Theme: Catholicism

Catholicism refers to the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. The church has a long history and is the largest Christian denomination in the world. Catholicism is widespread in Latin American countries, Ireland and Italy, among many others.

Catholicism has a number of essential doctrines that differentiate it from mainstream Christianity. These include a male priesthood who must remain celibate their entire lives, while women become nuns; the belief that the Pope is the appointed head of the church and God’s voice on Earth and that his teachings are infallible; the belief that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, has a consecrated position. There is also the belief in those who lead sanctified lives can be appointed saints and have special power.

Beliefs also entail the confession of one’s sins to a priest and small penance that one must do to receive forgiveness. Controversial has been stances against divorce, contraception and homosexuality. There are many other aspects, particularly now defunct doctrines such as Latin liturgy, relics and the notion of Purgatory (a holding place between Heaven and Hell where one’s prayers and devotions can aid the dead progress on to Heaven).

In genre portrayals, Catholic priests have been seen as the frontline defenders against demonic possession in the Possession Film ever since The Exorcist (1973). The Church is also seen as funding vampire and other Monster Hunters. They are also seen as aiding in/fighting against the coming of Biblical End Times. The Vatican Library is seen as having objects of great rarity and occult value.

There have been a number of works that are critical of the church’s beliefs and practices, ranging from Witch Persecutions and The Inquisition to modern real-life accounts of paedophile priests. Some other works promote Conspiracy Theories about the church. There have also been films that feature psychopathic priests or nuns or are thrillers set around the confessional.