The four marks of the Church

Question 1

why do Catholics believe the Church is holy?

Answer 1

• God made it, meaning it belongs to him
• Christ gave his life to make his Church holy, its devoted to God
• the Church has been given true faith and is guided by the Holy Spirit

Question 2

why do Catholics believe the Church is one?

Answer 2

• the Church is based on one Lord, Jesus Christ
• the Church has one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
• the Church is inspired by one Spirit

Question 3

why do Catholics believe the Church is catholic (universal)?

Answer 3

• the Christian message is for everyone, whoever they are
• the Christian message can be understood and believed by anyone, wherever they are
• Christianity is for the whole world, unlike the Jewish religious it was just for one race

Question 4

why do Catholics believe the Church is apostolic?

Answer 4

• it was founded by the Apostles
• the authority of St Peter has been passed down by the Apostolic Succession to the current Pope
• it received the Apostolic Tradition and teaches what the Apostles taught

Question 5

why are the four marks important?

Answer 5

• there is one faith and the Catholic Church has preserved that faith
• the Church doesn’t belong to any one nation or culture
• the Church is holy, it comes from God

Question 6

how do Protestants understand the four marks?

Answer 6

• they see the oneness of the Church as based on the Bible and Creeds
• believe the Church is apostolic because its based on the Bible

Question 7

how do Catholics and Orthodox understand the four marks?

Answer 7

• based on the Creeds and Catechism
• based on Apostolic Tradition and the line of bishops

Question 8

how do Christians understand the four marks?

Answer 8

• agree the Church is holy
• agree that the Church is catholic

Question 9

what is a Source of wisdom about the four marks of the Church?

Answer 9

‘I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church’ Nicene Creed