Father George Rutler has preached to his congregation about the importance of not only understanding the holy word of God but also understanding the importance of where that faith came from and how the church became what it is today. This article will help those inclined to follow the path as the Church of St. Peter from its beginning roots to the broad tree it is today.

In the Beginning…

The Catholic Church can trace its beginning to the times of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Amongst them, Peter was chosen by Jesus to build his church. He said to Peter “upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven…”(Matthew 16:18–19) This is taken as the approval by the Savior to begin the establishment of a church for the Christian faith and that Peter was destined to lead it. There are traditions that Peter did eventually arrive in Rome but was later executed by crucifixion.

And it Came to Pass…

Despite persecution due to conflicts with pagan religions in the early Roman Empire, Christianity grew and was eventually strengthened when it was legalized by Emperor Constantine I in 313 and named the state religion in 380 by Emperor Theodosius I. After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476, the Catholics began expanding their influence by help those to convert to its faith all over Europe and eventually reaching all the way to North and South America. During this time the church built its great cathedral in the heart of Rome and became a true point of power in Europe.

Turn and be Saved…

At the same time the church was expanding its reach, so too was it establishing itself as more than just a religious house. The Catholic Church also became the center of the political game all over the world. With the Pope’s blessings, Kings and Queens were crowned, political alliances were cemented with marriage, and even the ruling on how to treat those considered ”less civilized” were discussed and then passed down as a ruling from Almighty God. The Pope was the Holy Father in so many ways and guided his flock to do right by the word of God.

Let the Wise Hear and Increase in Learning…

It is vitally important that those who follow in the Catholic faith understand the beginning and what it took to get to where it is today. Father George Rutler‘s belief in the importance of this can only strengthen it. In order for faith to progress, it must learn from its past and those guiding it must ensure that it does not repeat the mishaps of the past.