Should Roman Catholicism Be Considered a Christian Religion?
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Should Roman Catholicism really be classified as a Christian religion? No.
Roman Catholicism is not a Christian religion and in this article we will explain why.
Many Evangelical Christians today have very positive feelings about both the Pope in particular and Roman Catholicism in general. Others are uncertain as to how Roman Catholicism should properly be classified in light of biblical teaching. That such support and/or perplexity is undergirded even by many Christian organizations can be seen in the following response sent out to those inquiring about Catholicism by a leading Christian apologetics ministry. This standard reply was given by a group which specializes in the analysis of comparative religion and cultic theology. In answer to the question, “Is Roman Catholicism Biblical?”, the verbatim response was as follows (copy on file):
- 1. Does the Catholic Church teach orthodox Christianity? Answer: Yes.
- 2. Does the Catholic Church teach salvation by good works or by faith? Answer: They teach it by faith.
- 3. Does the Catholic Church teach another gospel? Answer: No.
This reply would certainly lead many to conclude that Roman Catholicism should be classified as a legitimate Christian faith.
Of course, Roman Catholicism claims it alone is the one true Church on earth. The Catholic Encyclopedia argues, “The term Roman Catholic has come to be the accepted designation of the one true Church….”[1] It also teaches that God has indeed revealed Himself “and that the Catholic faith is that revelation.”[2] In addition, it describes the Catholic Church as “The Church founded by Jesus Christ,”[3] and defines the Church in the following manner, “When the Church is spoken of, it means that visible religious society, founded by Jesus Christ, under one head, St. Peter, and continuing under the governance of his successors, the popes…. It is thus the role of the Church to present the means of salvation given by Christ, [i.e., the sacraments]….”[4]
Under the heading of “Doctrine of the Catholic Church” we read, “It is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the all-embracing means of salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.”[5]
Under “Church Membership,” we find Pope Pius XII cited in his On the Mystical Body of Christ (1943). He teaches that only Catholics are to be considered members of the one true Church. “Actually, only those are to be included as members of the Church who have been baptized, and who profess the true faith [Roman Catholicism], and who have not been so unfortunate as to separate themselves from the unity of the Body…” [i.e., Protestants].[6]
Finally, under the heading “Protestantism,” we find that the official position “of the Catholic Church was set forth in the twenty-five sessions of the Council of Trent…”[7] which thoroughly anathematized Protestantism. At least here Protestantism retains its curse.
All this proves that Roman Catholicism claims that it alone is the one true Church on earth, and that Protestant churches are false—or at the very best, to be liberal, inadequate.
But what if it is actually the Roman Catholic Church which fails qualification as the one true Church—according to at least three of its own requirements? The Catholic Church itself has officially defined the identifying marks of the one true Church. In The Catholic Encyclopedia we are told there are four criteria endorsed by the Council of Trent: 1) oneness of doctrine, 2) the generation of true personal holiness dispensed through the Church’s means of sanctification (e.g., sacraments), 3) Catholicity (universality of mission) and 4) apostolicity—teachings and practices derived from Christ and the apostles.[8]
First, can it logically be maintained that the Catholic Church has a “oneness of doctrine?” In the sense of doctrine, the term “Catholicity” was classically defined in the “Vincentian canon” (5th century) as “What has been believed everywhere, always, by all.”[9] Individual Catholics aside, have even the popes always maintained unity of doctrine? How is this possible with the doctrinal contradictions and controversies in Catholic history, tradition, and Scripture (e.g., the Apocrypha)? What about the serious differences found in the various competing forms of modern Roman Catholicism such as liberal, moderate, conservative, mystical and charismatic? Does Vatican II agree entirely with Trent?
Second, on what biblical basis can true holiness be said to be dispensed through the Roman Catholic Church and its beliefs and practices? Biblically, it is clear that sanctification, or growth in holiness, comes principally through the work of the Holy Spirit applied individually to true believers in Christ through the renewing power of both learning Scripture and obeying it. If so, of what value are the Roman Catholic sacraments and other practices for the process of sanctification? Especially if individual Catholics are attempting to earn their own salvation by good works and are not yet even saved? In fact, by inhibiting personal salvation through unbiblical doctrine and practices, Roman Catholicism inhibits true sanctification because sanctification is not possible without regeneration (cf., Jn. 6:63; Col. 2:23).
Thus, millions of Catholics today think they are Christians when in fact they are Catholics. Of course, the same may be said of Protestants who reject the gospel. Nevertheless, perhaps it is the fact of a largely unregenerate church which explains the strong comments of former Franciscan priest Emmett McLoughlin. In his Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church he argues as follows:
- The purpose of this book is to show that the Roman Catholic Church in its most important work sanctification is a failure. Among its members crime and immorality are greater than the unchurched or the members of other churches. Whatever else the Roman Catholic Church may be able to do… it cannot, it has not, and it does not make the majority of its members better and holier….
- That the Roman Catholic Church has been one of the most powerful influences in the history of all civilization cannot be seriously denied….
- [Nevertheless] It is my contention and my sincere conviction, from my experience in the Catholic educational system, my life of fifteen years in the priesthood, and thirteen years of constant observation and intense study since leaving the Church, that its influence on all civilization has been far more of evil than of good….
- Morally, this book will show the high rate of crime and sin among Roman Catholics everywhere, and particularly in the United States. It will also demonstrate that this immorality is not in spite of Catholic education and training, but directly because of it.[10]
Today, some have even claimed up to one-third of the 57,000 Roman Catholic priests could be HIV infected—and now, several books exist on priestly pedophilia—with up to 3,000 priests apparently involved.[11]
The third Catholic test for identifying the one true Church is apostolicity. But if the Roman Catholic Church rejects key teachings of the apostles, how can it logically be considered apostolic—that is, derived from them? Thus, the Catholic Church fails in at least three of its four criteria for evaluation of its own authenticity.
Again, all this raises the question, “Can Roman Catholicism truly be considered Christian?”
Merely having some degree of doctrinal orthodoxy does not, by definition, prove a religion is Christian. For example, in Church history, certain unorthodox or heretical sects have accepted the doctrine of the Trinity and yet denied other cardinal doctrines of the faith. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the inerrancy of the Bible far more consistently than Catholics. Yet, no one argues they are Christian but themselves. Mormonism provisionally accepts the Bible as the Word of God and in certain ways believes in the atonement of Christ. Yet no religion is more anti-Christian.[12] The Way International teaches “salvation by grace” and other biblical doctrines, yet denies the Trinity and the deity of Christ. They cannot be properly classified as Christian either. Even Muslims are devout monotheists having many moral views in harmony with the Bible. But none of these religions can be classified as Christian because what makes a religion Christian is both a) a fundamental body of correct doctrinal belief that true Christians have always believed in without compromise and b) religious practices and lifestyle among its members that conform to biblical standards.
No one denies that the Catholic Church historically today believes many Christian doctrines. They are monotheists, they believe in the Trinity, that God is Spirit, the reality of sin, Christ as God, the virgin birth, and heaven and hell.
But they also offer many unbiblical doctrines such as salvation by works. Further, even the orthodox doctrines they hold have a tendency to become compromised in various ways. The deity of Christ itself is impacted by Rome’s teaching that Christ is incarnated in the Church.[13]
All this underscores a simple fact. Claims to be Christian need to be thoroughly evaluated with proper attention to 1) word meanings, 2) doctrine as a whole and 3) lifestyle and practices. If we look at Roman Catholic doctrine comprehensively as well as its word meanings and practices, this would seem to require the categorization of Roman Catholicism, as a whole, as not being Christian.
From the perspective of the sociology of religion alone, the Roman Catholic Church indeed may be called a Christian religion, but certainly it cannot be considered a biblically orthodox Christian religion.
Even if we must reduce the issue to a single doctrine, what primarily determines whether a religious body is Christian or not is the basic gospel message of salvation, not how close a given religion can come to the historic doctrines of Christianity. Let’s take an example. Say there is a very powerful and influential worldwide religion with a half-billion members. It’s called “the church of Christianity.”
Say this world religion is orthodox on every major teaching of historic Christianity, such as—the deity of Christ; salvation by faith in Christ alone, the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, Biblical Inerrancy, the Fall of man, the virgin birth, incarnation, the Trinity, second coming, the atonement of Jesus Christ, etc.
But now let’s say this religion is only “ninety-nine percent” orthodox. There is only one historic doctrine it refuses to accept. It absolutely rejects salvation by grace through faith alone and teaches that, in the end, a person is ultimately to recognize that they are saved by their faith and their good works.
Is it still a Christian religion? After all, it’s ninety-nine percent Christian. It’s as orthodox as can be in every area but one. In fifty Christian doctrines its teachings are biblical; there is only one doctrine it opposes.
Biblically, such a religion cannot possibly be classified as Christian. Again, how close one gets to Christianity isn’t the issue; it is: Does one accept the gospel or not?
Now, consider Roman Catholicism. The fact that it accepts many Christian doctrines is irrelevant. That it teaches salvation by works proves that it is not a Christian religion. The fact that some are saved within the Roman Catholic Church only means that some, like Luther, have found salvation (by God’s grace) because they studied the Bible—or because Christians witnessed to them and they were saved by hearing the gospel.
But just because there are some people who are saved in Roman Catholicism and because it has a number of biblical teachings is insufficient reason to conclude that Catholicism is Christian and that therefore Christians and Catholics can worship together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Luther also said this, “If I declare with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of God’s Truth except for that one little bit which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ no matter how boldly I may be professing Christ….”
The gospel—anything but minuscule—is what the world and the devil have always opposed. And it continues to be opposed today in the Catholic Church. Therefore, Christians who think Roman Catholicism is Christian, “Evangelical Catholics,” who seek to bring their “separated brethren” back to Rome, and Evangelicals who have converted to Rome need to ask where their commitment is to the gospel—that doctrine of salvation by grace alone, that the world and the devil are at this moment attacking. And if their commitment isn’t to taking a strong stand in defense of the gospel, is their commitment really to Christ and His Church? We don’t think so—it cannot be.
On this key issue alone Catholicism fails the test of being Christian. But Roman Catholicism also teaches the following doctrines that negatively impact or deny the biblical teaching on salvation:
- Justification as the infusing of righteousness based on good works, not the imputation of righteousness as a judicial decree of God.
- The Mass “as truly propitiatory” and, in some sense, truly re-sacrificing Christ.
- The seven Catholic sacraments as infusing grace for purposes of sanctification and salvation. (But if the Sacrament of Holy Orders confers supernatural power on Roman Catholic bishops, priests and deacons to “serve as a teacher as Christ Himself,”[14] how is it that Roman Catholic bishops, priests and deacons can so consistently oppose the key teaching of Scripture?)
- Baptism, penance, suffering in purgatory, indulgences etc., as having the power to remit or forgive sin or its punishment.
- Catholicism alone as the one true Church.
No one can deny that given the above teachings relating to salvation, that Catholicism offers a different gospel than the one clearly stated in the Bible.
But Catholicism also teaches doctrines which undermine the authority of the Bible itself:
- The pope as infallible in matters of doctrine and morals. Further, Peter was the first pope, and Christ instituted the office of the papacy.
- Catholic tradition has divine authority and is to be equated with the word of God.
- The Apocrypha is also the word of God.
- The teaching authority of the Church as the final and only correct interpreter of the Bible to its people. This means that individual Christians cannot properly interpret the Bible on their own. This is why the Protestant view of individual interpretation is referred to as a product of “theological rationalism” and condemned by Rome.[15]
The Documents of Vatican II teach, “The task of authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living, teaching office of the Church….”[16]
The above teachings indicate that the Catholic Church has also undermined the authority and inerrancy of the Scriptures. But further, the Catholic Church also teaches the following items listed below, again, none of which are biblical:
- Mary was born without sin, is sinless, ascended bodily into heaven and is a “coRedemptrix” “Mediatrix” and “Queen of Heaven” in God’s plan of salvation. She is to be venerated/“worshipped” and offers all the graces of Christ to men who adore her, whether in the Church or at thousands of her shrines/altars throughout the world.
- Faith is an intellectual assent to the doctrines of the Church. In fact, true faith “demands that we believe” in Roman Catholic doctrines without which we cannot be sanctified or saved.[17] (Apparently then, Christians whose faith in the Bible alone compels them in their conscience to reject Catholic belief are without true saving faith.)
- Catholic saints are to be venerated. True “saints” and “priests” are comprised of an extremely minuscule portion of the body of Christ.
- Sin is to be compartmentalized into moral/venial categories.
Perhaps it would do well to remind Protestants that, historically, one of the greatest enemies of Christianity has been false religion. It is the growth of such religion throughout the world that has remained the most serious threat to the health of the Church and will continue to do so far into the 21st century.
Is Roman Catholicism Christian? In a nutshell, it would seem that there are so many ways in which Catholicism is not biblical that it is logically impossible to classify it as a genuine Christian religion.
All this is why the obstacles between Catholicism and Evangelicalism are insurmountable, at least until there is fundamental biblical reformation in Rome.
NOTES
- ↑ Robert C. Broderick, ed., The Catholic Encyclopedia, revised and updated (NY: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987), p. 528, emphasis added.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 44.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 99.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 115.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 170, emphasis added.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 381.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 499.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 371.
- ↑ F. F. Bruce, The Canon of Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, Press, 1988), pp. 26, 2.
- ↑ Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church (NY: Lyle Stuart, 1964), p. 10.
- ↑ Patrick Dixon, The Whole Truth About AIDS (Nashville: Nelson, 1989), p. 22; cf. Jason Berry, Lead Us Not Into Temptation and US. News and World Report, October 5, 1992.
- ↑ John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mormonism (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1992).
- ↑ Gerrit C. Berkowuer, The Conflict with Rome (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian and Reformed,1958), pp. 191-211; Walter M. Abbot, gen. ed., The Documents of Vatican II (NY: Guild Press, 1966), p. 141; Paul G. Schrotenboer, ed., Roman Catholicism: A Contemporary Evangelical Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1980), p. 41; H. M. Carson, Dawn or Twilight? A Study of Contemporary Roman Catholicism (Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1976), pp. 41-42.
- ↑ Broderick, ed., p. 438.
- ↑ Ibid, p. 514.
- ↑ Abbott, pp. 117-118, emphasis added.
- ↑ Broderick, ed., p. 213.
The author’s ideas are full of controversies, one must admit. First the article states that Catholicism is not a true faith, and then it claims that Protestantism is, though it originated Catholicism. Isn’t that stupid – a true faith being born by a false religion? I am an Orthodox and I admit that there are faults in Catholicism, but it is much closer to the original religion than Protestantism. Just think a bit: orthodox christian priests have a line of hierateuma (holy orders) from Apostles. Guess Who gave it to the apostles. Catholics have it too. Do protestants even have such procedure as hierateuma? No.
You need to read your Bible. And all Catholics need to read their Bibles, then they can see how Catholicism contradicts the Bible. You’ll never know the truth unless you read it first and know it well…before you read the words and writings of man.
How can you spot a phony dollar bill? Only by knowing very well what a true dollar bill looks like. Same concept with the Bible…most people are deceived by their churches simply because they don’t ‘bother’ to read the Word of God. (Just too lazy I guess…and will regret it bitterly one day!)
What I dislike about this is that what you’ve suggested is what I personally consider to be one of the worst mistakes you could make in an argument about faith – you’ve assumed that the way you interpret the Bible is the correct way.
I would never claim that I interpret the Bible correctly – I’m far too young, and I know for a fact that my interpretations contradict the teachings of my own Catholic Church as well as many other Christian religions. However, the question has to be asked – who decides how the Bible must be interpreted?
2 Timothy 2:15 states that we must “rightly divide the word of truth” (KJV, participles adjusted). But, to my knowledge, it never says we must take everything in the Bible as true. The way I see it, the Bible can be interpreted freely by anyone who wishes to interpret it. For example, do you truly believe wearing clothes of mixed fabrics is sinful, as suggested in Leviticus 19:19? What about Leviticus 15:19-33, where the menstruating woman is “unclean, and anyone who touches her during that time will be unclean”? Personally, I have my doubts about some of the teachings of the Bible, and I know I’m not alone in that.
A proud, evangelical Baptist I know says he disagrees with various passages in the Old Testament because he believes they are invalid in modern society. I might emphasize that he is an evangelist himself, and therefore should, theoretically, accept every word in the Bible as truth.
I very strongly believe that, in modern times, it is near impossible to live by the teachings of the Gospel all the time. It is almost impossible to only wear clothing of pure fabrics, it is almost impossible to avoid other people for the seven days of a woman’s impurity during menstruation, and, particularly with recent social change, impossible to live by some of the views held by the Bible. So, do I need to read my Bible? Yes, but not all of it. As a Christian, I must believe in the rudiments, such as the existence of God and the importance of love, but aside from that, I can choose my truths.
Let me present you with one of the traps one will fall into if they stand by the Bible in its entirety: does a homosexual truly deserve to be condemned to Hell, as stated in Leviticus 20:13, for wanting to love? Think about that. After all, don’t we all deserve to be loved?
Many good Catholic Christians and Protestant Christians have had good discussion. However a few in this thread are bent on the error of believing catholics aren’t Christians which in fact they are. I would like to say I am a Catholic Christian, I believe wholly that Jesus is my Savior, Lord and God, I only worship Him. I’m not going to get into the whole Mary and the saints thing, but I would recommend researching on that topic. Anyways I would recommend check out Catholic Answers on the web to get a good idea of what the Catholic Church actually teaches. Btw it is incorrect to say that it’s the Roman Catholic Church because it’s really just the Catholic Church composed of several different rites one, and largest rite being the roman/Latin rite, but none the less. For a Protestant perspective on the Catholic Church I would recommend lizzeanswers on YouTube, she addresses teachings of the Catholic Church in a reasonable and respectful approach. May God bless all in this conversation and be truly informed
Y u r a chriastian Catholic u r still confused like the protestant ,about Jesus ,Mary ,saint.many Hinduism they came to jesus through the miracles of mother Mary “please come to India to experian by yourtself ” vailankani tamilnadu India “don’t be afraid to confess your faith even die bz u belong to Christ through his church dn’ t listen or believe the teaching of false
protestant” strength in your owns faith n defend your faith “thank
Fillowing is a prayer I hope all here can add to their daily routine. A similar prayer worked for me. I pray now though that God shows mercy on Dr. Weldon’s sole for propagating untruths about his faithful followers. Beating the Catholic Church with the bible is like chewing off the arm of your mother that reared you.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father. Please guide me to knowledge of the truth regarding the Church that your son established. I pray this Through Jesus Christ, your Son who reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Oh, and don’t forget to ask these four saints for help and let he who already has knowledge understand.
Saint Clement pray for us!
Saint Ignatius pray for us!
Saint Irenaeus pray for us!
Saint Justin Martyr pray for us!
Sorry I meant to be more clear with Saints so as not to confuse with others of same name. Pray to St. Ignatius of Antioch for this topic but you can also pray to St. Ignatius of Loyola but it might take you longer to get to the source.
Jane, I can’t believe you just compared a dollar bill to the Bible. How old are you?
*originated IN catholicism*, forgive me
As an evangelical who is very familiar with Catholic teachings, I disagree with this article entirely. The author continually bashes the Roman Catholic church for believing that they are the only true church (which they don’t anymore), but writes this article as if he knows exactly what a Christian should believe. There is a reason why there are many different denominations in Christianity; no one can agree 100% on any Biblical teaching. To sit back and pretend that one knows what defines true Christianity is extremely arrogant and misguided.
The author even went so far as to act like Catholics have more criminals among them and that a huge quantity of priests are pedophiles. This is so very ridiculous. Other churches have evil done within them too. There are plenty of crimes done in “evangelical” churches also. There are bad people in every religion and every group!
Catholics do believe the Gospel. The central message of the Gospel is that Christ’s death and resurrection redeemed us from our sins. Catholics believe this also, but they believe that if we die in sin we go through purification (Purgatory) made possible through Christ. As for Mary’s being without sin, Catholics believe that Jesus being without sin, because he is God, could not be born of a sinful human being. This is not an illogical conclusion. They don’t believe that Mary never committed a sin, but that she was saved by Jesus’s grace prior to his birth.
Admittedly, much Catholic doctrine is odd and perhaps antiquated, but many in the church understand that. One of the most amazing things about the Catholic Church is their ability to sit down and discuss Church beliefs when major issues arise. In early church history there were many heresies that were refuted by the Catholic church. The Catholic church defined even the most fundamental beliefs of all denominations concerning the Gospel. Without their work, even our belief in who Christ is would be different. Catholics have truly been influential in good ways. I think you should recognize that and that they are just as much a Christian as you and me.
“true christianity cannot be defined”…. You say… “They don’t believe that Mary never committed a sin….” That’s not true. The Catholic church’s position on Mary is that she is not perfect but ‘sinless’…. (whatever that’s supposed to mean). And yes…Catholic doctrine is odd…and oh so often in full error. It’s not healthy or wholesome to stay in a church as riddled with error as the Catholic church. Mary essentially takes the place of Jesus in the Catholic church as they teach she is sinless (just like Jesus) and is our redeemer and mediator right along with Christ, and that she’s appearing all over the world in mysterious places (apparitions of Mary). All of that is heresy, and any Catholic catching themselves praying to Mary (as they are taught to do) should fear the wrath of God.
Please do not encourage people to remain in errant churches. Even if they seem to throw in a little truth with their lies…Satan did that in the Bible and still does that today as well, you know, through these false churches.
Everything he wrote is true. I debate with catholics every day on social media. They all make the same arguments.
As a Catholic who believes that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I am deeply offended by Evangelicals who refuse to call me a Christian. How blind you are. I am a cradle Catholic who has been teaching Catholicism for over 30 years. Do me a favor and educate yourselves before condemning Catholicism — you may just have to admit that you are terribly misinformed.
Mary Kay Jones…. You need to read your Bible and stop teaching out of the Catholic publications they give you. A good place to study all the doctrinal errors of the Catholic church is at… https://xcjournal.org/the-errors-of-catholicism/
And don’t forget to see the “Articles and Viewpoints” after each answer which explains the answers much more fully.
Haha…. U knw the error of the catholic church BT u dn’ t knw the unerror of catholic church.plse mention here itself were the Catholic church error .were I m teaching unbiblical .mention here only .???
As a Protestant who believes that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I am deeply offended by Catholics who refuse to call me a Christian. How blind you are. I am a protestant who has been teaching Lutheranism for over 30 years. Do me a favor and educate yourselves before condemning Protestantism — you may just have to admit that you are terribly misinformed
Catholics do not say Protestants are not Christian. We know they are, we are not ignorant, as you appear to be.
I m nt saying u nt chriastian but but u should know how u r a chriastian ,what u r a chriastian,whent u r a chriastian? Like what is computer,how is computer,when is computer?G
Just as Jes is , as w is, as well.
Sorry, my computer was messing out when I typed that. What I meant to say is “Just as Jes is, as well.”
For you ,you are second generation chriastian from Luther bz you believe in Jesus.and for us the first Chriastian generation from Jesus Christ bz we believe in him the church the body of Christ .only one God ,one Christ one faith,one church.not many body of Christ ,many god,many faith,and many church” bz Jesus said I found my church(singular) not I found my church’s( plural) many churchs ,pls chech the catholic bible.the first bible.if it is like that who will interpret the bible .the one church( root church) or the many
church.basically by themself not on the body of Christ or Christ .think twise you r a teacher don’t be wrong
way.bz there is one TRUTH find it?ix
. I liked and admired ankerberg but after reading this catholic bashing article I may have to rethink that. I was an evangelical now catholic and have grown immensely in holiness and love of christ and his church. Please anyone who cares to research look into father rippergers teachings on you tube, particularly with regard to spiritual warfare. Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr.Kreeft as will. I love evangelicals and know christ is with them but only after fully converting to the true teachings of the church has my faitj exponentially grown. Thank you holy spirit for leading me to fullness of His love. That being said yes the church has its problems but know too the devil is a relentless foe and attacks anything of God. If the church were not a threat he would leave it alone. But he pounds on the church and would love nothing more than to exterminate it. Articles like this only assist in his mission.
Articles like this are to help people understand the made up stuff cathics “hide” from the members of their own “church”
It is not anyone’s job to question any church. That’s gods job and when people bash catholic teachings it’s because there Protestant. Because in the Middle Ages and the renaissance they did some messed up stuff.But they don’t have a profound influence anymore. And it says in the Bible that as humans we are not to judge. And we are to be forgiving so if you where really going by GODS teachings than you would have been open minded and not blind. I mean read the gospel of john about the blind man and take the lesson from it and think about it
Actually the bible invites us to judge guitar teachings and test all teachings. What you are referring to is judging someone by a standard you cannot meet.
I meant all not guitar hahaha
Marc carone…. God tells us to judge other men and religions (their teachings), otherwise how are we to know which are true and which are false…. He taught this lesson through the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true or not (Acts 17:11). God tells us not to judge according to the outward appearance but to judge righteously at John 7:24. God also tells us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Jesus said not to be deceived in Luke 21:8 and in many other places. We cannot avoid deception if we cannot judge between true and false teachers.
If you believed what you wrote…you wouldn’t be here judging others…. lol
Also…you might want to find out the difference between ‘then’ and ‘than’ and between ‘there, their, and they’re’. It would make your writing look more intelligent.
If you say not to judgr others then tell the all-powerful pope to stop judging Protestants and saying they are not Christian
Double standard. Can you show me where the pope said protistants are not christians?
If Pope said we are not Christian,You will surely summit to Reformation.
This is complete horse shit the author needs to get his head out of his ass
You seem as though you are a Catholic who is offended by this article yet you respond in the most unchristian manner.
To call another Christian un-Christian is more un-Christian than an angry comment by someone who is understandably offended. This article is incredibly un-Christian and very offensive to anyone with a brain. Catholic or not.
perfect response to show u are a Christian
To call another Christian un-Christian is more un-Christian than an angry comment by someone who is understandably offended.
Dr. John is spot-on. Read the article again. Compare Catholic teaching(i.e. rules) to Biblical teaching (Christ’s rules) The Catholic religion is one of the biggest cults on earth!
I’m Roman Catholic and I never say I’m a Christian. NEVER
That is so terribly sad Paula. Roman Catholicism is a religion. Christianity is not.
Religion – humanity’s attempt to understand God
Christianity – a personal relationship with God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, who died blameless and selfless for the sins of all those who believe in Him, and pray to Him to interced to God the Father.
Many Catholics do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and find their so called “faith” in participating in the sacraments. Participate is the key word here. They are walking by sight and not by faith. People need to read their bibles and grow closer to Christ, not the mass and certainly not a piece of bread (mind you that daily bread was historically a piece of hard bread no larger than a fist or two, considered as the poor man’s meal, possibly for a whole day if not longer). Martin Luther spent 8 years in the book of Romans prior to addressing the 99 grievances against the Catholic Church all with good reasons and biblical understandings. Not non-inspired commentary. Through Scripture Alone.
If you were to compare how the mass is said and how the priest anoints the “Eucharist” and how the Pope blesses hosts once a year, it oddly is similar to Jewish sacrifices. Since mass is said every day of the year and the Eucharist (catholic sacrifice on an alter) is distributed and the Pope distributes enough hosts to all the Catholic churches. This is extremely parallel to Jewish High Priest presenting the sacrifice one time year. Even the traditional lay out of the church, pre-Vatican II, resembles the Jewish temple.
I grew up Catholic. Went to a Catholic School all of High School and Elementary. I left because I do not believe the Catholic Church is truly biblical. Read 1 Peter 1+2 and 2 Peter 1 and Peter himself, as if he knew prior to the Catholic Church dismisses his entire authority over the church its self. The Rock is often misinterpreted and miss translated from the Greek origin.
I wouldn’t say you’ve been taught your own religion well if you don’t believe you are Christian. Please don’t spread your ignorance by making the rest of us Catholics look like we aren’t Christian.
Well, you’re not.
He Obviously has more God given intelligence and understanding than the average deceived catholic.
is he catholic?
I find it odd that so many Protestant Christians get offended when the CC says that they are the true Christian Church but then have no problem at all declaring that Catholic Christians aren’t even Christians. Double standards?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are the same in that they condemn EVERY Christian denomination but if anyone implies that they aren’t actually Christians then they’re offended & screaming persecution
If you believe in Christ, you are a Christian. Period. Faith comes from God, religion comes from man and religion is nothing more than a means of control. If you boil it down – religion is at the heart of all evil. Here is a perfect example of how it is being used, by a man, to separate us rather than unify us. In the history of our existence, nothing has compelled human beings to fight and kill each other over anything more than religion. Have absolute Faith in God, but be very careful what people preach about religion.
I love this comment but it isn’t just God.
1 John 3:23 (NIV)
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
I am non-denominational. My daughter is dating a Catholic hence I am reading researching Catholicism. The responses I see are very superficial. It is easy to say he is wrong. I do not see anybody giving citations like the Dr. did. I would encourage everybody to research what the Catholic Church says in its own documents and prove the Dr. wrong citing your research. And by the way Mr. FU. You should read what the bible says about language.
the doctor is dead
This article needs sources for the claims it makes, otherwise its claims are pretty worthless. It’s a very disjointed article, and not clear on which sentences represent Catholic or Protestant doctrine. I was very disappointed in this article.
Those wanting good information on the many errors of the Catholic church… just google ‘errors in the Catholic church’. Also look for ‘former Catholics’ or ‘ex-Catholics’. Also google ‘the many sexual sins of the Catholic priests’ or ‘sins of the Popes’.
I’ve got a news flash for you. Humans are sinful. I’m wondering when God made you judge of Catholics. It’s people like you who continue to perpetuate the persecution of our faith. If you don’t like us, then leave us alone and move on. It’s obvious that Protestants who believe there will only be 144,000 people in heaven do everything they can to pump themselves up and stomp all over a faithful people. Catholics are the most persecuted Christian faith out here. It’s just sad that it seems to be mostly perpetuated by others claiming to call themselves Christians. Try praying about what’s you’re doing. But wait for a true response.
Depends on the denomination. My denomination, the Seventh Day Adventists have the belief that both Catholics and all protestants are going to heaven.
he should still pray. And we are Christians, you just want to spread hate.
Your religion is a kind and loving one. Thank you. From a Catholic who believes you are going to heaven too 🙂 I hope other Christians never attack your religion the way they have mine.
Then look up all of the things the Catholics did right, that is to say things that were ethical. I agree with the lack of sources thing.
This is a sad state of affairs and goes to show once more how a disgruntled human takes it out on our faith and that anytime a disgruntled priest has problems like this they end up nailing on a door somewhere. This just happened to be nailed to the internet. The Catholic faith is the first faith of Christianity. Nothing can change that. Humans can be corrupt or say whatever they want but it doesn’t change what Jesus taught us.
It all depends on how you interpret those teachings, we aren’t saying you are teaching it differently than it should be taught, but your view of the world was very pessimistic during the dark ages, so we left and never came back.
Read “Bearing False Witness” by Rodney Stark. He is a renowned non-Catholic historian who teaches at Baylor University. It is very enlightening history regarding the Dark Ages.
He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone – all should be ashamed of this article, or any like it. This is nothing more than propaganda of “Dr.” John Weldon and the John Ankerberg “Show” to draw attention, views, and “donations”. So dividing, hateful and UnChristian. I will pray for you.
He’s dead. Dr. John Weldon, look his name up. Thank you for your prayers by the way, your Christ is still my Christ. All we are doing is arguing which one of us is God’s favorite.
Really the faith was given to the Apostles by Jesus. They in turn taught the faith to the Church and the world without the benefit of King James’s Bible or any other bible. That came later and was put together by the Church, the Catholic Church. The protestant world turns it’s back on 1500 hundred years of Church teaching and Tradition. Satan sets back and laughs at the wound he has caused on the Body Of Christ, and the protestant world perpetuates the folly. The k God for the Holy Catholic!ic Church, Satan would have the world in far worse shape without it.
We are Christians first of all, as well as you. Secondly the pope throughout history has had different inflated egos. We don’t have to deal with that.
Do you have to deal with your own? You might want to.
Lord in heaven please hear our prayer Jesus Christ with your adoredmother Mary intercede and pray for these blind people that bash and criticizes and dare to call us non-Christian how shameful you are ignorant you need to learn about Catholicism is not the only Christian religion but it is the first true church under the first pope st. Peter oh my gosh I guess we worship Mary supposably!!!!!!
another ignorant accusation very very ignorant people
We broke off when the pope started abusing his power and people would literally burn themselves, we just didn’t go back. His argument is valid and as you say it is ignorant, but the views of a dude who has been dead for three years are his views and not others, unless they say so in the comments.
I’m trying to find out why any of our bibles don’t have all the “books” of the bible,It clearly states nothing is to be added to the bible or taken away,so where do I find THE WHOLE BIBLE,I believe Jesus does for my sins and I take praying serious,I am me I do wrong things and I reoent,but I love reading the Holy Bible,but I also want to read the other books of the bible that our ancestors took out,can someone please let me know where I can find an answer? Thank you??
The New American bible includes all the books that Protestantism removed. 🙂 I hope you find what you’re looking for!
This is the Catholic profession of faith said at every mass every day’
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation,
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge
the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he
is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
I really do not think this man had any clue about the church. All he had was hate for the church witch Jesus said love one another asd I have loved you. Is he with out sin? Can he cast a stone? It sounds he is filled with hate and accusatiions. More like a servant of Satan then a servant of Christ.
First of all. Saying someone is of Satan when they are a professor of theology who has been dead for three years is what Satan wants. Also, you probably didn’t read the entire article and you probably spent a lot of time on the transcript, but the reason Dr. Luther protested was because he firmly believed that the Pope did not have the right to sell the salvation of your friends from purgatory. I’m not at all sure if that is something only from the dark ages, and there are many different groups of protestants, or “evangelicals.” Whether you’re a catholic or not you are only here to spread hate.
There’s nothing harder to disprove than a twisted lied, told in order to justify someone’s stance. That you hate the Catholic church is evident, thus your so-called argument, and theory is biased, and in many instances, either incorrect, or deliberately twisted truths. So typically of the Evangelical of you. Thus, your words should be taken with a grain of salt.
You are not very good at doing research, the author of this article has been dead for three years. Also there is no evidence on his bio (located on this site, look it up on google.) that he was an evangelical or a protestant.
I was raised Catholic yet my folks left the church when I was a teen. I came back to Christ, born again, in my 30’s. Although I did go to Catholic church, my born again experience was a Gideon bible. At this point I am more Christian than Catholic and that sounds bizarre to say.
I am surrounded at moment with Catholics who seem to love to hate it would seem, most of them, are rigid, fixed thinking, who spend as much time bashing non Catholics as they do saying their rosary.. Do I think Catholics are Christians, yes, probably some/ most.
Where I differentiate and actively plan to move further from this seeming tentacle of a church experience … I believe we on this earth, as Christians are preparing for Heaven.
I am sort of with the idea that yes Catholic is Christian but that depends on the Catholic of course, however, I believe we earn our place in Heaven. So a judgmental Catholic who is not living their life by The Word of God, though Christian, may not make it to a very high place in Heaven.
I personally weary of the continual need to repeat the rosary.. all of the rules.. As an adult I have not had any healthy group experience as a Catholic. My folks left the church for the very reason most Catholics do… because often it feel extremely oppressive to go to a church where one can’t be on fire for Christ but only full of this doctrine, rules of which to me seem shallow … I want to be around born again, on fire for Christ Christians who worry more about saving souls than how many rosaries have been said in a day.
I have to make a peace with myself, again, in my life. I love to read the bible, I listen to many Christian televangelists who are not Catholic and go to Christian chats.
I am not into Catholic bashing per say nor am I into putting any faith on a pedestal, as it makes no sense and zaps my energy.
I feel confident Mary the mother of Christ has a very high place in Heaven but I really don’t think she would want me to idolize her.. but to give honor and praise to her Son, Jesus!
I can’t remove all the Catholic from myself nor will I try yet I will worship The Lord as The Holy Spirit moves me.. & I will follow the bible in my ways. I love Jesus. I will serve HIM and try to save as many souls as possible. My relationship is number one with HIM.
I love Pope Francis and I believe he is a true Christian… the closest to whom I would say
represents Peter the apostle that I could imagine.
I believe if he could, Pope Francis, would want that we all worship Christ and live the words of the bible. This is long, sorry..but honestly I am struggling at the moment with my journey… that I have relatives who all but disown me and anyone in family who does not practice Catholic faith and to me that is NOT Christian. it is very sad. I can’t wait for Jesus to take us to our true HOME (HEAVEN).
Hi Joan, i just posted a recommendation of a book called “A Woman Rides The Beast” Please get it off the net and read it, it’ll blow your mind and blow up all the false teachings of the Roman Catholic system. I’m born again and i love the Lord. I’m not a Catholic basher but i hate false religion.I hope you take the time to get and read that book,, it’ll open your eyes i can tell you. Kind Regards Bill Sked
I was agreeing with you up until you praised Pope Francis. Sorry, but he is a false prophet. In fact, I think he may be THE false prophet spoken of in the book of Revelations. Consider some of the stuff he has said recently., things like: 1. “Atheists can go to Heaven if they are good people” (Bible clearly says u can only get to Heaven thru faith in Christ). 2. “God had to use evolution when creating the universe because He is not a ‘magician with a magic wand’.” (This is clearly an anti-biblical statement to make. An all-powerful loving God would not have to use such a cruel inhumane process as evolution. So what Pope said is clearly a lie). Pope Francis is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, my friend. He is nothing like Peter.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Lets not be hateful of each other. Let’s set our differences aside and let’s discuss this in a civilized manner. I was saddened when I red the comments, each and everyone of us denies one another as being a Christian. But how would we call ourselves Christians if things the comes out of our hearts are hate? Would you think Jesus would like to see his followers hate one another? Or deny him or her as being a Christian because on what religion or denomination they follow? Instead of spreading hate. Let’s just all pray for all of our brothers and sisters. Pray for them no matter what religion or denomination they are in.
Please. It’ll be more difficult for people like me to decide whether we should stay or convert to another denomination or religion. I won’t disclose my religion or denomination. I don’t want to be a source of hate. All i just wanted is for us to unite as followers of our savior Jesus Christ. Pray brothers and Sisters.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Well, when Catholics claim that their church is the “One true church” while they practice anti-Christian things like worshipping Mary and a man who wears a pointy hat who has said many anti-Christian/anti-Biblical things in recent years instead of worshipping only Christ, Himself, it tends to upset me.
No one worship’s Mary, we ask for an intercession through her immaculate heart. Meanwhile, evangelicals strut around with guns, and think putting up walls, going to KKK meetings, and treating their fellow man horribly will get them to heaven. And I’m sorry my friends, the oldest Church is in fact the one true church. The only other valid church in my eyes is the Orthodox Church which split from the Catholic Church. Even Russia recognizes this.
A truly expected anti-Christian judgment! You have no idea what a true Christian is do you?
I believe in the Holy Catholic church. It was tge first church. We are all branches from it. Protestantism is a form of Christianity which originated with the Reformation, a movement against what its followers considered to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church.
Hi Betsy, It’s true the Reformation was a protest against the Catholic “selling tickets to heaven” A practice of selling indulgences to get loved ones out of a imaginary place called purgatory which was invented by the Roman Catholic church to extort money from people who’d lost loved ones. Very despicable i reckon.There is a book i recommend if you’ve the courage to read it called “A Woman Rides The Beast” by Dave Hunt. I have no hatred towards Roman Catholics in fact i am sorry for them having been deceived by that false religion. I have many friends who have left Catholicism following the massive sex scandals. I hope and pray you look to find the truth. Kind Regards.
Dave Hunt, if you’re not aware, was anti-Islam, and accused the religion of being a cult. Therefore, I seriously doubt that he is of any credibility. Furthermore, almost every Christian religion has some massive sex scandal associated with it. Search “[religion] sex scandal” and you’ll find several articles about that particular religion and associated with it.
Lastly, Catholicism is by no means a false religion. Remember that the Pope is our pontiff, the highest non-divine Catholic authority on Earth. If you agree with Pope Francis, you are inadvertently agreeing with the Catholic faith as a whole. If Catholicism is a false religion, then surely all of Pope Francis’ teachings are false. Does that mean that his exceptional works, such as Laudato Si’, and Evangelii Gaudium, are not credible? Please, in the best interest of both of us, reconsider which sources you consider viable, and reconsider your view on the Catholic faith. Like it or not, your view on the Catholic faith is regrettably non-Christian. After all, we are to love our neighbours, are we not?
Uh, Islam is a cult. A cult which was created by the Catholic church no less.
Betsy you’ve exposed yourself as ignorant of the very thing you claim to believe in. So what’s that say about you?
The Holy Catholic Church is the only true Church. Protestantism are those who gave into their earthly desires and broke away. While Christian Protestants may say, do and believe nice things, they have tripped up a bit. See, the thing is that faith is not always easy or fun. But, God is merciful and they can repent.
AMEN
Hi Julian, I suggest you read a bit more widely,, especially read the book of Revelation at the back of the bible. Read particularly revelation chapter 13 and chapter 17.The woman who rides the beast is described as a city built on seven hills ,, dressed in purple and scarlet.(Your Bishops and Cardinals) This woman has in her hand a golden cup full of abominations. This woman is none other than the Roman Catholic church. She is called Mystery Babylon,, Mother of Harlots. This is the biblical description of the Roman Catholic church. There is no other religion world wide who fits this description. The last thing the Word of God sais is “Come out of her My people, lest you share in her plagues”
Bill, I feel I should say that you have committed a terrible crime in cherry-picking the Bible.
Whether or not you agree with my opinions as a Catholic, I’m certain you believe that one should not manipulate the Bible for their own intentions. In doing so, they threaten the inerrancy of the Bible. Regrettably, you’ve just committed that very crime, and I believe you should reconsider your argument.
Nevertheless, I will correct you. The woman described in Revelations 17 is widely accepted to be the apostate church. An apostate, if you are not aware, is someone who rejects religion or principle. Now, if I recall correctly, was it not the Protestants, Baptists, Lutherans, and Anglicans who rejected the Catholic religion? That means that the Protestants, Baptists, Lutherans and Anglicans – and other churches which broke off from the Catholic church – are, in fact, the woman described in Revelations 17. But that cannot be correct, can it? After all, as you’ve said, the woman is dressed in purple and scarlet, which are connected solely to the Catholic church.
The passage you have used is, even now, impossible to connect to one particular religion. The statements present in that passage are inconsistent in relation to any modern-day theism. Therefore, I suggest you should refrain from referring to it, lest you want to look pretentious.
Perhaps, since you are clearly the biblical expert here, you can explain a minor issue I’ve had with the Bible – the issue of homosexuality. If the Bible is, in its entirety, the truth, then are homosexuals fully condemned to hell for their sodomy and sins, or are they also saved by Jesus’ sacrifice?
What Bill quoted is the truth. Sorry if u don’t like it.
Of course homosexuals will be forgiven of there sins through faith in Christian. But a homosexuals who consistently persists in their sin is unlikely to have true faith, because the holy spirit would lead him to repent (turn away from ) his sins. Not that they would never sin again but that a true change in their heart with the desire not to sin. Also used to be a Catholic and revelations is most likely talking about the Catholic Church. But revelation is hard and it’s not something you can claim with certainty
Well said Luke, Christian convert is very delusional
As an example Catholic this was one that really confirmed it for me. It fits the description so well of the Catholic Church
Well said, Bill. The RCC has whored off the true Christian doctrine and promotes its own manmade corruption that usurps God and lives to serve the wealthiest country in the entire world.
Sorry, but no it is not. Catholicism is not Christianity.
“The Holy Catholic Church is the only true Church.” You mean the Roman Catholic Church. The Church Rome created to stop Christianity from throwing the rich and elite out of power. You belong to the church of the antichrist. The church of pedophilia.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Amen
Let us not forget the Holy Eucharist, which our Lord clearly states” This is my body, which will be given up for you…..do this in remembrance of me”. Not to put down my Protestant brothers and sisters, but this one you need to take literally. Logically speaking, I doubt the Lord intended the World to wait 1500 years before his “true” intentions would enlighten the World i.e. Protestantism. Where would “Bible Believing Christians” be without the Bible those years and years before Gutenberg? As much I have love many of my Protestant friends and family members, Extra Ecclesium Nulla Salus
For the Greater Glort of God
Hi Robert, i have to disagree with you regarding the eucharist being the body of Christ. A piece of bread which Jesus was using sybolically is not more meant to be taken literally . Any more than him saying he was a door, or a shepherd of some sheep.When Jesus held out the bread and said to His disciples this is my body why would you suppose He was saying the bread was His literal body,, that would be ridiculous and absurd.dQKud
Yes it was meant to be taken literally! Of course it was. Read the entire story, it’s clear. Some said this “teaching is hard to accept”. Is a symbolic teaching hard to accept? Hello? No, it’s not. Many left Jesus as a result of this teaching, it was a deciding moment! The moment they decided to truly follow Christ or not. You reject THIS teaching, you reject christ. And Jesus let them walk away. He didn’t stop them and say , “hang on I didn’t mean it like that”he said : “ let them go …”. Think about this: the minute you reject the literal body and blood of Christ, Jesus lets you go.
The eucharist is not an essential part of the Gospel. Also to take that scripture literally contradicts other scripture. This is to complicated for me to write in a comment so here is a link http://normangeisler.com/does-the-nt-support-the-rc-view-of-communion/
I had no idea until yesterday, that some “born again Christians” do not believe that Roman Catholics qualify as Christians. I was told that at a lovely brunch at a Bible church by a member of that church. I was totally shocked. I came home and searched on the Internet only to find there were many articles stating that same thing just as is stated here.
How sad that Christians are now deciding amongst themselves who qualifies and who does not and then they are also misinforming others about the history and doctrine. I had no idea there is now a Christian competition as to who “out-Christians which other group. Very sad.
I think we should just go with the basics of “Love thy neighbour”. Personally, there is enough hate in this world and I would rather respect the beliefs of all of my Christian and non-Christian friends.
I am a Roman Catholic Christian and I believe you have worth no matter what kind of Christian or non-Christian you are.
Hi Mary Lou, after reading your comments and conclusions,it seems that you believe many roads lead to heaven and to say otherwise is unloving.. You’re disagreeing with Jesus which might not be such a clever idea He said there is no way to the Father except through Him. He also said the road to destruction has many who think they’re going to heaven when they’re not. I hope this doesn’t offend you but you need to be shocked out of your false comfort. Jesus said “You must be born again otherwise you will not enter the kingdom of heaven”John3v3. Secondly to get to heaven Jesus said in John 5v48 You must be as perfect as God!! That puts us all in the same boat. You like me are a law breaker, therefore the law finds you guilty. You need to cry out to Jesus to save you and make you a new creation. Not by Roman Catholic baptism but by Holy Spirit regeneration.
Please don’t get offended you need to start thinking where will you go if you died right this minute!! Heaven or hell It’s that important. Kind Regards Bill Sked
Bill,
In what way did Mary Lou disagree with Jesus? “Love thy neighbour” is, after all, one of the two most important commandments. If you intend to reject Catholics from the Christian umbrella, then you, yourself, are disagreeing with Jesus. And, if you cannot follow one of the two most important commandments, how can you call yourself a follower of God?
Just like you, we Catholics have our baptism, our rebirth. Catholics are just as viable to enter heaven as any other Christian denomination. Furthermore, since all Christian denominations stemmed originally from Catholicism, why should it be that you estrange your origin?
Consider this scenario: a father – we will call him Mr Smith – has three sons, who all keep the name of Smith. Do the children get to decide whether or not their father is Mr Smith?
Luke, my understanding from what I am reading is that some evangelical Christian groups – not all – feel that Roman Catholics are not Christians because generally we are baptised as infants and not as consenting adults. Then there is the matter of us not asking Jesus into our hearts in front of witnesses. Additionally, they feel that believing that Christ died for our sins is all that it takes to go to heaven. They feel that the Catholic doctrine dictates that you get to heaven based on earning it through deeds and additionally because you believe that Christ died for our sins. And there appears to be issues with Catholic doctrine in general with some groups. Actually this, “Catholics are not Christians ” stuff is shocking to me. The rest of it – the critique of our beliefs, doctrine, prayers etc is not new as I grew up in the 60’s. Admittedly, there was some nastiness on both sides. I was foolish enough to believe that we had gotten past that and were able to appreciate those important core beliefs that we share in common.
Mary, the KJ Bible clearly states that if you believe in Christ, that He died for your sins, and then overcame death by rising 3 days later then you will have everlasting life. Worshipping a created being like Mary or a man who wears a pointy hat and is called “The Pope” doesn’t cut it and no matter how many good works you do if u deny that Christ’s sacrifice is the only payment necessary for you to be forgiven for your sins then you will not enter into Heaven.
Eric, catholics don’t worship anyone else that’s not God (Jesus). They may honor Mary and angels but it’s not worship. Check your facts
First of all the loving thing to do to a brother or sister in Christian is to correct them if they are straying biblically. Also I don’t think anyone is saying a Catholic can not be a Christian only that what is taught in catholicism is not the complete gospel. Thus making it more difficult. BTW I used to be Catholic was raised in it my whole life. Also the two commandments of Jesus are not a direct means of salvation as it is humanly impossible for us to love God with all our heart all the time or our neighbour’s. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We must all then humble ourselves and trust in Jesus that because of what he has done that we will be saved and that by surrenders our lives to him he will make a change in our heart and be saved. Catholic church might have been the only church at one point but throughout history it changed its doctrine so much that it not longer taught the full truth and no reforms have been made since to correct that error. Also he amount of corruption in the church is extremely sinful. Hope this answer some of your questions
I do not see where you think I disagree with Jesus. Jesus said that we must love our neighbour. He did not say to only love those who believe in him. He did not say at what age one must be baptised or who must witness the request for Him to enter into one’s heart. Those things are not in any version of the Holy Bible.
Catholics are baptised and we are “regenerated” as you put it through the sacrament of confirmation. Though our journeys differ, we get to the same place. However personally I find it extremely hurtful and unkind to be told that I am not a Christian when I have been a Christian all of my life.
It is impossible to be a Christian all your life. There has to be a time when you were reborn
The best way you can love your neighbor is to tell them of the saving power of Jesus. Also I used to be a Catholic. There are many biblical errors they make it recommend reading the Bible and being a judge for yourself. Also Christian or non Christian we love. But at the end of the day the bible claims that all will be judged by God on the day of judgement and without true faith in Christ they will be eternally punished. So if I am not warn someone of this that would not be very loving.
Mary Lou.. That’s just the same as having a loved one and Knowing something that they are doing will really hurt them! wouldn’t you tell them the truth? Even if it has to hurt a lil?! There is only ONE WAY to Christ and that’s through his son. If you accepted Christ into your heart as your personal savior and realize that love thy neighbor isn’t the ONLY commandment. This is the truth in Love. I was the same way. Now I know better I do better. Catholic Church doesn’t have alter call? Say repetitive prayers. There’s statues everywhere. Praying for all these saints to help us? Rosary beeds? 1/3 of priests have AIDS did you know that? Why? No misunderstanding it’s the TRUTH. Blasphemy is Jesus still Hanging in that cross But in love. Now you know better so it’s up to you to pray and ask God for all truth & guidance.
The very statement that 1/3 of all priests have aids, you and the author of this article just prove how dumb you are by saying that. It’s so obviously, and yet shamelessly, a lie. You know where lies come from don’t you?
Mary Lou, I’m sorry dear but while the Bible doesn’t state an exact age for baptism it DOES state that one must believe AND THEN be baptized. I’m sorry but a baby cannot understand nor comprehend scripture and the teachings of Jesus to an extent to be able to believe and therefore can not be baptized.
Baptism is a representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. How can a baby understand that what they are doing is a representation of putting away their old ways and being raised a new?
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
“How sad that Christians are now deciding amongst themselves” — not amongst ourselves, but with the Bible. Catholics aren’t Christian.
Wow thanks. I have left the Catholic Church now part of the reformed church. Reading my bible I see how far the Catholic Church has gone from true Christianity. Trying to get the rest of my family with God’s Grace to convert now. Also there is certainly true Christians within Catholic church. But it is hard as to understand through faith in Jesus alone you will be saved. Not by how good a person you are. We are all bad compared to God. Also confession gives false sense of salvation. Priest also make vows on celibacy where the jesus says not to make vows to God at all. So much wrong in the church. I once was blind but now I see. Also I don’t believe baptism saves. But it is a command for all Christians.
The Catholic Church was created to STOP Christianity from revolutionizing this entire world and making it free. That’s why Constantine became Christian and created the ROMAN Catholic Church — to control Christianity and bring it in to the folds of the elite power structure. It’s about as ANTI Christian as possible.
One of 2 things happened here. Either the author really doesn’t like Catholics, or he clearly misunderstands the Catholic Church. Saying catholics aren’t Christian, is like saying Texans arent American. Catholics don’t worship statues; they honor those representing Mary and angels. They only worship Jesup Christ and all have faith in him. I’ve conducted extensive research on Christian denominations and world religions and Catholicism is one of the most misunderstood and judged. Christians who say Catholics aren’t Christian need to get over themselves and stop changing scriptural meaning to fit their observations.
Christian Evangelicans and the like are actually heretical, and show they have no knowledge of the scriptures, especially when they write articles and preach their hate for the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ through St Peter and St Paul. “Christians” who express faith through traveling roadshows and fake healings and the like, racist, violent, and evil folk who think that Jesus would approve of their gun culture and hatred of their fellow man, or debate scientists that the earth is 6000 years old. Not to mention the fact that you put this country before the will of God. But we Catholics don’t hate you, nor do we hold grudges, Catholics do not hate, and we forgive all. It is up to only God to judge. But I’m sorry my friends, if you are not Catholic or Orthodox, you do not understand the mysteries or the life of Christ, and also receive no forgiveness of sins or sacraments as Jesus gave his apostles the power to forgive and the power to cast out demons (true power not sideshow magicians) and dispense his body and blood in the form of the Eucharist.
You expose yourself as a fake Christian.
Tim you are correct.
It is always important to learn from history. Read the bible with great understanding. The Bible seeks not to confuse but to give clarity. There is nothing about purgatory in the bible or rosary beads or confessing sins to a fellow man. Roman Catholic Church goes against the second of God’s commandments. It’s history is quite disturbing and the bible talks about all it has done to move away from God and how it would join forces with Satan. The Bible is the answer to the truth through lies of false religion’s and false teachings. O babylon O babylon you have fallen, referring to RCC. Many will be called only few will be chosen.
Well said.There is also nothing in the Bible about worshipping Mary or any other created being.
Funny. We actually don’t worship Mary. We praise her, meaning we celebrate her life. She was the mother of Jesus. She was a holy woman and Jesus loved her unconditionally, so we love her too. It wpuld be absurd not to. We are grateful to her for carrying our Savior within her womb and saying yes to God with no fear. I know protestants often lump worship and praise together, but look them up, they are two separate words. Worship is to worship like you do God. Praise is like you praise someone for getting a job, adopting a child, making a good grade. In this case, carrying the son of God.
Jes, except you do worship her. If you so much as pray to her you are worshipping her, and catholics do pray to “Mother Mary”.
And you can’t say oh we just talk to her like you’d talk to your dead relative at their grave, cause I don’t know about others but I don’t get down on my knees and ask my dead grandfather to intercede on my behalf to Jesus to save so and so or what have you.
Troy, you can tell the Catholic bandwagon is out in force here. They’re so convinced they’re true Christians and yet the violate so many of Jesus’s personally given commandments.
Your getting caught up in symantics. Intercede simply means pray on our behalf, which has a biblical foundation James 5:16
I think you meant to say “semantics” and you’re wrong. Troy is 100% correct.
You want me to worship ” Luther” that is your jesus than to honour Mary the mother of Jesus God
Well there is the name of Luther in the bible who created the protestant
In terms of your statement about confessing sins to a fellow man….I’m sure you know Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive sins..It is stated in John 20:23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”..Being that the Pope tradition descended from the apostles, that is why the pope also has the authority to absorb you of your sins after it being confessed to him.
The problem is that the Pope puts himself between God and us. That was never intended.
Why u hate pope if u hate pope you hate peter if I hate peter you hate Jesus if you hate Jesus you hate God ” how you r a foolish chriastian ?
I’m not trying to be rude, but that’a incorrect interpretation. The disciples did not have the power to forgive sins (only God can forgive sins) but Jesus gave them the privilege of telling new believers that their sins have been forgiven because they have accepted Jesus’ message (also see Matt. 16:19). All believers have this same privilege. We can announce foregiveness of sins with certainty when we ourselves have found repentance and faith.
-be blessed
Nice twist. Catholics put spins on everything. It’s a cult that hijacked true Christianity.
Who is true Christianity tell me?
The apostles went out and spread the gospel and formed independent churches all over. Pelicans, Ana-Baptists etc. Eventually Ana-Baptists, who were called that because they didn’t believe the false doctrine of infant baptism, became just Baptists. Baptists were NEVER part of the Catholic church, so we were NEVER part of the Reformation ergo we are not Protestants. Read Dr. Carroll’s short book called The Trail of Blood.
That’s so wrong. You’re bigger problem is believing you are saved by grace plus works. That will send you to hell. You take that up with God. Your foolish notion that a pope can absolve you of sins is heretical. You really need to get into a good Baptist church. First read The Trail of Blood by Dr. Carroll so you will have a basic understanding of how churches evolved. Amazing how ignorant Catholics are of church history. It’s very sad.
The biblical teaching on forgiving is referring to if you do not forgive those who have sinned against you then you will not be forgiven by God. Like in Matt 6:12 so we cannot forgive the sins committed against God for others. Only Jesus can.
There is nothing actually termed as an “Alter Call” in the Bible either . You will find a way to try and explain it through the Bible (everything that the Catholic Church teaches is explained in the Bible – Sacraments, Communion etc..also) . An “Alter Call” is an instrument or tool used to promote the Love of Jesus other than literally what is said in the Bible. Protestant Churches do the same great things to Promote God’s Love. That is OK .
Well said ,Jesus said to the appostle: if they accept you they accepted me if they hate you they hate me.if you hate peter you hate hate all the appostle but if you hate all the appostle you hate all the teaching flow from the truth church then you lose if you know the truth BT u r nt except it
Who is your fellow man? Ithat is the man were god does not permit to him the power to forgive your sin ,I saw the Presbyterian in my village the head of a local church they organise that all on that day should confess their sin all the window of the church they r cloting .after the confession of the people he only as a humanity mistake :he going to play card,drinking alcohol,shouting to his wife and children,talking a bad words with his fellow friend n even he will kill the other human being also there is a ” salvation for him” as Luther said ( protestant Jesus)
Great article and 100% spot on. Catholicism is not really Christianity.
The authors interpretations and understandings of the marks of the church are elementary at best. It’s apparent he has an intense dislike for Catholicism in general, if not Catholics in particular. Which is fine. But doing so by miseducation anyone who happens to stumble across this railing against the Roman Catholic Church serves no purpose at all. File it under the category of “fake research” which is located to the far right of “fake news.”
Wrong. The author did his research and he did it well. He quoted former priests with decades of experience… and yet here you are to disagree and call it “fake research.” Interesting, but only so because it exposes YOU, not him. It exposes you for the fake Christian you really are. It exposes you for your obvious support of the pedophilia pushed by the ROMAN Catholic Church — that Church Rome created to stop the rebellion of Christianity from taking over. You’re in a church run by the antiChrist, and yet you attack the author? Please.
Wow, one former priest! Incredible, or should I say lazy. If everybody took one person’s view as “Gospel” we would all be spouting off anti-catholic lies like you.
Hi Tim. I’m a public high school teacher and a father of two. I’ve also been a practising Catholic my entire life. I teach Sunday School to our young parishioners every week, I attend retreats and Bible studies and I try to live a Christian life.
There is no doubt that The Catholic Church has a lot to answer for with regards to the pedophilia scandals in the last couple of decades. I don’t think anything makes me more angry than an individual who uses his or her position of trust – a teacher, a coach or a priest for example – in order to take advantage of those under that individual’s care. There is no doubt that a good number of Catholic priests perpetuated a great evil. These were terrible, terrible crimes committed by misguided human beings, and they hurt a great number of young people. I also don’t deny that it is quite obvious there was a conspiracy within the Catholic Church to cover up these crimes.
These facts are undeniable. However, it doesn’t change the fact that there are a great many good and God-fearing people within the Catholic Church. To call the pope “pedophilia-loving” is insulting; both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have spearheaded movements within the church to try and help those who were victimized by Catholic priests, and they have denounced these terrible actions.
No one in the Catholic Church believes their priests to be infallible; they are human beings, and they can do evil like any one of us. It is unfortunate that this scandal has overshadowed a church that also does a tremendous amount of good. I am not asking you to ignore a scandal that rocked the Catholic Church, but I am asking you to at least look at all the good our church has done.
I believe Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. I try to follow His commandments, an I do everything I can to cultivate a personal relationship with God. Does that not make me a Christian?
Tim, one of Christ’s greatest commandments is “judge not lest ye be judged”. I suggest you look at yourself and spend less time trying to judge others.
I agree and we need more people like you. this comment section is mostly full of people who dont even want to hear the other side and, in my opinion, are acting immature. thank you for acting like a grown up, it gives me relief that there are sensible people out there.
I don’t think he has a “hate” for Catholics. I’m an evangelical Christian and one of my good friends is Catholic. The author is simply stating Biblical truth. Study the Word. The truth is there. Catholism doesn’t truly follow the Gospel.
Actually the only Christians around that follow the Bible are the Catholics. Want some examples? Ask me personally: [email protected]
You’re clueless Brandon. We don’t need your examples. We have the Bible. What it teaches plainly contradicts Catholic Doctrine.
I have come to realise that some of you who argue the most aren’t even Christians nor muslims and the bible you claim you have was never even written by a Christian.. Its a just a story book in the hands of an unbeliever but to a belever it is a weapon… What matters is the contents of the bible not the writer.
Church doesn’t take people to heaven but the 10 commandments which makes up the bible will . So if you wanna argue based on your human understanding, then you would just be sining thinking you are right whereas u ain’t cos i can clearly see from all indications that none catholics n none muslims don’t understand their origin and so it’s useless to argue based on human imagination.
I have seen somany good catholic christians and have equally seen bad ones aswell. Even inside the Kingdom of God, there was a bad seed called (lucifer) but that doesnt mean there arent good angels there.
God has created us to live and worship him in anyway possible so why not seek your own salvation personally?.
You are clueless about Salvation? Seems so.
Jesus who was before the Abraham he was planning to build his kingdom on this earth that is the church ” the first church”the church cannot take to haven but I he church teaching about the haven ” that is the promise of Jesus” God the son we should trust it believe it love it and do it”
Amen
I feel sorry for your poor deceived soul , Brandon.
Yes, tell me we the catholic we confess Jesus is lord publicly nt personally
You’re walking in darkness. You are saved by grace and grace alone, period. Catholics don’t believe that. They will when they take their last breath & are at the Great White Throne Judgment. The history of Catholicism is dark and horrific including the current pedophile priests, who rather than being brought to justice by your so called leadership, are covered for and
shuffled from parish to parish.
Nonsense were did you got the bible how? and went? u eating the bible your stomach is full of bible ryt?
Hi Stacy. Please understand that the Catholic Church believes everything in the bible and even has more books in their bible than what the protestant denominations do since protestants decided to remove the apocrypha. If it were not for the Catholic Church there would not be a bible to even discuss. They were the ones that gave it its name and were the ones that decided what writings were to be included in it and protected it through plagues, wars, and who knows what other perils during the first 1500 years or so of Christianity prior to the invention of the printing press. It took a team of monks at the monestaries nearly 10 years to translate and rewrite every bible up til then. If you believe the Bible then you will note that it is very clear that Jesus Christ established a Church and nowhere does he establish a book. Christ gave St. Peter the keys to the kingdom and put him in charge of his flock on earth. Please don’t take my word for things. Read the church fathers which were early bishops and men that learned directly from the apostles. Then decide.
You are wrong on several counts. The bottom line is Catholicism has a dark & ugly past. It has a dark present of pedophile priests being shuffled about different dioceses and NOT being brought to justice. The belief that you are saved by grace plus works will send all who believe that, straight to hell. You are in effect calling my Lord & Savior a liar. YOU ARE SAVED BY GRACE AND GRACE ALONE!
Catholics always use ad hominem attacks when scholarly Christians expose their false teachings. If Catholics would read a short book called The Trail of Blood by Dr. Carroll, they might know church history. Your main and most critical error is not believing you are saved by grace and grace alone. It’s not plus works. That belief calls Jesus Christ a liar and will send you to hell.That’s not what I say but what he says. Your good works will give you rewards in heaven but won’t ever get you there.
So many Catholics in this article downvoting comments that expose their cult church for the pedophile ring it really is. You can say you believe, you can do all the rituals and baptize all the babies you want, but the Roman Catholic Church was created by Constantine as a way to stop the growing rebellion of the TRUE Christians — a rebellion that threatened Rome and the power structure of the rich and powerful — so Rome created the ROMAN Catholic Church as a way to “legitimize” the Christian movement and give them a slice of the pie. Why else were they so scared of Christians they were throwing them to the lions? The Roman Catholic Church was a way to stop the true Church of Jesus Christ. It’s ruled by the pedophilia loving Pope. It’s a church worth BILLIONS while people in the world starve. It has a hierarchy which is expressly condemned by Jesus. But all you blind Catholics will scoff and dig in your heels — that’s fine — you’re all going to hell. The road to hell is paved with Catholic good intentions. Keep selling those tickets to heaven. Keep molesting those children. The world knows the Roman Catholic Church is a fraud church and it knows all the Catholics are fake Christians.
Where do you get your information from?
BTW the Catholic Church does a “hell” of a lot for the poor https://www.forbes.com/companies/catholic-charities-usa/ that’s just one charity.
All churches help the poor. Read Dr. Carroll’s short book The Trail of Blood if you want to know church history.
Do you have any proof that Constantine created the Catholic Church? Or would one simple quote from a man 200 years earlier who says that the church is Catholic could debunk your factless argument?
Yes,in Rome Italy about 80% of Christianity they are protestant Christianity ” and most part of western Europe also most they r protestant.Constantine he gave freedom to worship God Jesus for the first early protestant ,that is great the Catholic 1000 years after this, it came ,(after Protestantism)
There were Christian churches long before Catholicism. When Christ told the Apostles to go and spread the word they did. They created many many independent churches. They never bought into Catholicism”s absurd infant baptism. They were called Paulicans and Ana-Baptists because they didn’t accept false teaching of infant baptism. Ana-Baptists were eventually called Baptists. Baptists were NEVER part of the Protestant Reformation because they were NEVER part of the Catholic church. We are NOT
Protestants & never were Catholics.
Yeah the true christians would know that christ was not crucified.
Hello Satan. I thought I might find you here. You should know that all churches must agree with the church at Rome on all matters of doctrine. That fact was known very early on in the Church. Yes, even much earlier on than Emporer Contantine. Please read Against Heresies by Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons book 3 chapter 3 (or the whole thing if you like). He knew you would try your best to tear the Church down and divide the flock. Also, what makes you so all knowing and wise that it wasn’t part of God’s plan to expand his Church through the help of Emporer Constantine? Perhaps he knew that it would bring on some bad apples and perhaps he knew his Church would correct course eventually (look into counter reformation history of the Church please). I also have not seen one single PROOF on this discussion board or in Dr. Weldon’s article that would indicate that the Catholic Church teaches anything in error. Yes, even you Satan are welcome to join the Church if you can renounce yourself and repent.
The Catholic church teaches you are not saved by grace and grace alone. That is heresy, PERIOD. You’re mocking Jesus Christ and calling him a liar. You are saved by grace and grace alone. You’re not saved by grace plus works. That will send you to hell. Don’t berate me, take it up with God before you take your last breath which could be at anytime.
Exactly . My mom and her mom are Catholics and always reading the Magnificat which is the pagan cults form of indoctrination. Too afraid to read the Bible for themselves. Well I ain’t going to hell because they are screw that
No, some of us are Eastern Orthodox who actually have an understanding of history and who realize that the baptist cult was started in 1609 by John Smyth and that protestants aren’t real Christians.
I think you may the most ignorant human being in the world. Anyone who tells others they are going to hell is so overcome by Satan it’s shocking. You don’t speak for God, and are sinning by claiming you do. “The world knows” !? The world is NOT A collective mind, if it were there wouldn’t even be an argument here right now. You sound like an 8 year old.
Catholicism is a cult and an abomination to our God and Savior. Jesus Himself said, we should call no one on earth father, as there is only one Father which is in heaven. They make up their own rules and their popes proclaim themselves equal or better than God. They should not be allowed to be called a Christian religion.
So what do you call your biological father?
Wow…. you just proved you can’t even understand VERY basic Biblical teachings and principles. Jesus was speaking of a spiritual sense. Call no man Rabbi since Jesus is your Teacher. Call no man Father (spiritually) since we have but One Father. Even the Priesthood is unbiblical. Priests are Jews which began in the OT and will start again upon His return at the 2nd Coming. Catholicism is a cult and like Islam, it’s based on truth but if there is one lie then the whole thing becomes a lie. A little leaven ruins a whole batch of bread.
Well said, Protestant they had a lot of fathers Luther( the first father,) john Knox, john Calvin , and thousand fathers they will flow in every centuries .that is amirecles of God .this people they sacrificed themself like Judas but they teach as Christ ,their sacrificed will not take away the sin of protestant ” that is why they are calling in the name of Jesus outside the wall of the church of jesus chriastian catholic appostollic church,that is true thy want to tear the body Christ.
Your ignorant of church history. There were many churches created by the apostles long before the Catholic church & Luther. Baptists were NEVER part of the Catholic church or the Protestant Reformation. We were called ana-Baptists & Paulicans because we never bought into another false teaching of Catholicism, infant baptism. We are NOT Protestants. There are so many errors in Catholicism to list here the biggest of course is they don’t believe you are saved by grace & grace alone. That calls Jesus Christ a liar.
You do realize that Baptists and Anabaptists are two entirely different things, right? You are correct that Anabaptists were around before the Reformation but Baptists came afterwards as a direct cause of the Reformation.
So in your standards, you are a lie as well because Jesus taught us to love all others but you people hate all other religions besides Protestants as well as everyone who “isn’t like you.”
Hi
So then how do you call your biological Father?. Which bible are you using? And do you even know what the bible teachs?
I have noticed that somany of you are just filled by hate for the Catholic religion. Can you justify your point of the catholic faith being a cult?. Habe you become God to judge?
Your words are those of a pegan.
Hate is more basically in protestant bz of hatred among themself so at the end og time there is no other idea than to ” found the other church from presbytarian to other breaking church crit or the name of that man only “so that is the church of Christ christian crit church ” hatred happened for every church except protestant BREAkING CHURCH
Exposing false teaching of Roman Catholicism is not about hate. That’s a sophomoric ad hominem attack to stifle conversation which is what you do when you’re losing an argument. It’s actually about showing caring love knowing that eternity rests on the truth that Jesus Christ died for us and that we are saved by his blood and NOT WORKS, period.
You obviously do not know anything about the Catholic Church because everything you just wrote is false and not Christian-like. Please research before making remarks that are nonsense . You have obviously been hurt by something in your past and are coming from an emotional place rather than Truth. I forgive you. I will pray that you seek the Truth and stop professing things that you really don’t know as Truth. Believing that Christ Saves us all when we repent and turn from Sin is what the Catholic Church has always taught from the very beginning, which Protestants try to take as their own -as being “Saved”. The Trinity, Father -Son and the Holy Spirit are part of One Body is the Catholic doctrine that unites all Christians. Without these precepts there would be no Other Christian denominations. We all have the same Last Name – Christian. We just choose to celebrate our First names in a different way as the same Family. Remember to Unite rather than Divide as Christ teaches us All.
Your obviously very ignorant about the doctrine of the Catholic Church. You spout lies about a religion you have no knowledge about. Every Christian religion comes from Catholicism, whether you want to believe it or not. It’s interesting to me that Protestants and Evangelicals think they know anything about beliefs and the cannon of the Catholic Church, having never studied it from accurate sources. You spread the misinformation and lies about a religion you know very little about. You cling to thes idiotic and nonsensical beliefs perpetuated by your own biased jaded sources, instead asking actual catholics who are qualified to tell you what we believe. Your behavior is very unchristian. Catholics don’t label other Christian religions cults. Let me ask you a question. Can you define the term Christian? I can. A Christian is a person who believes in Jesus Christ as their lord and savior. Catholics believe in Jesus there for we are Christians. Catholicism is the original Christian religion. All othe Christian religions come from Catholicism and are products of the reformation.
To Brad B. You said to name what you call person’s qualified that have been in Catholicism. How about you buy the book Far from Rome Near to God. By former Roman Catholic priest Richard Bennett. A compilation of the personal testimonies of Fifty modern day former Roman Catholic priests from the world over. Who tell of Catholicism false teaching s and why they left. It only costs around $12.00.
And if we do will buy and read the many books by former Protestant clergy who became catholic? I recommend. Rome sweet home by Scott Hahn.
Satan belives in Jesus Christ. So by your logic Satan is a Christian. Starting to get a clear picture of the true church.
Pretty good stuff. This is an honest question- do Catholics conduct Bible studies like Evangelicals? I think the simple studying of the Word of God is the answer. I love Catholics (they’re generally very giving people with good hearts) but the religion is skewed in it’s teaching.
Catholics do conduct Bible studies. My question is, Is there a right way to conduct, have, or practice Bible study? Thank you.
First of all you need the right Bible, KJV, not the Apocrypha. Then read The Trail of Blood by Dr. Carroll.
Which Bible? The original unaltered Bible compiled in 325, which contains ALL of the books that Iesus Christ would teach from in a first century Synagogue? Or the watered down 1611 version missing 12 books?
If Catholic Church is not Christian Church then other churches are also not Christian churches cause it is the source who brought Christianity the existence of other churches…
Well said. Christ being crucified…. invented by the roman catholic church. Popular images of Christ also invented by the roman Catholics.
Really though most typical Catholics and catholic priests now days have no clue or much knowledge of the truth of the Roman catholic roots and the basilica/Vatican and what they are cable of and have been accounted for..I’m not knocking people who claim to be of any religion. I will say religion creates racism conflict and hatred in the world and I don’t want any part in it . I read the cepher with all 87 books and have.my own beliefs and knowledge..and what I know is
The Roman Catholics would hang many people on crosses to crucify them and got away with it…They hung Christ on a cross for one assuming he would reincarnate Into a diety into the Vatican ..and hung St. Peter upside down on a cross and then buried him in the basement of the Vatican.. how Christ like is that? Probably have Christ. Buried next to peter and the rest of them too and probably Mary Too and many More.And then worship a stature a false idol of his mother Mary and call her Virgin Mary mother Of God When she is claimed to be the mother of Christ.Not the mother of Elohim or their God Zeus.etc. so that sounds a bit twisted… and ..they have rooms In The basement of the Vatican one particular room is Lucifers/Satan’s and is one who they worship ..they hired & supported Hitler with the halocost to have Hitters armies to slaughter theJews..and stole scrolls and anciant items of truths and their bibles they took books out of the Bible’s reworded it to hide a lot of truth.replacing Elohim with just God or. My lord who to them is the God Zeus their God above all and his son iesous in English Jesus then Zeus daughter is Ephesus the first of the 7 churches of revaluations & didn’t I care to fine tune the other six of their Greek mythology bs.camt forget Zeus.brother hades the undear world god….they had scientists create the globe outer space etc has placed in schools and taken the Bible out..to try and make children’s people believe in the Big Bang theory evolition with their satanic scientists BS along with the satanic roots of the us government and their NWO links to the pope at the Vatican Another satanic occult to knock Elohiym out the picture with his creation of a flat earth with a fernament above put the waters over the weters make it look Ike everything was created from a Big Bang to knock the creator Elohim out the picture. The catholic Roman Church supports cern stating to be a.church too and a school with all their Satan scientists gather there pulling black mass up out of the ground thinking if Elohim is a spirit they can capture him too and then what put him in a jar and bury him in the basement. of the Vatican too? catholic priests always found. molesting children no one does a thing about that eitner. ,maybe do 30 hours of prayer…is that pumishment? They have a huge powerful telescope with two big round looking eyes in I think Arizona they callled Lucifer elomgi g to the Roman Catholic Vatican where they can’t look at the heaven above ?. Amx they worship false idols and the list goes on…. Christian or no Christian Church or no Church bible or no bible the Roman Catholic Church is a satanic occult along with the blood line roots of the us government want a new word order Ome world government one world curancy and a one world religion which is Luciferian which is the real religion of the Roman Catholic Church..Just know they have a lot to due with a majority of the distruction and corruption and having people deceived of the truth.the bible speaks of those false prophets being cast into the fire..who wants to join them more power to ya..and the sick corrupted freaks of the Vatican
You might want to read Dr. Carroll’s, Trail of Blood. The disciples formed independent churches long before Roman Catholics. Baptists were NEVER part of Catholicism. We weren’t part of Luther and the Protestant Reformation. It’s amazing how effective Catholicism has hidden the truth from so many people.
The Bible is a Catholic Tradition!
Nowhere in scripture is their a list of what books are canonical, explain to me how you think you derived such a list from scripture alone.
Trail of Blood is garbage. None of those heretical cults had uniform belief, and some even believe things that baptist heretics are completely against, such as confession or the Eucharist becoming the real Body and Blood of Christ. Some groups were hundreds of uears apart.
The baptist cult was started by John Smyth in 1609. Go read a real history book.
No. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the body of Christ (church). Roman Catholicism is pagan heresy.
Just enough truth to be barely believable yet its untrue and more lies from the biggest heretical movement “Protestants”. Thank you for your article and I challenge you to stop being a man full of hate speech and acting like Judas. In short come at me bro.
Catholicism is a cult, bro. There is nothing wrong with Protestants though.
Says who?. Are you ond of them?.
You could say that about any religion
You call Protestants heretical? Boy are you confused. Have you EVER actually read the Bible, the KJV? I am betting lots of money you haven’t. I am a Baptist and we are not Protestants. We were NEVER part of the Roman Catholic church. There’s lots of false teaching by Catholics. Too many to list here. I pray you will seek God’s Truth. Your Popes have flip flopped all over the place. God is not the author of confusion. His word never changes. Catholicism has a very dark past and continues today with pedophile priests being shuffled about and NOT being brought to thejustuce and incarcerated for their horrendous crimes.
As a former evangelical protestant who converted to the Orthodox Church after studying history I just have to say this:
Anyone who reads the early Church fathers and researches the first century Church will realize that protestants aren’t real Christians.
This is stupid, do you guys think that the Lord God and Jesus Christ the son are in heaven looking down and saying good on yah for fighting amongst yourselves, no they are looking down sad because the daughters and sons of Christ are fighting to prove who is right. We might believe differently, but we all believe in the same God.
If you believe works have anything to do with your salvation, you are calling Jesus Christ a liar and worship some other God.
Didn’t He also say that you had to be baptized? “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” Mark 16:16 Oh yeah and faith without works is dead
Well said
Happy Trumpets – Please let God call you out of the great delusion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6US06ZUaRg
I am going to leave the discussion with this verse from 2 Timothy that I think sums it up the best for us members of the Catholic Church even unto today. Keep fighting the good fight and stay the course. Peace.
Comfort in Persecution
(2 Timothy 1:6-12)
16Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. 17But beware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. 18And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles: 19But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. 20For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.
21The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death. 22And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.
Ironic that you use those particular verses. Because from all the accounts I’ve read or heard about the millions of Christian Saints your so called true church Jesus started slaughtered through out its existence lots of them also stood on that verse. Including the 750,000 orthodox Christians butchered by Catholic bishops and priests during WW2 . In the country of Croatia.
Thank God for Brother Weldon’s dedication to God’s word and reaching out to Catholics. He, like all Christians, want all to be in eternity with our Lord. It’s never too late to see and accept His Truth. I have friends who were Catholic much of their lives and finally saw the Truth and were saved, Praise God!
Hi Ken. I couldn’t help to check back. I see you mention a book “Trail of Blood” by Carrol. I think I’ll give it a read. I see it’s available for free online. To be fair though would you be willing to read the letters of Ignatius of Antioch to the churches on his way to martyrdom? He was a direct pupil of John the Apostle. Eusebius places Ignatius’s martyrdom by the Roman empire somewhere toward end of first to early second century. Are you willing to read Against Heresies by Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons written around 180 AD? It is a very extensive work but book 3 chapter 3 is cool place to start? Are you willing to read the Ecclesiastical History of the Church by Eusebius? That was written 3rd-4th century time frame. I did also note you are misinterpreting what the Catholic Church teaches regarding salvation by “works”. Here is a good write up on that as well https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/are-good-works-necessary-for-salvation. Peace be with you.
Hi Ken. I have finished reading the Trail of Blood. For me the issue is that when I checked into some of the references by Carroll they were either severely out of context or don’t exist that I can find. It appears that the historocity of the book is also considered null by many reputable historians. Peace be with you.
Which truth is that. The truth of the Lutheran Church, the Batist Church, the Presbyterian Church, etc. Which one is the one right and true Church of God? All Christian religions, Catholicism included, are all convoluted and Jesus would be ashamed that all the Churches twist and convolute his teachings to their own benefit to obtain, money and power over their followers.
Thank you for this article. I noticed you are being torn apart by people who feel convicted, and mistake it for anger. I know I read William Tyndale’s biography, and it was a stunning picture of the Catholic church, and how corrupt it is. He was a monk, started reading the real Bible, not the awful Latin Vulgate, and was shocked that the church did not believe in true salvation. He died putting the truth in English. The Priests had him hunted down, strangled, and burned at the steak all because he believed in the right path. So that is why many on here say its a cult, because they fall for every lie that Satan throws at them, and reject the real living God for culture, robes, and there own theology, so yes im upset that people had to die just because the Catholic church could not accept the truth.
I feel bad for you, if you’d had a proper catholic education you’d be literate enough not to write things like “burned at the steak” , and “there own theology”. Perhaps if you aren’t literate enough to know what’s wrong with those sentences, you’re also not literate enough to read and fully understand something as complex as the bible? You Protestants all believe everyone can read the bible, interpret it fully and correctly all by themselves. The number of denominations all believing something different, because of opposing interpretations, proves for a fact you’re wrong. Just saying.
And protestant leaders hunted down and executed catholics as well. So they both have the same sins in their history. The man known as Jesus would be ashamed of anyone who proclaims themselves superior to another. Good thing I have disavowed all religion and answer only to my fellow man for my actions, it is a much more pure life than to be chasing the carrot known as salvation in the afterlife, whatever that is.
I do continuously run across interesting tidbits in my studies that I like to share. I in no way want to discredit or speak ill of my brothers and sisters in Christ but really do not understand why any God fearing Christian would. Weather they be Protestants or Catholics. I am a Catholic and I will defend my faith til the end. Here is an excerpt from “Where We Got The Bible, Our Debt to the Catholic Church” by Graham. The entire book is available online in its entirety for those interested. Just google or otherwise. Enjoy.
“By a calm consideration of the facts of history and a mind open to conviction on genuine evidence, they (non-believers) will be driven by sheer force of honesty to the conclusion that the Catholic Church, so far from being the monster of iniquity that she is painted, has in very truth been the parent, the author and maker under God, of the Bible; that she has guarded it and defended it all through the ages, and preserved it from error or destruction; that she has ever held it in highest veneration and esteem, and has grounded her doctrines upon it; that she alone has the right to call it her book; that she alone possesses the true Bible and the whole Bible, and that copies of the Scriptures existing outside of her pale, are partly incorrect and partly defective, and that whatever in them is true, is true because derived from her who alone possesses the Book in its fulness and its truth. If they were Catholics, they would love God’s Holy Word more and more; they would understand it better; they would adore the Divine Providence that took such a wise and sure means of preserving and perpetuating it; and they would profoundly admire the Catholic Church for her ceaseless vigilance, untiring zeal, and unswerving fidelity to the commission entrusted to her by Almighty God.”
Jesus Christ did not built the Roman Catholic Church or a protestant church and you cannot read the word Roman Catholic Catholic or both in the Bible ,,,, what Christ said, Peter upon this rock I will build my Church ,,,not a Catholic Church and not a Protestant church ,,,,,the rock there was not Peter but his faith to Jesus as the savior,,,,if you have such kind faith of Peter therefore you will become the member of his Body the mystical church regardless of what is your church affiliation now,,,believe and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour now not tomorrow but NOW so that you will become a member of his Church the Body of Christ the mystical Church
For those interested in the truth of things regarding the history of the bible. This pdf lists several resources for additional study: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://streetevangelization.com/lincolnne/files/2015/07/How-We-Really-Got-The-Bible-Pamphlet1.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwiMqNbCz9nWAhUG4SYKHQpUAdIQFgg_MAY&usg=AOvVaw1bx24NHZPQVEsY3i8xHPxW
This is so far from the truth! Catholic means universal and is the oldest Christian religion. The cross and Jesus hangs in EVERY catholic chrch
Catholics are not real Christians. Sorry if that upsets you.
So if protestants descended from Catholics… does that mean Protestants aren’t real Christians as well?
Your silly viewpoint doesn’t upset me at all because it’s pure nonsense. You, yourself, would not be Christian, or even know who Christ was without the Catholic Church.
If you hate others than your fruit is in the swamp.you`re in the dogmatic fantasy of the devil…..Join the discussion…
All this is connected the hate of confederates still fighting as protestant vs. democratic/catholic ,you lost the civil war…oin the discussion…
Protestants don’t use the original unaltered Bible compiled in 325, they reject the Canon of the OT that would be used by a first century Jewish Rabbi in Palestine, and they reject history and the teachings of the Apostles and their disciples.
Protestants aren’t Christians.
Wrong. Protestants use the real Bible (the King James). Your catholic bible is poison to true Christianity. Catholics are not Christians.
What makes the KJV the “truth”? It was written by a committee which was subservient to the King and was written centuries after the founding of Christianity.
Give me all the down votes you like bitter catholics because it won’t make what I said any less true.
Why are you filled with such anger and hatred?
Are you aware that king james… was catholic ??
Well written.
A very interesting topic and overwhelming confusion for those who are in the infancy of Christianity. What is the Protestant Reformation about? Is it over or still goes on. We need to restore the gospel of the first century, preach what the apostles preach and believe, and live the same way they lived. Don’t be ignorant, study the Word and learn from the history. Enter the narrow path (Mat 7:13-14). Enjoy the video.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9khr9OtctzXDSR4QL4rpQ
Christ was the first Protestant and his disciples the first Christians all opposed the Roman church and the Jews, The so-called Church of Rome is nothing more than a religious organization to control empire and money and power , it is so plain to see if you actually read the Holy Bible , but they teach you that they alone can understand it while the Bible teaches that if a man has an ear let him listen !Just because your selfish prayers of greed and materialism are answered does NPT mean it come from THE TRUE GOD!
There are at currently two different groups that really came off the Church, the Great Schism that became the Eastern Orthodox, and later Martin Luther, and the first Protestant church. I will first target the Eastern Orthodox part. Their claim was basically the same as Protestants came to be, in the part of the Pope. I have read the Catholic Bible, and KJV as well, in order to get any points of perspective required. Doing that, no one argues the fact that Peter had responded to Jesus’s question on who knew who he (Jesus) was, and responded that he (Jesus) was the Christ, and Jesus had told him that he (Peter) could only have learned that through the Holy Spirit. This is where we know that Peter was selected to be The Rock which Jesus will build his Church. After the crucifixion, descent, and ascendance (Thus fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy) Jesus bestowed upon Peter, and Peter alone the keys of Life and Death. He didn’t break up the keys like splitting a baby, nor did he (Jesus) keep it for himself, but gave this extraordinary power to Simon Peter, and we know countless times that Jesus asked Peter himself to watch his flock. There was but one, similar to the Old Testament. God didn’t have eleven other people climb up the Mountain with Moses, nor was Joseph just one of eleven, but special. This was the selection of God to Peter. When Paul writes his letters to the different churches, he allows the fact he does so with not just the permission of Jesus, but Peter as well. Jesus also told the desciples that any who reject them, rejected Jesus, and God. Similarly at the end of Peter’s life, he appoints a replacement for himself. His replacement was the child Jesus had healed. So there you have it. A single person. As it has been done. So that by scripture does eliminate the claim the Eastern Orthodox had. Similarly it eliminates much of what Protestants later claim. There is, however, another aspect that should be discussed. Fruits, and Vines. Martin Luther, as we all know was Catholic. He later made the claim after leaving that the Catholic Church was evil (bad vine), but I would ask this, if Jesus had stated he would never abandon his Church, and we know through succession, and my previously discussed statement that Peter was the chosen, and correctly identifies the Catholic Church as the Church God built through Jesus, through Peter, then wouldn’t Martin Luther have actually gave credit to the truth of the Catholic Church? Martin Luther would have needed God with him, and Jesus is that way, as we all know. Since we know from Jesus that good fruit cannot come from bad vines, and that Jesus wouldn’t abandon his Church, how could Martin Luther claim any divinity of God without needing to claim divinity of the Catholic Church? I mean if the Catholic Church was evil, how could there have been good anywhere? Certainly Martin Luther would not have been since he had to have eaten from that particular vine.
The Catholic Church was not the first church. The Jews who became deciples of Jesus and then apostles were the first church. When Jesus asked the disciples who they thought he was, Peter said he was the christ the son of the living God Jesus was pleased because it had been revealed to him through God the father and not of his own. Because Peter had come to the truth. Who is the truth? John 14:6 Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus said that upon this rock which is what Peters name means he would build his church. So Peter was one of the stones of the foundation of the church. Because the foundation was built on stones. Jesus being the chief cornerstone then the apostles. This is the meaning of a cornerstone. (The cornerstone, foundation stone, or setting stone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the structure. )
The church was built on Jesus first and then the apostles. That was the beginning of the church not Catholicism. The Catholic Church came later and added a lot more of their own theology. Misinterpreting scripture and giving man authority over Jesus. Jesus is the only one who can forgive sins against God. Because he took our place and our sins on the cross, shed his blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So we could be born again and set back in relationship with God the father.
What came first? The chicken or the egg? What came first? The Church or the book? No one can answer the first question but the second question is an easy answer. The Sooner one can accept the truth that the Church came before the book and the book came from the church and the church protected the book and no one in this world would have knowledge of the book without the church the better off one will be. There is really no sense in arguing. Peace be with you all.
Your column sounds bitter . Your saying this and that about Catholics and priests, but the same can be said about every other religion, the fact is there is evil people in every walk of life, in every religion , so for you to say that Catholics commit crimes because of there schools or teachings is totally false, people commit crimes for all-sorts of reasons, desperation, evil, frustration, jealousy even boredom , and a whole lot more , it doesn’t come down to what you were taught at school or in chapel. The fact of the matter is every individual has the capacity for evil, that has nothing to do with religion.
Actually, you are the one who seems bitter, dude. Guess you can’t handle the truth that catholicism is not true Christianity.
basing from your comment, its very evident that you know nothing about this topic. zero knowledge . I suggest you read something else.
This is one of many websites that is filled with anti-catholic hatred. Judge as you would like to be judged. Everyone is held accountable for their words and actions. Think about that next time time you speak bad about Gods church. I’m sure the devil was happy when the church split, one of his goals is to try and destroy the church but it hasn’t happened yet.
I don’t see any hate here. Just facts.
The vatican is responsible for widespread persecution and slaughter of true Bible-believing Christians. They created Islam to do their dirty work for them and sac Jerusalem. When the muslims turned-on the early pope and refused to hand over the city to him (and started taking all of europe as well) the pope built up huge army of so-called “Christians” and started the crusades.During the crusades the crusaders not only slaughtered muslims bot only muslims but also many true Bible-believing christians and jews. The inquisition, which murdered many true christians was created by the vatican also. Romn catholicism is not even remotely Christian though I’m sure there are many catholics who are actually good people, they have been deceived by their leaders.
arguing about religion with a roman catholic… is like explaining the internet to an ant. they have zero idea. they don’t study anything…
Nothing except for their catholic fake “Bibles” and they think the false prophet pope is God’s representaive on earth. LOL. Nothing could be further from the truth. The pope and the rest of the high-ranking catholic leaders are nothing more than modern-day pharisees.
You do realize that without said ‘fake bibles’ there would be no such thing as a Protestant Bible right? Every single Protestant translated bible was translated by a bible of Catholic origin, you do realize this right?
No, the Roman Catholics are not bad except they have graven images of Mary and infant Jesus. In fact the mention of Mary as an apostle or disciples of Christ is mentioned in the Bible. However rest of the liturgy and the preachings seems ok. And mind you, If a person gets reborn after repenting and getting baptism whatever way and thereafter sins he or she does blasphemy against God the Father, the Son Christ Jesus and especially the God the holy Spirit. Now anyone reading this, beware all apostolic and Baptists or the Penticostals and any other denominations.
To be fair, there is almost always some sort of scandal cover-up by a church or any other religion. it is not only the Catholic church that has pedophilic priests. I’m quite sure that nearly all denominations of Christianity have its share. I wish that there would be less cover-up and more of those disgusting priests receiving their punishment. ALL Churches need to crack down on the fakers who only use their position to their advantage. Moreover, there are always the good and bad eggs in every parish. Like a priest preaching the word of God, or how one should not cheat on their spouse but later gets with a married person. Or a parent who beats their child until they are bruised and bloodied, then goes to church the next day, having tea with the pillars of the community. I personally find that behavior revolting.
Can we not unite for more important matters such as helping those in need? We need to focus on urgent issues rather than bickering amongst ourselves whose teachings and interpretations are right or wrong.
I apologize for any grammar or spellling mistakes, English is not my first language and I have a bit of difficulty putting my thoughts into the right word when not in my native language.
I made a similar point in my post. The above author spoke as is the Protestant churches do not have sexual scandals throughout their histories.
Bitter much? Are you jealous of Catholics because we take our faith seriously and you wont or cant?
What’s behind your desire to try to justify yourself as being better than other people? Insecurity? Maybe. And WOW what effort you have put in to trying to convince yourself and others on how Bad Catholics are! It is mean, bad, and disingenuous.
Well… we forgive you and would gladly have you come to church pray an Act of Contrition , go to confession, and be baptized. You could then partake in communion. You will find it truly enlightening and amazing. Confession is one of the hardest thing a person can do but once you are done you will be able to literally Feel a lightening of your soul. The only requirement is that you must honestly be sorry for your sins and Resolve to actually TRY not to sin again. If you do sin ( and everyone does ) you can be forgiven (really it’s about forgiving yourself). It is very freeing.
If you think this gives “loopholes” or a “license” to sin… you don’t understand at all. You should try to.
Christians as a word was coined by Catholics. In the second century. Other denominational churches were nowhere in the second century. In the mid 15 century, Luther rebelled and formed the Lutheran church. Therefore, other churches claim to be the true church in spite of being in existence for only 6 centuries. The Catholic church has been in existence for 2000 years, We can call it the mother of all existing churches. Those who say Catholicism is not Christian have no case.
The reasoning in this article is flawed, and the scholarship is abysmally bad. Taken as a whole, it appears to have been written with intentional bias rather than with honesty. Given the tone and (in some cases) invective of the Protestant commenters on this article, it seems pointless to write more, as they are beyond knowledge, understanding, and reason.
I will just say that while the sins of the Catholic Church are not to be denied, Protestant Churches, their leaders, and their followers have committed all but the sins associated with those the Roman Catholic Church committed during the centuries of European colonialism. I will also hazard that Protestant churches would have committed the same atrocities had they taken as large a part in colonialism and the spreading of the Christian Churchs.
As for the comment about priests and their sexual miss deeds, let us not think for a second that Protestant leaders do not commit similar miss deeds today and in the past. So, without Catholic Christianity there would be no such thing as Protestant Christianity, no matter how much Protestants want to disavow the Roman Catholic Church.
– signed, an ex Catholic Athiest
David, you are confusing Christianity with religion. Believers in Jesus Christ do none of those things. This discussion should be more clearly defined; the Catholic Church compared to Christianity. Believers in Christ our Lord, live by the example that Jesus gave us. The fruit of the Spirit is the calling that God gave us. Gal. 5:22. That the Catholic Church & a number of Protestant churches do indeed commit the same sins, is because few who belong to these institutions have never had a born again experience.
Faith without works is dead.
By their fruits you will know them,All so called followers of JESUS,,,PROT,CATH, AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN,are tainted with man made DOGMA.Truth is simple enough a child can see, LOVE/GOD VS. HATE/LUCIFER,So if you l;ove GOD ,your neighbor and pray for your enemy,and help the poor,sick, oppressed, black,brown,white, then Jesus is the boat you float.If you sware you are born again and have hate and all that comes with it, you are a hipocrate….
First of all, I have no clue as to whom this writer or this “John Ankerberg” is, but the fact that he has a show and has a place on his site to make donations tells me he is either a TV evangelist or a radio evangelist. And HE thinks he can decide whether my Catholic religion is a Christian religion or NOT? Guess again. YOU don’t get to make that call. Catholics aren’t questioning your religion; don’t question ours.