Final answer:
The Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, and 1 2 3 John are known as General Letters because they address general Christian concerns, are not addressed to specific people or churches, provide broad guidance, and are universally applicable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The books of Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, and 1 2 3 John are commonly called General Letters because they fulfill multiple criteria that address the broad Christian audience.
These letters are considered the General Epistles because: A) They address general issues and teachings that are relevant to all Christians, B) They are not directed towards specific individuals or churches, unlike other New Testament epistles, C) They offer a range of practical guidance and doctrinal teachings, and D) They have been deemed authoritative and are applicable to the broader Christian community. This broad applicability and the non-specific nature of their audiences categorize these epistles as 'General' or 'Catholic' in the sense of 'universal.'