting. This is a spiritual discipline, and engaging earnestly in it, will bring forth the desired results. It’s a great weapon against the enemy, too. “And he (Jesus) said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:27-29 (KJV) 7. Prayer chain This form of prayer has proven to be most effective, especially if Christians are praying for a special need. From time to time, you can enlist a number of prayer warriors to be a part of the prayer chain to pray specifically for the Catholic world.

Introduction The ten countries constitute about 50% (625 million) of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholic population. Therefore, these countries have been specially selected so they can be specifically prayed for. When you pray for these ten counties, you will be praying for the 50% of the Catholic population in the world. You can pray your own prayers or/and use the prayer points given at the end. ​ 1. Brazil (138 million) Brazil is the largest Catholic populated country in the world. The Catholic Church is deeply rooted in Brazil’s culture, beliefs, and practices. Catholicism in Brazil is struggling with nominalism and spiritism, and is influenced by African and Native Brazilian traditions and practices. The rise of competing religious movements has been a challenge to the Catholic Church, and the number of Catholics has fallen steadily. Catholic activism, liberal theology and Charismatic movement are on the rise. 2. Mexico (108 million) Mexico is the second most populous Catholic country in the world. Catholicism is deeply rooted into the country’s culture and history and it remains highly influential. The Catholic Church has struggled with decades of clergy sex abuse and cover-up. In recent decades, the number of Catholics is also on the decline. Thousands of Catholics are embracing Evangelical Christianity. The Lady of Guadalupe is the most revered patron saint of Mexico, and millions of Mexican Catholics are deeply devoted to her. 3. Philippines (80 million) Since the colonial period, Catholicism has been the mainstay of Filipino identity. The Philippines is the only predominately Catholic country in Asia. The practice of Catholicism is fervent and wide-ranging, and shaped by local indigenous practices. Catholicism is especially built on devotions to Mary, the suffering Christ, and the Santo Niño (Holy Child). Its close associations with Filipino identity have placed the Catholic Church at the heart of nationalism, social justice, and Filipino political life. 4. United States (76.5 million) After the United States gained independence, its influx of European immigrants increased the Catholic population. The Catholic Church is larger than any other single religious institution in the U.S., with 200 dioceses, the third largest in the world, and over 17,000 parishes that serve a diverse population. In the 21st century, the Catholic Church in the U.S. was shaken by accusations of child molestation on the part of many clergy. The Church, today, is facing a decline in membership and a shortage of priests. 5. Italy (42 million) Italy is predominantly Catholic, and Catholicism has a near religious monopoly. Catholicism influences the social, cultural and political fabric of Italian life. This influence is made visible by the presence of over 100,000 Catholic Churches in the country. Government offices, courts, hospitals and classrooms have crucifixes on their walls. The statues of the Madonna and the saints dot public squares. Rome, is a popular place for pilgrimage, and the Vatican is located within Italy, though a separate entity. 6. Democratic Republic Congo (42 million) Christianity is the dominant religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Catholicism has a major presence. The dominance of the Catholic Church in the country is rivaled only by the state. The Church has played a significant role in the country's politics and social structures. It has been involved in bringing back peace and also preventing a resurgence of violence. The majority of Catholics still carry on indigenous religious practices to some degree, syncretized with Catholicism. 7. Colombia (41 million) Colombia remains an overwhelmingly Catholic country. The Catholic Church in Colombia is the most conservative and traditional in Latin America. Colombians are among the most devout of Latin American Catholics. Fusion of Catholic practices and beliefs with indigenous and African beliefs is widespread. The Virgin Mary and the saints are deeply revered. Holy day celebrations, particularly the ‘fiestas’ (religious festivals) honoring a community's patron saint, are events of great significance. 8. France (34 million) France has a long history of Catholicism. In the Middle Ages, kings referred to the authority of the Pope and it was of upmost importance that they were in his favor while they were reigning. The Catholic Church was the largest landowner in France and immensely wealthy, and was the state religion until the French Revolution, when it was stripped of its wealth and power. Though the majority are Catholics, only about 5% attend mass, and adherence to Catholicism is declining overall. 9. Poland (33 million) Poland is a deeply religious country, with 86% of the population citing their religion as Catholic, with a high rate of religious observance. It can be said that Poland is the most Catholic of all European countries. Catholicism enjoyed prominence until World War II, and the Communism era altered the religious composition of Poland. The Catholic Church played a pivotal role in the fall of communism in Poland. The Polish pope, John Paul II, remains a powerful symbol in the country. 10. Spain (30 million) Traditionally the Spanish church is one of the most rigid and doctrinaire churches in Europe. Throughout Spain's history, the country has been a battleground between Muslims and Catholics. The Inquisition in Spain was active as late as the beginning of the 19th century. Catholicism has changed and the contemporary population does not adhere to the strict regulations that it used to. Church attendance has dropped significantly and only about 15% of Spanish Catholics go to mass every week.

Pope (head of the Catholic Church) Bishops (over diocese, cathedrals) Priests (over parishes) Catholics (1.3 billion members) There are three layers and levels of control in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church: · The Pope: Head of the worldwide Catholic Church · The Bishops: Head of diocese, cathedrals · The Priests: Head of local parishes Pope (1 head) Bishops (2946 diocese, cathedrals) Priests (219,583 parishes) Catholics (1.3 billion members) Cardinals and Archbishops are primarily bishops who have been given additional charge over more than one diocese.

Priests: A priest is a baptised man who has received the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through this sacrament, the priest enters into the ministerial priesthood which gives him a sacred power to serve. The Catholic priesthood comprises mainly of two distinct types: The ‘Diocesan priest’ and the ‘Religious priest’. While both serve the Catholic Church, receive similar sacraments of Holy Order and can celebrate Mass and administer sacraments, there are a few differences between them which are listed here. A Diocesan priest also known as Secular priest, is typically a parish priest connected to a diocese. His main responsibility is towards a parish and serves the pastoral needs of the parish like celebrating the Mass and administrating sacraments to the parishioners. He reports to a Bishop, and lives independently or with other priests in a parish. A Religious priest has affiliation with a particular religious order. His ministry focus is mainly teaching (in schools and colleges), running clinics and hospitals, working with poor in rural or urban areas, running aged homes for the elderly, and involvement in various charitable functions. They belong to a community of priests such as the Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits etc. The Religious priests can be assigned anywhere in the world. They report to their superior within the community. Brothers: Brothers are technically referred to as ‘lay religious’ men. A religious brother is a member of a Christian religious institute or religious order who commits himself to following Christ in consecrated life of the Catholic Church, and one who has taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Brothers and priests can be part of the same religious institute or religious order. The difference between them is, priests receive ordination through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, but brothers do not. Since brothers are not ordained ministers, they do not have ecclesiastical authority nor can they perform religious services and pastoral or sacerdotal (priestly) functions, as the priests do. They can, however, be teachers, nurses, or missionaries or might be involved in other activities complimentary to parish life. Traditionally, the life of a religious brother is mostly involved in assisting priests in manual or administrative work. Sisters (Nuns): Sisters and nuns are termed as ‘women religious’, a term that refers to women who have taken vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and who have dedicated their lives to religious service and to serving humanity. The term ‘sisters’ or ‘nuns’ are often used interchangeably, though they have several differences in lifestyle, ministry and vows. A nun may serve a particular diocese under the immediate jurisdiction of the local bishop, and a sister may serve throughout the universal Catholic Church, under the immediate jurisdiction of the Pope.

There are several fundamental differences between Catholicism and Biblical Christianity. The six major ones are listed below. CATHOLICISM 1. Scriptures plus Tradition and Magisterium (Teaching Authority) (CCC 95; CCC77) ​ 2. Apostolic Succession (Ministerial Priesthood and Common Priesthood) (CCC869; 1547) ​ 3. Mass (Transubstantiation and Eucharistic Sacrifice) (CCC 1367) ​ 4. Salvation through faith plus ‘Works’ (i.e., meriting salvation through Good deeds, Indulgences, Purgatory, etc.) (CCC 2010) 5. Worship of God plus Veneration of Mary and Saints. (CCC 971; 957) ​ 6. The Church is the visible communion of all Catholics, with the Pope as the visible head of the Church - the ‘One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic' Church. (CCC 811; 882) BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY 1. Scriptures alone as the sole, sufficient and supreme authority. (2Timothy 3:16, 17) ​ 2. Priesthood of all Believers. (1 Peter 2:914) ​ ​ 3. Memorial Meal. (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25) ​ ​ 4. Salvation by ‘Faith alone’, apart from works. (Galatians 2:16) ​ 5. Worship of God alone. (Exodus 20:3-5) ​ 6. The Church is the invisible union of all true believers with Jesus Christ as the head of the Church - the true and living Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27; Colossians 1:18) THE SIX MAJOR DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED 1. Scripture plus Tradition vs. Scripture Alone The Catholic Church considers ‘Tradition’ as divine revelation and equal to Scriptures. The Magisterium comprising the Pope and bishops is the only authoritative source to interpret the Scriptures. The Scriptures, Tradition and Magisterium are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. They together form the rule of faith. ​ Biblical Christianity states that Scripture alone is “inspired by God” or “God breathed”, and is the sole, sufficient and supreme rule of faith. Anything found in Tradition or taught by the Magisterium that contradicts the Scripture is to be rejected. ​ 2. Apostolic Succession vs. Priesthood of all Believers The Catholic Church uses the term ‘Apostolic Succession’ to express the fact that Christ governs the Church through Peter and the apostles who are succeeded by the Pope and the bishops. There is also a clear distinction between the Clergy and Laity (Ministerial Priesthood and Common Priesthood). Catholics need a priest to mediate and offer the sacrifice of the Mass, and perform other sacraments and sacred duties. ​ Biblical Christianity states that all believers have direct access to God through Christ, the one and only mediator (1 Timothy 2: 5). As our true high priest, He offered Himself as our sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7: 27 and 9: 26). Thus, we do not need an earthly priest to mediate for us or offer Jesus as a sacrifice on the altar every time during the Mass. Nor do we need any sacraments to attain graces for us to merit heaven. ​ 3. Mass vs. Memorial Meal The Catholic Church believes that when the priest consecrates the bread and wine, it turns into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ (CCC 1413). The Mass is exactly the same sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered on the Cross at Calvary, and this sacrifice is truly propitiatory (CCC 1367). Propitiation: a sacrifice that satisfies the wrath of God and averts God’s punishment toward sinners. ​ According to Biblical Christianity, Jesus instituted the ‘Lord’s Table’ as a memorial meal, in commemoration of His once for all sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 7:27), and not an ‘Altar of Sacrifice for Jesus to be offered as a propitiatory sacrifice at every Mass. Jesus offered Himself once in a bloody manner (Hebrews 10: 12), but the priest offers Jesus repeatedly at every Mass, in an unbloody manner. At the cross, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice, but at the Mass, it is the priest who offers Jesus as a sacrifice. ​ 4. Salvation through faith plus ‘Works’ vs. Salvation by Faith Alone The Catholic Church states that one can merit the initial grace in order to be saved through baptism, but then one has to continue in a life-long process of meriting graces in order to attain eternal life. Sacraments, Indulgences, Good deeds, Purgatory, etc., all play a part in meriting these graces to attain Eternal life. ​ Biblical Christianity believes in Salvation by faith alone, apart from human works or merits from the sinner. Salvation is acquired by Christ’s merits alone and we cannot add anything to what Christ has done in order to attain eternal life. ​ 5. Worship of God plus Veneration of Mary and Saints vs. Worship of God Alone The Catholic Church requires the Catholics to venerate Mary, and the Saints that have been canonized. The Church’s devotion Mary as the ‘Mother of God’ is intrinsic to Catholic worship. Similarly, veneration of the Saints is the act of honoring those who have been identified as pssessing a high degree of sanctity or holiness. The making of images of Mary and the Saints and venerating them, is considered as venerating the person portrayed in it (CCC 2132). ​ Biblical Christians worship God alone, and believe that we are to avoid all forms of images, and bow before them (Leviticus 26:1). In Exodus 20: 3-5, God forbids us to make and worship idols. Jesus said in Matthew 4:10, "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." We are to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23). If we worship God in spirit and in truth, we cannot worship anyone or anything else. If we do so, we commit an act of idolatry. ​ 6. Church as a Visible Union vs. Church as an Invisible Union The Catholic Church considers her members as visible, belonging to an external, visible organization under one head, the Pope. The Catholic Church is the ‘sole’ Church of Jesus Christ and the ‘One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic’ Church. The Pope has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church. ​ Biblical Christianity holds the view that the Body of Christ is invisible in the sense that it is spiritual in nature and the members of the Church or the true believers are known only to God according to Matthew 7: 21-23. This Church is made up of all true believers in Christ, with Jesus Christ as the head of the Church.

This topic aims to look at some of the dogmas and doctrines of the Catholic faith and respond to it from a Biblical Christianity standpoint. The teachings and the citations of the Catholic Church (with emphasis added) are taken from the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church' (CCC), which is the official source of all Roman Catholic doctrine. The Bible references (with emphasis added) are aken from the Catholic Bible - The New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition. The Catholic faith is based on dogmas and doctrines derived from three sources: Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium. (CCC para# 95) The Biblical responses presented in this Pocket Guide are by no means exhaustive. It is recommended therefore that the reader does further study on these and other related topics. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): ​ 1. Baptism a. Baptism makes us sons of God. CCC 1213 (cf. 1212) b. Baptism results in New Life in Christ. CCC 1213 (cf. 1273) c. Baptism makes us members of the Church. CCC 1277 (cf. 1274; 1257) Biblical Truth: It is faith in Christ that makes us sons of God (Galatians 3:26). Those born of God through His sovereign work, have New Life in Christ (John 1:12-13). It is through this spiritual birth that one is baptized into one Body, making us members of His Church. (1 Corinthians 12:13) 2. Catholic Church is the Sole Church of Christ. CCC 811 Biblical Truth: The true Church of Christ is not a visible organization, but rather, it is invisible, spiritual in nature and made up of living stones. (1 Peter 2:5). It is made up of all born-again believers, called 'saints'. (Ephesians 1:1) ​​ 3. Outside the Catholic Church there is no Salvation. CCC 816; 846 (cf. 830) Biblical Truth: Salvation is not a matter of one's church affiliation or membership. We are not saved through the Church, but we are saved through believing in Christ (Acts 4:12; 16:31; Romans10:9). All those who are saved in Christ, belong to the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-5) ​​ 4. Pope and Bishops Represent Christ on Earth. CCC 882; CCC 1560 Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit is the true representative of Jesus Christ. Christ entrusted the universal care of souls to the Holy Spirit. After He ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was given to us. (John 14:16) ​ 5. Sin a. There are Two Types of Sins - Mortal and Venial. CCC 1854 (cf. 1855) b. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused ...he must "make satisfaction for" or "expiate" his sins. CCC 1459 Biblical Truth: All sin is mortal. It causes sinners to 'fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23), leading to eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). Christ has fully paid for all our sins (Colossians 2:13) and has obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:1). There is no need for us to ‘make satisfaction’ for our sins. ​ 6. Confession a. Confession to a Priest is Essential. CCC 1456 (cf.1485; 1493) b. Bishops and Priests have the Power to Forgive all Sins. CCC 1461 Biblical Truth: The Bible does not teach us to confess our sins to a priest. A sinful man cannot forgive sins of another sinner. Only Jesus has the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-10; Luke 7:48-49). He alone is worthy to forgive our sins because, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross." (1 Peter 2:24) ​ 7. Justification is by Faith plus Works. CCC 1815; CCC 1821 (cf. 2016) Biblical Truth: We are not justified by our works, but through Christ's death and His merits. Justification is by faith alone, apart from works (Romans 3:28). We are justified by God's grace alone. (Romans 11:6) ​ 8. Sanctification leads to Justification. CCC 2027; CCC 2010 Biblical Truth: It is Justification that leads to Sanctification, which is God's gracious work in a believer’s life. By the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), and do good works (Ephesians 2:10), living out our salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) ​ 9. Mary is the Mother of God. CCC 509; CCC 966 Biblical Truth: Jesus was both God and Man. Mary was the mother of Jesus as 'Man', who was incarnated in her womb (Galatians 4:4). She was not the mother of Jesus as 'God', who was from the beginning. (John 1:1) Jesus, the Son of God did not have a human father or mother. (Hebrews 7:1-3) ​ 10. Mary is the 'Mother of the Church'. CCC 963 (cf. 975) Biblical Truth: There is no biblical evidence for this dogma. Mary was only given as a mother to John, and not as a mother to the Church (John 19:25-27). We cannot consider John to be symbolic of the 'Church'. Just because Mary was given as a mother to John, does not make her the 'Mother of the Church'. ​ 11. Perpetual Virginity of Mary. CCC 510 (cf. 499) Biblical Truth: There is no evidence that Mary remained a virgin all her life. Though Joseph had no marital relations with Mary she had borne Christ (Matthew 1:25), they had normal marital relations after the birth of Christ. The Bible, in fact, records that Mary had other children. (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3) ​ 12. Immaculate Conception of Mary. CCC 508 (cf. 411; 493) Biblical Truth: The Bible does not support the claim that Mary was immaculately conceived (born without sin). She was born with sin like all other human beings that came from Adam (Romans 5:12). Mary recognized her sinfulness before God and acknowledged her need for a Savior. (Luke 1:47) ​ 13. Assumption of Mary. CCC 974 (cf. 966; 969) Biblical Truth: There is absolutely no mention in the Bible that Mary was assumed (taken up) body and soul into heaven. It is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His resurrection and His ascension that is the focal point of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 12-20). He shares His glory with no one, not even Mary. ​ 14. Mary is the ‘Queen of Heaven’. CCC 966 (cf. 974; 969) Veneration of Mary. CCC 971 (cf. 2675) Biblical Truth: The only place where 'Queen of Heaven' is mentioned in the Bible refers to the Israelites worshipping this pagan goddess, thus provoking God to anger (Jeremiah 7:17-19; 44:15-18). Veneration of Mary by the Catholics amounts to a form of adoration and devotion that is only due to God (Exodus 34:14). ​ 15. Mary is the Co-Redemptrix. CCC 964; CCC 966 (cf. 618) Mary is the Mediatrix. CCC 969 Biblical Truth: Mary cannot participate in the redemptive work of Christ. Jesus alone is our Redeemer, who gave Himself to redeem us (Titus 2:13-14). The gift of salvation does not come through Mary as a Mediatrix, but through Christ alone, as the only Mediator between God and men. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) ​ 16. The Eucharist. CCC 1413 (cf. 1374; 1367) Biblical Truth: The belief that the bread and wine turns into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, has no scriptural evidence. (This is called 'Transubstantiantion' and this dogma was declared by the Fourth Council of the Lateran in1215). The bread and the cup was never meant to be worshipped, but only to be partaken in remembrance of Jesus, to proclaim His death until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) ​ 17. The Ongoing Propitiatory Sacrifice. CCC 1323 (cf. 1068) Biblical Truth: The Lord's Table is to serve as a 'memorial' and not 'sacrifice'. Christ's ongoing sacrifice at Mass is contrary to the biblical truth that Christ's sacrifice is complete and once-for-all, never to be repeated. (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 28; 10:12-14; 18). Christ's redemptive work is finished. (John 19:30) ​ 18. The Church is built on Peter the First Pope. CCC 552 (cf. 880) Biblical Truth: Jesus said that He would build His Church on the ‘Rock’. The Catholic Church claims that Peter is the ‘Rock’. But, Christ, and not Peter, is the 'Rock' (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), the 'Foundation' upon which the Church is built. The Lord Jesus is the 'Chief Cornerstone'. (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20) ​ 19. The Infallibility of the Pope. CCC 891 Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit is the only infallible Teacher. He teaches the believers all things and guides them into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). The Holy Scripture is the only inspired and infallible source and guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21) ​ 20. The Supremacy of the Pope over the Church. CCC 882 (cf. 936-937) Biblical Truth: The Lord Jesus, and not the Pope, has the full, supreme, and universal power over the Church – the Body of Christ. He is supreme over all things concerning the Church. God has put all things under the feet of Jesus and has made Him the head over all things for the Church. (Ephesians 1:22) ​ 21. The Catholic Church and the Priesthood. CCC 1547 (cf. 1142; 1120) Biblical Truth: The Bible does not advocate a separate class of priesthood which is distinct from other believers in Christ. All believers are referred to as 'priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9). As priests, every believer has direct access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest. (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16) ​ 22. The Celibacy of Priests. CCC 1599 Biblical Truth: Celibacy is not a requirement for those in church leadership. According to the Scripture, the requirement for a leader is to be the 'husband of one wife' and to 'manage the family well' (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). Paul warns against those 'forbidding to marry'. (1 Timothy 4:1-3) ​ 23. The Temporal Punishment in Purgatory. CCC 1030; CCC 1031 (cf. 1472) Biblical Truth: Purgatory provides a false hope of getting another chance to be purified after death. There is only judgement after death (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus has freed us from our sins by His blood (Revelation 1:5). According to the Scriptures, it is the blood of Jesus that saves us. (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3: 18) ​ 24. Helping the Dead in Purgatory. CCC 958 (cf. CCC 1032; 1371; 1689) Biblical Truth: The claim that Catholics can help the dead to be released from Purgatory through their prayers, good works, offering of Masses, etc., is not biblical. Nobody can help those who are dead. The Bible says, "See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:2). ​ 25. The Granting of Indulgences. CCC 1471 (cf. 1476-1479; 1498) Biblical Truth: Indulgences are the remission of temporal punishment due to sin. There is no temporal punishment for those in Christ. He forgave all our sins (Colossians 2:13), having suffered once for sins, to bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18). Justified by His blood, we are saved from God's wrath. (Romans 5:9) ​ 26. Sacraments a. Sacraments are Necessary for Salvation. CCC 1210; CCC 1129 b. Sacraments are Efficacious. CCC 1131 (cf. 1127) Biblical Truth: There is no Scriptural evidence that Christ instituted the seven sacraments through which one must be saved. We are saved by believing on the Lord Jesus alone (Acts 16:31). Sacraments deny the efficacy and all-sufficiency of Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the cross. (Hebrews 9:12; 7:27) ​ 27. Saints (Catholic) a. The Canonization of Saints. CCC 828; CCC 1477 (cf. 1476) b. The Veneration of Saints. CCC 957; CCC 962 Biblical Truth: There is no separate class of saints. The Bible addresses all believers in Christ as 'saints' - 'set apart' or 'holy one' (Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Romans 1:7). We are to respect and imitate godly leaders (Hebrews 13:7), but the Bible does not permit adoring or bowing down before their statues. ​ 28. Tradition and Scripture are Equal. CCC 80; CCC 82 (cf. 81) Biblical Truth: Catholic traditions, added over the course of centuries, are neither found explicitly in the Scriptures nor taught by the Apostles. Only those traditions that were taught and passed on by the Apostles, whether by word of mouth or letter (epistle) are to be held fast. (2 Thessalonians 2:15; Jude 1:3) ​ 29. The Magisterium Alone can Interpret the Scriptures. CCC 890; CCC 1008 Biblical Truth: It is believed that the Magisterium has the sole authority to infallibly interpret the Scriptures. But this is taking on the role of the Holy Spirit, who teaches the believers all things and guides them into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). The Magisterium pronounces anathemas on those not accepting its teachings. ​ 30. Apocrypha (Catholic) is part of the Old Testament Canon. CCC 120 Biblical Truth: The Apocrypha contains unbiblical teachings, such as, praying for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:38-46), praying to angels (Tobit 12:15) and offering alms for the atonement of sin (Sirach 3:30). This is contrary to the teachings found in Hebrews 9:27; Colossians 2:18 and Romans 3:20 respectively. ​ 31. Images & Relics a. The Veneration of Images. CCC 2132 b. The Veneration of Relics. CCC 1674 Biblical Truth: The honor paid to sacred images is believed to be a "respectful veneration". God commands us not to make images and bow down before them (Exodus 20:4-5). Venerating relics (skull, bone, nail, hair, flesh, blood, etc.) amounts to worshipping the created things, rather than the Creator. (Romans 1:25)

The Catholic Church's devotion to Mary is intrinsic to Catholic worship. Catholics have a strong devotion to Mary, the Blessed Virgin. In the Catholic Church, the veneration of Mary encompasses various Marian devotions which include prayer, pious acts, visual arts, poetry, and music devoted to her. There are many titles, feasts, and forms of Marian devotions among Catholics. There are thousands of shrines found all over the world in honor of Mary. A shrine to the Virgin Mary is a shrine marking an apparition or other miracle ascribed to her. It could also be a site on which is centered a historically strong Marian devotion. Shrine to Mary is also called Marian Shrine. Mary is granted the highest form of veneration, namely ‘hyperdulia’. It is greater than the ‘dulia’, an ordinary veneration for other saints. ‘Latria’ is the highest form of worship that is due only to God. There are basically four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church that form the basis of Mariology: The ‘Immaculate Conception’ of Mary - teaches that she was conceived without original sin. She was not only born sinless, but she remained perfectly sinless throughout her life and was the holiest woman who has ever lived. The ‘Perpetual Virginity’ of Mary' - means that she was virgin before, during and remained so after the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, the ‘Mother of God’, - implies that she was the ‘Theotokos’, or ‘God-bearer’. In other words, Mary was the one who gave birth to God. The ‘Assumption’ of Mary’ - teaches that after Mary’s earthly life, she was assumed or taken up body and soul into heaven. The Catholic Church also states that the Virgin Mary is mother of the Church and of all its members. Mary is also believed to participate in God’s salvation plan as a ‘Co-Redemptrix’ and ‘Co-Mediatrix’.

Syncretism is basically a blend of two or more religious belief systems into a one common system or religious practice. The Catholic Church has always desired to assimilate people of vastly different backgrounds and to absorb what is best in their spiritual cultures, in order to win converts. Symbols and traditions are allowed to be carried over from older belief systems, so long as they are remade to fit into a Catholic worldview. Syncretism is therefore widespread among the Catholics in various countries. ​ There are many examples of syncretism in Catholicism: In Central and South America, Catholicism has been integrated with a number of elements derived from indigenous and slave cultures. The African religions Candomblé, Vodou and Santería, equate various Yorùbá and other African deities to the Catholic saints. Thousands of Catholics go to Sorte, the sacred mountain of Espiritismo, to practice rituals that go from dancing in trance to walking on fire. Catholicism in South Korea continue to practice ancestral rites and observe many Buddhist and Confucian customs and philosophies. In India, it is quite common to witness Catholic homes having statues of Jesus and Mary placed side by side with the statues of the Hindu deities in an effort to blend Catholicism with Hindu spirituality. In Africa, one of the biggest doorways for syncretism in Catholicism is the involvement in magic, witchcraft, and various occult practices. From the beginning, the New Testament clearly rejected the syncretistic approach. The epistle of Colossians, for example, is the first clear indication of the Church's early confrontation with syncretism. Paul warns the Christians: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

The Reformation can be considered as one of the greatest spiritual revivals in Church History. It was a call to the Catholic Church to return to true Biblical Christianity as taught by the Holy Scriptures. Reformation is usually considered to have started with the publication of the Ninety-five Theses by Martin Luther in 1517. Initiated by Luther, it was joined in by Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Knox and the other early Reformers of the 16th century. Reformation that started in Germany, soon spread throughout Europe and it led to a schism (division) from the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church responded with a Counter-Reformation (or Catholic Reformation) that was directed both toward internal renewal and against the 'contentious issues' of the Protestant Reformation. Pope Paul III convoked the Council of Trent (1545-1563) to defend the important Church doctrines such as, the necessity of Sacraments for salvation, Mass (transubstantiation), Catholic Tradition as equally authoritative as the Holy Scriptures, Veneration of Mary and Saints, etc. The Church pronounced 'Anathemas' (to be cursed under the penalty of excommunication) on those 'heretics' who did not comply to the cardinal doctrines of the Catholic faith. The Fundamental Issues of the Reformation There were five main issues that were raised by the Reformers that were fundamental to the doctrine of salvation. These are called the 'Five Solas'. Sola is a Latin phrase for 'Only' or 'Alone'. The five solas were the five main foundational issues of Reformation that marked the distinctions between the Catholic Church and Biblical Christianity. Each sola represented a key belief that rejected the teaching of the Catholic Church. The Five Solas that formed the heart of the Reformation are: 1. Sola Scriptura: “Scripture alone” 2. Sola Fide: “Faith alone” 3. Sola Gratia: “Grace alone” 4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone” 5. Soli Deo Gloria: “Glory to God alone” 1. Sola Scriptura means 'Scripture alone'. 'Scripture alone', rejected the 'Tradition' of the Catholic Church. The Reformers held on to the view that the Scripture alone was “inspired by God” or “God breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). They believed in the 'All Sufficiency of Scriptures' – which deals with the source of our Authority. This means that the Christian authority is Christ and His word alone, not the Pope and the Catholic Church. Anything found in the 'Tradition' of the Catholic Church or taught by the 'Magisterium' that contradicted the Scripture was to be rejected. The Catholic Church teaches that both Scriptures and Tradition are God’s word, bound closely together and flowing out from the same divine wellspring. They must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence (CCC 80-82). The Magisterium is the authentic interpreter of the word of God whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition (CCC 85). 2. Sola Fide means 'Faith alone'. 'Faith alone', rejected that a person is saved by 'Faith plus Works'. The Reformers emphasized salvation as a 'Free Gift' to all who accept it by faith alone, because of God's grace alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2: 8-9). Salvation is not based on human effort or merit. The sinner has absolutely no part in his justification. There is nothing that we can add to what Christ has already accomplished. According to the Catholic Church, salvation is by ‘Faith plus Works'. One has to continue in a life-long process of meritorious workstoward increasing of graces to attain eternal life (CCC 2010). These meritorious works include receiving sacraments, performing good deeds, gaining indulgences, etc., as means to accumulate merits in order to attain salvation. 3. Sola Gratia means 'Grace alone'. 'Grace alone', rejected that a person is saved by 'Grace plus Merits'. It emphasized the fact that we are saved because of God's grace aloneand not by our merits attained through works (Romans 11: 6). In other words, salvation comes from what God has done, through Christ, rather than what we do. The Catholic Church believes that a person has to merit graces, in order to attain eternal life (CCC 2027). If this righteousness is not achieved here on earth, the person goes to purgatory where final purification takes place to attain holiness to enter heaven (CCC 1030-31). If a person dies in mortal sin, he goes to hell (CCC 1861). 4. Solo Christo means 'Christ alone'. 'Christ alone' rejected that a person needs 'Christ plus Church' (or the mediation of the Catholic priesthood), in order to approach God for salvation. It emphasized that salvation is through the atoning work of Christ alone, and He alone is the mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2: 5). The Reformers believed in the 'All Sufficiency of Christ' – which deals with the source of our 'Justification' (Salvation). This means that we are justified through Christ alone. The Church has no role in our salvation. According to the Catholic Church, both Christ and Church are necessary for salvation. The Church is Christ’s instrument for the salvation of all (CCC 776), and is needed to minister the Sacraments, which are the means of salvation, right from the time of Baptism (CCC 1213) until the time of Extreme Unction (CCC 1499). The Church is also needed to help souls get out of purgatory through the offering of Indulgences (CCC 1471). 5. Soli Deo Gloria means 'Glory to God alone'. 'Glory to God alone' rejected that a person needs any other mediator except Christ, to be saved. Christ paid the full price for our salvation by His blood (Romans 3: 24-25). Soli Deo Gloria is the teaching that all glory is to be due to God alone, since salvation is of God and is accomplished solely by God, for the glory of God alone. No one gets the glory except God. The Catholic Church teaches that the mediation of the Church (CCC 780), Mary (CCC 969) and the Saints (CCC 956), is necessary to attain salvation. Conclusion Are the issues of Reformation resolved? In reality, these issues have never been resolved, and they continue to be a cause of division.

Agnosticism - The belief that most things are unknowable. In regard to religion it is characterized as neither a belief nor non-belief in a deity. Americas - Landmass comprising the continents of North and South America. Amerindians - The native or Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Animism - The belief that everything in nature has souls or spirits. Atheism - The belief that there is no God or deities of any kind. Allied occupation of Austria - In the aftermath of WW II, Austria was divided into four occupation zones and jointly occupied by the U. K., the Soviet Union, the U. S., and France. Auschwitz Concentration Camp - A mass extermination camp led by Nazis where over a million people from around Europe were killed. Bubi Tribe - The Bubi people (also known as Bobe, Voove, Ewota and Bantu Bubi) are a Bantu ethnic group of Central Africa. Byzantine Empire - The Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, in its eastern provinces, when its capital city was Constantinople. Candomblé - It’s an African diasporic religion that developed in Brazil during the 19th century. Capitalism - It is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and profit. Ceded - yield or formally surrender to another. Celestial Church of Christ - It is a church founded in Africa by Samuel Oshoffa on 29 September 1947 in Porto-Novo, Benin. Celt (Celtic) - A collection of tribes with origins in central Europe that shared a similar language, religious beliefs and culture. Chicken a la Kiev - It is a dish consisting of boned and skinned chicken breast stuffed with butter and fried until golden. Christo-paganism - A spirituality that combines beliefs and practices of Christianity with beliefs and practices of Paganism. Cistercians - A member of a monastic order founded by St. Robert of Molesme in 1098 at Cîteaux, France, under Benedictine rule. Civil War - A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same state (or country). Cold War - A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union with its satellite states, and the United States with its allies. Colonial rule - It is a rule over other people or territories, seeking to benefit from the colonized people or country. Commonwealth - A group of countries with ties to Britain. Communism - A movement with the common ownership and the absence of social classes, money, and the state. Conquistador - A leader in the Spanish conquest. Consolata Fathers - Missionaries belonging to a Catholic clerical religious congregation of Pontifical Right for men. Cult - a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious, and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous. Democratic state - A democratic country, government, or political system that is governed by representatives elected by the people, and where the citizens have freedom to express their views. Divination - The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Druze - It is an ethno-religious Islamic-based faith. It shares many of the same beliefs, origins and Abrahamic foundations as Islam. Eastern Religion - The religions which originated in East, South and Southeast Asia and different from Western, African and Middle Eastern religions. Religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and animistic indigenous religions. Esotericism – It’s a form of spirituality that stresses the importance of the individual effort to gain the inner or intimate spiritual knowledge. EU (European Union) - A political and economic union of 28-member states that are located primarily in Europe. Evangel – A Greek term which means the gospel or the good news. Evangelical – According to the gospel or a term used for Bible-believing, born-again Christians. Fado - It is Portugal’s national music (characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor). Fang people - The Fangs represent one of the main Bantu tribes in central Africa, inhabiting Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Gabon. Feijoada – It is a stew of beans with beef and pork. Flamenco - A style of Spanish music, played especially on the guitar and accompanied by singing and dancing. Franks (Frankish) -They were a group of people who lived in Europe more than a thousand years ago. The country of France was named after them. G-7 - The Group of Seven (G7) is an inter-governmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The United Kingdom, and the United States. G-20 - The Group of Twenty (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union (EU). GDP (Gross Domestic Product) - It is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced annually. Germanic - The Germanic peoples were ancient groups of people that once occupied Central Europe and Scandinavia during antiquity and into the early Middle Ages. Goulash - Hungarian dish consisting of soup or stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and/or other spices. Great Depression - A severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. Gule Wamkulu - A secret cult, involving a ritual dance practiced among the Chewa in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. HDI (Human Development Index) - A statistic developed and compiled by the United Nations to measure levels of social and economic development of countries. Habsburgs - The Hapsburgs were a royal German family that ruled Austria from the late 1200s until 1918. They ruled many other countries of Europe too. Hedonism - A belief that the pursuit of pleasure and intrinsic goods are the primary or most important goals of human life. Hispanics - Relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Central and South America. Holy Roman Empire - Ruled over much of western and central Europe from the 9th century to the 19th century, it envisioned itself as a dominion for Christendom continuing in the tradition of the ancient Roman Empire and was characterized by strong papal authority. Hussite - A member of the Bohemian religious and nationalist movement originating with John Huss. Hutu - A Bantu-speaking, ethnic or social group mainly of Rwanda and Burundi, and native to the African Great Lakes region of Africa. Iberian Peninsula - Also known as Iberia, it is a peninsula in the Southwest corner of Europe, mainly comprising Spain and Portugal. IMF (International Monetary Fund) - An organization consisting of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation. Inca Civilization - The largest empire in the Americas which flourished in ancient Peru between 1400 A.D. and 1533 A.D., and eventually extended across western South America. Indigenous Indians or Indians - Natives of Americas. Jeepney - Colourful buses, and the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. Kimbanguist Church (Kimbanguism) - Largest independent African church founded by the Prophet Simon Kimbangu. Kimchi - It is a traditional Korean side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, such as cabbage and radish. Kiev cake - It features two layers of meringue, buttercream filling, chocolate glaze, and hazelnuts. Korean Buddhism - Distinguished from other forms of Buddhism it attempted to resolve the inconsistencies in Mahayana Buddhism, one of two main existing branches of Buddhism. Ladino people - They are a mix of meztizo of Hispanicized peoples in Latin America, principally in Central America. Legislative elections - A process in which people vote to choose a person or a party to hold an official position in the government. LGBT - It is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Lumpa Church - A sect that embraces a mixture of Christian and animist beliefs and rituals, including women as spiritual mediums. Maté - It’s a caffeine-rich infused drink made from yerba mate herb. Malay - Member of a people inhabiting the Malay Peninsula and parts of the western Malay Archipelago. Mayan Civilization - An advanced civilization, known for its advanced writing system, culture, art, math, calendar, and astronomical system. Mercedarians - A Catholic religious order of ‘Our Lady of Mercy’ for the Ransom of Captives, founded in Barcelona by St. Peter Nolasco in 1218. Mestizo - A mixture of European and indigenous Indian. Metropolitan See - Also known as ‘Episcopal see’ is the area of a bishop's ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Missionary (Christian) – One who is involved in evangelizing, discipling and planting churches, often away from home. Monarchy - A form of government, where a country is ruled by a monarch such as a king, queen, or emperor. Monies - Amounts of money or pertaining to money. Moors - A term used by Christian Europeans to designate the Muslim inhabitants. Mormons - A member or follower of a millenarian Christian movement, also known as Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in the US in 1830 by Joseph Smith Jr. Napoleonic Wars - These were wars which were fought during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte over France. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) - Also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries. New World - A term for the majority of Earth's Western Hemisphere, specifically the Americas, that gained prominence in the early 16th century, during Europe's Age of Discovery. Nominal/Nominalism - Something that exists superficially or in name only. Nominal /Cultural Catholics - Those raised in the Catholic Church, but do not attend Mass regularly, nor follow the teachings of the Church, and only attend Mass on special occasions. Non-religious - Agnostic, atheist, not affiliated, and unsure. Occultism - Belief and practice in hidden supernatural or supernormal powers, especially with the aim of bringing them under human control. Paganism - A religion other than one of the main world religions, specifically a non-Christian or pre-Christian religion. Parliamentary government - A democratic form of government in which the political party that wins the most seats in the legislature or parliament during the election forms the government. Pato - The game is played by gauchos (horsemen) on horseback and combines elements of polo and basketball. People group - It refers to an ethnic group without an indigenous, self-propagating Christian church movement. Premonstratensian - A member of an order of canons regular founded by St. Norbert at Prémontré near Laon, France, in 1120. Protestant Reformation - A movement in the 16th century that posed a religious challenge to the Catholic Church. Protectorate - a country that is controlled and protected by another. Red Cross - An international humanitarian organization bringing relief to victims of war or natural disaster that was set up in 1864 by the Swiss philanthropist Henri Dunant. Republic - A republic is a form of government in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives. Secular state - A state is officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion. Slavic - A family of languages that includes Polish, Czech, Serbo-Croatian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Soviet Bloc (Eastern Bloc) - Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe, East Asia and Southeast Asia under Soviet Union. Soviet Union (USSR) - A country that was composed of 15 different units, known as republics. Among these republics was Russia, which was the largest, most populous, and most dominant of the union. State Religion - A religion established by law as the only official religion of a state/country. Soccer/Football - They are one and the same and sometimes used interchangeably. Salesians - A religious congregation of men in the Catholic Church, founded in the late 19th century by Italian priest Saint John Bosco to help poor children during the Industrial Revolution. Shia Muslims - They make up about 10% of all Muslims worldwide. They are the followers of Ali, the son-n-law of prophet Mohammed. Sorcery - Use of supernatural power through the aid of evil spirits, witchcraft, black magic, etc., to produce unnatural effects. Sufi – It is a mystic body of religious practice within Islam characterized by a focus on Islamic spirituality, ritualism, asceticism and esotericism. It has been defined as “Islamic mysticism”. Sunni Islam - It is by far the largest branch of Islam, followed by 85–90% of the world's Muslims. Its name comes from the word Sunnah, referring to the custom or tradition of Muhammad. Secularism - The principle of separation of the state from religious institutions and affairs. Secular materialism - Concern for possessions and physical comfort, especially to the exclusion of spiritual pursuits. Shamanistic beliefs - A religious practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance with the goal to use this for the healing, divination or to in some other way aid human beings. Swiss Guard (Pontifical Swiss Guard) - A minor armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City. Taíno - An indigenous people of the Caribbean to be first encountered by Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage at the time of European contact in the late 15th century. Tapas - Spanish small snacks, plates or appetizers that is usually served with drinks. Tortillas - A Mexican thin, flat pancake made from maize flour, eaten hot or cold, typically with a savory filling. Tutsi - A Bantu-speaking ethnic group of the African Great Lakes region, and the second largest of three main ethnic groups in Rwanda and Burundi (the other two being Hutu and the Pygmy). Totalitarian - Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state. Totemism - A spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan or tribe. Umbanda - It is a syncretic Brazilian religion that blends African traditions with Catholicism, Spiritism, and Indigenous American beliefs. United Nations (UN) - The UN is an intergovernmental organization aiming to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and achieve international cooperation. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - One of the six principal organs of the UN, charged with ensuring international peace and security. USSR - Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union). Vassals - A person granted the use of land, in return for rendering homage, fidelity, and usually military service to a lord or superior. Velvet Divorce, The - Refers to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia to Czech Republic and Slovakia on 31 December 1992. Voodoo/Vodun - A form of spirit and ancestor worship combined with some Christian faiths, especially Catholicism. Warlordism - A military commander exercising civil power in a region, whether in allegiance to the national government or in defiance of it. Warsaw Pact - A defense treaty signed between the Soviet Union and 7 Eastern Bloc satellite states of Central and Eastern Europe. Wicca - A modern pagan Earth-centered religion with roots in the ancient practices of our shamanic ancestors and occult. Witchcraft - The practice of magic, especially for evil purposes; the use of spells. World Evangelical Alliance - A global organization of evangelical Christian churches, serving to unite evangelicals worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) - A specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. 10/40 Window - A rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, located between 10 and 40 degrees North of the equator. It is the most unreached land mass in the world, that includes the majority of the world's Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is one of the largest African-initiated churches operating across Southern Africa.

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