Christian History: When and why did the term "Roman Catholic" come into being?

Question

Christian History: When and why did the term "Roman Catholic" come into being?

Answer 1

A good question.  Some good explanations of the words and some good conjectures that it was used beginning after the Great Schism to identify the "Western" church from the "Eastern".  (That's what I would have guessed, as well).

But this is, from what I have read, supposition on their parts as much as on mine.

After some online research...

The *official* name of the Roman Catholic Church is, in fact, the Catholic Church.

However, the term has been used even within the Catholic Church itself, including (for example) here by Pope Pius X! in 1929

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_x...

Here is an actual, authoritative answer to this question

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13121a.h...

SO, it was used much later than the schism and appears to be more a result of the Protestant Reformation, the first known use occurring in 1605 when that process was "all the rage".

Jim, http://www.bible-reviews.com/

Answer 2

when Christianity because the official religion of Rome, and Rome became the official seat of Christianity.  look up Emperor Constantine

but i think the *phrase* developed to distinguish the "western" half of the church from the Eastern Orthodox half during the Great Schism, but it still has to do with Rome being the seat of the Pope

Answer 3

Catholic means universal. The church only calls itself the Catholic Church, Roman is added by others to distinguish it from other Catholic Churches.

Answer 4

I'm neither Catholic nor Protestant buts heres what I know 2 b true:

Lets make 1 thing very clear right from the start - no organized Christian religion church existed b4 about 300 AD. None of them were ever connected with or 2 the original Christians under Jesus' Apostles & Paul (some of them helped kill off the original Christians). When Constantine attended the catholic church 325 AD council he gave official recognition. Whether it was just called the catholic church or the Roman catholic church @ that time it certainly was Roman b/c the bishop (later called the pope) was located in Rome.

Catholic means "universal" which is the complete opposite of Jesus' message. Neither Peter nor any Apostles were ever members of any organized religions including the cc. Peter was never elevated 2 the father of the original Christians b/c it was fully understood that no man was 2 b called father (what the word pope means) &/or priest (ended under the OT covenant). The original Apostles/true Christians never practiced any rituals or human traditions.

Whoever seeks Jesus Christ with all his heart & soul will find Him (u shall know the truth & it will set u free). But u can lead a horse 2 water but u cant make them drink. Why should God want u 2 live with Him forever if u dont want 2 know Him (reason 4 free will - Jn 1:12-13)? The truth of God remains forever while things of a man dies with him, including his religions & gods made in his image. Theres everlasting hope only in Jesus Christ.

voyc4rmwldrns

Answer 5

The word "Catholic" means "Universal". It was used in the early church to describe "The Universal Church", or the "Whole" Body of Believers in Christ.

The word "Roman Catholic" was used by the church of rome (western church) under the jurisdiction of the Bishop Of Rome (The Pope). The label "Catholic" is also used by the Orthodox Churches who also stem from the first original churches. Some Protestants also use the label to describe the whole "Universal" Body of Christians. To know more about the precise date the label was used and its use in Christian Tradition, please visit the sources below. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I wonder why would a Christian take on the title of the Pagan Romans?

http://www.unrv.com/culture/pontifex-max...

Answer 7

Google it... tons of stuff

Answer 8

Probably after the schism - around 1000 AD I think?

Answer 9

The Roman Cesar's tried to get rid of christianity but, they couldn't . So they basically said well, if we can beat them we will have to join them. That religion was made up to please man , instead of teaching about h**l and damnation that we All deserve.

Answer 10

A Roman Caeser 300AD created the first organised branch of Christianity to save his city from being ruined.

Can't remember the details, it was on TV a few months ago.

Answer 11

I don't know but it is an oxymoron.  Roman is a reference to a sectarian city, and catholic means universal.  

Answer 12

I believe it came about during the time of the reformation, as a way to demarcate between the "Catholic faith" and the "Roman Catholic faith".

Answer 13

Constantine the great he was the one who create the foundation

for the catholic church. Go to google the is plenty of books to read about him