The following is not meant to attack or hurt. It is a placed here as a response to those who believe that the Roman Catholic Church is the one and only true church of Jesus Christ. This is not a public proclamation, but an aid to those within our local church in answer to their questions. In fact, there are sharp distinctions between Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism. It is my belief that one is saved by grace and faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Therefore, one can be a Roman Catholic and know salvation. There are many road-blocks to this personal faith within the Roman Church and these should be addressed. This is my view and should not be understood as an official Church of the Nazarene stance. If you are a Roman Catholic and take offense at the following, know that this discussion is a response to the proclamation that there is no salvation outside the Roman Church.  I have not included a discussion of grace and works, but refer the reader to the works of John Wesley.

Jim Casselman

 

Overview of the Differences Between Biblical Christianity and the Roman Catholic Faith

A. Different view of Mary

  1. Catholics teach Mary was a perpetual virgin having no other children after Jesus; Jesus had brothers & sisters: Matt. 13:55,56; Mark 6:3; remained virgin only until Jesus was born: Mt 1:25
  2. Catholics teach that Mary is a mediator between God and man; whereas, the scriptures reveal that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man: 1 Tim 2:5.

B. Different view of Peter

  1. Catholics teach that the apostle Peter was the first pope; yet Popes didn't exist until 600AD.
  2. Catholics teach that Peter, being the first Pope, wasn't married. Yet, Peter had a wife: Mt 8:14; 1 Cor 9:5; Mk 1:30; Lk 4:38.

C. Different view of church leaders

  1. Pope is the highest office in the church, but the office is not found in the Bible (eg. 2 Thess 2:3-4).
  2. Catholics teach that 'Bishops' must not be married: whereas 1 Timothy 3:2-4 and Titus 1:5-7 indicate that Bishops should not only be married but also have children.
  3. Catholics teach that all priests, bishops & Popes are forbidden to marry; The Bible calls "forbidding to marry" a "doctrine of demons" in 1 Timothy 4:1-4.
  4. Catholics teach that priests are to be called 'Father', yet Jesus specifically forbade this: Mt 23:9.
  5. Priests are a special class of Catholic followers; whereas the Bible teaches that every Christian is priest (Rev 1:6).
  6. A Catholic 'Saint' is an exemplary individual who has been dead for many years and has been voted upon by leaders to become a saint. Biblically, every Christian is a saint while they live (Rom 1:7).

D. Different view of worship

  1. Catholics deleted the 2nd of the 10 commandments so they could use statues & images in worship. (They split the 10th on coveting into two commandments so they could still have 10).
  2. Until very recently, in SOME PARTS OF THE WORLD, only the priests drink the cup in communion; Yet Jesus commanded all Christians to both drink the cup and eat of the bread (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-28).
  3. Catholics pray repetitive words with a rosary; but Jesus told us not to pray in this manner (Matthew 6:7).
  4. Mass is often conducted in Latin, yet Paul tells us to speak in known languages (1 Cor 14:19).

 

Why did the Catholic leadership oppose Bible reading?

The reason the leadership opposed the reading of the Bible by laity is because the Bible opposes them. Following is a list of passages which contradict various teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

1. Ex. 20:4 5 (Images)

2. Matt. 20:20 28 (Hierarchy)

3. I Peter 2:5, 9 ("Priesthood")

4. Matt. 23:9 ("Father")

5. Matt. 26:28 (Withholding cup)

6. Luke 11:27 28 (Adoration of Mary)

7. Luke 16:26 (Purgatory)

8. Luke 22:24 27 (Primacy of Peter)

9. I Cor. 1:2 ("Saints")

10. 11 Thess. 2:4 (Pope has place of God on Earth)

11. I Tim. 2:5 (Many Mediators)

12. I Tim. 3:2 (Unmarried bishops)

13. I Tim. 4:3 (Forbid marriage)

14. 11 Tim. 3:16 17 (Many authorities)

15. Heb. 8:12 (Indulgence)

16. James 5:16 (Confession to a priest)

 Following is an excerpt from an address given by the Cardinals to Pope Pius III, and is preserved in the National Library of Paris, Folio No. 1068, Vol. 2, pp. 650 651:

"Of all the advice that we can offer your holiness we must open your eyes well and use all possible force in the matter, namely to permit the reading of the gospel as little as possible in all the countries under your jurisdiction. Let the very little part of the gospel suffice which is usually read in mass, and let no one be permitted to read more. So long as people will be content with the small amount, your interest will prosper; but as soon as the people want to read more, your interest will fail. The Bible is a book, which more than any other, has raised against us the tumults and tempests by which we have almost perished. In fact, if one compares the teaching of the Bible with what takes place in our churches, he will soon find discord, and will realize that our teachings are often different from the Bible, and oftener still, contrary to it."

Check here for a larger discussion on the RCC and the Origins of the Bible

Ten reasons for studying the Bible:

  1. The Bible yields food for the soul. It has the milk necessary for the spiritual growth of the babe, and strong meat to sustain the older, mature Christian. (See I Pet. 2:1 2; Heb. 5:12 14).
  2. A knowledge of the truth and obedience it is necessary to be made free from sin. (See John 8:31 32; I Pet. I :22).
  3. The Bible reveals God's view of man. It enables the student to see himself as God sees him, for the Bible is God's mirror of the soul. (See James I :21 25).
  4. A working knowledge of the Bible arms one against the difficulties and hardships of life. It has a message to cover every condition and problem. It can be used in every emergency from the cradle to the grave. (See Rom. 15 :4).
  5. The knowledgeable Christian is able to comfort and edify the discouraged and brokenhearted. (See Col. 4:6; I Thess. 4: 14).
  6. The Scriptures contain all good works that are pleasing to God, and give all things that pertain to life and godliness. (See II Tim. 3: 16 17; 11 Pet. 1:3).
  7. One must study the Bible to have the approval of God, to be a ready workman, and to handle aright the Word of truth. (See II Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 3:15).
  8. Knowledge of the Bible is the safeguard against fatal error. (See Acts 17: 11; I John 4: 1).
  9. The Scriptures are able to build us up and to give us a home in heaven. (See Acts 20:32; II Tim. 3:15).
  10. The Bible will be our standard of judgment in the last day. (See John 12:48; Rev. 20:12).

 

Credit to:

David J. Riggs

 

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