Why Catholicism Centers on Rome Rather Than the Birthplace of Jesus

Many associate Catholicism with the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem. However, the actual center of this religious tradition is much more complex and located in a different city. This article aims to uncover the reasons behind Catholicism's central presence in Rome, a place far removed from the birthplace of Jesus, who is at the very core of the faith.

Theological Roots: The Early Church to the Papal Succession

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, is the original source of Christian teachings. However, the term “Catholicism” as a distinct church organization only came into existence in 1054 during the Great Schism, which divided the Church into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. This schism occurred nearly 700 years after the crucifixion of Jesus and 1,438 miles away from Bethlehem, where He was born.

The “early Church,” which followed the Apostles' preaching from AD 33 onward, maintained strict adherence to Jesus' teachings. St. Paul’s warning to the Galatians about not introducing any “other gospel” further emphasizes the importance of staying true to Christ's teachings as passed down by the apostles. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, also warned about the consequences of breaking away from His teachings, stating that such actions are akin to being separated from the true vine.

Key Christian Teachings and Their Significance

Stewardship and adherence to the true gospel are essential for a Christian life. The fruit that Jesus speaks of in His teachings is intertwined with the virtues of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and tenderness. These qualities are meant to be cultivated through a personal relationship with Christ, leading to the peaceable fruit of righteousness and the knowledge of God.

The Rise of Papal Authority and the Schism

During the 11th century, the Catholic Church began asserting its authority through military conquests and forced changes to religious doctrines. This evolutionary period was marked by significant alterations to the Gospel, leading to a schism in the 17th century where Protestantism emerged, resulting in the death of millions of people over religious differences.

Today, many small Church communities still hold fast to the early Christian teachings that brought them together decades and centuries ago. The Orthodox Church, with its deep historical and theological roots, offers a unique perspective and maintains a continuity with the teachings of the early Church.

Conclusion: A Call to Reconsider the True Center of Catholicism

The true center of Catholicism lies not in Rome, but in the very essence of Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Church's central presence in Rome is, in many ways, a result of human history and political events rather than a reflection of the early Christian values. The modern day Orthodox Church, with its emphasis on traditional Christian virtues, provides a living testament to the enduring spirit of the early Christian faith.

While Rome remains a significant symbol and central authority within Catholicism, it is important to recognize that the true essence of the faith lies in personal devotion and adherence to the teachings of Christ. As Jesus Himself stated, the quality of a tree is determined by the fruit it bears. Let us focus on the fruits of righteousness and the peaceable fruit of righteousness, as cultivated through a life of faith and virtue.