Revised 1-7-02
Why Catholic?
Within a few short years of the Resurrection, the followers of Jesus began calling themselves "Christians" (Acts 11:26), and by the end of the first century, the word "catholic"-meaning "universal"-was applied to the Church. The idea of different (and sometimes competing) Christian denominations would have been unthinkable to the early Christians, especially in light of Christ's pronouncement on one shepherd and one flock (John 10:15), and his prayer that his disciples remain one (John 17:22). It was only human weakness and sinfulness that brought about the religious divisions that afflict Christianity today. The Orthodox church drew apart from Rome off and on over several hundred years, finally separating in the eleventh century, and the various Protestant denominations date back no earlier than the sixteenth century. These churches can trace their roots back to Christ only through the Catholic Church. To put the matter rather bluntly: Why have anything else when you can have the real thing-especially when it comes to knowing and living the truths necessary for salvation?