How old is the Catholic religion?

Answer 1

It dates from around 325 C.E. with the first Council of Nicea. Prior to that there was only loosely organized religion, and no real sense of a global vision of the church.

Answer 2

That depends on how you count. From the Catholic point of view, it dates from the First Century CE, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles at Pentecost. Some critics say it dates from the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, which was heavily influenced by the Emperor Constantine. The Orthodox Church might date it from 1054 when the two branches split (although there were differences long before then). Protestants would probably say 1517, when they started their separate path. Before then, "catholic" merely meant universal. It was not regarded as a "denomination". As far as Catholics are concerned, they haven't changed and everyone else broke away. So pick a date.

Answer 3

It is about two thousand years old. Don't br deceived by propaganda to the contrary - the Catholic church is far older than the council of Nicaea. St. Ignatius used the term Catholic Church in a letter 70 years after the crucifixion. That quite forcefully and unequivocally dates the church to hundreds of years prior to the 400 AD date anti-Catholic activists like to bandy about.

Also, you'll note that one of the letters in the bible is to the church in Rome. I think we all know what church is the primary one in operation there. The New Testament also refers to presbyters (priests), bishops, and deacons - these are the same clerical ranks the Catholics have today.

Answer 4

The first pope came about 600. The early Christian church had become pretty much Catholic by around 450. So, the catholic church is 'about' 1500 years old +/- 100 years depending on just where you slice the cake.

Answer 5

The Catholic religion was founded by Jesus Christ somewhere around 33AD. Old Testament Patriarchs are listed with the saints as part of the People of God.

The term "Catholic" is not in the bible, as neither is the trem "Bible", however, it is inferred.

"Catholic" comes from the Greek word Katholikos, which was later Latinized into Catholicus. It means 'Universal', which in itself means, 'of or relating to, or affecting the entire world and ALL peoples therein'. It means, ALL encompassing, comprehensibly broad, general, and containing ALL that is neccessary. In summation, it means ALL people in ALL places, having ALL that is necessary, and for ALL time.

But is it Biblical?

It is in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go, therefore and make disciples of ALL nations...teaching them to observe ALL that I have commanded you; And behold, I am with you ALL days, even unto the consummation of the world."

That is a statement of Universality, Katholicos, Catholicus, Catholic.

Answer 6

The Catholic religions started when Jesus said "thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church". That would be about 1973 years ago. The Catholic church has had an unbroken line of bishops, called Popes to be more exact, since then as leaders of that church. All other Christian churches were started by men since then.

Answer 7

The Catholic Church was born on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles although it was not called Catholic until about 70 years later.

The Catholic Church has referred to itself as the “Catholic Church” at least since 107 AD, when the term appears in the Letter of St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Smyrnaeans:

Wherever the bishop appear, there let the multitude be; even as wherever Christ Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church.

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-hoole.html

All of this was long before the Council of Nicea and the Nicene Creed from 325 A.D. which states, "We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church."

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

Probably 1000+yrs old, Jesus was alive around the the 0 BC then it'll be around the 1000 AD because Catholicism didn't begin right away until the Roman empire became more powerful.

Answer 9

It depends on how you wish to study it. According to Kronos (Greek for chronological time) Catholicism has been around since the time of Christ (since it is Christ who instituted it in Peter). However, if you are studying Catholicism according to Kiaros (Greek for divine time) then Catholicism has been around before creation itself, since Christ is the head of Catholic Church. Since Christ is the Word of God, and the Word was God, then Christ who is the head of the Catholic Church existed eternally.
I know that I have not explained things clearly to you. I do not have the time right now and the space is so small to write what I need to. And so, I would suggest you read "Eusibius' History of the Church". It is in the first chapter he explains in better language and detail than what I offered here. Give it a read you may enjoy it.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 10

It is NOT the Catholic religion. It is the Christian religion which is approx. 2006 years old. The Roman Catholic Church has been in existence since they broke away from the Eastern Church in 1054.