Literature
What does the word ‘Catholic’ Mean in the Apostles Creed?
Understanding the Word ‘Catholic’ in the Apostles Creed
The Apostles Creed is a fundamental and widely recognized statement of Christian belief used by various denominations. One key phrase within this creed is 'holy catholic Church.' To understand its meaning, we must first delve into the word 'catholic' itself.
Interpreting the Word ‘Catholic’
Short Answer: In the Apostles Creed, the word 'catholic' means 'universal.' Primarily, it expresses the belief in the universal nature of the Christian Church. The translated creed reads: 'I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.'
This creed is not specific to any particular denomination, such as the Roman Catholic Church, but rather summarizes the core beliefs of Christianity. It is a statement of faith that is used by various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheranism, the Anglican Church, Methodists, Presbyterians, and others.
Historical Context and Etymology
The significance of the word 'catholic' in the Apostles Creed lies in its long and rich etymological history. The word 'catholic' originates from the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of the words 'kata' (meaning in respect of) and 'holos' (meaning whole). When these two words are joined, they form the Greek term 'katholikos,' which means universal.
This Greek term was later translated into Latin as 'catholicus' and further evolved into its French version 'catholique.' By the time it reached late Middle English, it became the word we know today as 'catholic.' Each step in its linguistic journey reflects the universal and holistic nature of this concept.
Usage in the Apostles Creed
In the Apostles Creed, the word 'catholic' is written in lowercase - 'catholic' - rather than in uppercase as is used in the formal title of the Roman Catholic Church. The lowercase usage is intentional, serving as a reminder that this term applies to the entire global Christian community, not just to the specific denomination of the Roman Catholic Church.
Each denomination uses the Apostles Creed as a summary of its fundamental beliefs, emphasizing the universal nature of Christ's Church. It is not a prayer of devotion to the Roman Catholic Church but a declaration of the shared beliefs across all Christian denominations.
Conclusion
In summary, the word 'catholic' in the Apostles Creed is used to emphasize the universal nature of the Church. Christians believe in the 'Holy Catholic Church,' meaning the universal Christian community that encompasses all believers across the globe. This term reflects the belief in the universality and wholeness of Christian faith.