Catholicism Is Not Biblical Christianity
I don’t want to write this. I reap no reward or derive any joy from pointing out the theological problems in Catholicism. However, I strongly believe that it is essential for us to understand the similarities and differences between various religious groups and denominations. If nothing else, it helps us to be more discerning in our spiritual relationships. We must know whether Catholicism is biblical Christianity or not.
Commonly, Christians don’t care to delve too deep into anyone else’s beliefs. If someone says she is a “Christian” than she’s a Christian. Sadly, calling oneself a Christian doesn’t make it so. Believers need to have caution about being too eager to be ecumenical. That is, we shouldn’t stand arm and arm under the banner of Christ with those whose gospel is false. Unfortunately, it appears Catholicism teaches a false gospel. So, let’s take a closer look.
I Don’t Have A Problem With Catholics
Let’s begin by clearing the air. I am not picking on Catholics. My beef is with Catholicism, not the people sitting in Mass every Sunday. As it stands, one of the best women I’ve ever met is Catholic. She is a wonderful friend, loving wife, caring mother, and dutiful sister and daughter. I just also believe her Catholic faith is unbiblical. We truly can love and care about people while disagreeing on topics this significant. At least, that was the way it was long, long ago… Maybe one day we’ll get back to that.
Also, I was raised Catholic. I went through the whole process and had my confirmation in eighth grade before leaving behind God for several years. You can read my testimony HERE.
Why Point Out The Unbiblical Christianity Of Catholicism?
First, this post is the beginning of a series that will examine various faiths and denominations. Learning about others’ beliefs helps us understand our own better. Plus, it can help our witness to others if we understand their faith.
Second, Catholicism is common in Christian circles. People quickly assume that it is biblical Christianity because Catholics love Jesus. It looks all right at a quick glance, therefore, Catholicism often gets a pass in mixed Christian company.
Lastly, the Catholic Church is huge. Global estimates suggest there are approximately 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. Roughly, 22-23% of the U.S. populations identifies as Catholic. Chances are you will interact with many Catholics throughout your lifetime. Why not get to know what they believe?
Similarities Between Catholicism And Biblical Christianity
Catholicism and biblical Christianity share a few very important beliefs. These beliefs are so essential to the Christian faith that many struggle to accept that Catholics can believe them but not be Christian.
1. Sin
Sin is when we break God’s Law, and it separates us from Him. We are born as fallen people because of the sin committed by Adam (Romans 5:12).
2. Jesus
We believe in the deity of Christ (John 1:1; John 10:30), and that He is God’s only Son (John 3:16). We also believe in the death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ through which man can be saved (1 Peter 1:3).
3. Trinity
This belief if often rejected or misunderstood by those outside the Christian faith. The Trinity is the idea that we have one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17).
Despite these incredibly important core Christian beliefs, Catholicism departs from Scripture and, as a result, departs from biblical Christianity. I will not be doing a deep study on Catholicism today. There are libraries filled with books on the intricacies and history of the Catholic Church, but all that is not our focus today. Instead, I am going to look at what I see as some of the nonnegotiable beliefs the Catholic Church holds. The following Catholic beliefs exclude Catholicism from biblical Christianity.
Catholicism Vs. Biblical Christianity
1. Authority
The Bible
Don’t Catholics read the Bible? Yes, they do, but it’s the Catholic Bible. This isn’t just a Bible with Catholic images thrown in for effect. It has a significant difference. The Bible has sixty-six books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament). The Catholic Bible, on the other hand, has seventy-three books. The extra seven books are often referred to by Protestants as the Apocrypha. They are also known as deuterocanonical books. (Say that fast five times!) Outside of Catholicism, the Apocrypha are not accepted as canon.
The Pope
Aside from having a different Bible, the Catholic Church also does not look to it as the sole source of authority and truth. Catholicism turns to the Pope, as well. He has several titles such as Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Vicar of Jesus Christ, and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.
As you can see from the humble and unsuspecting names the Pope has, he commands a great amount of power and authority in the Catholic Church. Essentially, he answers to God alone, and he directs the bishops and churches around the world through his mandates and leadership.
Other Authorities
Besides the Catholic Bible and the Pope (as well as priests and bishops), Catholicism has a few other sources of authority.
Sacred Traditions
The Second Vatican Council equated sacred traditions, though unbiblical, as equal to the Word of God.
Nineteen Councils
Arguably, the most well-known council is the Council of Trent. It took place between 1545-1563 as a response to the Protestant Reformation. Ultimately, the Catholic Church deemed the belief that one is justified by faith alone (by no works of our own) as heresy. The Council of Trent also damned anyone who rejected the Apocrypha. Additionally, though the process was reformed, indulgences were confirmed as a legitimate practice through the Catholic Church. There are more highlights for anyone interested.
In case I was unclear, the decisions at Trent and other councils still hold today.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
This book is a summary of Catholic beliefs and was promoted by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Some refer to the CCC as a religious instruction manual for Catholicism.
Biblical Christianity leans on the Bible for authority while Catholicism has added man-made sources. In short, Catholic leaders have made themselves the authority.
2. Mary
Christians across denominations agree that Mary was a virgin when she was pregnant with Jesus. The virgin birth is an important part of the story of Jesus Christ’s arrival to mankind. However, she was still just a woman. A faithful woman who was especially chosen by God, but yet, still just a woman. The Catholic Church has taken Mary and turned her into an almost Christ-like entity in its faith.
According to the CCC, Mary was a perpetual virgin, but the Bible mentions His siblings (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55; Luke 8:19; Galatians 1:19). Mary must have eventually consummated her relationship with Joseph.
Additionally, the CCC teaches that Mary was born sinless and lived a sinless life. This is absurd, of course, because she was 100% human and no person is righteous (Romans 3:10).
The Catechism also claims Mary suffered along with Christ on the cross. To be clear, there is no suggestion she was literally on the cross, but she, allegedly, suffered, too. I will relent that watching that horror would break any mother’s heart, but Mary’s suffering is likened to Jesus’ suffering in the CCC.
Finally, Catholicism teaches to pray to Mary. For example, the bride in a Catholic wedding prays to Mary to bless the bride as a wife. Most disturbingly, according to the Catechism, Mary “will deliver our souls from death.” Only one can do that, and His name is Jesus!
As a side note: Praying to dead people is not biblical. In fact, it is an abomination and forbidden. Communicating with the dead is addressed several times in the Bible (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Leviticus 20:6,27; 1 Samuel 28:5-18; Isaiah 8:19-20).
3. Idolatry: An Unbiblical Catholic Practice
Praying to Mary is undoubtedly idolatry, but it doesn’t end with her. Praying to the saints is a common practice in Catholicism. Do you remember the advertisement for the iPhone in 2009 that coined “there’s an app for that?” Well, in Catholicism there’s a saint for that. Patron saints are dedicated to a particular geographical area, profession, or group of people. The Catholic Church teaches these saints will protect and aid members of these areas and groups when we pray to them for help. Some examples include patron saints for animal rights activists, beekeepers, and pyrotechnicians.
We also see practicing Catholics praying to statues of these saints and placing immense spiritual power and significance into what they would call relics. These items are often treated at the source of power. Need healing? Pray to an image of Saint Raphael the Archangel. Meanwhile, an individual following biblical Christianity would cut out the middleman and pray directly to Jesus. However, in Catholicism, these idols are treated like lucky charms and talismans that are worn and placed around the house for protection.
Saints
Saints in the Catholic Church are unbiblical, in and of themselves, even without the patron saint situation. Catholicism gives the Pope the final say when with saints. He ultimately gives his approval. Prior to that, however, the process of becoming a saint (aka: canonization) is a lengthy five-step process that relies heavily on the works of the potential saint (who is dead at the time of canonization).
The Bible, on the other hand, does not describe sainthood as an earned status. Quite the opposite! All believers, who are believers through grace and faith in Jesus Christ, are saints (Psalm 30:4; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 26:10).
As you can see, Catholicism relies on prayers to the dead and objects suspected of being imbued with special spiritual power. The Catholic Church teaches its members to turn away from Christ with their worship and focus it toward other people and objects. This is idolatry.
4. The Unbiblical Priesthood
In the Catholic Church priests are of the utmost importance. Catholics believe they are the mediator between themselves and God. All Christians should confess their sins, on this we can agree, but Catholic teaching says that we must confess to a priest. This is how we are to be forgiven.
The Bible disagrees with the Catholic approach. Matthew 27:51 says, “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;…” This moment has great significance for believers. That veil separated the first and second rooms of the Temple of Jerusalem, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, respectively.
The Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant which embodied the presence of God. The High Priest sprinkled sacrificial blood on the Mercy Seat in this room once a year for the forgiveness of sins of God’s people. The veil was a literal and metaphorical separation between God and His people. That is, it was until it tore in half when Jesus died on the cross. Believers, thanks to Jesus’ work on the cross, have direct access to God. The Bible agrees.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (emphasis mine)
1 Peter 2:9
The Seven Sacraments
A major component of the work a priest does is the administration of the Seven Sacraments. They are as follows:
Baptism
This involves sprinkling holy water on a baby’s head for salvation.
Confirmation
This is a coming of age and formal, voluntary admission into the Catholic Church.
Confession
It is as it sounds. Catholics confess their sins to a priest in order to be absolved of them.
Holy Communion/Eucharist
We’ll talk more about this soon, but generally, it is a reenactment of the Last Supper.
Marriage
In the Catholic tradition, marriage is between a man and a woman. They should both be Catholic, and a priest should be the one who marries them.
Holy Orders
This refers to when men are ordained into the clergy.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is often the last an individual will receive. It is meant to heal physically and/or spiritually as the Lord wills it.
Here’s the thing… The Seven Sacraments simply comprise a list of works. We don’t need priests to keep us on good spiritual terms. We don’t need to work for our standing with Christ.
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (emphasis mine)
Hebrews 10:11-14
Jesus sat down because the work was completed. The priests stood, doing their work while never being able to truly take away sin. Christ, on the other hand, finished the job with His sacrifice. Catholic priests, try as they might, cannot and need not play mediator in our relationship with God. Jesus gave us access to the Father through that last blood sacrifice on the cross.
5. Baptism
Baptism in the Catholic Church is traditionally done to babies by sprinkling holy water on their heads. This act offers salvation for the infant.
Baptism Won’t Save You
The Bible has zero examples of infant baptism. The Bible also displays no need for baptism in order to be saved in various places. The most common example of this is found in Luke 23:33-43 with the account of the thief on the cross. Long story short, a thief being crucified next to Jesus comes to faith, and Jesus tells the thief they will see each other in Paradise that very day.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says that we are not saved by works, but the Catholic take on baptism is that it saves. Well, that’s a work if we think we are doing it for salvation. We can do nothing but receive salvation as a gift.
Let’s also look at what Paul says about baptism in 1 Corinthians.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
1 Corinthians 1:17
Simply put, Paul was dealing with believers experiencing division over who baptized them, and verse 17 is part of his response. Notice what he says about baptism. Christ didn’t send him for baptisms. He was sent to preach the gospel. Clearly, the gospel takes preeminence over baptism. Why? Well, baptism gets you wet, but the gospel of Jesus Christ saves.
6. Purgatory
Purgatory is a place Catholics believe saved people go when they die to undergo purification and suffering for their sins. It is not a permanent place because eventually these people move on after they have suffered enough and finished their sanctification process.
The Catholic Church teaches that other Catholics can pray for those in purgatory and even pay “indulgences” to shorten the time served in purgatory. You can try, but you will find no mention of purgatory or anything like it in the Bible. You will find this, though.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Hebrews 9:27-28
So, we die and then we face judgment. At death, our chances have run out. We either face the great white throne judgement before being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15), or we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ before spending eternity in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10). Purgatory simply doesn’t exist, despite how comforting it may be to think we can help loved ones get into Heaven.
Purgatory is another way that the Catholic Church undercuts Christ’s power to save by indicating we need to work off our sin debt rather than Jesus’ payment on the cross being enough. Plus, the indulgences are a handy fundraiser for the Catholic Church, as well.
7. Holy Communion/Eucharist
In Luke 22:18-20, Jesus takes part in what is known as the Last Supper. He tells those with him to do this “in remembrance of me.” This indicates that when we participate in this Communion or Lord’s Supper, depending on your denomination, we are to remember Him who will not be there in body. The Catholic Church went the complete opposite direction with this.
The Mass is set up around this Holy Communion. This is a sacrament that counts positively towards the Catholics who participate. Mass is pretty much all about this sacrament. It is understandable that it is so important to the Catholic faith because of transubstantiation. Catholicism teaches that the bread is literally Christ’s body, and the wine is literally His blood.
This should bother…everyone. Why did He come and accomplish the work of the cross if He would just need to do that again and again and again through a church ritual? Was Jesus lying when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30)? The blood sacrifices had come to an end thanks to Christ being the spotless lamb who died for our sins. However, the Catholic Church wants to relive it weekly.
Holy Communion is a perfect example of man trying to earn salvation after it has already been given freely without works attached.
8. Salvation
This is the crux of the argument against Catholicism being biblical Christianity. All the other issues with the Catholic Church hinge on the Catholic teaching on salvation.
In God’s Own Words
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6
No other gods, plans, works, or otherwise can reconcile us to God. Just Jesus.
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
Philippians 3:9
The Law cannot earn us righteousness. It can only show us how we fail to meet God’s standards. Righteousness is through Christ alone.
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Romans 11:6
Salvation cannot be from grace and works. Catholicism wants people to accept the grace of God while adding our own works, but that’s not possible. It’s grace, or it’s works. Jesus is enough, or He is not.
The Catholic Church teaches that we can rely on Jesus, but we also need Seven Sacraments, our good works, sacred traditions, and help from dead saints and mediator priests. Catholics are left hoping they are doing enough, that they’re good enough. Working, working, working. That is the central piece of Catholicism. It isn’t Christ. It’s work.
Can Biblical Christians Yoke With Catholics?
Well, yes and no. Can we be friends? Absolutely! Catholics are people just like all other people. We can be friends, work together, belong to community groups together, etc. I’m definitely not recommending the banishment of Catholics from our lives.
On the other hand, we cannot join together on spiritual things. The argument is usually for coming together on issues we can agree on, such as abortion. However, I would not even join a Catholic group for pro-life work because I believe the Catholic Church promulgates a false gospel.
Anyone who wants to know about salvation will hear about sin, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ if that person talks to me. If that same person talks to a member of the Catholic Church, she will hear some of what I would say along with specifics about Catholicism. It would be Jesus and… Truth and salvation would be taught through Scripture and man-made traditions.
Aren’t we similar enough, you might ask? No. The issues I have brought up in this post are not secondary or tertiary. These are gospel essentials. It is the difference between the message of Christ and the message of man. So, how could I justify standing hand in hand spiritually with someone whose gospel is a lie? I couldn’t.
Final Thought
Ecumenism is a beautiful idea. I would love to stand alongside Christians from different churches and serve Christ together. The truth, however, is that we wouldn’t necessarily be serving the same Christ. Christians, we need to ask ourselves if the “Christians” we are yoking with are sharing the gospel we know from the Bible or not. If not, then approach their teachings with a critical eye and discernment. Actually, we ought to do that with everyone.
After carefully examining the Catholic faith (and having belonged to it for a time), I can confidently say that Catholicism is not biblical Christianity. As always, let’s continue to pray for those in a system of works-based faith to find the peace and salvation we can have in His grace.
Let me know your experiences or thoughts about Catholicism. Did you know how much Catholicism strayed from Scripture?
Note: I have received plenty of comments from Catholics who offered criticism or rebuttals of this post. I address some of those comments HERE.
42 Comments
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C. J.
Hi, Julie–I am currently ministering to a Catholic family. Some family members are very involved in their churches. I needed this reminder to not let their appearance of faith in Jesus prevent me from presenting the gospel in all its fullness and simplicity. Please pray for them, that the Lord would open their hearts to His call to childlike faith. Please pray for me that the Lord would give me opportunities to preach & teach, that I be bold while being gentle. Thanks for writing this post!
Julie
I’m so happy to learn that you are ministering to a Catholic family. They can honestly be very intimidating because they often know a lot of Bible and seem pretty solid, so I am thankful I could offer some encouragement. I pray that God opens doors for you to plants seeds, serve them, and lovingly challenge them when it’s appropriate. God bless you, and keep up the good work in His name.
JH
I was raise Catholic and left Catholic when I was 17yo. I’m glad I did. I am married to my husband for over 15 years. My family has been going to Reformed church until recently that my husband would like to join the Catholic faith but I refused to follow him. It all started when he starts listening to Robert Barron.
It’s been a year now that he can’t join the church because I refused to have our Marriage blessed by a priest as a requirement. It has been difficult for our marriage and our kids but we still try to have a normal life. Thank you for writing this post. It gives me such relief!
Julie
I’m glad you were encouraged by the post. I can’t fully imagine how difficult it must be to stand strong in your faith while also opposing your husband, but in this case, He can’t take priority. Jesus must.
It’s interesting that Bishop Robert Barron would draw your husband to Catholicism because he’s a terrible Catholic. He claims anyone can be saved. He did was featured on Ben Shapiro’s Sunday Special a while back. Here’s the link if you’re interested: SHAPIRO/BARRON LINK. The salvation discussion begins at 17:12 in the video. Barron completely ignores verses like John 14:6. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can get to the Father unless it is through Christ.
You and your family are my prayers.
Samuel Allen
CJ
Praise God! Thank God! Your in my prayers. All for the Glory of God.
Cynthia Jantz
I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church like some others! My mother was a backslidden Catholic who married a non-Catholic (my earthly father)! My Dad just went along to get along! He seemed to be very weak kneed when it came to any religious conflict! I don’t know if he was raised with any religious affiliation at all. I know that my mother was very domineering and had a desperate need to be in complete control of herself, her marriage, her children and everything and everyone in her life! Because of her exceptionally bad example, and her complete failure to lead by example, I completely rejected her claim to be a Christian, and spent much of my life running from God! After a serious auto accident in July 2006, in which I suffered multiple serious injuries, and the terrible ordeal that I endured from the auto insurance company, it’s doctors, and all of their lying, I cried out to God, asking Him, What is Truth? All I was hearing from my parents (who never supported me or stood up for me in any situation my entire life) and the insurance company and their doctors who lied for the insurance company’s financial benefit (and financial gain from the same auto insurance company; I was greatly distressed! The Lord literally led me right to the doors of His Church, and there I finally heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Inspired, Inerrant and Infallible Word: the Holy Bible, KJV! Late that same year (2008), I was reading the Book of Jeremiah 1:4-5 God speaking to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Then the Word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. It was a very supernatural moment in my life, like Jesus Christ giving me His Divine and loving hug, and then the Gospel message I had been hearing preached from the pulpit at my Church went from my head and into my heart, and it was at that moment, I gave my heart to Jesus! I had spent most of my life searching for love in all the wrong places and even in people! But His love was so complete and so different from human love (and lack thereof), that I finally experienced true joy and peace and the Wonderful love of my Savior Jesus Christ!! Catholicism never taught us the Truth of God’s Inspired, Inerrant and Infallible Word! All they had was cold and dead works and rituals! Catholicism is one of the biggest idolatrous religious cults ever thrust under the Christian umbrella! Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and others follow behind Catholicism! They are terribly lost and dead in trespasses and sins with all of their manmade religion and false gospels! They are in desperate need of The Way, The Truth and The Life!
Julie
Thanks for your comment. I’m always happy to hear about people saved from Catholicism.
I recently received a comment from a man trying to prove me wrong about Catholicism, and most of his “proof” was from manmade books, systems, and traditions. That and cherry-picked verses used out of context. But he was certain I didn’t understand the Catholic Church and that I was motivated by hate. It’s hard to show people the truth when they have been fooled for so long. (And I don’t mean that they are fools. The lies are convincing, and there’s something appealing about the rituals.)
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Sav
I’m so grateful for your study. Thank you so much for your intentional and straightforward breakdown. I have found it very difficult to find solid defense of what the Bible says vs what Catholics practice… as if no one wants to offend other religions. Jesus and those martyred did not come under scrutiny by making people with other beliefs feel comfortable. On the contrary.
I was raised as what Catholics call Evangelical. At 23 a Catholic man pursued me intensely. We attempted to date but attending my church and his mass each Sunday left me spiritually perplexed. I would often tell him I did not feel like we could be together, that what he believed was not at all what I believed. He would try to convince me weekly, “We’re more the same then not.” He was determined. I often cried and debated all the topics you’ve mentioned in your article, and excused myself from dates with him, bothered by his spirit. I depended on my Christian family to help me suss him out. He passed their test with flying colors. I was so shocked. I was at war within because I still felt a darkness about him and his church. Without evidence and my families push we married. It was an outdoor wedding with a pastor from my church.
Our entire 1 year of marriage he took physically advantage of me and told me he could because we were married. I was so confused.
We attended both my church and his mass for 10 years… but I caught on to an entire dark life he was leading and broke free. His catholic family, though I came to them for help, turned a blind eye.
I will say this, and take the logic of the facts in your article a step further, what I have witnessed is demonic possession and a demonic battle. I strongly believe that the catholic faith, the “holy father” based in historical corruption, etc, is a cult. I do believe those who give themselves over to it open themselves to demonic possession.
The Luke 11:23 says,“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
It’s as simple as that. I for one have experienced the wolf in sheep’s clothing and there is no way to unsee that.
Julie
That is a heartbreaking story, but thank you so much for sharing it. Many people and religions use the Bible to excuse all manner of sin and dark deeds, and I am thrilled to read you are away from that influence now.
I hope that your terrible experience has given you opportunities to warn others of abusive men and the signs of an abusive “church.” God can use even that for His purposes.
God bless you!
Jack
Hey Julie,
Would you be willing to converse with a Catholic on these matters? I know you feel you have; I’ve read your article. It is well written. You misconstrue some of our beliefs. I ought to admit that I’m not sure if it’s intentional rhetoric to pursue readers of similar beliefs, if it stems from lack of understanding, or errors in logical deduction possibly stemming from the church hurt you’ve been through reading your testimony. As a Catholic and Christian I’d appreciate an open two way conversation about this even if you’ve already closed your mind on the matter. (I will also not pretend to state there is any perfect physical church. There isn’t. Ironically, almost Christian’s are convicted their church is the only real one left. Could’ve worded that better) I hope you respond to this and are willing to talk. From your view it is only an opportunity to further prove your stance and further prove it to others that admire your knowledge. Peace and blessings from a disciple of Christ and follower of the way.
Julie
Thank you for disagreeing with me without calling me names or threatening me. (You’d be surprised how common that is…) I appreciate it.
I want to start by saying that I didn’t write this post with manipulative intent. I wrote it because I grew up Catholic, and I have found huge differences in the teachings of Catholicism and the Bible. Many Christians I have met assumed Catholics believed the same things as them, so I think it’s essential for believers to know the basic differences between Catholicism and biblical Christianity.
Second, I have no church hurt from the Catholic church. I simply didn’t believe it while I was growing up, and then I fully rejected Catholicism when I was saved.
Third, I don’t think my church is the only real one. My requirements for a church to be a “true” church are simple: preach the gospel, do not add works to salvation, study and adhere to the teachings of the Bible. That, admittedly, leaves plenty of churches out of the running. Even entire denominations, such as Catholicism.
Please, feel free to advise me on components of the Catholic faith about which you believe I was incorrect.
Biffiticus
What about the sex with children part
Julie
I would say that’s pretty awful… I’d also have to admit that abuses against children are not specific to the Catholic Church. You can see it in any kind of church, Boy Scouts, public school, some homes…
Sabrina
Firstly, thank you for your willingness to dialogue. It is so refreshing. Secondly, this is by no means a comprehensive answer. It’s impossible to put 2000 years of theology into a single comment. And I’m not even remotely qualified to do so. For those who are interested, may I suggest going to Catholic Answers (https://www.catholic.com/)? There you will find some of the brightest theologians attempting to answer the many pressing questions about the faith and more. Many of the resident catholic theologians at Catholic Answers were from the Protestant faith and came home to the Catholic Church after much seeking.
But since I’m here, let me try to give it a shot at answering some of the points listed in the blog.
Do Catholics worship Mary?
It is true that we honour her as the Mother of God but we do not worship her. What we do, is to ask her to pray for us. E.g., one favourite catholic prayer often recited goes ‘… pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.’
‘Pray’ does not equal to worship. Worship is reserved to God alone. Worship requires a sacrifice. We do not make sacrifices to Mary. The word ‘pray’, simply means ‘to entreat, implore or ask’.
Why are we praying to the dead?
That would be problem if we view that Mary (and the saints by the same account) are dead. However, the Bible does teach that the saints are alive. Jesus teaches that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is “not God not of the dead, but of the living” (Matt. 22:32; see also 22:23-33). In addition, Moses and Elijah are alive to Jesus at the Transfiguration and converse with him, even though their earthly deaths had occurred many years before (Matt. 17:1-8). We have compelling reasons to believe that Mary, along with the saints are not dead but very much alive and actively trying to help us walk and grow in our faith.
Just like how we ask our friends, pastors, and priests to pray for us in our time of need, how much more precious are the prayers of those who are already ‘fought the good fight and have finished the race’ and are now in God’s presence? Once again, the people at Catholic Answers have got a comprehensive and Church approved view of this subject. https://www.catholic.com/tract/praying-to-the-saints
Additionally, if you look up the Marian Apparitions at Fatima and at Lourdes, you will see that Mother Mary is not only alive but is actively trying to bring us back to her Son. To the uninitiated, these apparitions and even the canonization of saints seemed superstitious. But a deeper look will reveal that the Catholic Church is very scrupulous in these things. It takes decades and tremendous number of independent investigations (many by non-Catholics) before an event or person is declared a Church-recognized miracle, saint, or apparition. https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/what-is-a-miracle/
And yes, there is a saint for everything 😊
If we believe that the saints are alive, in Heaven with our Lord and can pray with us and for us, then why not ask for the prayers of a saint who overcame the same difficulties that we are experiencing? James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is [b]brought about, can accomplish much.
E.g. Saint Mark was a drug addict. How consoling is it is to anyone suffering from addiction to be able to ask this saint for prayers? (https://aleteia.org/2017/07/06/he-was-an-opium-addict-who-couldnt-receive-the-sacraments-but-hes-a-martyr-and-a-saint/)
St. Joseph Cupertino had learning disabilities and was miraculously guided in passing his seminary exams. How precious it is for students who are struggling with school and learning to look to this saint for prayers?
Why are Catholics honouring a mere woman?
Mary deserves the highest honor as the Mother of Christ.
Any decent son would be pleased if their mother was honored by their friends. I cannot imagine a situation where the son would be upset when the people around him gives honor and praises to his mother. Even the mafia boss (one who loves his mother) would be pleased if the people around him honor his mother. In the same argument, Jesus would be pleased with the honor that we are giving His Mother. We can never ‘out love or out honor’ Jesus’s mother. I understand that this concept is not necessarily biblical but it should make sense.
Biblically, the gospel writers themselves do not regard Mary as a mere woman. St. Luke sets up his gospel account to as a subtle but significant parallel between Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth to David’s efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6.
This topic is well discussed in many places but to give a few examples:
1. David ‘arose and went’ into the Judean hill country / Mary ‘arose and went’ to the same region to visit Elizabeth.
2. Dressed in linen ephod (priestly garment), David danced before the ark / John the Baptist (of priestly lineage) leaped in the womb in the presence of Mary.
3. David asked, ‘How can the ark of the Lord come to me?’ / Elizabeth askes, ‘Why is granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’
4. The ark remained at the house of O’bed-edom for 3 months / Mary remained at the house of Elizabeth for 3 months.
Thus, St. Luke has revealed that Mary is Ark of the New Covenant. The old Ark contained manna, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets (Hebrews 9:4) and so the Virgin Mary contained within her womb, Jesus, the bread of life, the new High Priest and the Word of God made Flesh.
In writing the Gospel, St. John sets Mary up as the new Eve.
John begins his Gospel with words that anyone familiar with the Old Testament would connect with Genesis 1: “In the beginning was the Word.” It is no coincidence that St. John sets the wedding feast on “day seven” of seven conspicuous “days” he lays out in John 1-2. Hearkening back to the seven days of the first creation, day one goes from 1:6 to 1:28. Day two runs from 29 to 34, day three from 35 to 42, day four from 43 through 51. And then day seven begins in 2:1 as “the third day” after the fourth day, wherein Jesus would begin his ministry that would “make all things new,” or bring about a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1,5).
Jesus uses the term woman for his mother, which is a reference to Mary as the prophetic “woman” of Genesis 3:15 and Jeremiah 31:22, the mother of the Messiah, who along with her “seed” (Christ) would crush the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15) and inaugurate the New Covenant (Jer. 31:22-34).
Through Mary’s intercession, Jesus performs his first sign, manifests his glory as the Messiah, the anointed one of God, and brings the apostles to faith (John 2:11). The New Eve is integral to the mission of the New Adam. (Adapted from Catholic Answers https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-new-adam-rebukes-the-new-eve)
Final thoughts
There is so much more to discuss (the pope, the magisterium, purgatory etc) and hopefully this little exchange will lead some to read up and find out more about the church and its teachings. I would like to end with 2 personal note: The Catholic Church, though founded by Christ, is run by men who by nature are sinful. Hence, is it an imperfect institution. Which brings to my mind what Christ promised in Matthew 16:18, Jesus said to Simon, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
Secondly, there are currently 300,000 Protestant denominations, some of which no longer exist but there is only one Catholic church despite all its flaws. We Catholics are not compelled to remain in our faith blindly, nor are we threatened with exile, isolation, death (unlike certain faiths) if we chose to leave. We are always asked to question and seek. The 1 billion Catholics are not dumb, blind followers nor is it a cultural faith for many of us.
It is the only Christian domination where a large majority of our religious have given up worldly positions, material comforts, family, and wealth (doctors, lawyers, wall street bankers etc.) to serve in a humble monastery or church, often drawing little to no salary (to the point of poverty), once they have heard the call of our Lord. Would these seemly rationale and intelligent people give up this much for a faith that is heretical?
To quote Gamaliel’s advice “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38–39). Though the intentions are good, I would say that it might be better to step back and not try to ‘save’ us Catholics.
To those of us who have searched, studied, and seek, we are convinced that we are home in the Catholic Church. 😊
To those who have experienced God outside, I do not pretend to know what God’s plans are in the grand scheme of things. I heed the Psalmist when he says in Psalm 131:1 “LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor mine eyes lofty: Neither do I exercise myself in Great matters, or in things too high for me.” Let us instead work together to advance God’s kingdom here on earth. Our common enemy is Satan, not one another. 😊
Julie
You wrote a book, so I think you could understand why I won’t respond to everything. Really, it feels like a waste. Here’s why. A great deal of what you have said is directly from the Catholic Church and tradition. Even when you quoted Scripture (which I absolutely appreciate – you’re being thoughtful and specific in your comment), you interpreted it through your church’s lens. We can use all the same words but end up meaning vastly different things.
I’ll address just a handful points you made because they are more foundational.
1.) Worship does not require sacrifice. Worship is to show reverence or adoration. This can be done through prayer, music, giving, etc. The Catholic Church has taught you that worship requires sacrifice because of its insistence on recrucifying the Lord every Mass in this works-based system. He said, “It is finished,” but the Catholic Church apparently doesn’t believe Him.
2.) James 5:16 isn’t referring to the deceased. We are to pray for each other and confess to each other.
When I say “dead,” I mean physically. I understand that believers have eternal life in the Lord. My argument is just that we don’t pray to them. We no longer need a mediator between us and God. That was symbolized when the “veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to the bottom” (Matthew 27:51) at the crucifixion. So, why would we need to pray to saints? God will hear us directly, saints are not demi-gods (though, that is how they are treated), and there is no biblical support to pray to them or that they will answer said prayers.
3.) Your comparison of Mary to the Ark, at best, only demonstrates the importance of her child…who we both can agree takes preeminence. As for your new Eve argument, well, you’re treading on dangerous ground there. Jesus is often referred to as the Second Adam. Calling Mary the new Eve puts her on equal footing with Jesus. Now that’s not surprising to me because the term “co-redemptrix” has been tossed around quite a bit in the Catholic Church. I understand that the current pope is not highly favorable toward the term, but even Catholic.com says that could all change with a future pope who sees things differently.
Was Mary important? Yes! God entrusted her with raising Jesus, but she was still just a woman. She was as much a sinner needing to be saved as the rest of us.
4.) Christ did not found the Catholic Church. The verse you quoted is not referring to Peter as the rock. The “rock” (aka: foundation and head) is Christ. This interpretation is consistent with Scripture. Jesus is “the stone that was rejected” (Acts 4:11). 1 Corinthians 3:11 tells us, “no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Not to mention, Ephesians 5:23 clearly states that Jesus is “the head of the church.” He is the “cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Christ is even called the “cornerstone” in 1 Peter 2:6.
5.) I don’t think Catholics are dumb. Many are in that faith because of family tradition. Others believed it without the family history. Either way, they have been convinced. Why? I think it is partially the work of Satan to fool people into religions that can only lead to destruction. Also, Catholicism is comfortable. There are clearly stated rules, traditions, and enough works-based sanctification to feel in control (in part) of one’s eternal destination. It also feels like what people think of when they thing of religion and church. I can see why people gravitate to it.
6.) “It is the only Christian domination where a large majority of our religious have given up worldly positions, material comforts, family, and wealth (doctors, lawyers, wall street bankers etc.) to serve in a humble monastery or church, often drawing little to no salary (to the point of poverty), once they have heard the call of our Lord.”
Large majority? C’mon.
I must point out, though, that this is just more works-based salvation kinda stuff. This won’t help someone get saved, keep their salvation, or get in better with God.
This is not that uncommon at all, though. There are plenty of rural pastors across our nation who work for poverty wages to serve the body of Christ. Others work for free and provide for their families another way. I’m going to assume you really didn’t know any better on this one.
And yes, rational people give up everything for heresy. If you read any history book, you’ll see that. Unfortunately, many different religions and cults have deceived people into whole new lives, sometimes giving up everything and everyone. It’s sad, but it’s definitely a thing.
7.) I’m not trying to save Catholics. There is one Savior, Jesus Christ, and I trust Him to save whom He chooses. However, we’re called to expose false teachers and doctrine (Ephesians 5:11; Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1; Colossians 2:8). Catholicism is a manmade religious system that cannot back up most of its practices with the Bible. As a Bible-believing Christian, how can I not warn others?
8.) Catholics and born-again Christians can’t work together for God’s Kingdom. I love the idea of it…working side-by-side in some sort of ecumenical utopia., but we don’t believe in the same Jesus. You said “we are home in the Catholic Church.” For me, that only confirms that we don’t know the same Jesus. If you feel at home where the Bible is more a decorative piece than anything else, Jesus still hangs on the cross, tradition usurps His Word, and the church leader is always right and can unilaterally change the church, then we don’t have the same faith. Not even close.
rita penner
WOW! EXACTLY! I am from a Catholic family ( youngest of 7) I left years ago. I have tried to explain the wrongness of this institution over and over- they will not hear what I say! They have been so indoctrinated! They are all VERY organized people. They will never leave. I am truly sorry for them and frustrated- and do not know what to do! I love them, and am almost feeling an anger inside me, because I can not get thru to them! Any idea would be appreciated- Also we have become kinda estranged because of all this (the devil IS behind it) Thank-you! Peace- Rita
Julie
My personal experience has been that the tentacles of tradition are very strong. I have given up correcting their beliefs because they’ve heard it from me already. I pray for them, and I specifically pray for other believers to witness to them. Sometimes it’s hard to hear you’re wrong from family, but they’ll accept correction from an outside source. Also, I give them opportunities to see my life up close. It looks vastly different because of how the Lord has impacted my life. I’m not perfect, but they are beginning to see something is different…in a good way. I pray for restoration and the Enemy’s grip on your loved ones to loosen, Rita. God bless you!
Brad
When looking at the Catholic Church it is obvious that the Catholic denomination was and is not Christian. They moved the Sabbath to incorporate pagan beliefs. If you sudy them you will see that any nation they are in they incorporate some of their traditions to accommodate that country. If you go to the Phillipines they have a festival where they nail a person to a cross and parade that person in their festival. It is common to see the Catholics assimilate their religion to what ever nation they are in.
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UnworthyServant
I have
Christ-Is-My-Only-Savior
I was raised in a Christian household, but we never fit into any denomination. I have read God’s Word, the Bible, on my own since I was 5 years old. I remember Exodus was my favorite book because I was able to understand it. My Catholic friends and neighbors used to bully us calling us “the Hallelluias” because that’s a phrase many Christians use during worship. As I became an adult, I noticed too many denominations have semi united with Catholicism in many of their teachings, so ecumenism is rampant nowadays. I feel thrilled that God teaches us the true gospel through His Word, and those of us who have accepted Christ as our ONLY Savior understand that Catholicism is not Christianity. Catholicism is mentioned in Revelation 17. I do not belong to any denomination and Christ is my ONLY Savior.
Julie
Well said. I technically consider myself a Baptist… independent Baptist…but if my church or denomination went of the rails, then that would be the end of that. I believe the Bible. Full stop. No Christian should hold her denomination so closely that she’ll compromise on doctrine. And obviously, you absolutely understand that. 😃
JesusChrist-Is-My-Only-Savior
Julie, I agree with all the points you’ve made about Catholicism and Christianity. May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be forever blessed and glorified.
Julie
Amen!
Cindy
Hi Julie! I absolutely find your insight very helpful. I recently met a guy through my longtime Christian friend and we had a talk about Catholics and Christians. From researching and understanding the differences of the two, I asked him if he is religious. His response “no not really”. Then I mentioned along the lines Catholicism isn’t Christianity and he really pressed me on that they are both the exact same thing. He pressed me saying that Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity. My thing is, if it’s the same, why does it differ? I knew something wasn’t right. So I did sent him a video on why Catholicism is a false religion. I didn’t bother debating with him any further than that.
Julie
Well done! It’s not worth getting into a fight over. Sometimes the best approach is to share a resource and let the person process it alone. I’m praying he sees the difference soon.
Rob
Most of these points about Catholicism are not true. Communion was celebrated in the early church from the beginning. Catholics did not add to the Bible, protestants removed from it. How do you rectify the first 1500 years of Christianity if you belive Catholicism is wrong?
Thanks
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Kelley
Sad to read that you left the CC , you apparently did not learn about your faith very well due to the errors Ive encountered in your lengthy article here. If you’re going to lie about the church then do a better job of it:) Perhaps you do not realize some of these issues you’ve raised are not correct and in that case you should seek sound truth before writing about something you clearly do not get the full grasp of. Otherwise, you are sowing falsehoods here and that’s a shame! May the Lord bless you and guide you back home! Peace …
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Mike
I served in the Roman Catholic Church 2 years, vestments and all, and was showed of the ” lies ” that there error is real. 40 years later I’m a ” born again ” christian-
Julie
Amen, Mike!
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