LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
Roman Catholicism

Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso

Roman Catholicism

This analysis of Roman Catholicism is not a criticism of Catholics. Many Catholics have a deep and sincere faith in Jesus.The issue here is one of Truth, and the fact is that there is gross error and deception in Catholic teaching leading millions astray. Please read the notes and listen to the teaching with an open mind and look up the Bible references. When traditions and decrees are put on the same level or higher than the Bible then this opens the door to deception and heresy. See for yourself.

In this part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your Faith", he talks about Roman Catholicism, what defines it and ways to engage with its members and share the Gospel with them.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM - PART 1

Catholicism

Roman Catholicism appears to many to be an historic denomination of Christianity, but it's actually a system which distorts scriptural truth by adding man-made teachings which contradict the Bible.

Examples:

1. It claims the inspiration of the Scriptures but dilutes the Word of God by exalting the authority of its traditions, councils and decrees above the Bible.
2. It teaches the deity of Christ but places Mary and priests as mediators between God and people so that access to Jesus is only possible through them.
3. It teaches the forgiveness of sin but only through confession to a priest and the absolution given by him.
4. It teaches salvation but substitutes a system of grace plus works in which works are more important.
5. It teaches that Christ established the Church but exalts the pope as its head and invests absolute, infallible authority in him and his decrees.

Catholicism teaches that certain things must be done by people in order to be justified. Of these acts baptism is the first requirement. But the Bible makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith not grace through faith and baptism.

Romans 5:1 Ephesians 2:8-9

Along with baptism good works are also required and are rewarded with going to Heaven. This is no different from the theology of the cults, which state that justification is by grace through faith and works.

The Roman Catholic Church states that its roots can be traced to Christ. But the fact is that none of its major traditions and doctrines were taught or practised by the early Church.

• Prayers for the dead AD 300
• Making the sign of the Cross AD 300
• Worship of Mary AD 431
• Purgatory AD 593
• Title of Pope AD 607
• Holy Water AD 850
• The Mass AD 1000
• Celibacy of priests AD 1079
• The rosary AD 1090
• Transubstantiation AD 1215
• Private confession AD 1215
• Hail Mary AD 1508
• Tradition declared to be of equal authority with the Bible AD 1545
• Immaculate Conception of Mary AD 1854
• Infallibility of Pope AD 1870
• Assumption of Mary AD 1950
• Mary proclaimed Mother of the Church AD 1965

Tradition
The Roman Catholic Church has added a number of books to the Bible called the Apocrypha because they lend support to some of their beliefs, even though they were not recognised by the early Church.
But Jesus was clear about the undermining of Scripture through man-made traditions. Mark 7:7-8, 13.

Virgin Mary
Mary is not mentioned by Peter, Paul or James. The Bible honours Mary as Jesus' mother and calls her "Blessed among women" not above women. It does not teach us to worship her or pray to her. This is idolatry.

1. The Roman Catholic Church claims that Mary acts as a mediator between sinners and God and teaches that sinners receive pardon through Mary. This is untrue. 1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6
2. The worship of Mary is blatant idolatry, forbidden by Christ. Matthew 4: 10 .
3. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Christ is a stern judge who can't be approached by sinners. Mary is more tender and compassionate than Christ and will plead people's cause before her son. The Bible refutes this. Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24
4. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary is the peacemaker between sinners and God. The Bible clearly states that Christ is the peacemaker. Ephesians 2:13-14, 18.
5. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary is the gate of Heaven and the way of salvation is only through Mary. The Bible states that it is only through Christ we are saved.
6. The Roman Catholic Church gives Mary many titles: Mother of the Church, Queen of Heaven, Mother of Grace, Morning Star. None of these titles are taught in the Bible.
7. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary was born without sin. This is contrary to biblical teaching.
8. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary's body was raised from the dead and taken to Heaven as the Queen of Heaven. This is not taught in the Bible.
9. The Roman Catholic Church emphasises Mary's perpetual virginity. This is clearly refuted in Matthew 13:54-56.

The Papacy

The pope claims to be the mediator between God and men with the power over souls in purgatory. This is refuted in Scripture. 1 Timothy 2:5.

The papacy attempts to usurp the power and authority of Christ by claiming the Pope to be head of the Church. Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23.

The Pope claims the title "Holy Father". This is a violation of Jesus' teaching. Matthew 23:9-10. The doctrine of papal infallibility was ratified in 1870 but finds no justification in the Scriptures.

Fact! The corruption and immorality of 29 Popes has forced Rome to list them as "anti-popes"

History of other popes

• Innocent III: Instituted the Inquisition, forbade Bible reading in the common language.
• Innocent IV: Tortured Heretics
• Nicholas V: Authorised war and slavery
• Leo X: Declared the burning of heretics a divine command.
• Clement XI: Declared against Bible reading.
• Leo XIII: Pronounced Protestants as enemies of the Christian name.

Roman Catholic theology pronounces a curse of excommunication, of being outside Christ, if you believe that you are saved by grace through faith alone.

That is the mark not only of a false religion, but of a cult.

Sources:
The Bible
The Catholic Bible: Challoner- Rheims version
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
Christian Equippers International

Next week: More wrong Roman Catholic teachings.