ROMAN CATHOLICISM
BRIEF HISTORY:
The first century church was established by Christ. It remained true as a whole, but even in early times some were departing from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-3). The form of church government was gradually changed by some men who desired preeminence in the churches. These men soon began to regard themselves as successors to the apostles. In 325 A.D., Constantine recognized the Council of Nicea as the first official church law-making assembly. He made Christianity the national religion of the Roman Empire and stopped all persecution against Christians. There were many changes in organization, worship, moral standards, name, etc., brought about by the various councils. In 608, Boniface proclaimed himself the “universal bishop” or “papa,” setting the precedent for all subsequent popes, an office unknown prior to that time. The Council of 1870 (Vatican Council) proclaimed the doctrine of Papal infallibility, culminating the authority claims for the traditions of the hierarchy, termed by Jesus as “doctrines and commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9).
A major division occurred in 1054. The eastern division became known as the Greek Catholic Church (“The Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Eastern Church”). The official name of the western church became “The Holy Catholic Apostolic and Roman Church
Catholic Tradition
Word of God
I. Authority and the Bible
• Tradition is to be held as the highest authority in the church, even above the Bible. “Other spiritual books are preferred” (Plain Facts for Fair Minds, Searle, p. 154)
• Must not add to nor take from Scriptures inspired of God. Deuteronomy 4:2, Isaiah 8:20
• Traditions of men make void the Word of God. Matthew 15:3, 6, 7-9. Worshipping thereby makes worship vain.
• “If the sacred books are permitted everywhere… in vernacular, there will arise…more harm than good” (Council of Trent, Schroeder, 273-8).
• The scriptures are alone sufficient for the man of God. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Revelation 22:18-19; 1 Corinthians 4:6.
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
II. The Church
• The Roman Catholic Church is the only true apostolic church.
• “If it is not identical in belief, government, etc., with the primitive church, then it not the Church of Christ.” (Catholic Facts, p. 27)
• No union of church and state in the Bible. Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7
• Bible names for the church do not include “Roman” or “Catholic.” Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Hebrews 12:23; Acts 20:28.
• Catholic church is described as the apostate church, the Mother of Harlots. Revelation 17:1-18
o Rome on. 7 hills. Revelation 17:9, 18.
o Rome on many waters, etc. Revelation 17:1, 15.
o Has the world drunk with spiritual fornication. Revelation 17:1-2
o Drunk with blood of martyrs. Revelation 17:6
o Mysterious. Revelation 17:5
o Called Babylon (confusion). Revelation 17:5
o Mother of Harlots (originator of all churches except Christ’s)
III. Peter, Founder and Head of the Church
• Peter established the church; he was the first pope and his successors were popes (Faith of our Fathers, p. 78)
• “The records of the second century are so scanty as to throw but little light on the subject.” (Catholic Encyclopedia XII, p. 267)
• Only the apostles could pass spiritual gifs to others. Acts 6:1-6; Acts 8:12-18; 19:6, 7; 2 Timothy 1:6
• Paul, an apostle, could pass spiritual gifts. Romans 1:10-11. The church at Rome evidently had never had an apostle visit them.
• Peter denied the church was built by him or on him. 1 Peter 2:4-6
• Christ is the rock, “petra.” I Corinthians 10:4. He is the builder and head of the church. Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23
• Peter was not superior to the other apostles. I Peter 5:1; 2 Corinthians 11:5; Acts 15:13-19; Matthew 20:25-26
• To be an apostle, one must have been a companion of Christ. Acts 1:21-22. Must have several qualifications which cannot be passed
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on by others.
• Only one case of apostolic succession in bible: Acts 1:15-26. When James was beheaded, no one was selected to succeed him like in the case of Judas. Acts 1:15-26; 15:1-29.
• The only personal representative of Christ on earth in the Holy Spirit. John 14:15-17, 26; 16:7, 13.
• Peter was a married man. Matthew 8:14; I Corinthians 9:5. Popes are not allowed to marry
• Peter would not allow men to fall down to worship him. Acts 10:25, 26. See also Acts 14:14-15; Matthew 4:10. Not even an angel is to be worshipped by men. Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9
IV. The priesthood
• The priest is ‘another Christ,’ the means of access between the sinner and God…”who holds the place of God.” (True Spouse of Christ, St.Ligouri, p. 93).
• “More certainty of doing the will of God by obedience to superiors than by obedience to Jesus Christ.” (Ibid., p. 92-93)
• Only one mediator-Christ. 1 Timothy 2:5
• Christ has the only unchangeable high priesthood. Hebrews 7:11, 12, 22-24.
• All Christians are priests who have access to God through Christ. 1 Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:5-6
• Catholics and non-Catholics are expected to call Priest “Father.”
• Call no man “Father” in religious sense. Matthew 23:9, 10
• Priest has power to forgive sins (Council of Trent, and Lateran Council of 1215). He receives gifts to say prayers. (Catholic Dictionary, Vatican Edition, p. 821
• Forgiveness of sins belongs to the Godhead. Mark 2:6-10; 1 John 1:9; 2:1.
• The gift of God cannot be purchased with money. 1 Peter 1:18.
V. Purgatory
• There is an intermediate state or place called Purgatory where the dead go to suffer punishment until they can be purified. (Council of Florence, 1439) Made an official doctrine, though man began to teach the idea as early as the sixth century.
• These people have not fully made amends for their failings, so must atone for them by suffering before being admitted into heaven. These sufferings are lessened by prayers and masses, according to Council of Trent (Fulton J. Sheen, World Book, “P”, 803)
• Prayers of saints or others cannot change our destiny after death. Hebrews 9:27.
• The righteous acts of others cannot be transferred to my credit (before or) after my decease. I must answer for my own acts of my own body. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:6
• I cannot be saved by the prayers or righteous acts of others or even of myself. Ephesians 2:8-9
• After death there is no changing from place of punishment to place of bliss. Luke 16:19-31
• The Bible knows nothing of indulgences either plenary or partial. Hebrews 2:3
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
VI. Concerning Morals
A. Killing
• “The temporal sword is the hands of Peter…spiritual and temporal…are in the power of the church…temporal authority is to be subjected to the spiritual.” (Bull Unam Sanctum, November 18, 1302).
• “The power of capital punishment is acknowledged for a perfect society…now the Catholic church is a perfect society.” (Tablet, November 5, 1938).
• “Holy” Wars justified by Church called a “pious work,” such as Crusades, “Full remission of sins: granted soldiers. (Disciplinary Decrees of the General Councils, Schroeder, 295).
• “Thou shall not kill.” Exodus 20:13.
• Murders forbidden. Romans 1:29
• Resistance and Retaliation forbidden. Romans 12:19-21; Matthew 5:38-45. Love enemies and pray for them.
B. Adultery
• Monks and nuns lived in same monastery since fourth century (Disciplinary Decrees of the General Councils, p. 154-155).
• Permanent concubinage is not immoral (Catholic Encyclopedia, IV, p. 207).
• Priest can forgive and absolve “an accomplice (partner in guilt) who is in danger of death” (New Code of Canon Law, p.208).
• Priest does not break vow of chastity by adultery (Explanation of Catholic Morals. P. 149). “All celibates are not chaste. . . One who takes the vow of celibacy does not break it by sinning against the sixth commandment; he is true to it till he weds.”
• Lustful gaze as well as overt act sinful. Matthew 5:27-32; Galatians 5:19-21.
C. Stealing
• “Extreme necessity, when a person takes only what is necessary. . .
• Secret compensation. . . when debtor cannot recover his property by any other means.” (Manual of Christian Doctrine, p. 157, 297).
• “Eye for eye” doctrine cancelled by Jesus as ministration of death. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9; Matthew 5:38-39
D. Lying
• Doctrine of “mental reservation” permits Catholics to lie if by so doing they can further their religion. (Manual of Christian Doctrine, p. 444).
• “Shalt not bear false witness.” Exodus 20
• “Lie not one to another.” Colossians 3:9
• “Speaking the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
D. Lying – Cont’d
• “A Catholic who on being asked denies that he is one, does not necessarily deny the faith. Such answer might be a fitting reply to an impertinent question” (Manual of Moral Theology, I, p. 171-172)
• “Do not live by fixed principles; live by opportunity and circumstances.” (Handbook Oracle, Tarazona, Spain)
• Relics are fakes: “Many of the more ancient relics duly exhibited for veneration . . . are either certainly spurious or open to grave suspicion.” (Catholic Encycopledia, XII, p. 737). Saint Christopher recently declared never to have existed!
• Some will turn from truth. 2 Timothy 4:4.
• Some receive not love for truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
• “Through hypocrisy that speak lies, branded in their conscience as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2.
VII. Baptism
• Affusion, or sprinkling is sufficient for Baptism, as well as immersion. (Catholic Dictionary, Addis and Arnold, p. 60; Question Box, p. 366)
• Baptism is a burial. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12.
• Baptism is a planting. Romans 6:5
• Baptism is a resurrection. Colossians 2:12
• Baptism is a birth of water. John 3:5
• Baptism is a Greek word which is translated to “dip, plunge, submerge.”
• There is only one baptism. Ephesians 4:5
• An infant should receive baptism. “Baptism, nowadays, is given almost exclusively to children.” (Our Priesthood, Bruneau, p. 154).
• Believers who repented of their sins and confessed faith in Christ are Biblically qualified to be baptized. Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16
• He should be christened with the name of “Saint” and should have a “godfather and a godmother.”
• All Christians are called saints. 1 Corinthians 1:2. Christening not in Bible, nor godfather or godmother.
• Original Sin, inherited from Adam is forgiven when the infant is baptized
• Original sin not taught in Bible. No act or deed or guilt for such can be transmitted from one person to another. Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 18:10; 19:14; Psalms 127:3-5. Children are innocent until they themselves sin by their own lust. James 1:13-15
• The child does not bear the guilt of his father or anyone else, though he may suffer the consequences of others’ sins.
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
VIII. Confirmation
• In confirmation, the Holy Spirit is received by the hands of the bishop when the child reaches the age of accountability (about 12). (Catholic Dictionary, Addis and Arnold, p. 208)
• “Confirmation” ceremony is not taught in God’s Word.
• The Holy Spirit is given when a believer is immersed Acts 2:38, 5:32.
• Only Christ prayed for Holy Spirit to be sent. John 14:15-17
IX. Holy Eucharist
• “Transubstantiation” is the change from bread and wine to the actual body and blood of Christ, performed at the consecration of the mass (adopted at the Lateran Council in 1215 A.D.)
• Christ mas materially present when He gave the bread and fruit of the vine to the disciples and said “This is my body”, and “This is my blood.” It is obviously a figure of speech (metaphor), the same as when He spoke of Himself as a “door” and as a “vine.” John 10:7; 15. He was not literally a vine or a door.
• The communion (or “Eucharist”) is an “unbloody” sacrifice of the mass.
• There was only one offering of Christ; He was once sacrificed for our sins. Hebrews 6:6; 9:25-26; 10:11-12
• “Communion under one kind:” allows “clergy” to receive the wine, and “laity” supposedly receive both body and blood in the one element, the bread.
• Both bread and fruit of the vine are to be given to all Christians. Matthew 26:27; Mark 14:23; 1 Corinthians 11:28. There is no clergy-laity distinction among Christians in the Bible.
X. Extreme Unction
• Health and strength to the soul and body at the point of death.
• Must not go beyond what is written! 1 Corinthians 4:6. No such practice in Bible.
XI. Holy Orders & Dress
• Holy Orders are said to be one of the seven sacraments by which the bishops, priests and officers of the church are ordained to office.
• Sacraments not in Bible.
• Divisions, “Orders of Catholicism, are condemned in 1 Corinthians 1:10.
• Peculiar attire (habits) distinguish each order.
• By fruits (not collars and robes) Jesus said we shall be known. Matthew 7:20
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
XII. Matrimony
• A “Sacrament whereby grace is imparted.”
• Marriage is void unless performed by a priest. All non-Catholics living in ‘concubinage’ instead of Christian matrimony (Question Box, p. 349, 350) (Leo XIII, Life of Leo XIII, p. 332)
• Bible Silent. 2 John 9, 10, 11.
• Where was the priest at the wedding Jesus attended? John 2:1-11. Marriage is not “a church ordinance” nor a “sacrament” according to the Bible
• There is no cause for which the marriage bond may be broken.
• Jesus allowed fornication as the sole cause for divorce. Matthew 5:32; 19:9
• No artificial birth control method may be employed in marriage, even if the life of the mother is in jeopardy. (American Ecclesiastical Review, July 1948-quoted in Birth Control, by Alvin Jennings, Star Bible Publications, 1961, 24 pages)
• 1 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 5:29; 1 Peter 3:7 – The Christian is to care for his body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Anything done deliberately which endangers health is sin.
XIII. Celibacy
• “The law of celibacy of the clergy is not a divine institution but is a rule of the Church which developed gradually, and was finally made a part of the legal code for the greater part of the world” (Externals of the Catholic Church, Sullivan, p.6)
• Hebrews 13:4
• Bishop must be married. Titus 1:5-6; 1 Timothy 3:2.
• Forbidding to marry a doctrine of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1-3
XIV. Doctrine of Mary
(Glories of Mary – page numbers below)
• Mary shunned the sight of men. 627, 641, 642
• Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
• She alone can obtain pardon. 51, 71, 83.
• Only one mediator, Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5
• Cannot be saved without praying to Mary. 254, 255, 189
• Colossians 3:17. All in the name of Christ
• Perpetual virgin; not defiled by man. 331
• Matthew 1:25. Joseph ‘knew’ her after Jesus’ birth.
• Not subject to Christ. 200
• Christ Lord of all. Acts 10:36; Matthew 28:18-20.
• Mother of God. 202, 211
• Genesis 1:1
• “Assumption of Mary,” doctrine defined in 1950.
• “Immaculate Conception of Mary” doctrine originated in England; she was born without the stain of original sin. (Life of Blessed Virgin, De Gentilucci, 104-105).
All references quoted are official publications of the Roman Catholic Church. Every volume quoted is on deposit at the library of Abilene Christian College through the generosity of the late O.C. Lambert.
BRIEF HISTORY:
The first century church was established by Christ. It remained true as a whole, but even in early times some were departing from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-3). The form of church government was gradually changed by some men who desired preeminence in the churches. These men soon began to regard themselves as successors to the apostles. In 325 A.D., Constantine recognized the Council of Nicea as the first official church law-making assembly. He made Christianity the national religion of the Roman Empire and stopped all persecution against Christians. There were many changes in organization, worship, moral standards, name, etc., brought about by the various councils. In 608, Boniface proclaimed himself the “universal bishop” or “papa,” setting the precedent for all subsequent popes, an office unknown prior to that time. The Council of 1870 (Vatican Council) proclaimed the doctrine of Papal infallibility, culminating the authority claims for the traditions of the hierarchy, termed by Jesus as “doctrines and commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9).
A major division occurred in 1054. The eastern division became known as the Greek Catholic Church (“The Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Eastern Church”). The official name of the western church became “The Holy Catholic Apostolic and Roman Church
Catholic Tradition
Word of God
I. Authority and the Bible
• Tradition is to be held as the highest authority in the church, even above the Bible. “Other spiritual books are preferred” (Plain Facts for Fair Minds, Searle, p. 154)
• Must not add to nor take from Scriptures inspired of God. Deuteronomy 4:2, Isaiah 8:20
• Traditions of men make void the Word of God. Matthew 15:3, 6, 7-9. Worshipping thereby makes worship vain.
• “If the sacred books are permitted everywhere… in vernacular, there will arise…more harm than good” (Council of Trent, Schroeder, 273-8).
• The scriptures are alone sufficient for the man of God. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Revelation 22:18-19; 1 Corinthians 4:6.
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
II. The Church
• The Roman Catholic Church is the only true apostolic church.
• “If it is not identical in belief, government, etc., with the primitive church, then it not the Church of Christ.” (Catholic Facts, p. 27)
• No union of church and state in the Bible. Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7
• Bible names for the church do not include “Roman” or “Catholic.” Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Hebrews 12:23; Acts 20:28.
• Catholic church is described as the apostate church, the Mother of Harlots. Revelation 17:1-18
o Rome on. 7 hills. Revelation 17:9, 18.
o Rome on many waters, etc. Revelation 17:1, 15.
o Has the world drunk with spiritual fornication. Revelation 17:1-2
o Drunk with blood of martyrs. Revelation 17:6
o Mysterious. Revelation 17:5
o Called Babylon (confusion). Revelation 17:5
o Mother of Harlots (originator of all churches except Christ’s)
III. Peter, Founder and Head of the Church
• Peter established the church; he was the first pope and his successors were popes (Faith of our Fathers, p. 78)
• “The records of the second century are so scanty as to throw but little light on the subject.” (Catholic Encyclopedia XII, p. 267)
• Only the apostles could pass spiritual gifs to others. Acts 6:1-6; Acts 8:12-18; 19:6, 7; 2 Timothy 1:6
• Paul, an apostle, could pass spiritual gifts. Romans 1:10-11. The church at Rome evidently had never had an apostle visit them.
• Peter denied the church was built by him or on him. 1 Peter 2:4-6
• Christ is the rock, “petra.” I Corinthians 10:4. He is the builder and head of the church. Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23
• Peter was not superior to the other apostles. I Peter 5:1; 2 Corinthians 11:5; Acts 15:13-19; Matthew 20:25-26
• To be an apostle, one must have been a companion of Christ. Acts 1:21-22. Must have several qualifications which cannot be passed
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on by others.
• Only one case of apostolic succession in bible: Acts 1:15-26. When James was beheaded, no one was selected to succeed him like in the case of Judas. Acts 1:15-26; 15:1-29.
• The only personal representative of Christ on earth in the Holy Spirit. John 14:15-17, 26; 16:7, 13.
• Peter was a married man. Matthew 8:14; I Corinthians 9:5. Popes are not allowed to marry
• Peter would not allow men to fall down to worship him. Acts 10:25, 26. See also Acts 14:14-15; Matthew 4:10. Not even an angel is to be worshipped by men. Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9
IV. The priesthood
• The priest is ‘another Christ,’ the means of access between the sinner and God…”who holds the place of God.” (True Spouse of Christ, St.Ligouri, p. 93).
• “More certainty of doing the will of God by obedience to superiors than by obedience to Jesus Christ.” (Ibid., p. 92-93)
• Only one mediator-Christ. 1 Timothy 2:5
• Christ has the only unchangeable high priesthood. Hebrews 7:11, 12, 22-24.
• All Christians are priests who have access to God through Christ. 1 Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:5-6
• Catholics and non-Catholics are expected to call Priest “Father.”
• Call no man “Father” in religious sense. Matthew 23:9, 10
• Priest has power to forgive sins (Council of Trent, and Lateran Council of 1215). He receives gifts to say prayers. (Catholic Dictionary, Vatican Edition, p. 821
• Forgiveness of sins belongs to the Godhead. Mark 2:6-10; 1 John 1:9; 2:1.
• The gift of God cannot be purchased with money. 1 Peter 1:18.
V. Purgatory
• There is an intermediate state or place called Purgatory where the dead go to suffer punishment until they can be purified. (Council of Florence, 1439) Made an official doctrine, though man began to teach the idea as early as the sixth century.
• These people have not fully made amends for their failings, so must atone for them by suffering before being admitted into heaven. These sufferings are lessened by prayers and masses, according to Council of Trent (Fulton J. Sheen, World Book, “P”, 803)
• Prayers of saints or others cannot change our destiny after death. Hebrews 9:27.
• The righteous acts of others cannot be transferred to my credit (before or) after my decease. I must answer for my own acts of my own body. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:6
• I cannot be saved by the prayers or righteous acts of others or even of myself. Ephesians 2:8-9
• After death there is no changing from place of punishment to place of bliss. Luke 16:19-31
• The Bible knows nothing of indulgences either plenary or partial. Hebrews 2:3
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
VI. Concerning Morals
A. Killing
• “The temporal sword is the hands of Peter…spiritual and temporal…are in the power of the church…temporal authority is to be subjected to the spiritual.” (Bull Unam Sanctum, November 18, 1302).
• “The power of capital punishment is acknowledged for a perfect society…now the Catholic church is a perfect society.” (Tablet, November 5, 1938).
• “Holy” Wars justified by Church called a “pious work,” such as Crusades, “Full remission of sins: granted soldiers. (Disciplinary Decrees of the General Councils, Schroeder, 295).
• “Thou shall not kill.” Exodus 20:13.
• Murders forbidden. Romans 1:29
• Resistance and Retaliation forbidden. Romans 12:19-21; Matthew 5:38-45. Love enemies and pray for them.
B. Adultery
• Monks and nuns lived in same monastery since fourth century (Disciplinary Decrees of the General Councils, p. 154-155).
• Permanent concubinage is not immoral (Catholic Encyclopedia, IV, p. 207).
• Priest can forgive and absolve “an accomplice (partner in guilt) who is in danger of death” (New Code of Canon Law, p.208).
• Priest does not break vow of chastity by adultery (Explanation of Catholic Morals. P. 149). “All celibates are not chaste. . . One who takes the vow of celibacy does not break it by sinning against the sixth commandment; he is true to it till he weds.”
• Lustful gaze as well as overt act sinful. Matthew 5:27-32; Galatians 5:19-21.
C. Stealing
• “Extreme necessity, when a person takes only what is necessary. . .
• Secret compensation. . . when debtor cannot recover his property by any other means.” (Manual of Christian Doctrine, p. 157, 297).
• “Eye for eye” doctrine cancelled by Jesus as ministration of death. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9; Matthew 5:38-39
D. Lying
• Doctrine of “mental reservation” permits Catholics to lie if by so doing they can further their religion. (Manual of Christian Doctrine, p. 444).
• “Shalt not bear false witness.” Exodus 20
• “Lie not one to another.” Colossians 3:9
• “Speaking the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
D. Lying – Cont’d
• “A Catholic who on being asked denies that he is one, does not necessarily deny the faith. Such answer might be a fitting reply to an impertinent question” (Manual of Moral Theology, I, p. 171-172)
• “Do not live by fixed principles; live by opportunity and circumstances.” (Handbook Oracle, Tarazona, Spain)
• Relics are fakes: “Many of the more ancient relics duly exhibited for veneration . . . are either certainly spurious or open to grave suspicion.” (Catholic Encycopledia, XII, p. 737). Saint Christopher recently declared never to have existed!
• Some will turn from truth. 2 Timothy 4:4.
• Some receive not love for truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
• “Through hypocrisy that speak lies, branded in their conscience as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2.
VII. Baptism
• Affusion, or sprinkling is sufficient for Baptism, as well as immersion. (Catholic Dictionary, Addis and Arnold, p. 60; Question Box, p. 366)
• Baptism is a burial. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12.
• Baptism is a planting. Romans 6:5
• Baptism is a resurrection. Colossians 2:12
• Baptism is a birth of water. John 3:5
• Baptism is a Greek word which is translated to “dip, plunge, submerge.”
• There is only one baptism. Ephesians 4:5
• An infant should receive baptism. “Baptism, nowadays, is given almost exclusively to children.” (Our Priesthood, Bruneau, p. 154).
• Believers who repented of their sins and confessed faith in Christ are Biblically qualified to be baptized. Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16
• He should be christened with the name of “Saint” and should have a “godfather and a godmother.”
• All Christians are called saints. 1 Corinthians 1:2. Christening not in Bible, nor godfather or godmother.
• Original Sin, inherited from Adam is forgiven when the infant is baptized
• Original sin not taught in Bible. No act or deed or guilt for such can be transmitted from one person to another. Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 18:10; 19:14; Psalms 127:3-5. Children are innocent until they themselves sin by their own lust. James 1:13-15
• The child does not bear the guilt of his father or anyone else, though he may suffer the consequences of others’ sins.
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
VIII. Confirmation
• In confirmation, the Holy Spirit is received by the hands of the bishop when the child reaches the age of accountability (about 12). (Catholic Dictionary, Addis and Arnold, p. 208)
• “Confirmation” ceremony is not taught in God’s Word.
• The Holy Spirit is given when a believer is immersed Acts 2:38, 5:32.
• Only Christ prayed for Holy Spirit to be sent. John 14:15-17
IX. Holy Eucharist
• “Transubstantiation” is the change from bread and wine to the actual body and blood of Christ, performed at the consecration of the mass (adopted at the Lateran Council in 1215 A.D.)
• Christ mas materially present when He gave the bread and fruit of the vine to the disciples and said “This is my body”, and “This is my blood.” It is obviously a figure of speech (metaphor), the same as when He spoke of Himself as a “door” and as a “vine.” John 10:7; 15. He was not literally a vine or a door.
• The communion (or “Eucharist”) is an “unbloody” sacrifice of the mass.
• There was only one offering of Christ; He was once sacrificed for our sins. Hebrews 6:6; 9:25-26; 10:11-12
• “Communion under one kind:” allows “clergy” to receive the wine, and “laity” supposedly receive both body and blood in the one element, the bread.
• Both bread and fruit of the vine are to be given to all Christians. Matthew 26:27; Mark 14:23; 1 Corinthians 11:28. There is no clergy-laity distinction among Christians in the Bible.
X. Extreme Unction
• Health and strength to the soul and body at the point of death.
• Must not go beyond what is written! 1 Corinthians 4:6. No such practice in Bible.
XI. Holy Orders & Dress
• Holy Orders are said to be one of the seven sacraments by which the bishops, priests and officers of the church are ordained to office.
• Sacraments not in Bible.
• Divisions, “Orders of Catholicism, are condemned in 1 Corinthians 1:10.
• Peculiar attire (habits) distinguish each order.
• By fruits (not collars and robes) Jesus said we shall be known. Matthew 7:20
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Catholic Tradition
Word of God
XII. Matrimony
• A “Sacrament whereby grace is imparted.”
• Marriage is void unless performed by a priest. All non-Catholics living in ‘concubinage’ instead of Christian matrimony (Question Box, p. 349, 350) (Leo XIII, Life of Leo XIII, p. 332)
• Bible Silent. 2 John 9, 10, 11.
• Where was the priest at the wedding Jesus attended? John 2:1-11. Marriage is not “a church ordinance” nor a “sacrament” according to the Bible
• There is no cause for which the marriage bond may be broken.
• Jesus allowed fornication as the sole cause for divorce. Matthew 5:32; 19:9
• No artificial birth control method may be employed in marriage, even if the life of the mother is in jeopardy. (American Ecclesiastical Review, July 1948-quoted in Birth Control, by Alvin Jennings, Star Bible Publications, 1961, 24 pages)
• 1 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 5:29; 1 Peter 3:7 – The Christian is to care for his body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Anything done deliberately which endangers health is sin.
XIII. Celibacy
• “The law of celibacy of the clergy is not a divine institution but is a rule of the Church which developed gradually, and was finally made a part of the legal code for the greater part of the world” (Externals of the Catholic Church, Sullivan, p.6)
• Hebrews 13:4
• Bishop must be married. Titus 1:5-6; 1 Timothy 3:2.
• Forbidding to marry a doctrine of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1-3
XIV. Doctrine of Mary
(Glories of Mary – page numbers below)
• Mary shunned the sight of men. 627, 641, 642
• Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5
• She alone can obtain pardon. 51, 71, 83.
• Only one mediator, Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5
• Cannot be saved without praying to Mary. 254, 255, 189
• Colossians 3:17. All in the name of Christ
• Perpetual virgin; not defiled by man. 331
• Matthew 1:25. Joseph ‘knew’ her after Jesus’ birth.
• Not subject to Christ. 200
• Christ Lord of all. Acts 10:36; Matthew 28:18-20.
• Mother of God. 202, 211
• Genesis 1:1
• “Assumption of Mary,” doctrine defined in 1950.
• “Immaculate Conception of Mary” doctrine originated in England; she was born without the stain of original sin. (Life of Blessed Virgin, De Gentilucci, 104-105).
All references quoted are official publications of the Roman Catholic Church. Every volume quoted is on deposit at the library of Abilene Christian College through the generosity of the late O.C. Lambert.