817. In fact, “in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church – for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame.”269 The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ’s Body – here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism270 – do not occur without human sin:
Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.271
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
577. What is the prayer of the Hour of Jesus?
56. How do we collaborate with divine Providence?
532. What does Jesus call for in poverty of spirit?
516. What is the task of business management?
483. When is it morally permitted to use military force?
354. What is the relationship between the sacraments and the death of a Christian?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What can we learn about divine wrath and protection of the righteous from the book of Nahum?
How can faith influence Christian behavior according to 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12?
What can we learn about the theology of suffering from the story of Job described in Job 1:1-22?
What is the role of leaders in the church according to 1 Timothy 3:1-13?
Christ’s Return: What Do We Know and What Do We Hope (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)?
