THE PARALLELS BETWEEN ANCIENT ISRAEL AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 

FACT: (Acts 9:11) 

Original Greek in the Septuagint scriptures Jesus and the apostles used;

“ai men oun ekklesia (the church) kath oles (katholikos ~ universal ~ catholic) tēs ioudaias kai galilaias kai samareias eichon eirēnēn oikodomoumenai kai poreuomenai tō phobō tou kuriou kai tē paraklēsei tou agiou pneumatos eplēthunonto.”

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The Douay Rheims version reads; "Now 'The church' had peace 'throughout all' Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria; and was edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and was filled with the consolation of the Holy Ghost." Throughout ALL in original Greek word, was "katholikos", meaning universal all-encompassing, applicable to all people, all places, without exception, throughout all time.] 

                         

This is what's referred to in "lower case c", whereas capitalized "C" points to the "Catholic Church".

More on the history of the Catholic Church on the next page.       

                                                  

FACT:

Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit established "one" Church at Pentecost in 33 A.D., but soon thereafter many separate groups began to appear, yet there is no mention of Catholic until the early 2nd century, in the writings of Ignatius of Antioch in a letter to Smyrnaeans referring to the visible and authoritative Church around 107 A.D. as the Catholic Church. While some apostles were still alive, several different groups arose claiming to be followers of Jesus but promoted heresies. Christ disciples had to identify themselves from the others, thus the name emerged, the "Catholic Church".  

                                               

The identifying word "catholic" (katholikos) only began to be used in the 2nd century (after 100 A.D.). One notable reference was in a letter written by Ignatius, bishop of Antioch in 130 A.D. In his "Catechetical Discourses" by Cyril of Jerusalem, "catholic" (katholikos) was used to describe followers of Jesus Christ. And the only reasons the early Church fathers and leaders began using the word "catholic" was to distinguish Christ's true followers from other schismatic groups who began referring to themselves as Christian and "the Church", yet changed teachings on their own. So, the idea of "protestant" goes back long before the 16th century. Heretics have plagued the Church from the start.

                                  
Since the word "catholic" means universal, where all believers follow the same teachings throughout all time, in every nation, this understanding has been with God's people going all the way back to the beginning; Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, the entire nation of ancient Israel, Moses, down to the apostles and all faithful disciples of Christ through the ages to this day. Even King David referred to Israel as the Church of saints. (Psalms 149:1) Therefore, it's no surprise that the Lord Jesus Christ called His followers, His Church. (Matthew 16:18) Since there was only one group of Christians Jesus called "the Church", and based on what we just discovered, it was the "catholic church", ekklesia katholikos. However, with all these "branches" under the umbrella of "Catholicism" or "Apostolic", it's difficult to identify which one dates back to the one established at Pentacost 33 A.D. with the apostles. So, when we refer to "the Church", which one are we pointing to? 

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BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER:

This has become increasingly more challenging since the 15th and 16th centuries with the advent of the "Protestants" and "Reformers" coming out of "Catholicism", where now there are over 40,000 different denominations all claiming to be Christian. Many object to the pomp, pageantry, ceremony, and wealth of the Roman Catholic Church going back centuries with their opulent cathedrals, ornate vestments of the clergy, smells, bells ringing throughout the centuries. Many early Protestants objected to the "indulgences" and "inquisitions" introduced by the Roman Catholic hierarchy. To many Protestants, the idea of paying the bishop of Rome (Pope) to use his powers to get a dead person out of hell into heaven was repugnant and contradictory to their views of Christ's teachings. And the idea of taking someone from their home accusing them of heresy in an inquisition", in a kangaroo-style court by the clergy is equally repugnant and contrary to Jesus's method to draw sinners out to do as He admonished, "Go and sin no more." But is this the case as to how these things occurred?

 

And as far as the outward expressions of the "Mass" or liturgy of the Church with elaborate priestly vestments and cathedral architecture, all one has to do is dig deeper and searched further back in history of ancient Israel.

 

HEBREW LAWS ON BUILDING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE: 

King Solomon's magnificent temple, golden lampstands, silver chalices, precious gems decorating the vestments of the priests, and ornate silk tapestry around the tabernacle, with burning incense and chants filling the courtyard singing praises to God. Yet no one questions how the Jews worshipped. Many of these same "traditions" were added to the Ten Commandments handed down on Mount Sinai to become the hundreds pf rules, regulations, and traditions within everyday life of Israel.                

 

Detailed plans were given to King David who passed them to his son Solomon to build the first temple in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 29, 1 Kings 6)

                    

NOAHAIC REGULATIONS ON BUILDIND THE ARK: (Genesis 6:14-16).

                    

ECCLESIASTICAL LAWS ON BUILDING CATHOLIC CHURCHES: 

Although there are no specific plans to build Churches and Cathedrals of the Catholic Church, Jesus however gave Peter, the apostles, and His Church ALL authority on earth be build "the Church", including the buildings to meet and worship. (Matthew 16:18-19) 

Soon after the Church was released from hiding when Emperor Constantine in 314 A.D., the early Church fathers and bishops began making plans to build Churches. The first step was to establish guidelines on where, how, and what to build. They called these, "Canons" (rules and regulations) just like ancient Israel to build Solomon's Temple. The Church established "Ecclesiastical Regulations" with the bishop's written consent, the adherence to liturgical principles and sacred art norms, and the importance of dedication or blessing the completed church building. 

Early Christian architecture adapted the Roman basilica form for churches, featuring a longitudinal plan with a nave, side aisles, and an apse. This design facilitated worship and processions and directed focus towards the altar. The designs included a centralized baptisteries representing rebirth, as well as how it pointed to Jesus's command to baptize people to enter His Church.

These canon laws also required the express written consent of the diocesan bishop before building a Church. These regulations are in place to ensure that the church building aligns with the principles and norms of the liturgy and sacredness for which it was built. Finally, the canons incorporated observance of building, zoning, and fire codes as time went on to conform to each secular society. 

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"...where... two or three gathered together in my name, ...I'M in the midst of them"? (Matthew 18:20) Christians met in private homes long before Churches were bilt so many could meet together. However, no matter how small or large, Christians gathered in Christ name since Pentecost right up to the present as Jesus promised to be with His faithful until His return. 

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Compare Ancient Israel's Worship at the Temple with the Catholic Church Liturgy