A perspective
…on what it is to be Catholic. A well written, very short, synopsis that packs a lot in. I like the mention of the PNCC of course, but beyond that, the references to Catholicism’s influence on the world and its central role in the evolution of Christianity. See: Catholicism: The Widespread Belief In Jesus Christ by Susan Esterbill:
Catholicism is a general term referring to various things depending on the context to which the word is used. Despite the myriad of meanings associated with it, Catholicism is known to be that which encompasses the Catholic faith, its believers and its followers.
Variety
A number of diverse groups are under this faith, although there are also variations in their ways and beliefs. Included in this list would be major groups, under apostolic succession who consider themselves Catholic. These are the Roman Catholic Church (Western and Eastern churches), Orthodox Churches (Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican), the Evangelicals (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church in Canada, etc.). …Unity
Among these sects, it is the Roman Catholic Church that is considered the largest. In fact, it is estimated to have 1.1 billion members, all of whom believe in Jesus Christ and consider the Roman Pope as their highest Church leader, the one who serves as the church’s successor after the apostle Peter. Moreover, in the Roman Catholic hierarchy, the bishops take the place of the other apostles. …Dissonance
On the other hand, the Catholic groups who don’t pledge allegiance to the Pope include those who follow Anglican ways like the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Organization. Moreover, there are also much smaller sects like the Philippine Independent Church and the Polish National Catholic Church. The history involving the evolution of Catholicism that brought about all these divisions and other differences in beliefs is a long and detailed account of centuries of religious conflict and spiritual growth. A number of other religions have also resulted from this faith and is said to be continuously growing in numbers. The influence of Catholicism is incomparable in size and magnitude, and its growth and development continue to affect billions of people all over the world. …Influence
Catholicism and its role in shaping the history of mankind can be seen in the various cultures and nations that exist today. The learning of its key concepts and beliefs are essential to the comprehension of its complexity. Catholicism wasn’t built in a day, nor can it be fully learned and explored in a single day.
This is a very good article–The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Organization isn’t the best example of a free Catholic Church and I’m not thrilled to see the PNCC placed in a similar category with what is, essentially, the Chinese version of the communist sponsored “Living Church” in the Soviet Union: sponsored by the state for political reasons and being the only “Catholic” church tolerated by the regime. The PNCC was formed freely as a matter of conscience and conviction, but Catholics have been, and continue to be, persecuted by the Chinese communist regime for not belonging to the CPCO. The CPCO should not be put forth as a positive model of a free Catholic church.