Roman Catholic Theology

Roman Catholic theology comprises the teachings of the Catholic Church which bases its conclusions on Scripture and Sacred Tradition, as interpreted by the Magisterium. Church belief is encapsulated in the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed, and detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Catholic teachings have been refined and clarified by major councils of the Church, convened by Popes at important points throughout history. The first such council, the Council of Jerusalem was convened by the apostles around the year 50. The most recent was Vatican II, which closed in 1965.

The Catholic Church believes that it is guided by the Holy Spirit, and that it is protected from teaching error on matters of faith and morals. According to the church, the Holy Spirit reveals God's truth through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Sacred Tradition consists of those beliefs handed down through the church since the time of the Apostles. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are collectively known as the deposit of faith. This is in turn interpreted by the Magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Church. The Magisterium includes those pronouncements of the pope that are considered infallible, as well as the pronouncements of ecumenical councils and those of the college of bishops in union with the pope when they condemn false interpretations of scripture or define truths.

Formal Catholic worship is ordered by means of the liturgy, which is regulated by church authority. The celebration of the Eucharist, one of seven church sacraments, is considered the center of Catholic worship. However there are numerous additional forms of personal prayer and devotion including the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Eucharistic adoration. The church community consists of the ordained priesthood and diaconate (deacons), the laity, and those like monks and nuns living a consecrated life under rule.

According to the Catechism, Christ instituted seven sacraments and entrusted them to the Church. These are Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony. They are vehicles through which God's grace is said to flow into all those who receive them with the proper disposition. The Church encourages individuals to engage in adequate preparation before receiving certain sacraments.