Growing up Catholic, I always thought everything we believed came straight from the Bible. But as I got older and started asking questions, I realized that’s not exactly true. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not here to bash Catholicism. It’s just that some traditions and beliefs have roots that go beyond what’s written in the Good Book.
I’ve put together a list of 11 Catholic beliefs that might surprise you – because they’re not actually found in the Bible. Whether you’re Catholic, used to be Catholic, or just curious about religion, I think you’ll find this pretty interesting.
Purgatory
Catholics believe in a place between heaven and hell called purgatory. It’s where souls go to be cleaned up before entering heaven. But the word “purgatory” isn’t in the Bible. This idea developed over time, based on some verses that talk about purification after death.
Praying to Saints
Many Catholics ask saints to pray for them or help them out. The Bible does talk about saints, but it doesn’t say we should pray to them. This practice started centuries after the Bible was written, as people began honoring holy people who had died.
The Immaculate Conception
This is the belief that Mary, Jesus’ mom, was born without original sin. It’s a big deal in Catholicism, but it’s not mentioned in the Bible. This idea became official Catholic teaching in 1854, long after the Bible was written.
Papal Infallibility
Catholics believe the Pope can’t be wrong when he makes official statements about faith or morals. This isn’t in the Bible – Jesus gave authority to Peter, but didn’t say he’d be infallible. The Church decided on this in 1870, way after Bible times.
Indulgences
These are special favors that reduce time in purgatory. The Bible doesn’t mention indulgences at all. They started in the Middle Ages as a way for people to show they were sorry for their sins.
Priestly Celibacy
Catholic priests can’t get married, but this rule isn’t in the Bible. In fact, some of Jesus’ disciples were married. The Church made this a rule in the 12th century to keep priests focused on God and the Church.
The Assumption of Mary
Catholics believe Mary was taken up to heaven in body and soul at the end of her life. The Bible doesn’t say anything about this happening. This belief became official Catholic teaching in 1950, but it had been around for centuries before that.
Holy Water
Catholics use blessed water for blessings and protection from evil. While the Bible talks about water in religious ceremonies, it doesn’t mention holy water as Catholics use it. This practice developed in the early centuries of the Church.
The Rosary
This is a special prayer using beads to count prayers, mostly to Mary. The Bible encourages prayer, but doesn’t mention the rosary. It was developed in the Middle Ages as a way for people who couldn’t read to pray regularly.
Confession to a Priest
Catholics confess their sins to a priest, who then forgives them. The Bible talks about confessing sins, but not specifically to priests. This practice developed gradually in the Church, becoming a rule in 1215.
Transubstantiation
This is the belief that the bread and wine in Communion actually become Jesus’ body and blood. While Jesus said “This is my body” at the Last Supper, he didn’t explain it the way the Church does now. The word “transubstantiation” and the detailed explanation came much later, in the 13th century.
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