The term "Catholicity" holds a significant place in discussions about the nature and scope of the Christian Church. Rooted in the Greek word katholikos, meaning "universal," the concept of Catholicity is often associated with the idea of a Church that transcends borders, cultures, and ethnicities. This notion plays a central role in the arguments presented in The Faith of Our Fathers, a well-known apologetic work seeking to defend the Catholic Church's claims to universality, apostolic authority, and doctrinal consistency.
One of the key points made in the text is that Catholicity is a "prominent note" of the Church, with its universality supposedly evidenced by its presence in every nation, race, and people. This concept is framed as a contrast to the "national" religion of ancient Israel and the "local" scope of other belief systems. But is this argument sound? Does the Catholic Church truly hold a monopoly on the idea of a universal Church?
To provide context, consider the following passage from The Faith of Our Fathers on Catholicity:
"That Catholicity is a prominent note of the Church is evident from the Apostles' Creed, which says: 'I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.' The word Catholic, or Universal, signifies that the true Church is not circumscribed in its extent, like human empires, nor confined to one race of people, like the Jewish Church, but that she is diffused over every nation of the globe, and counts her children among all tribes and peoples and tongues of the earth."
While this passage highlights an ideal vision of Catholicity, it also raises critical theological and historical questions. How accurate is the claim that the "Jewish Church" was confined to one race or nation? Does the Apostles' Creed refer exclusively to the Roman Catholic Church, or does it refer to the broader "universal body of believers" mentioned in the New Testament? Furthermore, does the Catholic Church's global presence validate its claim to be "universal," or is this characteristic shared by other Christian denominations as well?
In the sections that follow, we will critically examine these claims, exploring the biblical and historical context behind them. We'll challenge the notion that universality is unique to one religious institution and analyze the deeper implications of Catholicity as it relates to the mission of Christ’s Church.
Unraveling the Misinterpretation of "Catholic" in the Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed is one of the most foundational Christian statements of faith, recited by millions of believers across denominations. A key line in the creed declares, "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church." But what does "Catholic" mean in this context? Many assume it refers to the Roman Catholic Church, but this assumption is both theologically and historically flawed.
The term "Catholic" in the Apostles' Creed does not denote the Roman Catholic Church as an institution. Instead, "Catholic" comes from the Greek word katholikos, meaning "universal" or "whole." Early Christians used this term to distinguish the universal Christian Church from heretical sects and splinter groups, not to single out the Roman Catholic Church. The formalized Roman Catholic Church, with its centralized hierarchy, pope, and magisterium, did not exist when the Apostles' Creed was written. Instead, "Catholic" referred to the entire body of true believers in Christ—those who adhered to the faith taught by Jesus and the apostles.
"That Catholicity is a prominent note of the Church is evident from the Apostles' Creed, which says: 'I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.' The word Catholic, or Universal, signifies that the true Church is not circumscribed in its extent, like human empires, nor confined to one race of people, like the Jewish Church, but that she is diffused over every nation of the globe, and counts her children among all tribes and peoples and tongues of the earth."
At first glance, this statement seems convincing. However, a closer look reveals serious errors in logic, theology, and history. Below, we will break down some of these critical flaws.
Misinterpretation of "Catholic" in the Apostles' Creed
One of the most glaring errors is the assumption that the "Catholic Church" mentioned in the Apostles' Creed refers to the Roman Catholic Church. This is incorrect. The original use of the term "Catholic" did not point to a specific denomination but rather to the global community of true Christian believers. By equating "Catholic" with the Roman Catholic Church, this interpretation imposes a modern institutional framework on a much older theological concept.
The argument also overlooks the fact that the Apostles' Creed predates the formalized structure of the Roman Catholic Church. Early Christians did not use the term "Catholic" to refer to a man-made institution but to the spiritual, universal body of Christ (as in 1 Corinthians 12:27, where Paul describes believers as "the body of Christ"). Thus, "Catholic" in the creed reflects unity in faith, not allegiance to a specific human hierarchy.
Conflating "The Church" with an Institution
The passage also makes a flawed assumption that "the Church" as mentioned in the Apostles' Creed refers to an institutional body. Biblically, however, the "Church" (Greek: ekklesia) refers to the "called-out assembly" of believers, not a specific religious institution.
When Jesus speaks of "the Church" in Matthew 16:18—“Upon this rock, I will build my Church”—He is referring to the faith of His followers collectively, not to an institution like the Roman Catholic Church. Paul's letters also emphasize that the Church is the body of Christ, consisting of all believers, regardless of nationality, race, or denomination (1 Corinthians 12:27). Reducing "the Church" to one institutional body ignores the spiritual nature of the Church that Scripture clearly emphasizes.
Misconception About the Church's Universality
The claim that only the Roman Catholic Church is "diffused over every nation of the globe" is demonstrably false. Many other Christian denominations—Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelicals, and non-denominational Christians—have churches in every corner of the world. The concept of “universality” is not exclusive to Roman Catholicism.
The biblical basis for the Church’s universality is found in Revelation 7:9, which describes a “great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshipping before God’s throne. This vision of the Church includes all believers from every background, not just members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Furthermore, Jesus commands His disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). This mission was given to all Christians, not just those under the papal system. Thus, the claim that only the Catholic Church is present in every nation is not only factually incorrect but also theologically indefensible.
Theological Misunderstanding of the Nature of the Church
Another flaw in the argument is the belief that "the Church" is a visible, hierarchical institution. Biblically, the Church has both a visible and invisible nature. The invisible Church consists of all true believers who have been united with Christ, while the visible Church is the local gathering of believers in specific communities.
This is clearly seen in Matthew 18:20, where Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them.” This statement demonstrates that the Church is present wherever faithful Christians gather, not just in buildings overseen by a specific institution. The Church is not a top-down hierarchy but a community of faithful disciples united in Christ.
Historical Inaccuracy About the Development of the Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church, as we know it today—with a pope, a magisterium, and a centralized system of authority—did not exist in the first century. While Catholics argue that their Church traces its roots to Peter, the formal structure of the papacy did not emerge until centuries later.
The development of this institutional Church took place after Constantine's Edict of Milan (AD 313), which legalized Christianity, and the subsequent Church councils, which began formalizing doctrine. Early Christians did not operate under a single head (like the pope) but instead relied on local bishops, elders, and councils. The hierarchical system of the modern Roman Catholic Church is a later development, not a continuation of the apostolic Church.
Misuse of the Concept of the "Jewish Church"
The claim that the "Jewish Church" was confined to one race is factually incorrect. From the very beginning, God's plan for salvation included all nations. In Genesis 12:3, God tells Abraham, “All nations will be blessed through you.” This was fulfilled through Jesus, who brought salvation to both Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28).
Isaiah 56:6-7 confirms this inclusiveness:
"And the foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants... these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer."
This demonstrates that even the "Jewish Church" was not intended to be ethnically exclusive. It was always God's plan for Gentiles to be grafted into His people. The early Church, as described in Acts, included Jews, Greeks, and Romans. Therefore, to portray the Jewish Church as racially exclusive while calling the Roman Catholic Church "universal" is a historical misrepresentation.
So, just to be very clear
The term "Catholic" in the Apostles' Creed refers to the universal body of true Christian believers, not the Roman Catholic Church as an institution. Early Christian usage of "Catholic" referred to the wholeness and unity of Christ's followers worldwide.
Biblically, the Church is defined as the "body of Christ," a collective of all believers, not a centralized institution. The Roman Catholic Church's claim to exclusivity of universality is flawed, as Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and other groups have global reach as well. Historically, the Catholic Church as an institution did not exist at the time of the Apostles' Creed. It is a later development, influenced by Constantine and formalized over centuries.
The idea that the "Jewish Church" was racially exclusive is incorrect. God's plan for salvation always included Gentiles, as seen in Genesis, Isaiah, and the letters of Paul. These critical flaws demonstrate that the argument presented in The Faith of Our Fathers is not only historically inaccurate but also biblically unsound.
The true Church of Christ is composed of all who follow Him in spirit and truth, regardless of denominational affiliation or institutional control. As Jesus said in John 10:16, “There shall be one flock and one shepherd.” That flock is not confined to a single organization but includes every believer, from every tribe, tongue, and nation, united by faith in Jesus Christ.
Challenging Misconceptions About the Church's Universality: A Closer Look at the Great Commission
The global mission of Christianity is often linked to Jesus' Great Commission, in which He commands His apostles to "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19) and "preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Some interpret these verses to claim that the Roman Catholic Church alone fulfills this universal mission. A passage from The Faith of Our Fathers attempts to support this idea, stating:
"When our Savior gave commission to his Apostles He assigned to them the whole world as the theatre of their labors, and the entire human race, without regard to language, color, or nationality, as the audience to whom they were to preach. Unlike the religion of the Jewish people, which was national, or that of the Mohammedans, which is local, the Catholic religion was to be cosmopolitan, embracing all nations and all countries."
At first glance, this statement may seem to affirm the uniqueness of the Catholic Church’s mission. However, a closer examination reveals serious theological, historical, and factual flaws. Let's address some of these key misconceptions.
Mischaracterization of Judaism
The claim that Judaism was a "national" religion bound to one ethnic group is an oversimplification. While Israel was God's chosen nation, Gentiles (non-Israelites) were always part of God’s redemptive plan.
For example:
Rahab (Joshua 6:25) was a Canaanite woman who aligned herself with the people of Israel and was spared during the conquest of Jericho.
Ruth (Ruth 1:16) was a Moabite who declared, "Your people will be my people and your God my God," ultimately becoming an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, Isaiah 56:6-7 declares:
"And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants... these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
This shows that, while Judaism was centered on the people of Israel, it was not a closed, exclusive system. Non-Israelites could join the community of faith by following God's covenant. Therefore, the argument that Judaism was strictly “national” is inaccurate and ignores the Old Testament's emphasis on including Gentiles in God's plan.
Misrepresentation of Islam
The passage also claims that Islam is a "local" religion. This assertion is factually incorrect. While Islam began in Arabia, it rapidly expanded to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Today, Islam is a global faith practiced by over 1.9 billion people from diverse races, ethnicities, and nationalities.
The Quran explicitly supports Islam's universal scope:
Quran 34:28 says:
“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a universal Messenger to mankind, giving them glad tidings and warning them, but most people know not.”
While it is true that Muslims face Mecca during prayer, this is a symbolic act of unity, not a sign of local confinement. The argument that Islam is a "local" religion ignores its worldwide reach and universal message.
Faulty Assumption that "Catholic" Exclusively Refers to the Roman Catholic Church
The word catholic means "universal," but it is incorrect to equate it exclusively with the Roman Catholic Church. In early Christian writings, "catholic" referred to the universal body of Christian believers, not a specific denomination or human institution.
The Apostles' Creed says, "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church," but this "catholic" does not mean the modern Roman Catholic Church. It refers to the collective community of Christian believers across the world.
The Church Fathers, like Ignatius of Antioch, used the term catholic to mean "universal" long before the development of the Roman Catholic Church as a centralized institution.
The New Testament defines the Church as the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27), with no exclusive reference to Roman Catholicism. This universal Church is made up of all believers in Christ, regardless of denomination, nationality, or location.
Misuse of Scripture
The passage cites three key verses (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, and Acts 1:8) to support the idea that the Roman Catholic Church alone fulfills the Great Commission. However, these passages are instructions to all of Jesus’ followers, not just to one institution.
Matthew 28:19 – "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Mark 16:15 – "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
Acts 1:8 – "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
These instructions were not given to a centralized Roman Catholic Church (which did not exist at the time) but to the apostles and all who would follow them. Christian missions—whether Catholic, Protestant, or Evangelical—continue this work today. The idea that only the Roman Catholic Church fulfills this mission is an unwarranted assumption not supported by Scripture.
Historical Distortion
The argument implies that only the Roman Catholic Church fulfills the call to preach to "all nations." However, Protestant and Orthodox Christians have also engaged in worldwide missionary efforts. From the 16th century onward, Protestant missionary movements sent evangelists to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Today, organizations like Wycliffe Bible Translators and Operation Mobilization continue to spread the gospel to unreached people groups.
This is not to downplay the Catholic Church's role in missions, especially during the colonization of Latin America. But the claim that Catholicism alone fulfills the global mission is incorrect. Both Catholic and Protestant Christians have played major roles in advancing Christianity across every continent.
Unwarranted Exclusivity of the “Catholic” Claim
The argument that only the Roman Catholic Church fulfills the biblical call to be "universal" is flawed. Christianity as a whole—not just Roman Catholicism—has a presence in every nation of the world.
For example:
Protestantism has spread to every continent, with large populations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is prominent in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Evangelical Christianity has grown rapidly in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
The New Testament defines the Church as a spiritual body of believers rather than a specific institution. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:27, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." The Church includes all who follow Christ—not just those who belong to one institution.
The claim that the Roman Catholic Church alone fulfills the Great Commission misrepresents both history and theology. The Jewish faith was not "national," Islam is far from "local," and the concept of "catholic" extends beyond one human institution. Scripture makes it clear that the Church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), not a centralized religious structure. The command to "preach the Gospel to all nations" applies to all followers of Christ, not just one denomination.
The New Testament's vision of the Church is far more expansive and inclusive than this passage suggests. The Church is the universal body of all believers in Christ, from every tribe, tongue, and nation—not just the Roman Catholic Church.
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