Roman Catholicism The Modern face of Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism

The Modern face of Roman Catholicism? “The pope takes the place of Jesus Christ on earth. . . the head of the entire church, the father and teacher of all Christians. He is the infallible ruler. . . The judge of all, being judged by no one, God himself on earth. ” (The New York Catechism)

Roman Catholic Authority Hierarchy Pope Cardinals Archbishops Bishops Monsignors Priests Deacons Laity

Roman Catholic Authority Interpretations Traditions Ecumenical Councils Gave the Bible The Church Jesus Christ established His Church as a visible society, with authority and hierarchy. At the head of this society there is the pope, successor to St. Peter, and together with him the Bishops, successors of the Apostles. . . (New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal and Hymnal).

Catholic Traditions In order to effectively counter Catholic Traditions—you and I must first understand what Catholicism means by Divine Traditions— because Catholicism does not mean what we usually understand traditions to mean. 1. We often think Traditions are things the Catholic Church just “made up!” a. For example: We have the tradition of having a Wednesday night “closing song. ” If we then elevated that tradition to being equal to divine revelation (Jude 3)—we would have done what it seems Catholicism has done! 2. That is, Catholicism takes those made-up traditions and elevates them above, or equal to scripture making the word of God of no effect (Matt 15: 6).

Catholic Traditions “The Catholic faith is a living faith that traces its history back to the witnessing of the apostles and thetocommunities they formed. “In this discussion it is important keep in mind what the Catholic “Current law of the Roman Catholic Church states that followers Catholics recognize the Bible to term be the authentic written Church means by tradition. The does not refer legends or should abstain from meat dishes or foods made withtomeat on Ash expression ofaccounts, the faith ofnor thedoes earlyit church. We also believecustoms that the mythological encompass transitory Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and Good Friday, as a penance in Holy Spirit guides the Church soas that it interprets the biblical or practices which may change, circumstances warrant, such honor of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Anyone over theas revelation withoutor error. Therefore, we look to Scripture in its styles. . . Sacred apostolic tradition consists of the teachings age of 18, but under the age of 60, should eat only one meal during entirety but also to the rich Tradition of their Church. . . Sacred that the apostles passed on orally through preaching These these days, although small amounts of food are allowed in. the Tradition cannot be considered a ‘mere human tradition’ because in it teachings largely (perhaps entirely) overlap with those contained morning and at night. It is also encouraged that Catholics abstain has its origin in the Wordofoftheir Godtransmission. . . It is the same Church which Scripture, but the mode is different. ” (Catholic from meat on Friday throughout Lent. ” (Roman Catholic Project solemnly declares that ‘both sacred tradition and sacred scripture Answers) Interfaith). are to be accepted and venerated with the same sense of devotion and reverence’ by Catholics. ” (Philip St Romain. . . The Documents of Vatican II).

Roman Catholic Authority Interpretations Traditions Ecumenical Councils Gave the Bible Pope Cardinals Archbishops Bishops Monsignors Priests The Deacons Church Laity

Nailing Down your Case So then, brethren, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter (2 Thess 2: 15). Ephesians 3: 3 -4, “We wrote it down. ” (led into all truth—Jn 16: 13) Galatians 1: 6 -9, Don’t listen to “another gospel” (All things in Gospel, 2 Pet 1: 3). 1 Corinthians 4: 6, Don’t even think “above what is written. ” Philippians 3: 17, Walk by “our pattern. ” 1 Corinthians 11: 1, Look to and follow Paul as he followed Christ. Jude 3, The faith was ONCE delivered (not on-going).

Answering Catholic Claims 3. The Catholic Church believes that the pope is a successor of Peter and that Catholic Bishops are successors of the apostles. They say the following verses support their claims. Examine these verses and show they DO NOT prove succession! “Shall Church have been” (Jas 4: 12) 1. Matthew “The teaching 16: 18 -19 authority in. NASB, the Catholic has been entrusted to the bishops and the pope. As the successor of “I have commanded you” (Mt 7: 21) 2. Matthew 28: 18 -20 Peter, the pope is the pastor of all the faithful. The bishops are successors of the A apostles. with(1 the pope, list not a. Together succession Cor 15: 8)the 3. Luke 6: 12 -16 bishops have the mission of being pastors who continue the Preached means of(Philip (Lk 24: 47) work of Christ, our Teacher and the Shepherd. ” St. 4. John 20: 21 -23 Romain, Catholic Answers. . . ) 5. 1 Corinthians 12: 28 -31 Local administrations (Phil 1: 1) 6. 2 Thessalonians 2: 15 Traditions taught by apostles

Answering Catholic Claims 4. The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation is the doctrine that the bread and the fruit of the vine used in the communion become, not merely as by a sign or a figure, but also in actual reality the body and blood of Christ. They say: “He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries. . . ” They use John 6: 53 -56 as scriptural justification for this belief. i. Answer their misuse of John 6: 53 -56. ii. How do Hebrews 7: 27; 9: 12; 10: 10 refute the idea of perpetuity? But first understand Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation “The official Catholic teaching is that Christ is really (actually, in reality, jrb) present in the consecrated elements. The explanation known as ‘transubstantiation’ says that the substance of bread and wine is changed into Christ’s Body and Blood, leaving only the appearances, taste, and so on of bread and wine. ” (Philip St Romain, Catholic Answers. . . ) “It occurs when a priest, in persona Christi (in the person of Christ, jrb), says the Words of Institution. Even though the complete words of institution are necessary, the common view of theologians is that the eight words, "this is my body" and "this is my blood", are on their own the necessary and sufficient "sacramental form" of the Eucharist. (Catechism of the Catholic

Answering Catholic Claims 4. The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation is the doctrine that the bread and the fruit of the vine used in the communion become, not merely as by a sign or a figure, but also in actual reality the body and blood of Christ. They say: “He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries. . . ” They use John 6: 53 -56 as scriptural justification for this belief. i. Answer their misuse of John 6: 53 -56. ii. How do Hebrews 7: 27; 9: 12; 10: 10 refute the idea of perpetuity? • Verse 54 is understood by verse 47—Jesus is emphasizing the need to believe in (receive) Him—this is not a reference to the Lord’s Supper, which had not yet been instituted! • Perpetuity (endless sacrifices): These Hebrew passages shows that the sacrifice of Jesus occurs but ONCE—for all time. The Lord’s supper is not a sacrifice but a memorial (remembrance of Christ, 1 Cor 11: 24).

Answering Catholic Claims 5. In order for one to be a “successor” of the original 12 apostles, what must first be their qualifications according to Acts 1: 15 -22? i. Must have accompanied the other apostles, vs 21 ii. Must have experienced the baptism of John, vs 22 iii. Must have witnessed the resurrection of Christ, vs 22 iv. Must be chosen by God not “Cardinals, ” vs 24 v. Remember Paul was a special selection (1 Cor 15: 8)

Answering Catholic Claims 1. Study Matthew 16: 16 -19 (Catholic’s “proof-text” for teaching the church was built on Peter), and then answer: And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt 16: 18) “Here in speaking of His Church our Lord means a society of men united to serve God as He had taught them to do. Compared with an edifice, it is said to rest on a rock as did the house of the wise man of Mt 7, 24. The rock was Peter. Of course the strength of the foundation comes from Christ. ” (footnote in the Bible explaining verse 18).

Answering Catholic Claims 1. Study Matthew 16: 16 -19 (Catholic’s “proof-text” for teaching the church was built on Peter), and then answer: i. What is the difference between Peter (Greek, petros) and rock (Greek, petra)? And I also say to you that you are Peter (petros, masculine—a rock or a stone), and on this (tauth, feminine singular) rock (petra, feminine—a rock, cliff or ledge, a projecting rock, crag, rocky ground, a large stone) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Answering Catholic Claims 1. Study Matthew 16: 16 -19 (Catholic’s “proof-text” for teaching the church was built on Peter), and then answer: i. What is the difference between Peter (Greek, petros) and rock (Greek, petra)? ii. Who is the foundation upon which the church is built (Isa 28: 16; Psa 118: 22; Acts 4: 11 -12; Eph 2: 20; 1 Cor 3: 11)? “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2: 5).

Answering Catholic Claims 1. Study Matthew 16: 16 -19 (Catholic’s “proof-text” for teaching the church was built on Peter), and then answer: i. What is the difference between Peter (Greek, petros) and rock (Greek, petra)? ii. Who is the foundation upon which the church is built (Isa 28: 16; Psa 118: 22; Acts 4: 11 -12; Eph 2: 20; 1 Cor 3: 11)? iii. Who else received the promise made to Peter according to Matt 18: 18; Jn 20: 20 -23)? All The Apostles

Answering Catholic Claims 1. Study Matthew 16: 16 -19 (Catholic’s “proof-text” for teaching the church was built on Peter), and then answer: i. What is the difference between Peter (Greek, petros) and rock (Greek, petra)? ii. Who is the foundation upon which the church is built (Isa 28: 16; Psa 118: 22; Acts 4: 11 -12; Eph 2: 20; 1 Cor 3: 11)? iii. Who else received the promise made to Peter according to Matt 18: 18; Jn 20: 20 -23? iv. What difference is seen in Matt 8: 14 about Peter and all Catholic popes? Peter was married, 1 Cor 9: 5

Answering Catholic Claims 2. In commenting on Matt 16: 18 the Catholic Bible says: “And since she (church, jrb) has the office of teacher, and since she would be overcome if error prevailed, she is infallible. ” This belief give birth to the “perfect” interpretation of the pope, bishops, priests, et al. of scripture. i. What is the correct understanding of the phrase “the gates of hades shall not prevail against it”? ii. Are men & women capable of understanding the word of God without the church interpreting (Jesus) whom God raised scripture for them (Eph 3: 3 -4)? Y E S ! up, having loosed the iii. If you answered yes to question ii then explain why pains of death, because it there are so many “interpretations”? was not possible that He should be held by it (Acts 1. Ignorant (2 Pet 3: 1 -5). 2. Forgetful (2 Pet 1: 9). 3. Deceived (Acts 20: 30). 4. No love for the truth (2 Thess 2: 10 -11). 5. 2: 24). Stubbornness (Acts 7: 51).

Answering Catholic Claims 3. The Catholic Church points to all the division in Christendom to prove that the Bible alone is inadequate. This is why the Catholic Church says: “Catholics also recognize sacred Tradition to be an authentic source of Christian understanding. ” i. What does Paul say that scripture is able to do in 2 Tim 3: 16 -17? ii. According to Jn 20: 30 -31 what else is needed besides scripture to cause belief in Christ? And truly Jesus did many other signsof in. God, the presence of His for All Scripture is given by inspiration and is profitable disciples, which are not in thisfor book; but these doctrine, for reproof, forwritten correction, instruction inare written that you may believe thatman Jesus themay Christ, the Son of God, and righteousness, that the of is God be complete, that believing you mayfor have life good in His work name. (2(John 20: 30 -31) thoroughly equipped every Tim 3: 16 -17).

Answering Catholic Claims 4. Catholics, like many Protestants, believe that all are born with original sin inherited from Adam. In order to free Mary from this original sin, the Catholic Church teaches that she, like Jesus, was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and remained sinless all her life. Thus she also has become a mediator for sinners. i. What is said in Lk 1: 46 -47 that shows Mary was NOT sinless? ii. What does Paul say about our mediator in 1 Tim 2: 5? Does theis. Catholic Church actually teach that and men/women are For there one My God and magnifies one Mediator God men, And Mary said: soul the between Lord, myand spirit hasto pray to Mary that she 2: 5). can & does intercede? the Man Christ Jesus (1&Timothy rejoiced in God my Savior (Luke 1: 46 -47).