Why Catholicism isn't Christianity...

zackabba · Jul 28, 2011

You know, the OP asked in a different thread for Church history, and we obliged. I even did some research into the life of Constantine the emperor which I relayed to the thread. Apparently my efforts were to no avail because we have yet another thread in which Emperor Constantine is slandered and his faith in Our Lord questioned without real evidence.

I used to be a Protestant Christian who sincerely believed that Catholicism was evil, and that my Catholic friends needed to come out from her. But after a lot of study into what the Catholic Church actually teaches -vs- what people incorrectly assume it teaches (see the first post of this thread for an example), coupled with a study of both history and Scripture, I realized that I was mistaken. Since I've become a Catholic, I find that I am able to grow in my relationship with the Lord Jesus even more. I treasure my history as a Protestant, and I am doing my best to instill my daughter with some of the great qualities of worship found in the Protestant communions while I also strive to help her come ever closer to Our Lord and His Church.

The claims in the original post are simple cut and paste, they've been disproved numerous times on these forums, with Scripture. And despite the preponderance of evidence showing that the claims about the Catholic Church are false, people insist on clinging to their beliefs. But why? What could be so important in proving Catholicism wrong that people are willing to embrace false statements and claim that this is what Our Lord wanted?

Do you believe that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but are not a part of the Catholic Church, are condemned to Hell?

(I haven't met any who have said no, but just want to see what you say on it)

Grace and Love

dscherck · Jul 28, 2011

zackabba said:

No. I certainly don't think so, and neither does the Catholic Church. The Church recognizes that Protestants are united to the Church by virtue of their baptism, and also acknowledges that the Holy Spirit is indeed at work in many Protestant communities. While the Catholic Church does maintain that it is the Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, it certainly won't deny that there are many who, while not in full communion with the Catholic Church, do profess Him to be Lord, and strive earnestly to follow His teachings to the best of their knowledge.

I'm the first Catholic in my family (that I know of) in over 200 years. And while I do feel that there was a lot I was missing out on in the Christian faith as a non-Catholic, I also know that the Lord IS working in the Protestant churches. I happen to believe, through Scripture and history, that the Catholic Church is the best and most precise way to salvation that Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ intended, but I also put my trust in His mercy and feel confident that He will welcome most sincere Protestant Christians into heaven.

In short, most Catholics recognize that Protestants are Christians, we just think you guys are missing out on quite a few things and want to share them with you.

XGraveX · Jul 28, 2011

cutting to the chase as to Why Catholicism isn't Christianity...

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Roman Catholicism has another Jesus. If an individual has another Jesus or another gospel or another spirit, they're lost and going to hell.

Galatians 1:6 ¶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 ¶For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This is not from a biased source as it is from a Roman Catholic website.

The Catholic Liturgical Library

Canons of the Council of Trent (Prot. 0)
Author:
Council of Trent

Canons concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist (September 5, 1551)

Canon 1.If anyone denies that in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist are contained truly, really and substantially the body and blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ, but says that He is in it only as in a sign, or figure or force, let him be anathema.

Canon 2.If anyone says that in the sacred and holy sacrament of the Eucharist the substance of the bread and wine remains conjointly with the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and denies that wonderful and singular change of the whole substance of the bread into the body and the whole substance of the wine into the blood, the appearances only of bread and wine remaining, which change the Catholic Church most aptly calls transubstantiation, let him be anathema.

Canon 3.If anyone denies that in the venerable sacrament of the Eucharist the whole Christ is contained under each form and under every part of each form when separated, let him be anathema.

Canon 4.If anyone says that after the consecration is completed, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are not in the admirable sacrament of the Eucharist, but are there only in usu, while being taken and not before and not after, and that the hosts or consecrated particles which are reserved or which remain after communion, the true body of the Lord does not remain, let him be anathema.

Canon 5.If anyone says that the principal fruit of the most Holy Eucharist is the remission of sins, or that other effects do not result from it, let him be anathema.

Canon 6.If anyone says that in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is not to be adored with the worship of latria, also outwardly manifested, and is consequently neither to be venerated with a special festive solemnity, nor to be solemnly borne about in procession according to the laudable and universal rite and custom of the holy Church, or is not to be set publicly before the people to be adored and that the adorers thereof are idolaters, let him be anathema.

Canon 7.If anyone says that it is not lawful that the Holy Eucharist be reserved in a sacred place, but immediately after consecration must necessarily be distributed among those present, or that it is not lawful that it be carried with honor to the sick, let him be anathema.

Canon 8.If anyone says that Christ received in the Eucharist is received spiritually only and not also sacramentally and really, let him be anathema.

Canon 9.If anyone denies that each and all of Christ's faithful of both sexes are bound, when they have reached the years of discretion, to communicate every year at least at Easter, in accordance with the precepts of holy mother Church, let him be anathema.

Canon 10.If anyone says that it is not lawful for the priest celebrating to communicate himself, let him be anathema.

Canon 11.If anyone says that faith alone is sufficient preparation for receiving the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist, let him be anathema. And lest so great a sacrament be received unworthily and hence unto death and condemnation, this holy council ordains and declares that sacramental confession, when a confessor can be had, must necessarily be made beforehand by those whose conscience is burdened with mortal sin, however contrite they may consider themselves. Moreover, if anyone shall presume to teach, preach or obstinately assert, or in public disputation defend the contrary, he shall be eo ipso excommunicated.

No apostolic examples in scripture of bowing down and worshiping a Eucharist/wafer and praying to it, declaring it as the literal Jesus Christ which is what Canons 1 and 6 mandate. This is IDOLATRY and an insult to the Jesus Christ of the Bible. "Let him be anathema" = let him be accursed of the Roman Catholic Church and their "God/Jesus"

dscherck · Jul 28, 2011

Re: cutting to the chase as to Why Catholicism isn't Christianity...

XGraveX said:

"‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’" (John 6:51–52).

Ignatius of Antioch, who had been a disciple of the apostle John and who wrote a letter to the Smyrnaeans about A.D. 110, said, referring to "those who hold heterodox opinions," that "they abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in his goodness, raised up again" (6:2, 7:1).

Forty years later, Justin Martyr, wrote, "Not as common bread or common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, . . . is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus" (First Apology 66:1–20).

Origen, in a homily written about A.D. 244, attested to belief in the Real Presence. "I wish to admonish you with examples from your religion. You are accustomed to take part in the divine mysteries, so you know how, when you have received the Body of the Lord, you reverently exercise every care lest a particle of it fall and lest anything of the consecrated gift perish. You account yourselves guilty, and rightly do you so believe, if any of it be lost through negligence" (Homilies on Exodus 13:3).

Cyril of Jerusalem, in a catechetical lecture presented in the mid-300s, said, "Do not, therefore, regard the bread and wine as simply that, for they are, according to the Master’s declaration, the body and blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy
of the body and blood of Christ" (Catechetical Discourses: Mystagogic 4:22:9).

In a fifth-century homily, Theodore of Mopsuestia seemed to be speaking to today’s Evangelicals and Fundamentalists: "When [Christ] gave the bread he did not say, ‘This is the symbol of my body,’ but, ‘This is my body.’ In the same way, when he gave the cup of his blood he did not say, ‘This is the symbol of my blood,’ but, ‘This is my blood,’ for he wanted us to look upon the [Eucharistic elements], after their reception of grace and the coming of the Holy Spirit, not according to their nature, but to receive them as they are, the body and blood of our Lord" (Catechetical Homilies 5:1).

JaumeJ · Jul 28, 2011

Rosewater said:

If you are Catholic and tired of the true christian Protestants, or if you are Protestant and tired of the true christian Catholics, why not go back to around the years 30 - 33 AD and worship God in the same manner as the Apostles? Jesus, a Jew, and King of the Jews, is not a threat to those who truly hear Him and want to worship YHVH in spirit and truth. Yeshua is my King, and I love Him as my King, and I love His Kingdom. Why not change your citizenship totally and now? Blessed be Jesus Christ. Oh, you do not have to learn Hebrew to recognize Jesus as being a Jew.

kujo313 · Jul 28, 2011

jonathanbchristian said:

I know how you feel. I tried to join the American Life League. It seems that once you join, they throw that transub... (Jesus IS the Eucharist) stuff at you.

Sorry, get your stomach pumped after mass. No blood, no flesh. Just a cracker and some juice.

Meanwhile, I'm pro-life all the way.

Rosewater · Jul 28, 2011

This is the reason that I went away from this place for a few months. All Protestants do is bring up ancient Catholic Church history or the current sex scandals in the Church and go on as if there has never been any Protestant scandal. For a time when I first came here, I really started to question my Catholic faith! But what I am supposed to do? Become a Protestant? Hmmm, okay but which Protestant denomination has it right then? And who do you listen to and rely on for interpretation of the Bible? And why are they always arguing about what the Bible means. I thought they had the answers? Even on this forum, you are all arguing with eachother.

When it comes down to it, God says he will have mercy on whomever he chooses. Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.

Here is our Catholic profession of faith:

I believe in God the Father Almight, Creator of Heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, sufferend under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; ; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead, I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

When I say this profession of faith (Apostle's Creed), and when I say I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, I believe in what is Holy about it, not the scandals. When I say I believe in the Communion of Saints, it is in recognition that the Bible speaks of saints. Now how is this Catholic profession of faith pagan and unchristian? That is exactly what we say in each Mass. That is the Catholic belief and it is all biblically based. Besides even in the Bible there are seven churches spoken of - who are we to say there wouldnt' be many more after His time? I see no need to drop my Catholic faith according to the above profession of faith. What is the Protestant profession of faith?

Abiding · Jul 28, 2011

I know it wont make you all feel any better, but ive spent a great deal of time exposing
the heresy in the emergent protestant church. The garbage is coming in faster than you
can put a name on it. Just turn on the tv, but dont do it before a meal.

There are true faithful Christians everywhere standing and growing with the tares.
Corruption is everywhere. But He will keep His own.

jonathanbchristian · Jul 28, 2011

Rosewater said:

This is the reason that I went away from this place for a few months. All Protestants do is bring up ancient Catholic Church history or the current sex scandals in the Church and go on as if there has never been any Protestant scandal. For a time when I first came here, I really started to question my Catholic faith! But what I am supposed to do? Become a Protestant? Hmmm, okay but which Protestant denomination has it right then? And who do you listen to and rely on for interpretation of the Bible? And why are they always arguing about what the Bible means. I thought they had the answers? Even on this forum, you are all arguing with eachother.

When it comes down to it, God says he will have mercy on whomever he chooses. Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.

Here is our Catholic profession of faith:

I believe in God the Father Almight, Creator of Heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, sufferend under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; ; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead, I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

When I say this profession of faith (Apostle's Creed), and when I say I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, I believe in what is Holy about it, not the scandals. When I say I believe in the Communion of Saints, it is in recognition that the Bible speaks of saints. Now how is this Catholic profession of faith pagan and unchristian? That is exactly what we say in each Mass. That is the Catholic belief and it is all biblically based. Besides even in the Bible there are seven churches spoken of - who are we to say there wouldnt' be many more after His time? I see no need to drop my Catholic faith according to the above profession of faith. What is the Protestant profession of faith?

Two major things are: We believe in salvation by faith. Not of works. We believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. Any questions you have I would be glad to answer.

Scotth1960 · Jul 28, 2011

Katy-follower said:

Firstly, I am sharing this information, as you need to read it. Please read it and don't be offended. If you choose to ignore it, that is your decision, but I will not sit here in quiet. I'm sharing this in love. Otherwise I would not share it at all.

I hope this is useful. Please open your hearts to the scriptures. God Bless.

Kate* xx

Dear Katy-follower: Please read the following book and don't be offended. Why Protestantism isn't Christianity.
"THE REFORMATION", Chapter 6 pages 74-92, in: Schaeffer, Frank. (2002). Dancing Alone: The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion. Regina Orthodox Press, P.O. Box 5288, Salisbury, MA 01952 .... Regina Orthodox Press Online Store

God bless you.
In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington
PS If you choose to ignore John 15:26 and how this verse shows both Protestantism (Luther, Calvin, Anglicans, etc.) and Catholicism are in error, that is your decision, but I cannot be silent in this matter. God save us all. Amen.

Roman Catholicism
Founder: Emperor Constantine

Overview:

The Roman Catholic church, headquartered in Rome, Italy, has its own powerful City-State, the Vatican. The Roman Catholic church unofficially came into being in 312 A.D., at the time of the so-called "miraculous conversion" to Christianity of the Roman Emperor Constantine but he still worshipped the sun god. Although Christianity was not made the official religion of the Roman Empire until the edicts of Theodosius I in 380 and 381 A.D., Constantine, from 312 A.D. until his death in 337, was engaged in the process of simultaneously building pagan temples and Christian churches, and was slowly turning over the reins of his pagan priesthood to the Bishop of Rome. However, the family of Constantine did not give up the last vestige of his priesthood until after the disintegration of the Roman Empire – that being the title the emperors bore as heads of the pagan priesthood – Pontifex Maximus – a title which the popes would inherit. The popes also inherited Constantine's titles as the self-appointed civil head of the church – Summus Pontifex (Vicar of Christ and Bishop of Bishops).

Prior to the time of Constantine's "conversion," Christians were persecuted not so much for their profession of faith in Christ, but because they would not include pagan deities in their faith as well. Then, with Constantine's emphasis on making his new-found Christianity palatable to the heathen in the Empire, the "Christianization" of these pagan deities was facilitated. For example, pagan rituals and idols gradually took on Christian meanings and names and were incorporated into "Christian" worship (e.g., "saints" replaced the cult of pagan gods in both worship and as patrons of cities; mother/son statues were renamed Mary and Jesus; etc.), and pagan holidays were reclassified as Christian holy days (e.g., the Roman Lupercalia and the feast of purification of Isis became the Feast of the Nativity; the Saturnalia celebrations were replaced by Christmas celebrations; an ancient festival of the dead was replaced by All Souls Day, rededicated to Christian heroes [now Halloween]; etc.). A transition had occurred – instead of being persecuted for failure to worship pagan deities, Christians who did not agree with the particular orthodoxy backed by the Emperor were now persecuted in the name of Christ! "Christianized" Rome had become the legitimate successor of pagan Rome! This is the sad origin of the Roman Catholic Church as it compromised from the very beginning with paganism and in doing so became a cult serving the creature (Mary) more than the creator (Jesus).

When Rome went from being pagan to Christian under Constantine, they had to find a replacement for the great mother of paganism. It was not until the time of Constantine that anyone began to look at Mary as a goddess. Since Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ, she was the most logical person to replace the pagan mother goddess. The pagans could continue their prayers and devotion to the mother goddess, only they would call her Mary. The pagans worshipped the mother as much or more than her son and this is exactly what the Roman Catholicism does. True Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is to be worshipped – not his mother. The fact remains that Jesus never hinted at the idea of Mary worship nor did any of the apostles. Worshipping the mother goddess along with her child took place centuries before Jesus Christ was ever born in many different parts of the world. In 431 A.D. Mary worship became an official doctrine of the church in at the Council of Ephesus.

Since the formation of the Roman Empire, the Roman emperors (including Constantine) held the office of Pontifex Maximus (Supreme Priest) and were worshipped by the pagans as gods. Emperor Gratian in 376 A.D. refused the title of Pontifex Maximus, and from then on it was bestowed upon the bishop of Rome. From hereon, the bishop of Rome was to be the Supreme Priest to the pagans and the head of the Christian church; the streams of paganism and Christianity flowed together under the leadership of Pontifex Maximus, ultimately to be called the Pope. The question remains, how can a man at the same time be the Pontifex Maximus which was the head of the pagan mysteries and the head of the church? Although the Roman Catholic church claims that Peter was the first Pope, it is strange that we never read any such claim by Peter. The fact that Jesus never instituted the office of Pope in his church during his earthly ministry plainly shows that the Pope is neither Bishop of bishops nor the successor of the apostle Peter.

One issue that is very damaging to idea of a Pope is the fact that some of the popes were so depraved, even people who professed no religion at all were ashamed of them. Looking into the history of the papacy, it is easy to see that not all popes were holy men. Accusations against them included but were not limited to blasphemy, simony (the buying and selling of the papal office), perjury, murder, adultery, intercourse with virgins and nuns, incest, sodomy, bestiality, robbery, idolatry, magic, infidelity, and gross and unnatural immorality. Historians, even Roman Catholic historians will even attest to the fact there have been many sinful popes. Therefore, if popes are supposed to be the "representatives of Christ" here on earth and they are living an immoral lifestyle, should their commands still be obeyed if they are living in sin? No, it would be hypocritical for them to make rulings and decrees, and yet this is exactly what has been done by the popes. Jesus never said, "do as I say, not as I do". On the contrary, Jesus Christ led a holy life and we should follow His example. Here are a few examples:

Pope Sergius III obtained the papal office by murder. He lived openly with a woman who bore him several illegitimate children. His reign began a period known as "the rule of the harlots".

Pope John XII was an immoral man and whose palace was likened to a brothel. The bishop of Cremona, Luitprand said, "No honest lady dared to show herself in public, for Pope John had no respect either for single girls, married women, or widows – they were sure to be defiled by him, even on the tombs of the holy apostles, Peter and Paul."

Pope Boniface VIII maintained his position through lavish distribution of stolen money. He was quoted saying, "to enjoy oneself and lie carnally with women or with boys is no more a sin than rubbing one's hands together."

Pope John XXII was said to have seduced and violated three hundred nuns. He must have had a strong and insatiable libido for he kept a harem of no less than two hundred girls. He was called "the most depraved criminal who ever sat on the papal throne." A Vatican record says this about him, "His lordship, Pope John, committed perversity with the wife of his brother, incest with holy nuns, intercourse with virgins, adultery with the married, and all sorts of sex crimes... wholly given to sleep and other carnal desires, totally adverse to the life and teaching of Christ... he was publicly called the Devil incarnate."

Pope Pius II was said to have been the father of many illegitimate children. He spoke openly of the methods he used to seduce women and he encouraged young men to also seduce women and even offered to instruct them in methods of self-indulgence.

Pope Sixtus IV financed his wars by selling church offices to the highest bidders. He used the papacy to enrich himself and his family, for no less than eight cardinals were his nephews, some being given the position of cardinal even as a boy.

Pope Alexander VI won the election of the papacy by bribery. He lived with a woman with whom he had a daughter; whom afterward he committed incest with and produced five children. He also lived in public incest with his two sisters. He conducted a sex orgy in the Vatican in which he had a banquet featuring fifty nude girls who danced and serviced the guests – and even offered prizes to the man who could engage in sexual intercourse the most times.

Martin Luther himself also witnessed that Rome with its popes was anything but a holy city. He was quoted as saying, "No one can imagine what sins and infamous actions are committed in Rome, they must be seen and heard to be believed." It has been said, "If there be a hell, Rome is built over it." Having shown just a few examples of the corruption and wickedness that has existed in the lives of the popes; this evidence seriously undermines the belief of "apostolic succession," the claim that the Roman Catholic church is the one "true" church supposedly claiming to trace a line of pope back to Peter, since Peter himself stressed the importance of holiness. It is important to note that pagan popes can be traced back to Babylon but no Christian popes existed until Constantine in 312 A.D. declared himself to be Pope.

The popes were not the only ones that struggled with sexual misconduct; the clergy were just as guilty. When the doctrine of celibacy began to be taught, many clergy were married men. An edict was established in 315 A.D. that forbade a priest to remarry if his wife were to die. In 386 A.D. another edict came into being, allowing priests to be married but forbidding them to have sexual intercourse with their wives. Although this edict was in effect, a large number of clergy openly took wives and fathered children. Some monasteries and nunneries were known in history to be so bad that they actually had a worse reputation than the brothels. The violations by priests were so bad at one point that even female animals were not allowed on monastery property! Priests were urged to be chaste, and if they failed, at least be careful. With this man-made tradition imposed upon them, it made an already difficult job of the confessional even more difficult. The confessional was where sins had to be confessed specifically and in detail so that the priest could render judgment and offer forgiveness of sins. It is not hard to see that the outcome of girls and women and even boys confessing their moral weaknesses and desires to unmarried priests could readily result in widespread abuse. The Roman Catholic church has been lately rocked by one scandal after another of sexual abuse by priests.

The doctrine of a celibate priesthood that has done more damage than good since its inception. At the beginning of creation, God did not want Adam to be alone and created Eve for him. According to the Bible, it was God's design for a husband and wife to become one flesh and to cleave to each other, and yet the Roman Catholic church says otherwise. They have another man-made doctrine condemning priests to celibacy, something which God never intended. Bishops (i.e. pastors, priests) according the Bible are supposed the husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6), Roman Catholicism adds to the Bible by placing an undue burden upon the clergy by forbidding them to marry (I Timothy 4:1-3), the Bible calls this a "doctrine of devils!" It is important to note that the priests of pagan Rome were also required to be celibate, and this tradition dates back all the way to Babylon and Semiramis several thousand years before. Even the idea of confessing to a priest came from Babylon. It is from recorded Babylonian confessions that historians have been able to come up with conclusions about the Babylonian concepts of right and wrong. The priests of pagan Rome were called "fathers," but Jesus said to call no man "father." (Matthew 23:9-12) From what source did the Roman Catholic custom of calling a priest by this title come from, Jesus or the pagans? Jesus spoke against flattering titles to his disciples, he wanted them to treat each other equally. Jesus meant for God the Father to receive all glory, not men. It is plain to see that the majority of the traditions of the Roman Catholic church are man-made and of pagan origins. An intellectually honest search will show the pagan roots of the Roman Catholic church.

The cardinals were the chief clergy in pagan Rome and the word in Latin means "hinge," hence they were pivotal serving as the priests of Janus who was the pagan god of doors and hinges. He was known as the "opener and shutter," and we can understand that better by the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:7-8. Jesus was the true opener, Janus was a counterfeit. These pagan priests wore the color red because it symbolized fire, they were the keepers of the sacred fire and accordingly were known as the "Flamens." All throughout the Bible, the color red is associated with sin. (Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 23:14-15; Revelation 17:4) With some knowledge of history, it is easy to see the merge of Babylonian paganism and Christianity and how they became one.

Roman Catholics who read the Bible will soon discover that many Catholic teachings and practices are specifically forbidden by Jesus Christ Himself. Worship is vain when it is based upon the commandments of men rather than the Word of God. Valid tradition is based upon Scripture and confirms it. Vain tradition is based upon man's teachings and violates it. In Roman Catholicism, tradition is consistently elevated above the Scripture. The result is vain worship, and no matter how sincere, it makes the commandment of God of no effect – a very serious matter.

The last few popes have expanded the ecumenical (worldwide) emphasis in the Roman Catholic Church to unprecedented heights. All unity purchased at the expense of doctrinal purity is satanic and deceptive. II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; II Timothy 3:1-17, 4:1-8. All who join hands in ecumenical fellowship with those who preach a false Gospel are under God's curse. (Galatians 1:6-10)

People do not realize that counterfeit religions, like counterfeit money, must resemble the genuine in order to deceive those who lack spiritual discernment or those who have not had the opportunity or taken the time to carefully compare all the major tenets of Roman Catholicism with the truth of God's Word. Only when one compares men's words with Scripture will it become obvious that Roman Catholicism is a carefully crafted counterfeit, not the pure, genuine, Biblical faith.

Jesus Christ plainly taught that Mary was on the same plane with all other Christians who would do the will of God. In Mark 3:31-35 we read:

"There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. "

Do not avoid the truth here on the authority of Jesus Christ, "Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." And when one heard Jesus and cried out, "Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked, "Jesus answered, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28) There is no hint in the Bible that New Testament Christians ever regarded Mary as more than a good woman. She had no authority among the apostles. No one was taught to pray to her, to do her homage, to adore her, or to partake of the unscriptural worship which Catholics do, but call it by other names.

To deny that Roman Catholicism is a cult is to repudiate the reformation and mock the millions of martyrs who died at Rome's hands. The "Christ" of Roman Catholicism is just as false as its "Mary." Remember that a cult according to the Word of God is any group of people that worship anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, and believe anything contrary to His word as recorded in the Bible. Roman Catholicism is not truly Christian, but is in fact an offshoot of Christianity and the largest and oldest "Christian" cult in the world. In addition, the display of adoration, the gaudy parade of a mere man as if he were a god, the pandering to idolatrous worship through bowing down and kissing his ring, the insistence that he be addressed as "His Holiness the Pope" or "Father" of all Christians cannot but confirm to any Christian that the Roman Catholic church is a cult.

The Scriptures use terms such as "apostasy," "false teacher," "false prophet," "error," "seducer," "heretic," and "doctrines of devils" to describe impure doctrine. The Roman Catholic Church meets every Bible criteria for apostasy, which is a turning away from and rejection of the truth. Its gospel is false, and thus is cursed of God (Galatians 1:8). It has exalted its own man-made traditions to the level of Holy Scripture, and thus worships God in vain (Matthew 15:1-9). Its leaders are false prophets; its dogmas are doctrines of devils; its Papacy is antichrist. What does God say regarding an apostate entity? Does He say we should find positive ways to see that entity? Does He say we should try to find common ground through which we can share and discuss the gospel in love and understanding? No, God says, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues!" (Revelation 18:4). We know that the Roman Catholic church has become an expert in taking various ideas or traditions and mixing them together into its system of religion.

The Roman Catholic church always has been and continues to be a false church. The Biblical doctrines it professes to believe and teach are perverted by doctrine based upon tradition that contradicts the Bible, God's infallible Word. Error is never more deceptive than when it is presented with a mask of truth. The leaders of the Catholic Church have always fit the description of the false teachers who God warned in advance would come on the scene in the last days, deceiving many with their counterfeit words - as described in II Peter 2:1-3, 18, 19.

More below.................................................................

Scotth1960 · Jul 28, 2011

jonathanbchristian said:

Dear jonathanbchristian, Apparently James 2:24 isn't in your version of the Bible. "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (NKJV). See also Galatians 5:6 NKJV: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." And 1 Cor. 13:13 NKJV: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." God bless you. In Erie PA USA Scott R. Harrington

Scotth1960 · Jul 28, 2011

Scotth1960 said:

Katy-follower said:

Firstly, I am sharing this information, as you need to read it. Please read it and don't be offended. If you choose to ignore it, that is your decision, but I will not sit here in quiet. I'm sharing this in love. Otherwise I would not share it at all.

I hope this is useful. Please open your hearts to the scriptures. God Bless.

Kate* xx

Dear Katy-follower: Please read the following book and don't be offended. Why Protestantism isn't Christianity.
"THE REFORMATION", Chapter 6 pages 74-92, in: Schaeffer, Frank. (2002). Dancing Alone: The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion. Regina Orthodox Press, P.O. Box 5288, Salisbury, MA 01952 .... Regina Orthodox Press Online Store

God bless you.
In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington
PS If you choose to ignore John 15:26 and how this verse shows both Protestantism (Luther, Calvin, Anglicans, etc.) and Catholicism are in error, that is your decision, but I cannot be silent in this matter. God save us all. Amen.

Roman Catholicism
Founder: Emperor Constantine

Overview:

The Roman Catholic church, headquartered in Rome, Italy, has its own powerful City-State, the Vatican. The Roman Catholic church unofficially came into being in 312 A.D., at the time of the so-called "miraculous conversion" to Christianity of the Roman Emperor Constantine but he still worshipped the sun god. Although Christianity was not made the official religion of the Roman Empire until the edicts of Theodosius I in 380 and 381 A.D., Constantine, from 312 A.D. until his death in 337, was engaged in the process of simultaneously building pagan temples and Christian churches, and was slowly turning over the reins of his pagan priesthood to the Bishop of Rome. However, the family of Constantine did not give up the last vestige of his priesthood until after the disintegration of the Roman Empire – that being the title the emperors bore as heads of the pagan priesthood – Pontifex Maximus – a title which the popes would inherit. The popes also inherited Constantine's titles as the self-appointed civil head of the church – Summus Pontifex (Vicar of Christ and Bishop of Bishops).

Prior to the time of Constantine's "conversion," Christians were persecuted not so much for their profession of faith in Christ, but because they would not include pagan deities in their faith as well. Then, with Constantine's emphasis on making his new-found Christianity palatable to the heathen in the Empire, the "Christianization" of these pagan deities was facilitated. For example, pagan rituals and idols gradually took on Christian meanings and names and were incorporated into "Christian" worship (e.g., "saints" replaced the cult of pagan gods in both worship and as patrons of cities; mother/son statues were renamed Mary and Jesus; etc.), and pagan holidays were reclassified as Christian holy days (e.g., the Roman Lupercalia and the feast of purification of Isis became the Feast of the Nativity; the Saturnalia celebrations were replaced by Christmas celebrations; an ancient festival of the dead was replaced by All Souls Day, rededicated to Christian heroes [now Halloween]; etc.). A transition had occurred – instead of being persecuted for failure to worship pagan deities, Christians who did not agree with the particular orthodoxy backed by the Emperor were now persecuted in the name of Christ! "Christianized" Rome had become the legitimate successor of pagan Rome! This is the sad origin of the Roman Catholic Church as it compromised from the very beginning with paganism and in doing so became a cult serving the creature (Mary) more than the creator (Jesus).

When Rome went from being pagan to Christian under Constantine, they had to find a replacement for the great mother of paganism. It was not until the time of Constantine that anyone began to look at Mary as a goddess. Since Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ, she was the most logical person to replace the pagan mother goddess. The pagans could continue their prayers and devotion to the mother goddess, only they would call her Mary. The pagans worshipped the mother as much or more than her son and this is exactly what the Roman Catholicism does. True Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is to be worshipped – not his mother. The fact remains that Jesus never hinted at the idea of Mary worship nor did any of the apostles. Worshipping the mother goddess along with her child took place centuries before Jesus Christ was ever born in many different parts of the world. In 431 A.D. Mary worship became an official doctrine of the church in at the Council of Ephesus.

Since the formation of the Roman Empire, the Roman emperors (including Constantine) held the office of Pontifex Maximus (Supreme Priest) and were worshipped by the pagans as gods. Emperor Gratian in 376 A.D. refused the title of Pontifex Maximus, and from then on it was bestowed upon the bishop of Rome. From hereon, the bishop of Rome was to be the Supreme Priest to the pagans and the head of the Christian church; the streams of paganism and Christianity flowed together under the leadership of Pontifex Maximus, ultimately to be called the Pope. The question remains, how can a man at the same time be the Pontifex Maximus which was the head of the pagan mysteries and the head of the church? Although the Roman Catholic church claims that Peter was the first Pope, it is strange that we never read any such claim by Peter. The fact that Jesus never instituted the office of Pope in his church during his earthly ministry plainly shows that the Pope is neither Bishop of bishops nor the successor of the apostle Peter.

One issue that is very damaging to idea of a Pope is the fact that some of the popes were so depraved, even people who professed no religion at all were ashamed of them. Looking into the history of the papacy, it is easy to see that not all popes were holy men. Accusations against them included but were not limited to blasphemy, simony (the buying and selling of the papal office), perjury, murder, adultery, intercourse with virgins and nuns, incest, sodomy, bestiality, robbery, idolatry, magic, infidelity, and gross and unnatural immorality. Historians, even Roman Catholic historians will even attest to the fact there have been many sinful popes. Therefore, if popes are supposed to be the "representatives of Christ" here on earth and they are living an immoral lifestyle, should their commands still be obeyed if they are living in sin? No, it would be hypocritical for them to make rulings and decrees, and yet this is exactly what has been done by the popes. Jesus never said, "do as I say, not as I do". On the contrary, Jesus Christ led a holy life and we should follow His example. Here are a few examples:

Pope Sergius III obtained the papal office by murder. He lived openly with a woman who bore him several illegitimate children. His reign began a period known as "the rule of the harlots".

Pope John XII was an immoral man and whose palace was likened to a brothel. The bishop of Cremona, Luitprand said, "No honest lady dared to show herself in public, for Pope John had no respect either for single girls, married women, or widows – they were sure to be defiled by him, even on the tombs of the holy apostles, Peter and Paul."

Pope Boniface VIII maintained his position through lavish distribution of stolen money. He was quoted saying, "to enjoy oneself and lie carnally with women or with boys is no more a sin than rubbing one's hands together."

Pope John XXII was said to have seduced and violated three hundred nuns. He must have had a strong and insatiable libido for he kept a harem of no less than two hundred girls. He was called "the most depraved criminal who ever sat on the papal throne." A Vatican record says this about him, "His lordship, Pope John, committed perversity with the wife of his brother, incest with holy nuns, intercourse with virgins, adultery with the married, and all sorts of sex crimes... wholly given to sleep and other carnal desires, totally adverse to the life and teaching of Christ... he was publicly called the Devil incarnate."

Pope Pius II was said to have been the father of many illegitimate children. He spoke openly of the methods he used to seduce women and he encouraged young men to also seduce women and even offered to instruct them in methods of self-indulgence.

Pope Sixtus IV financed his wars by selling church offices to the highest bidders. He used the papacy to enrich himself and his family, for no less than eight cardinals were his nephews, some being given the position of cardinal even as a boy.

Pope Alexander VI won the election of the papacy by bribery. He lived with a woman with whom he had a daughter; whom afterward he committed incest with and produced five children. He also lived in public incest with his two sisters. He conducted a sex orgy in the Vatican in which he had a banquet featuring fifty nude girls who danced and serviced the guests – and even offered prizes to the man who could engage in sexual intercourse the most times.

Martin Luther himself also witnessed that Rome with its popes was anything but a holy city. He was quoted as saying, "No one can imagine what sins and infamous actions are committed in Rome, they must be seen and heard to be believed." It has been said, "If there be a hell, Rome is built over it." Having shown just a few examples of the corruption and wickedness that has existed in the lives of the popes; this evidence seriously undermines the belief of "apostolic succession," the claim that the Roman Catholic church is the one "true" church supposedly claiming to trace a line of pope back to Peter, since Peter himself stressed the importance of holiness. It is important to note that pagan popes can be traced back to Babylon but no Christian popes existed until Constantine in 312 A.D. declared himself to be Pope.

The popes were not the only ones that struggled with sexual misconduct; the clergy were just as guilty. When the doctrine of celibacy began to be taught, many clergy were married men. An edict was established in 315 A.D. that forbade a priest to remarry if his wife were to die. In 386 A.D. another edict came into being, allowing priests to be married but forbidding them to have sexual intercourse with their wives. Although this edict was in effect, a large number of clergy openly took wives and fathered children. Some monasteries and nunneries were known in history to be so bad that they actually had a worse reputation than the brothels. The violations by priests were so bad at one point that even female animals were not allowed on monastery property! Priests were urged to be chaste, and if they failed, at least be careful. With this man-made tradition imposed upon them, it made an already difficult job of the confessional even more difficult. The confessional was where sins had to be confessed specifically and in detail so that the priest could render judgment and offer forgiveness of sins. It is not hard to see that the outcome of girls and women and even boys confessing their moral weaknesses and desires to unmarried priests could readily result in widespread abuse. The Roman Catholic church has been lately rocked by one scandal after another of sexual abuse by priests.

The doctrine of a celibate priesthood that has done more damage than good since its inception. At the beginning of creation, God did not want Adam to be alone and created Eve for him. According to the Bible, it was God's design for a husband and wife to become one flesh and to cleave to each other, and yet the Roman Catholic church says otherwise. They have another man-made doctrine condemning priests to celibacy, something which God never intended. Bishops (i.e. pastors, priests) according the Bible are supposed the husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6), Roman Catholicism adds to the Bible by placing an undue burden upon the clergy by forbidding them to marry (I Timothy 4:1-3), the Bible calls this a "doctrine of devils!" It is important to note that the priests of pagan Rome were also required to be celibate, and this tradition dates back all the way to Babylon and Semiramis several thousand years before. Even the idea of confessing to a priest came from Babylon. It is from recorded Babylonian confessions that historians have been able to come up with conclusions about the Babylonian concepts of right and wrong. The priests of pagan Rome were called "fathers," but Jesus said to call no man "father." (Matthew 23:9-12) From what source did the Roman Catholic custom of calling a priest by this title come from, Jesus or the pagans? Jesus spoke against flattering titles to his disciples, he wanted them to treat each other equally. Jesus meant for God the Father to receive all glory, not men. It is plain to see that the majority of the traditions of the Roman Catholic church are man-made and of pagan origins. An intellectually honest search will show the pagan roots of the Roman Catholic church.

The cardinals were the chief clergy in pagan Rome and the word in Latin means "hinge," hence they were pivotal serving as the priests of Janus who was the pagan god of doors and hinges. He was known as the "opener and shutter," and we can understand that better by the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:7-8. Jesus was the true opener, Janus was a counterfeit. These pagan priests wore the color red because it symbolized fire, they were the keepers of the sacred fire and accordingly were known as the "Flamens." All throughout the Bible, the color red is associated with sin. (Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 23:14-15; Revelation 17:4) With some knowledge of history, it is easy to see the merge of Babylonian paganism and Christianity and how they became one.

Roman Catholics who read the Bible will soon discover that many Catholic teachings and practices are specifically forbidden by Jesus Christ Himself. Worship is vain when it is based upon the commandments of men rather than the Word of God. Valid tradition is based upon Scripture and confirms it. Vain tradition is based upon man's teachings and violates it. In Roman Catholicism, tradition is consistently elevated above the Scripture. The result is vain worship, and no matter how sincere, it makes the commandment of God of no effect – a very serious matter.

The last few popes have expanded the ecumenical (worldwide) emphasis in the Roman Catholic Church to unprecedented heights. All unity purchased at the expense of doctrinal purity is satanic and deceptive. II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; II Timothy 3:1-17, 4:1-8. All who join hands in ecumenical fellowship with those who preach a false Gospel are under God's curse. (Galatians 1:6-10)

People do not realize that counterfeit religions, like counterfeit money, must resemble the genuine in order to deceive those who lack spiritual discernment or those who have not had the opportunity or taken the time to carefully compare all the major tenets of Roman Catholicism with the truth of God's Word. Only when one compares men's words with Scripture will it become obvious that Roman Catholicism is a carefully crafted counterfeit, not the pure, genuine, Biblical faith.

Jesus Christ plainly taught that Mary was on the same plane with all other Christians who would do the will of God. In Mark 3:31-35 we read:

"There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. "

Do not avoid the truth here on the authority of Jesus Christ, "Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." And when one heard Jesus and cried out, "Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked, "Jesus answered, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28) There is no hint in the Bible that New Testament Christians ever regarded Mary as more than a good woman. She had no authority among the apostles. No one was taught to pray to her, to do her homage, to adore her, or to partake of the unscriptural worship which Catholics do, but call it by other names.

To deny that Roman Catholicism is a cult is to repudiate the reformation and mock the millions of martyrs who died at Rome's hands. The "Christ" of Roman Catholicism is just as false as its "Mary." Remember that a cult according to the Word of God is any group of people that worship anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, and believe anything contrary to His word as recorded in the Bible. Roman Catholicism is not truly Christian, but is in fact an offshoot of Christianity and the largest and oldest "Christian" cult in the world. In addition, the display of adoration, the gaudy parade of a mere man as if he were a god, the pandering to idolatrous worship through bowing down and kissing his ring, the insistence that he be addressed as "His Holiness the Pope" or "Father" of all Christians cannot but confirm to any Christian that the Roman Catholic church is a cult.

The Scriptures use terms such as "apostasy," "false teacher," "false prophet," "error," "seducer," "heretic," and "doctrines of devils" to describe impure doctrine. The Roman Catholic Church meets every Bible criteria for apostasy, which is a turning away from and rejection of the truth. Its gospel is false, and thus is cursed of God (Galatians 1:8). It has exalted its own man-made traditions to the level of Holy Scripture, and thus worships God in vain (Matthew 15:1-9). Its leaders are false prophets; its dogmas are doctrines of devils; its Papacy is antichrist. What does God say regarding an apostate entity? Does He say we should find positive ways to see that entity? Does He say we should try to find common ground through which we can share and discuss the gospel in love and understanding? No, God says, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues!" (Revelation 18:4). We know that the Roman Catholic church has become an expert in taking various ideas or traditions and mixing them together into its system of religion.

The Roman Catholic church always has been and continues to be a false church. The Biblical doctrines it professes to believe and teach are perverted by doctrine based upon tradition that contradicts the Bible, God's infallible Word. Error is never more deceptive than when it is presented with a mask of truth. The leaders of the Catholic Church have always fit the description of the false teachers who God warned in advance would come on the scene in the last days, deceiving many with their counterfeit words - as described in II Peter 2:1-3, 18, 19.

More below.................................................................

Dear friend, When did the Roman catholic church come into existence? Sometime between 800 AD and 1054 AD. It really started with Augustine of Hippo in 354-430 AD.
With his Filioque theology. It didn't start with Constantine. Constantine was a blessing to the Orthodox Catholic Church. It was a gradual process of popes claiming more power starting approximately with Gregory the Great in 600 AD. God bless you. In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

Scotth1960 · Jul 28, 2011

Katy-follower said:

Firstly, I am sharing this information, as you need to read it. Please read it and don't be offended. If you choose to ignore it, that is your decision, but I will not sit here in quiet. I'm sharing this in love. Otherwise I would not share it at all.

I hope this is useful. Please open your hearts to the scriptures. God Bless.

Kate* xx

Roman Catholicism
Founder: Emperor Constantine

Dear Katy-follower. Roman Catholicism was NOT founded by Emperor Constantine. It's real origin is with Augustine of Hippo. Constantine endorsed the Church Creed of Nicea of 325 AD. Constantine is innocent of the charges against him. Nobody is perfect, and he was not perfect. But he isn't this great problem that some fundamentalist Baptists have with him. That is there problem. Without his work to free the Church from persecution, it is likely the church would not have had time to sit down in the First Ecumenical Council and compose the first part of the Church's Holy Creed in 325 AD, a Creed which was completed and finished in 381 AD. God bless you. In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

rainacorn · Jul 28, 2011

Rosewater said:

Life is for those who believe in God (and the divinity of Christ).

The only way a Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist will be spared the fires is if they repent of their false religions and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Tobby17 · Jul 28, 2011

Scotth1960 said:

What is ur point?. We are saved by faith and works?. NO WAY.. Work only comes in after Faith, moreover the bible clearly states that we are saved bye grace through faith, (Works not included).. *For by grace are ye SAVED through FAITH, NOT of WORKS lest any man should boast, it is the gift of God*

rainacorn · Jul 28, 2011

How do we still argue about faith vs. works? Do we not understand what "you will know them by their fruits" means?

Fruits = works (of the spirit)

True faith produces fruit.

rodogg · Jul 28, 2011

God bless you, but I couldn't even bear to continue reading this post after I scanned it's main points in bemusement and bewilderment. Where did you come by this un-Christian slanderous and uninformed source? I may take time to debate some of the points in the post, but as it is clearly not your own thoughts or your own deductions and mere copy and paste I may not... I may need to contact the original writer

Anyway... I need to go calm down first. The anti-Catholic, uneducated and propaganda believing sentiments on this site are similar to those of an Atheist towards Religion. Very sad overall.

Ronan

dscherck · Jul 28, 2011

jonathanbchristian said:

A shame the Bible itself denies being the sole authoritative Word of God.

jonathanbchristian · Jul 28, 2011

dscherck said:

What Scripture are you talking about?

jonathanbchristian · Jul 28, 2011

Scotth1960 said:

Saved by Faith
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works lest any man should boast.

Justified by works
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

I said we believe in salvation by faith, not works. That's true 100%
Justifed is not the same word as saved! You should study justifed.
We are saved by faith and by faith with works we are justifed.
What I said is still completely accurate.

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