Roman Catholic

Church tradition is equal to Scripture in authority.

Bible / stronglyAgree

The Apocrypha is inspired Scripture.

Bible / stronglyAgree

The Pope can speak infallibly on faith and morals.

Bible / stronglyAgree

Church councils can make binding doctrinal decisions.

Church History / stronglyAgree

The Roman Catholic Church is the one true church.

Church History / stronglyAgree

The Pope is the head of the universal church.

Church Leadership / stronglyAgree

The Pope is the successor of Peter.

Church Leadership / stronglyAgree

All people will eventually be saved (universalism).

End Times / stronglyDisagree

Hell is a temporary state followed by annihilation.

End Times / stronglyDisagree

Hell is eternal conscious torment.

End Times / stronglyAgree

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd Edition)

This comprehensive volume consolidates two millennia of Catholic teaching into a single structured reference. It is organized in four major parts that cover the Creed, the Sacraments, the Moral Life and Prayer. Bishops and catechists worldwide use it as the primary interpretive guide to Scripture and tradition. Its paragraphs are numbered for easy cross reference in later magisterial documents.

Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Prologue

Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation)

Dei Verbum explains how God reveals himself through both Scripture and sacred Tradition. It affirms the inspiration and inerrancy of the biblical books while clarifying the role of human authors. The document urges all the faithful to read the Bible frequently and provides principles for proper interpretation. It became the theological foundation for modern Catholic biblical scholarship.

Source: Dei Verbum, §1

Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love)

The first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI explores the biblical and theological meaning of love. It distinguishes between eros and agape and shows how both are purified and elevated in Christian charity. The second part outlines the Church’s charitable mission and its relationship to justice and the state.

Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)

Promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1995 this encyclical defends the dignity and inviolability of every human life. It addresses threats such as abortion euthanasia and the death penalty and calls Catholics to build a culture of life. The document situates pro-life ethics within the broader framework of human rights and social justice.

Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home)

Pope Francis addresses the ecological crisis linking environmental degradation to a throwaway culture that also harms the poor. He integrates scientific findings with biblical theology and Catholic social teaching to call for an ecological conversion. The encyclical proposes integral ecology as a framework that unites concern for people and planet.

Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)

Lumen Gentium presents the Church as a mystery and the People of God united in Christ. It describes the hierarchical structure with the Pope and bishops yet highlights the universal call to holiness shared by laity religious and clergy alike. The constitution reemphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit and explains Mary’s place within the Church. Its ecclesiology shapes Catholic self understanding today.

Source: Lumen Gentium, §1

Papal Encyclicals (General Archive)

Papal encyclicals are authoritative letters that address pressing theological moral or social questions of their day. While varying in style they frequently interpret Scripture clarify points of doctrine and offer pastoral guidance to the global Church. The archive spans centuries from Leo XIII on social justice to John Paul II on human dignity and Francis on environmental stewardship. Together they form an evolving corpus of Catholic magisterial teaching.

Pastor Aeternus (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ)

Issued by the First Vatican Council Pastor Aeternus defines the primacy and infallibility of the Bishop of Rome when he speaks ex cathedra on matters of faith or morals. It grounds papal authority in Scripture and the early Church and limits the exercise of infallibility to specific solemn pronouncements. The constitution responded to contemporary challenges to papal jurisdiction. Its teaching remains normative for Catholic doctrine on the papacy.

Source: First Vatican Council, Pastor Aeternus