What is Catholicism as an institution?
Catholicism, its institutionalism, rests in the New Testament, especially in Luke-Acts and the Pastorals. Catholicism emerged out of primitive Christianity’s realization that the parousia (Christ’s Second Coming) was not to be immediately forthcoming. In response to the failure of the parousia hope, second generation Christians established an organization that would last. Thus we find in Titus and Timothy the emergence of the monarchical bishops with authority over the community. The title of Bishop is one not of honor but of function, and therefore a bishop (strives) to serve rather than to rule. A Bishop should have a constant concern for all churches and gladly come to the aid and support of churches in need.(9) Priests are joined to the bishops in the priestly office and are called to serve God’s people.(10) Deacons will help the bishop and his body of priests as a minister of the word, of the altar, and of charity. (They) will make (themselves) servants of all.(11) (Clerics withou
