Eph 5:11:"…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”.
Amos 3:7 “…God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
Why this post?
To provide evidence of the chasm between Roman Catholicism and the Bible.
Introduction
Several authors have expounded differences between the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the teachings of the Bible. Below follows a lengthy expose of those differences where I compare the RCC’s teaching with those of the Bible and further down I summarise key points from specific books.
As my journey into several religious topics escalate this post creates the foundation.
Summaries
This is well known and herewith just a few summaries:
Comparison
RCC requires traditions and rituals on top of the Bible
- Roman Catholicism: Upholds the authority of both Scripture and Tradition, with the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church) interpreting both. Tradition includes teachings passed down orally from the apostles and the decisions of Church councils. The Pope is considered the head of the church and has the final authority on matters of doctrine and interpretation. Traces its origins to Jesus Christ and the Apostle Peter (whom the Catholic Church teaches was the first bishop of Rome)
- Protestant Christianity: Emphasizes the supreme authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), rejecting the authority of Tradition and the Magisterium. Believes in the priesthood of all believers, allowing individual interpretation of the Bible. They reject the concept that dogma can be decided upon by a central authority such as the Papacy. Protestantism emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century as a reaction against certain practices and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Comment: The Jewish oral traditions are similar to the Papal version. Papal version directly contradicts what Martin Luther stood for when the Protestant movement started.
RCC claims salvation through more than faith
- Roman Catholicism: Teaches salvation through faith, works, and sacraments. Emphasizes cooperation with divine grace and participation in the sacraments, especially baptism and the Eucharist.
- Protestant Christianity: Emphasizes salvation by grace alone through faith alone (sola fide), apart from works or sacraments. Teaches that salvation is a free gift of God and is received by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins.
RCC recognises several sacraments
- Roman Catholicism: Recognizes seven sacraments instituted by Christ, including baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. Believes sacraments are channels of divine grace.
- Protestant Christianity: Generally recognizes only two sacraments—baptism and communion (or the Lord's Supper) as per the Bible. Some Protestant denominations, like Anglicanism and Lutheranism, retain more sacramental views, while others emphasize ordinances as symbolic acts rather than channels of grace.
- Comment: Even the protestant form of baptism contradicts the Bible. How can a baby make that decision? There is no evidence of this in the Bible.
RCC claims them as founded by Christ from Peter
- Roman Catholicism: Views the Church as the one true Church founded by Christ, with the Pope as the visible head and successor of Peter. Emphasizes apostolic succession, papal infallibility, and the unity of the Church. The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure with ordained clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops. Only ordained priests can perform sacraments like the Eucharist. Priests are required to be celibate and cannot marry.
- Protestant Christianity: Diverse views on the nature of the Church, ranging from the invisible, universal Church composed of all believers to local congregations or denominations. Rejects papal authority and hierarchical structures in favor of congregational, episcopal, or presbyterian governance. (Some have no central decision making authority.)
- Comment: No man is infallible. What wold the point of grace be? It’s from this faulty dogma that the idea of priestly forgiveness arise. The Bible made it clear that the unity between man and woman was good.
RCC oriented entirely around a hierarchy
- Roman Catholicism: Hierarchy starting with the Pope, followed by Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Monks, and Deacons. Women can be nuns.
- Protestant Christianity: Each church is independent and led by Pastors, Elders, and Deacons. No central hierarchy.
- Comment: Loads of Biblical examples of female roles with no specific restrictions.
RCC raises Mary and the Saints to Jesus’ level
- Roman Catholicism: Honors Mary as the Mother of God and venerates saints as intercessors. Teaches doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception (Mary conceived without original sin) and the Assumption (Mary taken bodily into heaven). Catholics venerate and pray to saints and the Virgin Mary, asking for their intercession and guidance. They believe that saints and Mary can act as intermediaries between God and humanity.
- Protestant Christianity: Generally holds a more reserved view of Mary and the saints, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity. Rejects doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption as lacking biblical support.
- Comment: Bible never elevated Mary’s function in faith.
RCC emphasises their rituals
- Roman Catholicism: Emphasizes liturgical worship, including the celebration of the Mass, prayers to saints, and the veneration of relics and images. Often follows a formal liturgical calendar.
- Protestant Christianity: Exhibits diverse worship styles, ranging from traditional liturgical services to contemporary worship. Generally emphasizes preaching, congregational singing, and prayer, with less emphasis on liturgical rituals and sacramental acts.
- Comment: Papal use of relics and images directly opposes the ten commandments. Bible never refers to the use of beads or any such means.
Only the RCC may interpret the scriptures
- Roman Catholicism: Emphasizes the importance of the Church's authoritative interpretation of Scripture, as guided by the Magisterium. Encourages a balance of literal and allegorical interpretations and considers tradition alongside Scripture.
- Protestant Christianity: Stresses individual interpretation of Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Encourages study of the Bible in its historical and literary context, with an emphasis on the perspicuity (clarity) of Scripture for believers.
- Comment: Jesus took particular issue with the scribes and Pharisees’ reliance on tradition. If interpretation is only left to the Papal hierarchy, then what is the point of the Holy Spirit, or those that do not attend church? This was Martin Luther’s point.
Priests can act in person of Christ
- Roman Catholicism: Believes in the sacramental priesthood, ordained through the sacrament of holy orders, which enables priests to act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) in administering sacraments, particularly the Eucharist (Mass) and reconciliation (confession). Views priests as mediators between God and the faithful.
- Protestant Christianity: Emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, derived from passages such as 1 Peter 2:9, which teaches that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ and can serve as spiritual priests. Rejects the idea of a separate sacramental priesthood and emphasizes the ministry of all believers.
- Comment: The notion that a priest can forgive sins is blasphemous.
RCC claims baptism as a requirement for salvation
- Roman Catholicism: Views baptism as a sacrament necessary for salvation, believing that it cleanses the soul of original sin and initiates the baptized person into the Christian community. Administers baptism through the pouring or immersion of water, typically performed by clergy, and often involves the recitation of prayers and anointing with chrism oil.
- Protestant Christianity: Recognizes baptism as an ordinance symbolizing spiritual rebirth and incorporation into the body of Christ. Emphasizes believer's baptism, whereby individuals publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ before being baptized by immersion or affusion (pouring). Rejects the notion of baptismal regeneration (the belief that baptism confers grace and salvation).
- Comment: Papacy turned baptism into another ritual and most Protestants churches kept the infant model.
The Eucharist (Communion) becomes literal body of Christ
- Roman Catholicism: Holds to the doctrine of transubstantiation, teaching that the bread and wine of the Eucharist become the literal body and blood of Christ through the priest's consecration during Mass. Emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist and the real presence of Christ in the elements.
- Protestant Christianity: Diverse views exist, ranging from the Lutheran belief in consubstantiation (the real presence of Christ alongside the elements) to symbolic views held by many Reformed, Baptist, and Evangelical denominations. Emphasizes the commemorative aspect of the Lord's Supper, focusing on its symbolic significance as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
- Comment: The RCC sacrifices Jesus every week. Don’t take my word for this. Go and read their own literature acknowledging this fact.
Now a priest can forgive sins
- Roman Catholicism: Practices the sacrament of reconciliation (confession), in which Catholics confess their sins to a priest, receive absolution, and perform penance as a means of obtaining forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Views confession as a necessary part of the sacramental life and spiritual growth.
- Protestant Christianity: Emphasizes the biblical teaching of confession of sins directly to God, without the need for an intermediary such as a priest. Believes in the assurance of forgiveness through sincere repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, based on passages like 1 John 1:9.
- Comment: The Bible is clear that there is only one road to forgiveness.
Traditions alongside Scripture
- Roman Catholicism: Holds tradition, including the writings and teachings of the early Church Fathers, in high regard as an authoritative source alongside Scripture. Believes in the development of doctrine over time, guided by the Holy Spirit and the Magisterium.
- Protestant Christianity: Respects the early Church Fathers and tradition but emphasizes the primacy of Scripture alone (sola scriptura) as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Views tradition as secondary to Scripture and subject to evaluation in light of biblical teachings.
RCC requires a place of purgatory
- Roman Catholicism: Catholics believe in the doctrine of Purgatory, a state of purification for those who have died in a state of grace but still need to be cleansed of venial sins before entering Heaven.
- Protestant Christianity: Most Protestants reject the concept of Purgatory, believing that after death, believers go directly to Heaven, while non-believers go to Hell. (Some reject both views, since there is no Biblical evidence of either.)
RCC claims the pope as infallible
- Roman Catholicism: The Catholic Church holds the doctrine of Papal Infallibility, which states that the Pope, under certain conditions, is infallible in defining matters of faith and morals.
- Protestant Christianity: Protestants reject the idea of Papal Infallibility, as they do not recognize the authority of the Pope over Christian doctrine.
- Comment: The Bible provides no space for any condition in which man can be infallible.
Divorce and Remarriage
- Roman Catholicism: The Catholic Church generally does not recognize divorce and remarriage unless the previous marriage is annulled by the Church.
- Protestant Christianity: Most Protestant denominations permit divorce and remarriage in certain circumstances, such as adultery, abandonment, or abuse.
- Comment: Jesus is clear that only one condition was allowed from the time of Moses, but from the beginning it was not so (Matt 19:8-9).
Book summaries
“The Bible and the Roman Church” by JC Macaulay
Below is a detailed chapter by chapter breakdown as the author expounds on the nature of Catholicism from his brief but remarkable and somewhat academical book you can read here. Let me be clear, this refers to the Church as an entity and is not an attack on the individuals that attend.
Chapter 1
1. The Roman Catholic Church substitutes human traditions and commandments for the plain teaching of Scripture, much like the scribes and Pharisees did in Jesus' time.
2. The Church adds secondary authorities like the Apocryphal books, apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions, and church interpretations, putting them on par with or even above Scripture as sources of divine authority and infallibility.
3. The traditions handed down are unreliable and prone to corruption, unlike the written Scriptures which were given to provide certainty.
4. The Council of Trent decreed that traditions must be received with equal reverence as Scripture, under threat of anathema.
5. The Church claims absolute authority in matters of faith and practice through its councils and decrees, which are considered indisputable and final.
6. The doctrine of papal infallibility, though not officially defined until 1870, had long been claimed and acted upon, making the Pope the supreme and infallible interpreter of Christian faith.
7. Papal infallibility is used to bolster traditions, leading to amazing and pretentious claims being made into binding dogmas.
8. Setting up human authorities beside Scripture is the way of heresy, as seen in Mormonism and Christian Science.
9. The secondary authority inevitably supersedes Scripture as the primary authority in practice.
10. The Church claims the authority to declare Scripture as inspired, rather than Scripture being self-authenticating.
11. Trusting the Pope's interpretive functions demands a dangerous faith in man beyond his rights.
12. Traditions elevated to dogma could be fiction, as in the case of the canonization of Martin de Porres based on an invented history.
13. The Roman "infallibles" (Pope, Councils, etc.) are inconsistent with each other and often contradict the clear teachings of Scripture.
Chapter 2
1. The Church claims to be the preserver and disseminator of the Bible, but in reality suppresses it among the common people.
2. There is widespread ignorance of the Bible among Catholics despite their parochial education.
3. Few Bibles are found in Catholic homes, and the Church has historically hunted down and burned Bibles translated into common languages.
4. The Church denies access to the Bible in areas where it dominates, like Latin America, Quebec, Spain, and Ireland.
5. The Church's objection to "Protestant Bibles" is a mere excuse, as they have also suppressed Catholic versions like the Douay Bible.
6. Church councils like Toulouse (1229) and Trent prohibited Bible possession by laypeople without permission.
7. Popes like Pius VII and Gregory XVI condemned Bible societies and prohibited vernacular Bible translations.
8. The current attitude persists, with recent examples of Bible burning and condemnation by Church authorities.
9. The Church gives reasons like people's inability to understand the Bible, the risk of disunity, and the claim that it leads to atheism.
10. The Church prohibits private interpretation of Scripture by priests and laypeople.
11. The author argues this contradicts the Bible's teaching on the Holy Spirit as the true Interpreter.
12. Divisions in Protestantism are exaggerated and partly result from rejecting Roman corruptions.
13. The Church overlooks its internal divisions between various religious orders.
14. Atheism in formerly Catholic regions like Russia and Latin America is blamed on the Church's corruptions, not the Bible.
15. The Bible convinces both deceived Catholics and atheists of the truth.
16. The author challenges Roman Catholic claims that Protestantism leads to indifferentism.
Chapter 3
1. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Christ sacrificed Himself at the Last Supper by offering His body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine, rather than the sacrifice occurring on the cross.
2. This doctrine claims Christ became a "victim" and entered a "dying condition" after the Last Supper, with His agony in the Garden being a result of this self-victimization.
3. The Cross is seen as merely making Christ's sacrifice public and fixing Him in a permanent state as a victim, rather than being the actual sacrifice itself.
4. Christ's words "It is finished" are interpreted as referring to His former earthly life ending, not the completion of His atoning sacrifice.
5. The mass is viewed as a re-enactment and perpetuation of Christ's sacrifice, with the bread and wine being consecrated into His actual body and blood.
6. This means Christ is being re-sacrificed on Catholic altars multiple times per second around the world.
7. The author argues this doctrine minimizes the centrality and finality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which Scripture emphasizes.
8. It contradicts Bible passages stating Christ's sacrifice was "once for all" and that He "dieth no more" after His resurrection.
9. The perpetual sacrifice denies the completeness of Christ's work and the full efficacy of His shed blood for the remission of sins.
10. The Roman Catholic Church officially anathematized (cursed) anyone who denies the mass is a propitiatory sacrifice, not just a memorial.
Chapter
1. Discusses the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation - the belief that the bread and wine in the Eucharist are transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ.
2. Explains the difference between the Eucharist as a sacrifice and as a sacrament in Catholic teaching.
3. Argues against the doctrine of transubstantiation on several grounds:
- It requires believing in a miraculous change with no evidence
- It conflicts with biblical miracles and Christ's true human form
- Christ's words about eating his flesh were meant spiritually, not literally
- The Roman position is inconsistent in only allowing the bread for laypeople
4. Accuses the Catholic Church of adding to and contradicting Christ's words regarding communion.
5. Views the adoration of the consecrated host (Eucharist bread) as blatant idolatry and a "great blasphemy."
6. Sees transubstantiation as the "very heart" of the flawed Roman Catholic system.
Chapter 5
1. Discusses the Roman Catholic priesthood and how it differs from the New Testament conception of Christian ministry.
2. Points out that the New Testament never uses the term "priest" for Christian ministers, only for the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, Christ Himself, and all believers.
3. Lists the various biblical titles used for church ministers like minister, elder, bishop, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher - but none involving a priestly role.
4. Critiques two main prerogatives given to Roman Catholic priests:
- Power to consecrate bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ
- Power to forgive sins through auricular confession and absolution
5. Argues these exalt the priest to an unbiblical mediator role between God and man.
6. Expresses concern over moral dangers of the confessional system for both priests and penitents.
7. Contrasts biblical confession of sin directly to God versus obligatory confession to a priest.
8. Sees the Roman priesthood system as unbiblical, giving Christ's prerogatives to mere men.
Chapter 6
1. Critiques the Roman Catholic cult/veneration of Mary that gives her titles and roles that rightly belong to Christ alone.
2. Takes issue with referring to Mary as the "Mother of God" since she is only the mother of Christ's human nature, not his eternal divine nature.
3. Objects to doctrines like Mary's Immaculate Conception (being conceived without original sin), her perpetual virginity, her bodily assumption into heaven - seeing no biblical basis.
4. Argues these doctrines exalt Mary to an unscriptural level, giving her virtues like being full of grace, sinless, impeccable (incapable of sin).
5. Sees practices like prayers, consecrations, and acts of worship directed to Mary as idolatrous, robbing Christ of his unique glory.
6. Views titles like "Queen", "Advocate", "Mediatrix", "Co-redemptrix" given to Mary as blasphemous usurpations of Christ's role.
7. Contends the Roman Catholic Mariology/cult of Mary is unbiblical, damaging to Christ's supremacy, and spiritually harmful to those ensnared by it.
Chapter 7
1. Rome's way of salvation is the sacramental way, differing from the evangelical way of salvation by faith.
2. The seven sacraments, and the five that minister saving grace: baptism, confirmation, eucharist, penance, extreme unction.
3. Baptism remits original sin and actual sins, making one capable of receiving other sacraments.
4. Confirmation strengthens against sin and grants the Holy Spirit.
5. The Eucharist provides the body and blood of Christ, remitting venial sins and strengthening the soul.
6. Penance is necessary after baptism to remit mortal sins through contrition, confession to a priest, and satisfaction.
7. Extreme unction is given to the dying, removing vestiges of sin and providing strength.
8. Even after the sacraments, temporal punishment remains to be expiated in purgatory.
9. Indulgences can shorten time in purgatory by drawing on the Church's treasury of merits.
10. Prayers and masses can also aid souls in purgatory.
11. This elaborate system does not provide assurance of salvation, which is offered directly through faith in Christ in the evangelical way.
Chapter 8
1. Rome claims authority over the temporal (political) as well as spiritual realms, seeking to make secular rulers subject to the pope.
2. The papacy has directly interfered in political affairs of nations, deposing rulers and inciting wars when resisted.
3. Rome supported Fascist and reactionary movements, like Franco in Spain and Vichy France, opposing democracy.
4. In social realm, papacy has stifled human progress, leaving places under its control in poverty and backwardness.
5. Rome denies persecuting for conscience sake, but history shows popes and councils sponsored brutal inquisitions to crush dissenters.
6. Specific examples given of persecution of Albigenses, Waldenses, Huguenots (St. Bartholomew's Massacre) and many others.
7. Despite modern denials, Rome's own authorities admit the papacy authorized torture, execution of heretics.
8. Rome claims a monopoly on religion in Catholic states, denying freedom of worship to non-Catholics.
9. After being restrained from physical persecution, Rome still undermines and opposes Protestantism through other means.
Chapter 9
1. Rome stands for authority, which Protestantism is seen as rejecting through liberalism and higher criticism.
2. But evangelicals should submit fully to biblical authority in doctrine and life.
3. Rome is diligent in training children through Catholic schools and daily religious instruction.
4. Protestants should provide more consistent Christian training for youth beyond just Sunday school.
5. Rome upholds sanctity of marriage and forbids divorce, which Protestantism has grown lax about.
6. Rome requires pre-marriage vows/oaths to raise children Catholic, avoid contraception, no divorce.
7. Rome prohibits mixed marriages of Catholics and non-Catholics unless under strict conditions.
8. Non-Catholics must vow to have children raised Catholic, avoid divorce, follow Catholic marriage teachings.
8. Protestants could learn from Rome's zeal to uphold biblical marriage principles and pass faith to children.
9. Overall, Rome's consistency and diligence can provide lessons for evangelical Protestants, though not in doctrine.
“Roman Catholicism” by Lorraine Boettner
The following is a summary of the work by Lorraine Boettner you can read here or here which repeats most of the above:
Authority of Scripture: Boettner critiques Roman Catholicism for elevating tradition and the teachings of the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church) to a level equal to or above that of Scripture. He argues that this undermines the authority and sufficiency of the Bible alone (sola scriptura) as the ultimate standard for Christian faith and practice.
Justification by Faith Alone: Boettner challenges the Roman Catholic doctrine of salvation, particularly its teaching on justification. He asserts that Roman Catholicism teaches salvation by faith plus works, rather than salvation by grace alone through faith alone (sola fide), as affirmed by Protestant theology.
Papal Infallibility: Boettner criticizes the doctrine of papal infallibility, which holds that the Pope is preserved from error when speaking ex cathedra (from the chair of authority) on matters of faith and morals. He argues that this doctrine lacks biblical support and is inconsistent with the fallibility of human beings.
Mariology: Boettner raises concerns about the Roman Catholic veneration of Mary, including doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception (Mary conceived without original sin) and the Assumption (Mary taken bodily into heaven). He argues that these doctrines lack biblical support and detract from the unique mediatorial role of Jesus Christ.
Sacramental System: Boettner critiques the Roman Catholic sacramental system, including the belief in seven sacraments and the doctrine of transubstantiation (the literal transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ). He argues that these teachings are based on human tradition rather than biblical revelation.
Role of the Priesthood: Boettner challenges the Roman Catholic concept of priesthood, particularly the belief in the sacrificial nature of the Mass and the power of priests to administer sacraments such as confession and absolution. He argues that these beliefs detract from the priesthood of all believers and the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.
Prayers to Saints and Relics: Boettner raises objections to Roman Catholic practices such as prayers to saints and the veneration of relics. He argues that these practices detract from the worship of God alone and blur the distinction between the Creator and the created.
Indulgences and Purgatory: Boettner critiques the Roman Catholic doctrines of indulgences and purgatory, which involve the remission of temporal punishment for sins and the purification of souls after death. He argues that these doctrines lack biblical support and contribute to a legalistic understanding of salvation.
Further reading
Here is an excellent reading list should the reader require further evidence.
Another great summary with Biblical references.
And another article with their quotes over time.
Summary
I trust the above is an utterly exhaustive list of arguments that span all the way back prior to Martin Luther starting the reformation.
It is this authors view that the Papacy is the darkest human based entity in existence for millenia.
whydoneit?
Why does this entity proclaim such faulty doctrine? What is its intent? Where is this leading? Who is leading it?
This should become clear as we progress.