Monday, April 22, 2013

The Church is Apostolic



The last of the four marks of the Church is Apostolic. Theologically, this mark is extremely significant. As a grad student trying to discern your religion, you need to know for sure that the Church you put your faith in truly is the Church. Through the Church's Apostolic nature, we are certain the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus instituted. 

We can say that the Church is Apostolic in several ways. The Church was founded by the Apostles and continues to teach through the Apostles. However, the reason in my opinion this mark is so important is due to Apostolic Succession. The Church has held and continues to hold Apostolic Succession today. Each bishop can trace his office back to one of the original twelve Apostles, which is truly amazing. This is extremely important for our Faith. We know for certain that the authority of the Church comes directly from the Apostles, rather than being arbitrarily created by mere men sometime in the last two thousand years. 

The Catholic Church is the sole Church of Christ, and Apostolic Succession ensures us of this. Other Christian churches simply cannot claim to be Christ's Church, as only the Catholic Church was founded upon the Apostles. This is key in giving the Church legitimacy as well as affirming to grads such as you that she is the true Church.
-Shoe

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