CATHOLICISM
DOCTRINAL EXPOSE
I. Sacred Traditions Versus the Holy Bible
IX. Statistics
X. Summary Page
XII. Footnotes
I.
Sacred
Traditions Versus the Holy Bible
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The Roman Catholic Church teaches that:
“Catholics believe that the Word of God is found not only in the Bible but also in the unwritten or spoken word—Sacred Tradition.”4
This teaching conflicts with the teachings of the Holy Bible:
“Beware lest any man spoil (Strong’s Gr 4812 to lead away as booty, seduce, to strip, to rob, to take for oneself) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, He shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.’” John 7:16-17
“Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:7-9, 13
We recognize the dangers of adding to the Holy Bible or making anything of equal value with it. In considering the writings of the Catholic Catechism, we see the pattern of embracing traditions and calling them equal to the Holy Bible:
“Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing and move towards the same goal…” [80]
“As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, ‘does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.’” [82]
(The Catholic Church defines their 72 books as Sacred Scripture, as opposed to the 66 canonized books of the Holy Bible. The six additional books of their Sacred Scriptures are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Sirach, Baruch. Additional parts of Daniel and Esther are added. These books are referred to as the Deuterocanonical books.)
(Sacred Traditions are considered
part of the unwritten Word of God, because it’s been believed for
centuries, since the time of the Apostolic Church… An example of a
Sacred Tradition is the dogma of the Assumption of Mary. A dogma
is a revealed truth that’s solemnly defined by the Church—a formal
doctrine that the faithful are obligated to believe.)5
This foundational error is the platform the enemy uses to
bring in every other false doctrine that holds the hearts of men.
Father we ask that those
who are practicing Roman Catholicism will embrace
a
revelation that Your word ALONE is Your power unto salvation for
those
who believe it (Romans 1:16). It is Your word
alone that is excellent for doctrine,
reproof, correction and instruction in
righteousness.
II. The Mass
A. The Sacrifice of the Mass
We find the doctrines below particularly offensive and hope that the reality of what is being practiced and believed in the Catholic Church will provoke you to pray with a merciful heart for the deliverance of these people. We have taken extra measure to document for you the teachings of the Catholic Church concerning the Mass:
“Before dealing with the proofs of revelation afforded by the Bible and tradition, certain preliminary points must first be decided. Of these, the most important is that the Church intends the Mass to be regarded as a ‘true and proper sacrifice’, and will not tolerate the idea that the sacrifice is identical with Holy Communion. That is the sense of a clause from the Council of Trent (Sess. 22, can.1): ‘If anyone saith that in the Mass a true and proper sacrifice is not offered to God; or, that to be offered is nothing else but that Christ is given us to eat; let him be anathema.’”6
"The high altar is so called from the fact that it is the chief altar in a church. It symbolizes Christ, and it serves at the same time as the banquet table on which he offers himself through the hands of the priest to the eternal Father; for Christ is present in our churches not only in a spiritual manner but really, truly, and substantially as the victim of a sacrifice. A sacrifice necessarily supposes a priest and an altar, and the Acts of the Apostles (ii,42) plainly indicate that the faithful are to participate in the prayers of the sacrifice and to partake of the victim.”7
“In this divine sacrifice which is developed in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” [1367]
“When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ’s Passover, and it is made present. As often as the sacrifice of the cross by which Christ Pasch has been sacrificed is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out.” [1364]
“The Church maintains that without all the blood and gore of the physical Crucifixion, the Sacrifice of the Mass re-presents (not represents) the same: Offering-Jesus is the victim at the Mass; Person making the offering-Jesus is the Priest at the Mass; Effect-the remission of sins.
Jesus actually offers Himself through the priest, making the offering on behalf of the people to God the Father. As victim, he’s also the one being sacrificed. The Mass is the primary worship ceremony celebrated all over the world, in exactly the same way, every day of the week.
Mass, being the supreme act of worship, is the only way that a Catholic can fulfill the third commandment, to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Missing Mass on Sunday or on a holy day of obligation is a mortal sin, unless bad weather, illness, or a real emergency prevents it.
The Church professes that at the Mass, three levels of the Church converge and are united with one another, which is what the word “communion” means. The Apostle’s Creed uses the term “the communion of saints”, which refers to the three levels of the church: the saints in heaven, the believers on earth, and the souls in purgatory. All three levels of the Church render worship and adoration to God. All those in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory unite at mass so that all God’s servants join in prayer. This social dimension is central to Catholicism.”8
Now we will look at what the Holy Bible says concerning this matter:
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:12
“Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself.” Hebrews 7:27
B.
Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation is the doctrine of Catholicism that states if a
priest consecrates bread and wine, then Jesus Christ is literally
present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- in every crumb of
consecrated bread and every drop of consecrated wine.
"Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who
was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who
indeed intercedes for us," is present in many ways to his Church:
in his word, in his Church's prayer, "where two or three are
gathered in my name," in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned,
in the sacraments of which he is the author, in the sacrifice of
the Mass, and in the person of the minister. But "he is present
. . . most especially
in the Eucharistic species." [1373]
“The mode of Christ's presence under the Eucharistic species is
unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as "the
perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the
sacraments tend." In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist
"the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our
Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore,
the whole Christ is truly,
really, and substantially contained." "This presence
is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other
types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because
it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a
substantial
presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and
entirely present." [1374]
Roman Catholicism refers to this as
“the Eucharist” or “Holy Communion”. They speak about the “real
presence” of Christ in the bread and wine. Things relating to it
are called “Eucharistic”. A consecrated communion wafer is called
a “host”. When there are host that have not been consumed, that
are left over after the Mass they are kept in a locked box. This
box, usually very beautiful and ornate and somewhere on the altar
is referred to as a “tabernacle”. When hosts are in the
tabernacle, there will always be a lit candle, usually red, on or
over the altar. This enables Catholics to know that consecrated
hosts are inside; they will then genuflect on two knees (as
opposed to the usual one knee genuflection) as well as kneeling
and praying in front of the tabernacle as a form of “eucharistic
devotion”.
“The
Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring:
‘Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that
he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the
conviction of the Church of God, and this holy council now
declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and the wine
there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread
into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole
substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This
change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called
transubstantiation.’” [1376]
"The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of
consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species
subsists. Christ is present whole and entire in each of the
species and whole and entire in each of their parts, in such a way
that the breaking of the bread does not divide Christ." [1377]
The Holy Bible tells us that Christ did not need to offer Himself more than once:
“Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Hebrews 9:25-26
The Holy Bible also tells us “where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” (Heb. 10:18). As we look closely at the doctrine of transubstantiation, we must ask the question: If it is true that in the Mass the bread and wine become the substance of the body and blood of Christ, wouldn’t it also be true that a one-time participation in the Mass be more than sufficient to remit our sins? The doctrine of transubstantiation and the repeated offering of Christ’s sacrifice in the Mass opposes the truth that Christ’s one offering for sins is forever sufficient for the remission of sins (Heb. 10:12). The very nature of the sacrifice of the Mass doctrine thrusts them into a doctrine that validates transubstantiation.
In the scriptures where Christ spoke of us partaking of His body and His blood, He constantly reiterated: “Do this in remembrance of Me,” not as a re-enactment of His crucifixion (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
C. The Preserving Power of the Eucharist
Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that the Eucharist has the power to keep them from sin:
“For
this reason the Eucharist cannot unite us to Christ without at the
same time cleansing us from past sins and preserving us from
future sins.” [1393]
"By the same charity that it enkindles in us the Eucharist
preserves us from future mortal sins." [1395]
According to the Holy Bible the only way to preserve us from sin
is to abide in our
God:
“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against
Thee.”
Psalm 119:11
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of His glory with
exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and
majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude
1:24-25
In the name of Jesus Christ we decree blind eyes open, prisoners
brought out from prison,
and those sitting in darkness to come
out of the prison house. Father we look to You to
bring
the
blind by a way they knew not and to lead them in paths that they
have not known.
We look
to You to make darkness light before
them and the crooked things straight.
Father we deposit the
truth into the lives of Roman Catholics that the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ is more than
sufficient to forgive them and cleanse
them
from all of their sins.
By Your own blood Jesus
You
obtained eternal redemption for us, once and for all.
III. Salvation
A. Through the Church
The Church teaches that salvation is available only through the Church:
"The Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism explains: 'For it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.’” [816]
Here again, the catechism reiterates the existing teaching of Vatican II that salvation can be obtained only through the Church:
"...all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation..." [846]
The Bible teaches that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36
"He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47
Nowhere in the Scripture do we find the Church necessary for salvation. Again the Holy Bible clarifies as to how to come into salvation:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:10, 12
B. Through
baptism
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“The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.” [1257]
“The Church does not know of any other means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude…” [1257]
“The faithful are born anew by Baptism…” [1212]
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as the sons of God; we become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission; Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” [1213]
Baptism, according to this doctrine, is an act of works. But the Holy Bible teaches that salvation is a gift.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16
1. Infant baptism
Keeping in mind that the Holy Bible warns us to
“beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8),
notice that the Catechism teaches that infant baptism is a tradition:
“The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on.” [1252]
“Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.” [1250]
Time after time the Holy Bible links belief and repentance with baptism,
hence an infant who is unable to either confess belief or repentance,
does not meet the Holy Bible’s standard for water baptism (Matthew 3:6,
Acts 2:38, 8:12, 18:8).
C. Through Mary
Below are a handful of the Catechism statements addressing their belief that Mary is nearly central in the salvation of mankind. We find these statements grievous and pray even now that the Father will break the hold of these lies in the hearts and minds of many:
“Being obedient she (Mary) became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.”141 "The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosed by her faith."142 Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary "the mother of the living" and frequently claim: "Death through Eve, life through Mary."143 [494]
“Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”510 [969]
“...She is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son...” [1172]
“…You conceived the living God, and by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.” [966]
"...Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further." "In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace."509 [968]
Now we look at the only true
avenue to salvation according to the Holy
Bible:
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.’” John 14:6
Let us be mindful that the young woman Mary, who the Father chose to be the earthly mother of Jesus, proclaimed Jesus to be her Lord and Savior:
“And Mary said, “’My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.’” Luke 1:46-47
Did you know that the Roman Catholic, Douay-Rheims Bible portrays Mary as the one crushing the head of Satan and not the Lord?
“I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.” Genesis 3:15 http://www.drbo.org/chapter/01003.htm
As opposed to:
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15 KJV
D. Through good works
Throughout this exposition on Catholicism, you will see that that the thread of “good works” permeates throughout the Church’s teachings.
“Even though incorporated into the Church, one who does not however persevere in charity is not saved.” [837]
Compare the above doctrine with what the Holy Bible says below:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5
Father, we honor Your Son Jesus
as the Rock of our salvation. We speak and believe that
He
alone is the Door into Your sheepfold, and that we come only by
grace and faith in Him.
We honor His shed blood and its
work of drawing men nigh unto You. Father we look to You
to give revelation of such a great salvation to those bound by
the false doctrines of Catholicism.
Jesus we call upon You as the Lord of the Harvest, acknowledging
that You alone
were sent to seek and to save the lost. We honor Your arm
as that
which is not short to save and look to Your power to reap the
harvest.
IV. The Power of the Pope
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A. Infallibility
“The pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ endowed the Church’s shepherds with the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals.” [890]
“The Roman Pontiff…enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office common when as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful—who confirms his brethren in the faith—he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals…this infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.” [891]
Webster’s defines “infallibility” as not capable of error, never wrong; not liable to fail, go wrong or make a mistake.10 Based on Webster’s definition the Catholic Church is purporting that it is impossible for the Pope to fall short in any way in matters of faith and morals.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Peter, who according to the Catholic Church was the first Pope, was a man who made mistakes in faith and morals. For example, he did not walk in moral integrity when he denied Christ three times. Also, when Peter tried to stop Jesus from being crucified, Jesus said to Peter: “Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matt 16:23).
B. Vicar of Christ
“For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, as power which he can always exercise unhindered.” [882]
The Catholic Dictionary defines “vicar” as one who serves in place of another; one who performs acts of ecclesiastical authority in the name of another; title used almost exclusively of the Bishop of Rome as successor of Peter and, therefore, the one in the Church who particularly takes the place of Christ.11
“…when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…” John 16:13
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and will bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
“I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory I will not give to another.” Isaiah 42:8
Father we ask that You would bring revelation to the people
concerning the
position of Pope, convicting them for giving
credit and accolades,
that belong to You alone, to a mere man.
Father we ask that You would stir
these people to rightly divide
Your Holy Scriptures for themselves.
We call them into a
personal relationship with You, through Your Son Jesus Christ,
the True Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.
V. The Catholic Priesthood
As we look at the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church concerning priests, let us first remind ourselves of this truth found in Revelation and 1 Peter regarding our blood-purchased priesthood:
“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5b-6
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
The Holy Bible tells us that all of God’s children are made priests by His blood alone, and not by man’s choice. In 1 Peter we are reminded that in the past (in the old Covenant) we were not able to enter into a priest’s position, but because of God’s mercy through His Son the Lamb, we are all now forever made priests unto our God. And, as priests and kings unto our God, we can freely come before our God at any time, without any intervention by man.
In our studies of the Catholic Catechism, we found teachings contrary to the above truths. The Church teaches that there is a priest that acts in the person of Christ, as mediator, for the laity:
“Christ is the source of all priesthood: the priest of the old law was a figure of Christ, and the priest of the new law acts in the person of Christ.” [1548]
“…The ordained minister is, as it were, an “icon” of Christ the priest…” [1142]
“Through ordination, the priest is empowered to be a true ‘mediator’ who places the people of the Church in immediate saving relationship with the priesthood of Christ…” (The Mystery of the Catholic Priesthood, Rev. Frederick L. Miller, 1995)
And the Catholic Dictionary defines priest as:
“The man ordained by a bishop to the ministry of presbyter. He is to be ‘another Christ’ by offering the Sacrifice of the Mass; he also reconciles sinners to God, preaches the Gospel, anoints the sick, baptizes, and witnesses marriages.”
The Catechism teaches that priests (as well as any ordained minister, such as bishop) hold exclusive “power” for immediate access to Christ:
“…Ordination… confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a ‘sacred power’…” [1538]
“This sacred seal configures the priest to Christ and empowers him to act ‘in the person of Christ,’ the head of the Church. It is exclusively at the service of immediate access to Christ’s heavenly ministration. In using the priestly “power,” the ordained minister unites his people directly to the great high priest, the author of salvation.” (The Mystery of the Catholic Priesthood, Rev. Frederick L. Miller, 1995)
The Holy Bible teaches that this type of priesthood was a shadow of good things to come, and has been done away with:
“Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost thus signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.” Heb. 9:6-11
The Catholic Catechism teaches its people that it is the priest’s mediation that absolves them of their sin:
“When the faithful confess their sins to the priest, Christ reconciles them with His Father through the words of absolution. The priest does not say, ‘Christ absolves you.’ Rather, Christ acting in and through His ordained priest says, ‘I absolve you from your sins.’” (The Mystery of the Catholic Priesthood, Rev. Frederick L. Miller, 1995)
We refer to these truths from the Holy Bible which tells us we can confess our sins before God ourselves and be forgiven by Him:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16a
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Father, we thank You that,
through Your Son, we are able to commune with You.
By the blood of the Lamb we are truly made kings and priests
unto You. Father, we pray
for the Roman Catholic Church, calling them out of darkness into
the marvelous light of Your truth, declaring that they will
understand that they need to confess their sins to You directly,
and be forgiven their sin. We ask that You give them
revelation, that the true priesthood,
in the sight of the Lord, is ordained only through Jesus’
sacrifice.
VI. Purgatory
Once again we find the Catholic Church basing their teachings on the tradition of men as opposed to the doctrines of the Holy Bible. Another one of these teachings is that of purgatory, a place they have designated for souls who need further purification before entering heaven. Here again the doctrine is steeped in a works mindset, and not the grace and love of God. Also this doctrine negates the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ to save to the uttermost.
“The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect…” [1031]
“The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent.” [1031]
“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” [1030]
The Holy Bible tells us that for those who are in Christ, at their death, in a moment of time, they are with the Lord, leaving no time for purgatory. Second Corinthians 5:8 states that once we are absent from our body, we are present with the Lord. The Holy Bible teaches that once we die, we meet with judgment—either we are going to heaven through faith in Jesus Christ or to hell because we did not enter through the Door to the Sheepfold.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment.”
Hebrews 9:27
The doctrine of purgatory indicates that the elect are still under the dominion of sin after death. Romans teaches us:
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
A. Indulgences
“…The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead…” [1032]
“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven them, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church, which as the minister of redemption dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfaction of Christ and the saints. An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead.” [1471]
We sincerely question the above statement for several reasons. First, the above statement is about those “whose guilt has already been forgiven them.” If they are truly forgiven, then there is no need for further action of any kind.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Secondly, the above statement claims the Church to be “the minister of redemption.” The Holy Bible clearly states that Jesus alone holds this position:
“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24
Let us be reminded again that salvation is a gift and cannot be purchased by any earthly means. Once we pay for something, it ceases to become a gift:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
B. Communion with the Dead
“Communion with the dead. In full consciousness of this communication of the whole mystical body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead, and because it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins she offers her suffrage for them. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” [958]
This above statement, that they may be loosed from their sins, once again signifies that they believe that after death sin still has dominion over them. The doctrine of praying for the dead is taken from II Maccabes, one of the six additional books of the Catholic bible. Nowhere in the Holy Bible do we find any doctrine saying that it is holy and wholesome to pray for the dead:
“So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it.” 1 Chronicles 10:13
“There shall not be found among you any one…that
useth divination…or a consulter with
familiar spirits … For all that do these things are an abomination
unto the Lord.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Father, You said that we are to hate that which is evil. Father
we speak that we hate these
doctrines, because they are contrary
to Your word and capture the souls of men. Father,
once again
we speak knowing that Your arm is not short to save.
You are the God of all flesh for whom nothing
is too difficult.
Father we decree that by the power of Your might, multitudes are
set free from the
hold of this false doctrine. We honor
Your Son Jesus Christ who came and took captivity captive
and
gave gifts unto men. Father we thank You that there is no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For where the law of life in
Him is present, it brings liberty.
Jesus, we honor You as the
hope and anchor of our souls.
VII. Mary
 |
A. Roman Catholic Marion Doctrines
“But while in the Most Blessed Virgin the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle, the faithful still strive to conquer sin and increase in holiness. And so they turn their eyes to Mary”: in her, the Church is already the “all-holy.” [829]
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
“Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus’ mother in our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. The prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.” [2679]
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
B. Her Immaculate Conception
“Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, ‘full of grace’ through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: ‘The Most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the Human Race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.’” [491]
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
C. A Perpetual Virgin
“Mary remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth
to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast,
always a virgin.” [510]
“And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary Aeiparthenos, the ‘Ever-virgin’”. [499]
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him.” Mark 6:3
D. Her Titles/Positions
“Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.” [969]
To help us better understand what the Church claims concerning Mary’s titles and positions, let’s look at how Webster’s Dictionary defines advocate, helper, benefactress and mediatrix:
Advocate: a counselor; one who pleads the cause of another in a court of law; one who defends, vindicates; an upholder; a defender as an advocate of peace or of the oppressed; to plead in favor of; to defend by argument before a tribunal.
Helper: one who or that which helps; to assist; to aid; to make it easier for a person to do something; remedy; relief; succor.
Benefactress: a woman benefactor; to do well; kindness; patron; gives help.
Mediatrix: a woman mediator; one who interposes between parties at variance for the purpose of reconciling them; an intercessor.12
We clearly find in the Holy Bible that Jesus Christ alone is able to fulfill the roles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactor and Mediator:
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” Psalm 68:19
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
“But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the master work of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation, and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church’s Tradition has often read the most beautiful text on wisdom in relation to Mary. Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the ‘Seat of Wisdom.’ In her, the ‘wonders of God’ that the spirit was to fulfill in Christ and the Church began to be manifested.” [721]
The Holy Bible tells us that God is wisdom and that He is our dwelling place:
“To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 25
“The Lord possessed Me [Wisdom] in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.” Proverbs 8:22
“Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.” Psalm 96:3
“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1
E. Her Assumption
“Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of Lords and conqueror of sin and death. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s resurrection and in anticipation of other Christians.” [966]
We find in the Holy Bible only two earthly men mentioned who were taken up into heaven, Enoch and Elijah (Gen. 5:24, 2 Kings 2:11).
F. Mary Apparitions
“In many ways the twentieth century has belonged to Mary. From almost every continent, visionaries have reported more than 400 apparitions of the Virgin—more than in the previous three centuries combined. Taken together, these visions point to what the Marian movement believes as the ‘millennial Age of Mary’”.13
What is this beautiful young woman, who claims to be Mary, saying to the people? Her message to the people of Medjugorje is:
“Dear children, today I invite you to ask yourself: Why am I with you this long? I am the ‘mediatrix’ between you and God. Do not let yourselves be seized by fear and discouragement. Have great confidence in the powerful work of intercession and mediation of your heavenly mother.”14
This same Lady addresses the people of Amsterdam, Netherlands:
“The world is degenerating—so much so that it was necessary for the Father and the Son to send me into the world, among all the peoples in order to be their ‘advocate’ and to save them.”15
In Italy she is recorded as saying:
“I am she who is related to the divine Trinity. I am the ‘virgin of revelation.’ I am the ‘door of heaven’ and the ‘help on earth.’”16
In Guadalupe, Mexico, she says:
“I ardently desire a temple built for me here where I can show and offer all my love and protection, for ‘I am your merciful mother.’”17
Here in our own nation for many years “the Lady” has been bringing messages to a woman in Conyers, Georgia. On one occasion she said to her:
“I am only a messenger from heaven, sent to echo His words to you.”18
In Arizona, her messages are as such:
“My dear ones, I come to you this night to invite you again to turn to me in your trial, to trust me. My dear ones, when you look into the future, you become fearful. I say to you again, there is truly nothing that you need to fear. Stay with me in the present. As you look into the future and as you become fearful, I see that you again take control of your lives.” 19
In Alabama she addressed the people:
“Dear children, in this time of grace I call you to become friends of Jesus. Pray for peace in your hearts and work for your personal conversion. Little children, only in this way will you become witnesses of peace and of the love of Jesus in the world. I am close to you and bless you all. Thank you for having responded to my call.” 20
In Chicago the Lady counsels many to pray the rosary. In Massachusetts she appears on a hospital window and attracted more than 20,000 people on a single weekend.21 One recent night about 1,000 people crowded a courtyard outside a church underneath a statue of Mary, as it was glowing.22 Believers are flocking to a run-down street in New Jersey to see a tree stump they say has the Virgin Mary and is a divine sign of hope for the impoverished neighborhood.23
City after city, across our nation, visitation is being had by the Lady. These visitations and their messages, and the lying phenomena that accompany them, are drawing millions further into a lie. It is estimated that, even last year, 20 million Marian followers visited the site in Mexico.24 In Conyers, Georgia, seer Nancy Fowler has received up to 100,000 visitors to her farm on a single day.25
A Unique Apparition Situation … Our Lady of America
Sixty years ago in a convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, a young nun started having apparitions/visitations from the “Virgin Mary.” A letter issued by the John Paul II Institute of Christian Spirituality lists the intentions of this apparition:
"The Blessed Mother’s apparitions had a threefold purpose. She called the Catholic people of the United States to a deeper understanding of the divine indwelling of the Most Holy Trinity, to a recognition of their mission to lead the world to holiness, and to a renewal of family life in imitation of the Holy Family. As early as the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Blessed Mother warned of serious attacks against the moral foundations of the United States, and particularly against the family. With amazing accuracy, She predicted the onslaught of impurity, the breakdown of the family, and scandals in the Church. As a remedy for these evils, She called for a new appreciation of the indwelling of the Most Holy Trinity on the part of all the faithful. She also asked for a deeper devotion to the Holy Family, particularly to St. Joseph, and called upon all the faithful—especially the youth—to treasure and cultivate the virtue of purity.”
The “Virgin Mary” also told this young nun that she wanted the bishops of America to put a statue of her in the National Basilica, venerating her as “Our Lady of America.” She assured the bishops that when this statue was in place, the basilica would become a place of “wonders and great pilgrimages.”
Roman Catholic Canon Law dictates that for approval of an apparition, it must past through three phases. Thus far this apparition has successfully passed the first two phases. If it completes sanctioning, it will be the first formally sanctioned apparition in the United States. This will be a significant event!
Two important notes: With nearly every major Marian apparition the virgin requested her title to be of the city where she appeared. Examples are “Our Lady of Fatima,” not the Lady of Portugal; “Our Lady of Lourdes,” not the Lady of France; “Our Lady of Medjugorje,” not the Lady of Bosnia, etc. In the case of this apparition, however, she did not ask to be referred to as the Lady of Cincinnati or the Lady of Ohio, but as “Our Lady of America.” Secondly, every major Marian apparition requested to be venerated with either a statue or a shrine in the city where she appeared. This Cincinnati apparition did not request a statue to be put in place in Ohio, but in Washington, D.C. I believe this is a demonstration of the “lady of the kingdoms” (Isaiah 47:5), a world ruler, revealing her plan to lay hold of our nation, starting with our nation’s capitol. (www.spiritdaily.org/Our%20Lady%20Apparitions/Sr_Nuezil/fostoria.htm)
The Vatican
The Church’s Magisterium have approved several apparition sites. The Vatican has given full sanction to Our Lady’s visitations at Fatima (Portugal).26 On May 31, 1998, Bishop Bomers of Haarlem-Amsterdam and Bishop Punt, issued an official statement permitting public veneration of Our Lady under the title, “The Lady of All Nations.”27 The Bishops of Knock, Ireland, have approved the apparitions and messages of Mary in their cities.
Even the current Pope has stated, “If I wasn’t a Pope, I’d be in Medjudgorje already.”28 In addition, Pope John Paul has been called the Marian Pope. He credits Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life. Twice he has consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.29 These apparitions are so influential that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was taken from The Lady’s appearance at Lourdes, Frances. She stated that she was the Immaculate Conception.
“And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son: hear Him.’” Luke 9:33-35
In this passage from Luke, we see the apostles’ immediate zeal in wanting to build tabernacles, places where they perceived the Lord, Moses, and Elijah, could be honored. Further in the passage, we see the Father meeting with them in a cloud of glory, not only acknowledging His Son, but emphasizing the apostles’ need to “hear Him.” Today, as many are quick to build a shrine or a chapel to The Lady, we believe that the Holy Bible would still emphasize “hear Him.” Stay with what Jesus says.
We believe that these apparitions are nothing less than an agent of Satan, sent to bring further deception and darkness to a people.
The Holy Bible plainly states:
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let
him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8-9
Father we believe that it was
You alone who set apart a young woman to be the earthly mother
of Your only begotten Son. Father we honor the grace that You
gave her to bear many things. We reflect on the words of her
own mouth—that her soul magnified the Lord and she spoke of Him
as her God and Savior. By the power of Your might and with the
authority in the name of Jesus Christ, we decree multitudes
coming to the revelation that Jesus Christ alone can be Lord and
Savior of their lives.
VIII. Roman Catholicism & Interfaith
A. Islam
"The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslim; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." [841]
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Imprimi Potest, Catechism of the Catholic Church, New York, NY:Doubleday, 1995
B. Pope Leads Catholic World "Fast for Peace"
Vatican City
(Reuters)...The Vatican asked Catholics to either abstain from all food from sunrise to sunset, as devout Muslims do, take just bread and water, or eat minimum required for their health.
"This special day of prayer and fasting, a Friday at the end of Ramadan, gives Catholics a chance to show their solidarity with Muslims," said Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, Secretary of the Vatican Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
"By doing so, Catholics, in the words of the Pope, can show their respect for Islam, for the authentic Islam, Islam that prays, Islam that cares for the needs", he said.
www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=worldnews&StoryID=455306C. Fátima to Become Interfaith Shrine
Delegates attending the Vatican and United Nations (UN) inspired annual interfaith congress "The Future of God", held during October in Fatima, heard how the Shrine is to be developed into a centre where all the religions of the world will gather to pay homage to their various gods. The Congress was held in the Paul VI Pastoral Centre and presided over by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon José de Cruz Policarpo.
The Shrine's rector, Monsignor Luciano Guerra, told the Congress that Fátima "will change for the better." Addressing Hindu, Muslim, Jewish Orthodox, Buddhist and African Pagan representatives he stated: "The future of Fátima, or the adoration of God and His mother at this holy Shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can mingle. The inter-religious dialogue in Portugal, and in the Catholic Church, is still in an embryonic phase, but the Shrine of Fátima is not indifferent to this fact and is already open to being a universalistic place of vocation."
Read full article at: http://the-news.net/egi-local/story.pl?title=Fátima%20to%20become%20interfaith%20shrine&edition=all
D. Universal Salvation
"Catholics were once taught, without careful qualification, that outside of the church there is no salvation. Theological developments stretching back hundreds of years have helped to refine this assertion and allow us today to realize that all people of good will who in good faith follow their conscience - regardless of their religious affiliation - are within the circle of those called to salvation by God's love. This is important because it is a very different viewpoint than that of millions of fundamentalist Christians who still believe that only with a specific acceptance of Jesus Christ can one be saved."The same publication draws from a statement from the Vatican II meetings and reads:
"Those who, who no fault of their own, do not know the gospel of Christ or his church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the demands of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation."
(Dogmatic Constitution on the Church [Lumen Gentium] 16)
-Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat by the Most Rev. Charles V. Grahmann, Bishop of Dallas. The January 2, 2005 publication of "The Faith Conference"
-Imprimatured, Nihil Obstat (meaning materials free of doctrinal and moral error)E. Why So Many Religions?
From Crossing the Threshold of Hope
by John Paul II
ISBN-0-679-44058-5 - Alfred A. Knopf 1994But if God who is in heaven-and who saved and continues to save the world-is One and only One and is He who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, why has He allowed so many religions to exist?
Why did He make the search for the truth so arduous, in the midst of a forest of rituals, of beliefs, of revelations, of faiths which have always thrived-and still do today-throughout the world?
You speak of many religions. Instead I will attempt to show the common fundamental element and the common root of these religions. The Council defined the relationship of the Church to non-Christian religions in a specific document that begins with the words "Nostra aetate" ("In our time"). It is a concise and yet very rich document that authentically hands on the Tradition, faithful to the thought of the earliest Fathers of the Church.
From the beginning, Christian Revelation has viewed the spiritual history of man as including, in some way, all religions, thereby demonstrating the unity of humankind with regard to the eternal and ultimate destiny of man. The Council document speaks of this unity and links it with the current trend to bring humanity closer together through the resources available to our civilization. The Church sees the promotion of this unity as one of its duties: "There is only one community and it consists of all peoples. They have only one origin, since God inhabited the entire earth with the whole human race. And they have one ultimate destiny, God, whose providence, goodness, and plan for salvation extend to all. . . . Men turn to various religions to solve mysteries of the human condition, which today, as in earlier times, burden people's hearts: the nature of man; the meaning and purpose of life; good and evil; the origin and purpose of suffering; the way to true happiness; death; judgment and retribution after death; and finally, the ultimate ineffable mystery which is the origin and destiny of our existence. From ancient times up to today all the various peoples have shared and continue to share an awareness of that enigmatic power that is present throughout the course of things and throughout the events of human life, and, in which, at times, even the Supreme Divinity or the Father is recognizable. This awareness and recognition imbue life with an intimate religious sense. Religions that are tied up with cultural progress strive to solve these issues with more refined concepts and a more precise language" (Nostra Aetate 1-2).
Here the Council document brings us to the Far East-first of all to Asia, a continent where the Church's missionary activity, carried out since the times of the apostles, has borne, we must recognize, very modest fruit. It is well known that only a small percentage of the population on what is the largest continent believes in Christ.
This does not mean that the Church's missionary effort has lapsed-quite the opposite: that effort has been and still remains intense. And yet the tradition of very ancient cultures, antedating Christianity, remains very strong in the East. Even if faith in Christ reaches hearts and minds, the negative connotations associated with the image of life in Western society (the so-called Christian society) present a considerable obstacle to the acceptance of the Gospel. Mahatma Gandhi, Indian and Hindu, pointed this out many times, in his deeply evangelical manner. He was disillusioned with the ways in which Christianity was expressed in the political and social life of nations. Could a man who fought for the liberation of his great nation from colonial dependence accept Christianity in the same form as it had been imposed on his country by those same colonial powers?
The Second Vatican Council realized this difficulty. This is why the document on the relations between the Church and Hinduism and other religions of the Far East is so important. We read: "In Hinduism men explore the divine mystery and express it through an endless bounty of myths and through penetrating philosophical insight. They seek freedom from the anguish of our human condition, either by way of the ascetic life, profound meditation, or by taking refuge in God with love and trust. The various schools of Buddhism recognize the radical inadequacy of this malleable world and teach a way by which men, with devout and trusting hearts, can become capable either of reaching a state of perfect liberation, or of attaining , by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination" (Nostra Aetate 2).
Further along, the Council remarks that "The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. The Church has a high regard for their conduct and way of life, for those precepts and doctrines which, although differing on many points from that which the Church believes and propounds, often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men. However, the Church proclaims, and is bound to proclaim that Christ is 'the way and the truth and the life' [Jn 14:6], in whom men must find the fullness of religious life and in whom God has reconciled everything to Himself" (Nostra Aetate 2).
The words of the Council recall the conviction, long rooted in the Tradition, of the existence of the so-called semina Verbi (seeds of the Word), present
in all religions. In the light of this conviction, the Church seeks to identify the semina Verbi present in the great traditions of the Far East, in order to trace a common path against the backdrop of the needs of the contemporary world. We can affirm that here the position of the Council is inspired by a truly universal concern. The Church is guided by the faith that God the Creator wants to save all humankind in Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man, inasmuch as He is the Redeemer of all humankind. The Paschal Mystery is equally available to all, and, through it, the way to eternal salvation is also open to all.
In another passage the Council says that the Holy Spirit works effectively even outside the visible structure of the Church (cf. Lumen Gentium 13), making use of these very semina Verbi, that constitute a kind of common soteriological root present in all religions.
I have been convinced of this on numerous occasions, both while visiting the countries of the Far East and while meeting representatives of those religions, especially during the historic meeting at Assisi, where we found ourselves gathered together praying for peace.
Thus, instead of marveling at the fact that Providence allows such a great variety of religions, we should be amazed at the number of common elements found within them.
At this point it would be helpful to recall all the primitive religions, the animistic religions which stress ancestor worship. It seems that those who practice them are particularly close to Christianity, and among them, the Church's missionaries also find it easier to speak a common language. Is there, perhaps, in this veneration of ancestors a kind of preparation for the Christian faith in the Communion of Saints, in which all believers-whether living or dead-form a single community, a single body? And faith in the Communion of Saints is, ultimately, faith in Christ, who alone is the source of life and of holiness for all. There is nothing strange, then, that the African and Asian animists would become believers in Christ more easily than followers of the great religions of the Far East.
As the Council also noted, these last religions possess the characteristics of a system. They are systems of worship and also ethical systems, with a strong emphasis on good and evil. Certainly among these belong Chinese Confucianism and Taoism: Tao means eternal truth-something similar to the "Word"-which is reflected in the action of man by means of truth and moral good. The religions of the Far East have contributed greatly to the history of morality and culture, forming a national identity in the Chinese, Indians, Japanese, and Tibetans, and also in the peoples of Southeast Asia and the archipelagoes of the Pacific Ocean.
Some of these peoples come from age-old cultures. The indigenous peoples of Australia boast a history tens of thousands of years old, and their ethnic and religious tradition is older than that of Abraham and Moses.
Christ came into the world for all these peoples. He redeemed them all and has His own ways of reaching each of them in the present eschatological phase of salvation history. In fact, in those regions, many accept Him and many more have an implicit faith in Him (cf. Heb 11:6).
F. Pope Assisi Prayer for Peace
ASSISI, Italy -- Religious leaders from around the world have joined Pope John Paul II for a daylong prayer for peace following the events of September 11.Concerned by the impact of the U.S. terrorist attacks, the pope invited representatives of world religions -- particularly Christians and Muslims -- on Thursday to the hillside town of Assisi to meditate and speak out about the need for an end to war and terrorism.
Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, the founder of the Roman Catholic Franciscan order, and the saint most closely associated with peace.
It was the third such prayer day organized by the 81-year-old pope during his 23-year pontificate, designed to reinforce the message that conflict, murder and violence should never be carried out in the name of God.
The others -- also held in Assisi -- were a daylong fast and prayer against nuclear war in 1986 and a rally for Balkan peace in 1993.
The ceremony was a "pilgrimage of hope" for participants "following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, a prophet and witness of peace," the pope said on Wednesday in his weekly general audience.
Representatives of 12 religions -- including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Shintoists and followers of tribal religions -- took part.
CNN's Alessio Vinci said that after a welcome by the pope the representatives read in their own languages a "testimony for peace" saying that prayer should be the way of promoting an end to violence.
Other activities included an address by the pope, prayer sessions, lunch and a final communal pledge that religion should never be used to justify violence, hatred or conflict.
John Paul travelled on what the Italian media dubbed the "train of prayers," bringing the religious leaders with him on a two-hour trip from the rarely used train station in the Vatican.
The message reflected the pontiff's address for World Peace Day earlier this month: "The various Christian confessions, as well as the world's great religions, need to work together to eliminate the social and cultural causes of terrorism. They can do this by teaching the greatness and dignity of the human person, and by spreading a clearer sense of the oneness of the human family.
"In particular, I am convinced that Jewish, Christian and Islamic religious leaders must now take the lead in publicly condemning terrorism and in denying terrorists any form of religious or moral legitimacy."
Italian media said authorities deployed some 1,000 police and helicopters along the route and to seal off the ancient town after John Paul arrived. Premier Silvio Berlusconi welcomed the pope at the Assisi train station.
Workmen put up a giant plastic tent in the square in front of the brilliantly frescoed Lower Basilica of St. Francis, where the main ceremony was held.
Franciscan monks took down crosses from the walls and removed other religious objects from rooms in a U-shaped convent near St. Francis' tomb, where a number of the various religious guests will pray. As in the previous meetings, it was decided that followers of the various religions would pray separately.
The Vatican expressed satisfaction over the announced turnout, although several leaders said they could not attend because of prior commitments, including the Dalai Lama, who was in Assisi in 1986.
Among those who accepted was the ecumenical patriarch, Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians.
Islam was represented by 31 Muslims from 19 countries, including the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Among the Jews attending were Rabbi David Rosen of Jerusalem, President of the International Council of Christians and Jews.
John Paul last visited Assisi in January 1998, several months after a devastating earthquake wrecked much of the basilica. The church has been completely restored. http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/01/24/pope.assisi0825/
IX. Statistics
X. Summary Page
As we have studied the above Roman Catholic doctrines we see a gross absence of the works of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His shed blood, and the fruit of the love and grace that He brought into the world. What we have presented to you is merely a handful of their doctrines. There are many more that are equally grievous.
In this closing statement we would like to share some scriptures to help you in praying for those bound in Catholicism. We are expressing these scriptures in the forms of prayer:
-
Father we recognize that these are a people that have been spoiled through philosophies and vain deceit, after the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world, and not after Your Son Jesus (Colossians 2:8).
-
We call upon Your name as the God of all flesh, for whom nothing is too difficult (Jeremiah 32:27). In Your name we decree blind eyes open, many being brought out of the prison houses and being removed from the darkness (Isaiah 42:7).
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We decree, in the name of the Lord, that the blind are being brought by a way they knew not, that they are led in paths they had not known, that darkness is being made light before them and that their crooked things are being made straight (Isaiah 42:16).
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As the Lord who is righteous, we decree in Your name deliverance for these people who have been robbed and spoiled, for those that have been snared in holes, and for those that are a prey. Before You we cry RESTORE (Isaiah 42:22).
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Father, as Moses once did, we ask You, please do not look at the stubbornness of these people, nor their wickedness, nor their sins (Deuteronomy 9:27). Instead, Father, we ask You to extend Your hand that is not short to save (Isaiah 59:1).
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Father, in asking You to release an anointing upon those of the Roman Catholic faith, we rejoice knowing that the anointing will break yokes in their lives, and teach them what they need to know (Isaiah 10:27, 1 John 2:27).
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By our faith, we appropriate and release the works of the blood of Jesus Christ, over those of the Catholic faith, recognizing that His blood will draw many nigh unto You (Ephesians 2:13), that it will purge their consciences from dead works, setting them free to serve You the living God. That same blood will shut the mouths of kings, allowing men to see, hear and consider things they had not (Isaiah 52:15).
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Mindful that Your word has told us we could decree a thing and in decreeing it would be established unto us (Job 22:28), we decree these people set free from the sorceries and the enchantments of the lady of the kingdoms (Isaiah 47:9). We decree as well that she is suffering a loss of children and is coming to widowhood (to be tongue-tied, be made dumb, put to silence) (Isaiah 47:8,9).
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Father we recognize that You sent the law through Moses, but that Your grace and Your truth You sent through Your Son Jesus (John 1:17). We speak of that grace to these people, reminding them that it is only by that grace that they can serve You acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28), for You as God are a consuming fire.
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We declare that the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live (John 5:25).
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Father we look to You to release wisdom, for we recognize that she excels folly and sends forth light, as it excels the darkness (Ecc. 2:13).
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We say to those of the Roman Catholic faith, hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecc. 12:13).
XII. Footnotes
All bracketed [ ] numbers denote references from Catechism of the Catholic Church.
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Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Imprimi Potest, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1995).
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Ibid., back cover.
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Ibid.
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Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, Catholicism for Dummies (New York, NY: Wiley Publishing, 2003), p. 54.
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Ibid., p. 55.
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From the website www.newadvent.org.
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The Catholic Encyclopedia, from the website www.tldm.org/news5/main_altar.htm.
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Trigilio and Brighenti, Catholicism for Dummies, pp. 134-135.
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Ibid., p. 107.
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Simon and Schuster, Webster’s 20th Century Dictionary, 2nd edition.
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Fr. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The Catholic Dictionary (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1993), pp. 752-753.
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Simon and Schuster.
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Newsweek (1997).
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Messages From Heaven (Eternal Productions 2000).
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
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From the website http://web.frontier.net/Apparitions/Conyers.homepage
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Taken from an article produced by Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church (February 1996).
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Taken from an article produced by Caritas of Birmingham (February 25, 2002).
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The Boston Herald (June 13, 2003).
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The Town Talk (Alexandria, LA, August 16, 2003).
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Reuters News (Passaic, New Jersey, October 25, 2003).
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Messages From Heaven.
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Taken from the website www. Catholicconcerns.com
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Taken from a brochure distributed by Edica Do Sanctario De Fatima.
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Messages From Heaven.
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Taken from the website www. Catholicconcerns.com
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Taken from the website www.ewtn.com/entrustment/prayer.htm