We learnt that the legitimacy of Christianity can be deduced from the message of Christ which focuses on himself as God, and stands out as a clear distinction between Jesus and other religious leaders who have through the ages offered some new found knowledge of a transcendent pathway to God existing outside of themselves. Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, documented claims of miracles performed by Christ with particular reference to his resurrection, eye witness accounts in the New Testament and historical documentation on Christ and the deaths of the apostles/the church fathers as a consequence of their zeal to spread the message of our Lord further gives credence to Christianity and tells of a conviction that could only come from “the truth”:  “That Christ is the Messiah That He came, died and rose from the dead and in doing so, gave us a new life That all those who believe in Him, through the ministry of the Church, receive this new life through repentance and baptism This new life provides graces which prepare us for the coming judgment at the end of time”  

Then Martin Luther happened… From the writings of the early Church Fathers and New Testament historians, we know the Church was largely unified and practiced the Catholic faith based on the Bible compiled in 398 –ish AD and Sacred oral/written traditions. However Luther’s release of his “95 Theses” which surprisingly, contained 93 accurate points on Catholicism, ushered in a new era in Christianity with his anti catholic assertions on Sola Scriptura-Bible alone and Sola Fides-Faith alone. Luther’s actions also gave rise to Christian denominations such as the Lutherans, an abridged version of the Bible supporting his “Sola Teachings” and ultimately, a host of unfounded doctrinal misgivings.

Why Catholicism?
Who would not want to belong to One-Holy-Catholic-Apostolic (the 4 Hallmarks of the Church- Ephesians 4:5-6, Galatians 3: 28, 1Corinthians 12: 27) church with an unlimited access to Truth, Joy, Faith, Hope and Love in its fullness? The Church instituted by Christ himself is: Unified and universal with its history and roots traceable to the apostles. The Church in its catholic nature also enables us to share a deep bond as it becomes an identity for all which transcends social constructs and affiliations. Catholicism rests on reason (Rom.1:20) and has similar practices with the Jewish people as seen in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy While all of that sounds really good, what about the doctrinal challenges from our separated brethren?

Protestants say: Sola Fide-Faith alone!!!
The Church’s answer: James 2:24-26, Galatians 5:6 (Faith working through love), Philippians 2:12
Protestants say: Sola Scriptura-Bible alone!!!

The Church answers: 1st Timothy 3:15, 2nd Thessalonians 2:15, 1st Corinthians 11:2, 2nd Thessalonians 2:15. Suzanne’s reference to the gospel of John (John 16: 13). Also, a reminder of the general acceptance of the Trinitarian Doctrine by Christians and its evolution from Christian tradition with particular reference to the writings of Saint Basil the Great reinforces the Church’s reliance on written/oral tradition inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Protestants say: Idolatry!!!
​ The Church answers: Exodus chapter 25: 18 – 20. Catholic icons are pleasing to God as pointers for worship and not as objects to be worshipped. As we all make up different parts of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5, 1st Cor. 12) and operate within the Church as the Pillar and Foundation of Truth (1st. Timothy 3:15), we are reminded of the wonderful perks being catholic offers in the sacraments with the Holy Eucharist as the icing on the cake. The church also offers authentic Christian living through the Communion of Saints; its teachings on Corporal works of Mercy, the beauty of suffering, virtues etc…..and then our budding romance with the media on hot topics such as Homosexuality, Contraception, Abortion and Euthanasia etc, highlights the Church’s step in the right direction aka being in the world but not of it. So by all means, be Catholic and be part of one big happy family with more than half of the Christian community globally and one-sixth of the world’s population. Don’t forget our “bragging rights” as the bedrock of modern technology and civilization (the Calendar, Education, Arts & Science, the Bible etc) and the custodians of the remains and tombstones of the greats – SS. Peter & Paul.