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One of the biggest religions in Europe at the time of western expansion was Roman Catholicism. Catholicism is a branch off of Christianity; the followers of Jesus Christ. Catholics follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples. Catholics believe in Trinity, their God, Christ's divinity, and the word of God. They view the Pope as the highest spiritual leader in their religion and the bishops and saints slightly under him. They follow sacred texts including the Bible and Apocrypha. Their doctrine is often dictated by the Bible, the Church, the Pope, bishops, and priests. They believe that spiritual authority comes from Scriptures written by Jesus and his disciples, and from tradition.
Catholics also believe in intercession, the act of praying to God on behalf of someone else. They use the virgin Mary, Jesus's mother, saints, and angels to intercede. They also believe that Mary had no sin and remained free of sin throughout her life. Angels are considered to be spiritual and immortal beings, each with their own names and purposes.
The Catholics believe in an afterlife, and that when we die we go to either Heaven, Hell, or a place called Purgatory. Heaven is supposed to be the fulfillment of all of our deepest desires, a place full of happiness and love, however you can only reach Heaven if you are in line with Christ. Hell is the complete opposite. Hell is the eternal separation from God, once you are in Hell you can never get out. Purgatory however, is a place you go to after you die if you have not been purified correctly. You spend time in Purgatory until you become holy enough to enter Heaven.
Catholics also believe in a fallen angel named Satan, or more commonly known as the devil. Satan is thought to be a pure spirit, filled with anger and evil. Demons are in line with Satan, fallen angels that will never be able to be repented.
Catholics also believe in intercession, the act of praying to God on behalf of someone else. They use the virgin Mary, Jesus's mother, saints, and angels to intercede. They also believe that Mary had no sin and remained free of sin throughout her life. Angels are considered to be spiritual and immortal beings, each with their own names and purposes.
The Catholics believe in an afterlife, and that when we die we go to either Heaven, Hell, or a place called Purgatory. Heaven is supposed to be the fulfillment of all of our deepest desires, a place full of happiness and love, however you can only reach Heaven if you are in line with Christ. Hell is the complete opposite. Hell is the eternal separation from God, once you are in Hell you can never get out. Purgatory however, is a place you go to after you die if you have not been purified correctly. You spend time in Purgatory until you become holy enough to enter Heaven.
Catholics also believe in a fallen angel named Satan, or more commonly known as the devil. Satan is thought to be a pure spirit, filled with anger and evil. Demons are in line with Satan, fallen angels that will never be able to be repented.