The Church as the Body of Christ

Question 1

What does the term ‘The Church as the Body of Christ’ refer to?

Answer 1

It refers to the idea that the Church community is made up of many different individuals, each with unique functions, but all united as one body in Christ.

Question 2

What biblical passages support the idea of the Church as the Body of Christ?

Answer 2

Romans 12:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 12 support this idea.

Question 3

What is the significance of the Church being described as the Body of Christ for Catholics today?

Answer 3

It emphasizes unity among diverse members of the Church, highlighting that while individuals have different roles, they collectively form one body.

Question 4

What is the entry point to become part of the Body of Christ?

Answer 4

The sacrament of baptism is the entry point, which washes away sin and brings a person’s soul into a relationship with Christ.

Question 5

Who is baptism open to according to the Bible?

Answer 5

Baptism is open to all races and ages, and to every social status.

Question 6

What does St Paul say about the members of the body in Romans 12:4-5?

Answer 6

‘For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.’

Question 7

What does Romans 12:5 teach about the Body of Christ?

Answer 7

We, being many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

Question 8

What does St. Paul teach about baptism?

Answer 8

Through baptism, we are inked together in the Body of Christ.

Question 9

What does 1 Corinthians 12:13 say about the Spirit and the Body?

Answer 9

For in the one Spirit we were all baptised into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Question 10

What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?

Answer 10

Through Baptism, people become part of the ‘Body of Christ’ and ‘The People of God’.

Question 11

Why is the Church as the Body of Christ important for Catholics today?

Answer 11

It signifies that Christ remains physically present through his Church.

Question 12

How does the Church as the Body of Christ confirm its holiness?

Answer 12

The Church is linked to Jesus and acts for him in the world today, thus must be seen as Holy.

Question 13

What does the Body of Christ imply about Christian unity?

Answer 13

Christians form one body and are united to each other and Jesus.

Question 14

What is the significance of each part of the Body of Christ?

Answer 14

Every Christian is important, regardless of their gifts and talents or lacks in certain areas.

Question 15

What do all Christians believe about the Church?

Answer 15

All Christians believe the Church is the Body of Christ and the people of God.

Question 16

How do Christians work together to provide charity?

Answer 16

Christians work together formally and informally to provide charity, such as CAFOD working with Christian Aid and other charities.

Question 17

What is an example of Christians worshipping together?

Answer 17

Many local parishes are part of groups where Christians from different denominations meet to pray together.

Question 18

What is public Christian witness?

Answer 18

Public Christian witness includes events like carrying the cross through the streets on Good Friday, participated in by many Christians from various denominations.

Question 19

What do Catholic Christians believe about the Pope?

Answer 19

Catholic Christians accept the authority of the Pope, believing he is the Head of the Church and the Successor of Saint Peter.

Question 20

How is the Pope’s role compared to the human body?

Answer 20

The Pope is seen as directing the ‘Body of Christ’ in the same way that the brain directs the human body.

Question 21

What do Orthodox Christians believe about authority in the Church?

Answer 21

Orthodox Christians reject the authority of the Pope and believe authority comes from councils of bishops or patriarchs acting together.

Question 22

How do Orthodox Christians view the ‘Body of Christ’?

Answer 22

They believe the ‘Body of Christ’ should be directed by a number of Bishops acting equally to guide the Church.

Question 23

What is the belief of some Protestant Christians regarding authority?

Answer 23

Some Protestant Christians believe that the Bible is the sole authority for guiding the ‘Body of Christ’.

Question 24

What is the stance of some Protestants on the Pope’s authority?

Answer 24

They believe that the Pope has no authority to decide on beliefs as all Christians are equal and all are priests.

Question 25

How do some Protestants believe the Church should be governed?

Answer 25

They believe that Churches and the 'Body of Christ' should be ruled democratically.

Question 26

Why do some people reject the idea of the Church as the Body of Christ?

Answer 26

Some argue that the Church cannot be seen as the Body of Christ due to its involvement in terrible acts in the past.

Question 27

What historical example do critics cite against the Church as the Body of Christ?

Answer 27

For example, the Church in the medieval age burnt those people considered heretics.

Question 28

What is another argument against the Church as the Body of Christ?

Answer 28

Some argue that a body is a unity, whereas the Christian Church is divided.

Question 29

What divides the Christian Church according to critics?

Answer 29

There are differences between Christians about authority in the Church, belief in things like the Eucharist, and the religious practices of different denominations.

Question 30

What conclusion do critics draw about the Church's unity?

Answer 30

As the Christian Church has so many things that divide it, it cannot be considered the Body of Christ.