Everything Catholic 101

Table of Contents Introduction 1. The Mass as Sacrificial Worship - Latreuo 2. Honoring Saints: Dulia and Hyperdulia 3. How This Plays Out in Catholic Practice 4. Key Takeaways Introduction In Catholic theology, the Mass is latreuo — the one sacrificial worship owed to God alone. Honoring saints is dulia and honoring Mary is hyperdulia . These are veneration, not worship. The Church distinguishes sharply between worship and honor using the same Greek terms the Bible uses. 1. The Mass as Sacrificial Worship - Latreuo Core Catholic Teaching The Catholic Mass is not "just a memorial service". It is the re-presentation of the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary . Key points: Sacrificial : Jesus offered Himself once on the Cross. The Mass makes that same sacrifice present. Hebrews 7:27, 9:24-26 Latreuo : This is latreuo λατρεύω — sacred, priestly, cultic worship. It is of...

Table of Contents Introduction 1. Core Words in Original Languages 2. Shachah in the Old Testament 3. Proskuneo in the New Testament 4. Latreuo: Sacred Service Reserved for God 5. Translation Comparison 6. Lawful vs. Unlawful Bowing 7. Key Takeaways Introduction In Hebrew and Greek, the main words for "worship" mean to bow down, prostrate, or do obeisance . The same posture was used for God and for people in authority. The Bible distinguishes between civil honor and sacred worship . Only God receives latreuo — temple/sacrificial service. 1. Core Words in Original Languages Word Language Literal Meaning Used For Shachah שָׁחָה Hebrew To bow low, prostrate, fall on face God, kings, family, prophets, foreigners Proskuneo προσκυνέω Greek To kiss toward, fall prostrate in homage God, masters, kings, angels, believers Latreuo λατρεύω Gre...