Catholic Apologetics Online

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God

Man

Religion

The Religion of the Bible

The Christian Faith

A Definite Christian Faith

The Protestant Reformation

The Truth of Catholicism

The Church and the Bible

The Dogmas of the Church

The Church and Her Moral Teachings

The Church in Her Worship

The Church and Social Welfare

Comparative Study of Non-Catholic Denominations

To and From Rome

Meaning of the word "Church"

280. When you speak of the Catholic Church, in whatsense do you use the word "Church"?

I intend that organized religious society of all Catholics throughout the world under the Pope as their one visible head on earth.

281. Is not the sense of the word simply"Congregation"?

Originally in Greek the word "ecclesia" meant anassembly of people brought together by a public crier. In BiblicalGreek it has many meanings, one of them being that which I usuallyintend. Thus, in the Old Testament, the Greek word"ecclesia" is used, not to designate a mere assembly, butthe whole theocratic society of the Jews as the chosen nation ofGod. In the New Testament, the word is used also in this same senseof a united and organized body, but transferred to the followers ofChrist. It is in this sense that Jesus said, "I will build myChurch." Matt. XVI., 18.

282. St. Paul refers to the "ecclesias" inthe plural, as when he says, "The Churches of Asia salute you."

That would be quite a correct use of the word. St. Paul uses the word in several senses, knowing that sensible people will be preserved from ambiguity by the context. Sometimes he uses the word to signify a Christian household, as in Col. IV., 15. At other times he uses it to signify all the Christians in a given city, as when he speaks of "the Church which is at Corinth." ICor., 1, 2. Again he uses the word of the whole body of Christians in general as opposed to non-Christians. Thus he writes, "Be without offense to the Jews, and to the Gentiles, and to the Church of God." I Cor. X., 32. Finally he uses the word to signify the Church as a teaching authority in its divinely appointed officials. Thus he speaks of the "Church of the Living God" as "the pillar and ground of truth." I. Tim.III., 15.

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MORE FROM VOLUME 2

• About the Author
• Introduction
  - Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty
• Preface
  - John Gregory Murray
  Archbishop of Saint Paul
• Forward
  - Dr Leslie Rumble, MSC

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