Non-Biblical Doctrines and
Practices Developed
Within the Catholic Church
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Monasticism - The church
encouraged many to withdraw from society believing that in so doing they
would be alone with God; men who practiced monasticism were called monks
and woman were called nuns.
-
Celibacy - Monks, nuns,
and priests believed they should not be married.
-
Praying to Mary or saints
(deceased persons who were officially recognized by the church as holy)
- They believed that Mary or the saints could stand before God on behalf
of sinners.
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Penance - Punishments
which a repentant sinner had to undergo to show their sorrow for their
sins.
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Purgatory - The place
after death where repentant sinners completed the portion of punishment
for sins not completed while living.
-
Indulgences - A waiver
from the pope that excused the sinner from doing penance and shortened
the time one had to stay in purgatory.
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Transubstantiation -
The belief that elements of the Sacrament actually became the body and
blood of Christ.
-
Infant baptism - The
belief that infants must be baptized to overcome original sin.
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Pilgrimages - Those who
visited the Holy Land or visited holy churches with select religious relics
were able to shorten their time in purgatory.