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PJM
Guest
Why do churches exist?
Is there a common reason?
A common purpose?
A Primary function?
Is there a common reason?
A common purpose?
A Primary function?
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Garyjohn2
Guest
It’s more interesting when people share their ideas.
Are these questions referring to the physical church building, or the community of bishops and the faithful that make up Christ’s church?
I think the answer to all those questions (why do churches exist, the common reason, purpose, and primary function) is the same answer to why does almost anything exist? To glorify God!
Church buildings serve as a focal point for the followers of Christ, a place to gather and worship as a community. It also serves as a visible sign to the neighborhood around it. I’d say these are secondary reasons though…or perhaps concurrent primary reasons. What do you think, OP?
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Marsha_Adams
Guest
Church buildings exist to house the Holy Eucharist and for the faithful to worship.
The Church exists because God created it as the mystical Body of Christ enlivened by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Denominations exist because they separated from the One Church.
Was that interesting enough for you?
The Church exists because God created it as the mystical Body of Christ enlivened by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Denominations exist because they separated from the One Church.
Was that interesting enough for you?
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PJM
Guest
=Garyjohn2;7629887]It’s more interesting when people share their ideas.
Both; but mostly about a churchs effects on oneself,
Pat
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Garyjohn2
Guest
I see. Well churches I don’t think are designed to satisfy ourselves, but for God. You might want to re-phrase the question in a new post? Or maybe you are trying to get to the heart of religious worship and its effects on oneself? Like perhaps “what is the purpose of belonging to a religious community, and how does it effect the individual?”
I’m just trying to get to the heart of the question.
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SyCarl
Guest
Exactly what I was going to say.
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Garyjohn2
Guest
Well said! I think there are so many ways to answer this question.
I suggested The Church exists to glorify God. But how? By promoting and ensuring the salvation of souls, and building God’s Kingdom. How so? By preaching the word and administering the sacraments.
Makes total sense to me.
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PJM
Guest
I was vague by intent; to permit the dialog to go in several directions
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
Closely related is Bishop Vasa’s declaration on the purpose of a bishop:
“Nothing else really matters”
“Nothing else really matters”
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Scaun
Guest
They are supposed to be a light of the world.
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PJM
Guest
So in your view, **Only Catholics **actually have a church?
God Bless, Thanks for your post!
Pat
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PJM
Guest
RIGHT ON!I see. Well churches I don’t think are designed to satisfy ourselves, but for God. You might want to re-phrase the question in a new post? Or maybe you are trying to get to the heart of religious worship and its effects on oneself? Like perhaps “what is the purpose of belonging to a religious community, and how does it effect the individual?”
I’m just trying to get to the heart of the question.
God Bless,
Pat
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PJM
Guest
So Jon,
What about the many churches that do not have Seven Sacraments?
God Bless,
Pat
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Garyjohn2
Guest
Well, there is only one true Church. The others would more accurately be called “congregations.” A church, to be a church, has to be connected to a bishop. All bishops receive their holy orders from other bishops…and this can be traced back all the way to Christ. That is the church…it is one, holy, universal, and apostolic.
It’s purpose and function can only be seen in light of that, I think.
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PJM
Guest
OK, I’m with you part of the way…
What about other faiths that do HAVE Bishops?
And is the Church of catholics to have different functions and purposes than other Faiths?
God Bless,
Pat
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Garyjohn2
Guest
Good questions!
Well, I’m not sure exactly what requires a Bishop to be a real Bishop…but I do know that if I call myself a police officer, it doesn’t mean I am one…or have the authority to enforce the law.
(I mean this in the nicest way for those of other faiths…especially our brothers in Christ!)Other congregations probably have some of the same goals (or functions) as the Catholic church, but some different ones. For example, they may share the same goal of getting people to heaven, or preaching God’s word…although they will act out these purposes differently. They may have completely different functions in terms of administering the sacraments and such. A common purpose might be to “get souls to heaven and preach the word of God to the best of our ability.”
Here’s a head-scratcher…what is a purpose or function? If an institution states “our purpose is to preach the word of God” but they end up doing something else, can that still be considered their purpose? (again, not singling out any faiths, just a hypothetical!) Does purpose depend on a stated purpose or actual actions/effects?
Hi Pat,
Do you mean in terms of stating seven sacraments, per se? For example, Lutherans in an equally regular way as Catholics have our children go through catechetical training, followed by Confirmation. Based on our definition of sacrament, we don’t called Confirmation one, as such. Same with marriage, ordination, and Lutherans can also be anointed when sick. So, as Lutherans recognize Baptism, Eucharist, and at least in the Confessions, Confession/Absolution, and practice the others. I’d say that, at least in terms of Lutherans, yes, to answer your question.
As for other communions, I think I’d let them answer for themselves.
Jon
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
There may be other requirements, but requirement Number 1 is Apostolic Succession. He must be a male, and ordained priest and bishop by a valid bishop with the intent that he be in succession to the apostles.…
Well, I’m not sure exactly what requires a Bishop to be a real Bishop…but I do know that if I call myself a police officer, it doesn’t mean I am one…or have the authority to enforce the law.
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