What does "Catholic" mean and how is it defined?

Meaning and Etymology of the Term “Catholic”

The term “Catholic” is derived from the Greek word καθολικός (katholikos), which is generally translated as “universal.” Early Christian authors used this term to describe the whole body of believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing unity across geographical and cultural boundaries. Although “Universal Church” is not explicitly stated word for word in Scripture, the concept aligns with passages affirming the oneness and breadth of the Church, such as Ephesians 4:4–6: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Historical Development

The earliest documented use of “Catholic” in a Christian context appears in letters attributed to Ignatius of Antioch (d. early 2nd century). In his letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa AD 107–110), he refers to the “catholic Church,” highlighting the importance of unity among various congregations spread across the Roman Empire.

Over the centuries, “Catholic” evolved into a formal designation. By the fourth century, creeds such as the Nicene Creed (AD 325, revised AD 381) began to include the phrase “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” This creed, upheld by many Christian traditions, was intended to unify believers under foundational Christian doctrines rather than a regional identity.

Usage in Early Christian Writings

Writers such as Polycarp, Irenaeus, and later Tertullian referred to the “catholic Church” in their writings, often stressing orthodox faith over heretical teachings. This concern for orthodoxy centered on the unity of doctrine—particularly on the person and work of Jesus Christ, as set forth in Scripture.

For instance, Irenaeus (late 2nd century) used the word “catholic” to designate the authentic, universal teaching preserved across all churches that traced their leadership back to the apostles. Likewise, the Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd century) speaks to the universal authority of texts recognized as Scripture, intimately connecting “catholic” with shared, foundational beliefs.

Scriptural Considerations for Universality

Although the specific term “Catholic” does not appear within the text of the Bible, the concept of a universal assembly of believers resonates throughout Scripture. Verses emphasizing the singular body of Christ include:

• Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church...” The reference to “My church” (singular) supports the notion that all true believers belong to a single, unified body.

• 1 Corinthians 12:12: “The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts...” The passage points to diverse local congregations forming one “universal” community in Christ.

• Colossians 1:18: “And He is the head of the body, the church...” The universal scope of Christ’s leadership extends over all believers, reflecting the broad reach implied by “catholic.”

Catholic and Christian Creeds

The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed both employ the term “catholic” in reference to the universal Church. In the Apostles’ Creed, one finds the phrase “the holy catholic Church,” indicating the fellowship of all believers. This same language was later carried into the expanded Nicene Creed, which affirms belief in “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” In historical context, the word “catholic” in these creeds primarily underscored unity and doctrinal fidelity, rather than the modern denominational connotations sometimes associated with the term.

Later Ecclesiastical Identifications

Over time, the label “Catholic” became closely identified with the church that recognized the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as having a special position of authority. This eventually led to the term “Roman Catholic Church,” distinguishing those believers from Eastern Orthodox and later Protestant communities. Even so, some branches of Protestantism and other Christian traditions continue to recite creeds that mention the “holy catholic Church,” understanding it from the original sense of universality rather than a single institutional entity.

Applications in Ecclesiology

From its early stages, “catholic” described:

1. Unity of Doctrine: The term underscored adherence to apostolic teaching (cf. Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship...”).

2. Geographical Universality: It encompassed believers from diverse regions (e.g., Revelation 5:9 shows people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping God).

3. Communal Worship: The word reinforced the notion of a worldwide fellowship of Christians, collectively celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ.

In many Protestant confessions, the phrase “universal Church” or “catholic Church” is still used with the understanding of all who genuinely profess Christ as Savior.

Contemporary Use of “Catholic”

Today, “Catholic” can carry varied meanings:

1. Roman Catholic Church: By far the largest Christian body that sees its historical lineage tracing back to the apostles through the authority of the Bishop of Rome.

2. Universal Believers: In more general Christian terminology, “catholic” continues to refer to the global community of all true believers in Christ.

3. Creedal Context: Many Christian denominations still say “holy catholic Church” in the creeds, clarifying that it refers to the entirety of the body of Christ, transcending denominations.

Notable Historical Perspectives and Confirmations

A variety of archaeological and historical evidences shed further light on the widespread fellowship of early believers, reinforcing the concept of the “universal” Church:

• The discovery of ancient house churches in sites like Dura-Europos (3rd century AD) shows how Christians gathered in numerous locales while holding the same core teachings—exemplifying the unity behind the adjective “catholic.”

• Manuscript finds (e.g., early papyrus fragments like P52 or the Bodmer Papyri) confirm that the same New Testament writings were circulated and revered across different regions, strengthening the notion of a unified, “catholic” acceptance of scriptural texts.

Living Out a “Catholic” Faith Today

Regardless of denominational affiliations, the heart of “catholic” faith is devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures as final authority, and the fellowship of believers throughout time and place. Ephesians 4:13 urges believers toward unity “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,” pointing to that universal calling.

In many conversations about Christianity, recognizing the historical and scriptural grounding of the word “catholic” fosters a greater appreciation for the shared inheritance of believers—a single body rooted in Christ’s redemption and resurrection.

Conclusion

In its root meaning, “Catholic” signifies that the people of God, those “joined together” (Ephesians 2:21–22) in Christ, are not confined to one location or congregation alone. The earliest Christians used the term to underscore that the Church extends to believers everywhere, throughout history. Over centuries, associations with specific institutional structures arose, but the fundamental notion remains the same: By calling themselves “catholic,” Christians proclaimed their unity in essential truths under one Savior, Jesus Christ.

That is the essence behind the term “Catholic” and how it is defined—initially conveying “universal” and still echoing that same breadth of God’s people across all nations, joined together in the gospel of Christ.