Catholic Church History Quiz

Peter is considered to be the first Pope because he was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and was appointed as the leader of the early Christian Church. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Peter as the "rock" upon which he would build his church. Peter played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the Christian community. He is recognized as the first Bishop of Rome and is believed to have been martyred there, solidifying his status as the first Pope.

The Church was instituted by Jesus. This is based on the biblical account where Jesus tells Peter, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is seen as the founder and head of the Church, and it is through his teachings and actions that the Church was established. Both Peter and Paul played important roles in the early development of the Church, but ultimately it was Jesus who instituted it.

St. John is believed to be the last apostle to die based on historical accounts and religious texts. According to tradition, he lived a long life and was the only apostle to die of natural causes. He is also known for writing the Gospel of John, the Book of Revelation, and three epistles in the New Testament. St. John's death is believed to have occurred in the late 1st century, making him the last apostle to pass away.

There have been 266 popes in history. This is the correct answer because the number 266 represents the total number of popes that have held the position throughout the years. It is a factual statement and can be verified through historical records and documentation.

St. Jerome's statement implies that not having knowledge or understanding of scripture is equivalent to not having knowledge or understanding of Christ. This suggests that scripture is a fundamental source of information and teachings about Christ, and that without this knowledge, one cannot fully comprehend or appreciate the significance of Christ's teachings and message.

Tertullian is credited with the statement "the blood of martyrs is seed." This quote reflects Tertullian's belief that the persecution and martyrdom of Christians actually strengthens the faith and leads to its growth. He argued that the bloodshed of martyrs serves as a catalyst for the spread of Christianity, as it inspires others to convert and follow their example. Tertullian's perspective on martyrdom was influential in shaping early Christian theology and understanding of persecution.

During the time of the Early Church, all of the options listed - abortion, pornography, torture, divorce, and prostitution - existed prevalently. The Early Church was established in the first century AD, and during this time, these practices were prevalent in society. Abortion and prostitution were common, torture was used as a means of punishment and control, divorce was allowed under certain circumstances, and pornography, although different from modern forms, also existed in various forms. These societal issues were present during the time of the Early Church and were addressed by the Church in its teachings and efforts to promote moral values.