catholicism

Broader examinations of Catholic theology, tradition, and doctrinal claims in light of Scripture.

St. Cyril’s Praise of Mary Members Public

At the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), the blessed St. Cyril of Alexandria uttered a litany of praise to the blessed Mother of our God Incarnate in honor of her being the holy and pure God-bearer. Here’s what this holy servant of Christ wrote: “Mary, Mother of God, we

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
marychurch-historysaints

The Reformation and Purgatory Members Public

Quotations provided by William Albrecht. All emphasis is mine. DESIDERIUS ERASMUS It’s not surprising that Erasmus affirmed Purgatory since he was Catholic after all: “Even three hundred years after the birth of Christ, it was permitted to debate whether there was any fire in purgatory; some interpreted fire to

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
purgatorycatholicismchurch-history

St. Optatus, Peter’s Primacy & the Papacy Members Public

This lengthy extract from St. Optatus is taken from Optatus of Milevis, Against the Donatists (1917) Book 2. pp. 57-119. His statements affirm that the Roman Church is the See of Peter, and the grounds of unity which makes the Church one and universal. He further argues that to deviate

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
catholiccatholicismchurch

St. Maximus, Pope Honorius & the Papacy Members Public

I share the following article on St. Maximus the Confessor from CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Maximus of Constantinople. St. Maximus of Constantinople Known as the Theologian and as Maximus Confessor, born at Constantinople about 580; died in exile 13 August, 662. He is one of the chief names in the Monothelite

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historycatholicismorthodoxy

Call No Man Father? Members Public

Oftentimes, anti-Catholic/Orthodox Protestants will quote the following words of our Lord to condemn the practice of calling the Pope, Bishops, Priests etc. “father”: “And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9 In this post I

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
matthewcatholicismorthodoxy

Gelasian Decree Pope Damasus & the Canon Members Public

The Gelasian Decree (Decretum Gelasianum) is a Latin document dating from the 6th century AD, and is believed to be based on the decree of Pope Gelasius I (492-496 AD).  The document mentions the canon list ratified by the Council (Synod) of Rome under the authority of Pope Damasus in

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonchurch-historycatholicism

Origen, Susanna & OT Canon Members Public

I share Origen’s defense of the canonicity of the “History of Susanna,” which all the ancient apostolic communions accept as sacred Scripture. Origen refutes the objections raised against the book’s authenticity, and explains why the Jews rejected it. In his response, Origen shows his great familiarity with the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonapocryphadaniel

Augustine on the Holy Eucharist Members Public

According to noted Protestant historian J.N.D Kelly, St. Augustine did indeed affirm that the Eucharist does in fact become the actual flesh, body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: If Ambrose’s influence helped to mediate the doctrine of a physical change to the West,

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
eucharistcatholicismchurch-history
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