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RELIGION LIBRARY
Roman Catholicism
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Roman Catholics hold the canon of Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) and tradition to be sacred. The living transmission of divinely guided truth through Church teaching, called the Magisterium, is held as authoritative.
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Ultimate Reality and Divine Beings
Roman Catholics believe in one God in three persons: a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They also believe in angels as heavenly messengers, and they venerate the saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus.
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Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence
Made in the image and likeness of God, humans are intrinsically good, though corrupted by sin. Humanity's purpose is to live forever with God in the happiness of heaven.
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Suffering and the Problem of Evil
Humans suffer as a result of sin, which has its origins in the gift of human free will, given by God. The source of evil is humanity's freedom to reject God.
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Afterlife and Salvation
Roman Catholics believe that Christ makes salvation possible for all people. By freely choosing to embrace or reject God's grace, humans may spend eternity either in heaven or in hell.
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