Catholic

Question

My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced learners, isbn 0-00-710201-1 third edition) gives this definition:

"3. If you describe a collection of things or people as catholic, you are emphasizing that they are very varied. | He was a man of catholic tastes, a lover of grand opera history and the fine arts."

As a Catholic, I do not understand this use. How did it begin? Is it mainly "Am." or "Brit."?

Thanks in advance (happy new year!) Michele

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced learners, isbn 0-00-710201-1 third edition) gives this definition: "3. If you ... begin? Is it mainly "Am." or "Brit."? The origin of the word "catholic" is the Greek word "katholikos" meaning "universal".[/nq]
The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the "universal church", the one true church. Incidentally, I believe the Anglican Church also claims to be a Catholic church

On the other hand, "to have catholic interests" means to be interested in everything.

The usage is neither British nor American.

Regards, Einde O'Callaghan

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced learners, ... How did it begin? Is it mainly "Am." or "Brit."?[/nq]
[nq:1]The origin of the word "catholic" is the Greek word "katholikos" meaning "universal". The Roman Catholic Church claims to be ... the other hand, "to have catholic interests" means to be interested in everything. The usage is neither British nor American.[/nq]
Indeed. The word 'catholic' is from the Greek word 'katholikos', meaning 'universal'. This is the original meaning.

Adrian

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced learners, isbn 0-00-710201-1 third edition) gives this definition: "3. If you ... arts." As a Catholic, I do not understand this use. How did it begin? Is it mainly "Am." or "Brit."?[/nq]
Much older than either. It goes back to ancient Greek, the original word "katholikos" meaning something like "universal". In the Apostles' Creed, used alike by Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants and dating way back (2nd century?) before the separation of the three, we find the phrase "the holy catholic church", which applies to the whole undivided church. When the split happened (10th century IIRC) between the Church of Rome and the Eastern churches, Rome took to itself the title "Catholic", quite wrongly IMO, as the Church was no longer undivided. The Eastern Churches accepted the divided nature of the Church and dropped the title "Catholic" in favour of "Orthodox", which was itself taking different line!

Later there was a further split within the Western Church between the Roman church and the Protestant churches, Rome again retaining the title "Catholic".

Some of us (not all by any means) in the Church of England believe that the English Reformation (particularly in its Elizabethan phase) took the beliefs and practices of the Church of England back towards those of the undivided Church of earlier centuries, and hence believe that the CofE has is at least as entitled as Rome to call itself Catholic. We (some of us) also believe it's entitled to call itself Orthodox.

In short: is the Pope a Catholic? IMO, no.

-- Mike Stevens, narrowboat Felis Catus II web site mike-stevens.co.uk I didn't believe in re-incarnation last time, either.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1] in message news:(Email Removed)... > My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced > learners, ... of us) also believe it's entitled to call itself Orthodox. In short: is the Pope a Catholic? IMO, no.[/nq]
You have forgotten the Humpty Dumpty method of defining words.

Every Christian is a member of the Catholic Church,i.e. his/her church. It is members of other churches who are not.

Dave F

Usenet · Answer

In article (Email Removed) "Mike Stevens" writes:
[nq:1]In short: is the Pope a Catholic? IMO, no.[/nq]
Ah, but does he *** in the woods?

-- Brian {Hamilton Kelly} (Email Removed) "We can no longer stand apart from Europe if we would. Yet we are untrained to mix with our neighbours, or even talk to them". George Macaulay Trevelyan, 1919

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]My vocabulary (Collins Cobuild - English dictionary for advanced learners, isbn 0-00-710201-1 third edition) gives this definition: "3. If you ... arts." As a Catholic, I do not understand this use. How did it begin? Is it mainly "Am." or "Brit."?[/nq]
It's mainly Brit. It's more a classical use of Catholic as universal or comprehensive, rather than a congregation. cheers,

Usenet · Answer

My understanding is that the Roman Catholic Church holds the Eastern Churches to be "Catholic" as well. In disobedience, yes, but still Catholic, with valid orders and sacraments. In extremis we Papists are permitted to take communion from an Orthodox priest, but not from an Anglican vicar.
Whereas the Prots are not held to be Catholic because unlike the Orthodox they dropped the sacramental nature of established Christianity.
Wishful thinking, largely the invention of 19th century romantics who wanted to airbrush out the destruction of Catholicism that took place in 16th century England. Goes along with 19th century Gothic architecture, which however magnificent it may be as a thing in its own right was very much a 19th century romantic invention and not an organic continuation of authentic tradition. Matthew Huntbach

Catholic

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions