So here goes. The Papacy as defined: The papacy has a spiritual and institutional meaning in the Catholic Church and an historical meaning. 1.When used in the context of the Catholic Church, the papacy refers to the office of pope, the successor of St. Peter, and the authority that the pope exercises in that office. 2.When used historically, the papacy often refers to a particular pope’s time in office, or the religious and cultural force of the Catholic Church down through history.
there really nothing to believe or disbelieve in a religious sense. The Pope is the top guy of the Church. Every large institution has a head. He is responsible for the Church.
As for Marian Doctrine. There people in the RCIA class (that's a class for converts) that trouble with Mary. It's not like you sign a card or something about Mary.
Your Profession of Faith: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Marian doctrine is wonderful and very spiritual. But not believing in it would not bar you from being saved. I believe that a great many people do not truly understand what the Catholic Church teaches. After all there is a great deal to know.
The Catholic Church is about Jesus Christ. It's very difficult and takes years of study to be able to explain every nuance, every doctrine. Cherry pickers seem to just want to pick us to death.
All I can say if you really want to know there are lots of books and videos that really get into the nit and grit. But on this forum, everyone expects all of us Catholics to be experts. We are not. Just flawed sinful pilgrims walking our path.
Thanks for the reply!
There seem to be varying answers to the question of “Must I believe in the papacy and Marian doctrines?” depending on who you ask.
I suspect NKP_vet might have a more hard line answer.
Was just curious about the official view. As a former Catholic I do not recall.
Marian doctrine is wonderful and very spiritual. But not believing in it would not bar you from being saved. I believe that a great many people do not truly understand what the Catholic Church teaches. After all there is a great deal to know.
But then who is the Catholic Church??? Many of your church fathers claim Mary is necessary for salvation...
Damascene, St. Anselm, St. Bernard, St. Bernardine, St. Thomas, and St. Bonaventure - that devotion to Our Most Blessed Virgin is necessary for salvation, and that it is an infallible mark of reprobation to have no esteem or love for the Holy Virgin while, on the other hand, it is an infallible mark of predestination to be entirely and truly devoted to her." ST. LOUIS MARIE DE MONTFORT
"Mary is the whole hope of our salvation." ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
While some such as you say veneration to Mary is not necessary I've never seen a proclamation from you church claiming that...You have anything official on that???