Top Ten Anti-catholic Attacks

[Lil Red]

From ABCs of Faith

NUMBER 10

"Catholics are often out-of-step with the times."

True! The question should be "Why?" If one believes in God, and believes the truths God revealed through Jesus, the Bible and other means, Divine Truth clearly opposes modern vices. So does official Catholic teaching, since the Catholic Church believes the 10 Commandments have no expiration date. Think - if people lived the Commandments, wouldn't ours be a better world today? Something we should all agree on.

NUMBER 9

"Catholics worship Mary."

Catholics accept the Scriptures: "we should pray for one another... The fervent prayers of the righteous person is powerful." (Jas. 5:15,16). Spirit filled, Mary prophesied, "Behold, all generations shall call me 'blessed!'" (Lk.1:48). Do you fulfill this verse by calling Mary "blessed?"

Biblically, Catholics, Orthodox and many Christians do! Catholics don't worship Mary, they ask Jesus' Mother to pray for them. Some wrongly confuse 'prayer' with worship; Church teaching doesn't. Consider these verses about Mary: "Hail, full of Grace! The Lord is with thee." (Lk. 1:28 - older translation); "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Jesus)!" (Lk. 1:42). "The virgin shall be with child" (Is. 7:14).

Read Revelations 12. The male child born is "destined to rule all the nations" (Rv. 12:5) - it is Jesus! So that makes the child's mother Mary. The devil (dragon) attacks Mary and her Son, Jesus (see Rv. 12:4, 13, 17); but God crowns Mary in heaven (Rv. 12:1 - no one is crowned in heaven without God!).

Do you know people who attack Mary, as the devil did? Do you honor her, as God does? Recall, Jesus told His disciple to take her into his home (cf. Jn.19:25-27). In Revelation's 12, the Bible shows us there are two sides to this issue about Mary - the devil's side, and God's side. Which one are you on?

Ok - so Catholics, Orthodox and many Christians may not be so 'off-base' on Mary. It is important to know that inspite of the misguided belief by some who falsely state that Catholics worship Mary, no official Church documents condones or encourages that - Mary is only asked for intercession, the same way as people ask others to pray to Jesus (God) for them. The verses above indicate that this is not un-Biblical.

NUMBER 8

"Catholics violate the Scripture: "Call no man on earth 'your 'father'" (Mt. 23:9).

Catholics Biblically reply: we "...have but one Father in heaven!" (Mt. 23.9). Yet, Paul says: "inDouche, in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Gospel." (1 Cor. 4:15). "As you know, we treated each of you as a father treats his children..." (1 Thes. 2:11). It would seem there has been a problem in understanding Mt. 23:9 - either that, or Paul was disobeying Jesus' words?? Nah...the last thought isn't an option.

What the Apostle Paul was saying in these verses is that he was a 'spiritual father', in the same Scriptural sense that priests are called 'father' today. A closer look reveals that in Mt. 23:8, Jesus also said not to call anyone "Rabbi" (meaning "teacher"), yet we call people "teacher" regularly, and no one fusses about that! Since the words "father" and "teacher" are used dozens of times in the Bible after Mt. 23:9, clearly our Savior didn't mean to stop us from using these words! Instead, Jesus meant this as a reminder of God's Fatherly and Teaching relationship to us. No one is a 'father' in quite the same way as God is - since He Created us, God is our ultimate Father and should be our Teacher too!

NUMBER 7

"Catholics aren't 'saved.'"

Catholics believe that: "Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Tim. 1:15). Yet, the parable of the sower (see Mt. 13:1-9; 18-23) proves a person isn't 'once saved, always saved' as some claim. Your life can be 'saved' today, and lost later. Jesus twice saved His Apostles from drowning (Mt. 8:23-27; 14:22-33), not once! Catholics are saved at Baptism, "Jesus replied, "Amen, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." (Jn. 3:4, see Mk. 16:15-16); but salvation can later be lost by serious unrepented sin (cf.1 Jn.3:7-8,5:16-17, Jas.2:18-26).

NUMBER 6

"I can confess my sins to God directly, so why do Catholics use a priest for confession?"

Let's try this one - Because the Bible teaches us to do so! "Confess your sins..." (Jas 5:16). Jesus told His Apostles: "Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them, whose sins you retain, they are retained." (Jn. 20:23), confirmed by the power to 'bind and loose' (see Mt. 16:19). See also Matthew 9:2, 8, among other possible verses.

Jesus taught humility - and there are few things more humbling than to confess that we've sinned - not in secret by ourselves, but to another person, who has been consecrated to forgive sins in Jesus' name. Jesus clearly gave this authority to hear confession of sins, and to forgive them. This form of confession is the New Testament way of obtaining forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. It is a way to not only know your sincerely confessed sins are forgiven, but studies show that those who use this sacramental gift of our Lord and Savior are typically less stressed or guilt ridden. Noted psychiatrists and counselors have pointed out that the anonimity of confession (including the commitment by a priest to die rather than reveal the secrets of confession!) allows a priest to hear truths that may take a long time for a counselor to uncover with a patient. A good confessor also provides advice and spiritual guidance, something sorely lacking in our world today!

NUMBER 5

"Catholics don't accept the authority of Scripture."

Catholics believe the Bible is God's inspired Word (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16). Catholic laity, priests, bishops and popes have quoted the Bible countless times for almost 2,000 years! Even Martin Luther, who started the Protestant movement, gave back-handed credit to the 'papist' Church for saving the Biblical canon (books) from pagan destruction during the dark ages. It is worth noting that the original King James Version ("KJV" or "AV") in 1611 had the seven "Catholic" books from the Old Testament (called "12 Apocryphal" books by Protestants); these books were later removed (see Rev. 22:18-19!) and are now missing in many Protestant Bibles.

What Catholics dispute is the idea that "Scripture is the sole authority" ("sola scriptura"), since that contradicts the Bible: "no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of personal interpretation" (2 Pt.1:20; prophecy can mean "prediction" as well as "revelation," a teaching). An open-minded person must ask: if the Bible isn't personally interpreted, who does the interpretation? The Bible gives us a clue, in Acts 8:30-31, where an ordained deacon of the Church is teaching the meaning of God's Word. Luke 24:32 reports that Jesus taught His Disciples the meaning of the Bible: "Were not our hearts burning while He spoke on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" The devil (cf. Mt. 4:6), confused or false teachers (cf. 2 Pt. 3:16) can twist the Bible's meaning. And let's get our noggins working for a minute - if the Bible was the 'sole' authority for believers, then where was the authority for Christians in the centuries before the Bible was printed? We also know from history that it was decades before the New Testament was written, years after Christ died. Are we to believe that there was no authority during those years? Or that the only authority was the Old Testament? Jesus gave us His Church as the authority (Mt. 16:18, Mt. 18:18, Lk. 10:16, 1 Tim. 3:15), and the Church is bound and directed by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:13) to teach only the truth, not the opinions and desires of men. Keep in mind that the sinfulness of people in the Church doesn't negate this promise by God, since we are all sinners (see Rm. 3:23) seeking to "work out our salvation" (Phil 2:12).

NUMBER 4

"One church is about as good as another."

The truth is that anyone can claim to have the 'right' interpretation of Scripture - and that is one reason why there are now 30,000 different denominations, all claiming to be 'Bible based'. Common sense tell us that since God only speaks the truth, and doesn't change His mind, there can only be one True Church.

Jesus established only one Church (cf. Mt. 16:19), "which is the Church of the living God, the spirit and foundation of Truth." (1 Tim. 3:15). Jesus taught us His Church was also to settle disputes (Mt. 18:18). So how did we end up with thousands of different Christian denominations - and growing at the rate of five new denominations a week?

Though Jesus predicted divisions (cf. Mt. 24:4-14), such splits among Christians clearly violates Jesus' desire "that all may be one." (Jn. 17:21, 22). Just imagine, until Luther's break which started the Protestant movement in the early 1500s, virtually all Christians were united in belief! Not so today. There is also no doubt that the sinful behavior by Catholic leaders of the past helped contribute to the break-up of Christian unity. This is something Pope John Paul II has admitted and asked for forgiveness. But people on all sides of these issues have sinned. The time has come for Christians to seek unity - with Christ's true Church, and by doing so, they will be following Jesus' will! Jesus said: "You follow Me." (Jn. 21:22)

NUMBER 3

"The church is an invisible society of believers, not like the visible Catholic Church."

Jesus said His Church was to settle disputes (cf. Mt. 18:18), which requires that a church be visible (notes: 1. if the Church wasn't visible, then there would be no way to find it; 2. if the Church settles disputes, surely that includes disagreements over Biblical interpretations, and other beliefs!). Christ promised His Church glory (cf. Jn. 17:22), and glory is a visible quality. Jesus' Church is a world-wide preaching (cf. Mt. 28:20) Church, which makes it visible, authorized to teach in His Name: "He who hears you, hears Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me." (Lk. 10:16). This doesn't mean Church leaders are sinless - see Romans 3:23. The Apostle Paul described the Church as the body of Christ and it is clear that a body is visible!

By the way, you wouldn't want to be separated from Christ's body on earth, would you? Don't you want to be a part of what Jesus called "My Church" (Mt. 16:18)?

NUMBER 2

"But what about dissent in the Church? It lacks unity."

Jesus said He'd be "A cause for division." (Lk. 12:51). Paul predicated some priests would "pervert the truth" (Acts 20:30; note: Arius, Luther and Zwingli were priests, Calvin was a seminarian). Official Church teaching is protected, "The Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth." (Jn. 16:13). This does not mean that the personal opinions of any individual member are true - it is the Church which is the Foundation of the Truth (1 Tim. 3:15). What is protected is official Church teaching on issues of faith or morals from being in error. If a person believes in Scripture, this makes sense. It is only in this way that the Apostolic teaching can truly satisfy Jesus' promise of Matthew 16:18, Luke 10:16 and the implications of 1 Timothy 3:15 can be fulfilled. All believers should seek to humbly follow the teachings of the Lord, which is to say, that all belivers should seek to follow His Church!

AND NUMBER ONE IS!!!!

NUMBER 1

"Catholics believe things hard to swallow: celibate priests, no pre-marital sex, no divorce, no artificial birth control and so on."

Jesus said, "For people it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible!" (Mk. 10:16-17). Do we believe those words? Our Lord spoke them, so we should!

There are lots of things that cause people to oppose the Catholic Church. Some of it is based on myths and misconceptions. Some of it is based on our taking man's view instead of seeking God's view.

The Scriptures are clear on divorce (1 Cor. 7:2-4; Mt. 19:7-9; Mk. 10:2-12; Lk. 16:18, etc.), no extra-marital or pre-marital sex (Ex. 20:14,17; Mt. 5:27-30; Gal. 5:19-21, etc.) or homosexual relations (1 Cor. 6:9-11, Notice! If you are caught up in these, or any other serious sins, there is forgiveness and help! Don't despair!). These may be viewed as 'backward' by some - but then, many of these same things were 'popular' in the ancient world at the birth of Christianity. Dedicated, faithful believers caused the pagan Roman Empire to slowly, yet steadily convert. This was due in part to the tremendous witness of love and dedication - even unto death! - of the early Christians. It isn't that Christian teaching has ever been 'easy', it is simply the truth, and with God's grace, can be accepted and lived!

Did you know that until 1930, all Christian Churches condemned artificial birth control as immoral? Today, the Catholic Church stands virtually alone on this topic. Think - where all Christians misled by the Holy Spirit for 1900 years, and only in recent times did we find the truth? Or is it that man simply wants to ignore God's Will? When God blesses a couple with fertility, with life, who is man to reject that gift?

You've seen the Top Ten Anti-Catholic attacks. This is just a start for your journey for truth. But if you are open minded, you can already see that reason, Scripture and history supports Catholic teaching. Discover the fullness of the truth for yourself! Be Open to the Spirit of the Lord, and seek to do and follow His Will, not man's. The trip may not be easy, Jesus Himself had a Cross to bear. But the final reward will make the journey worth while!

[Lounge Daddy]

Filthy humans…

[foundsheep]

Thanks , that was very informative. Im printing right now. Hey why dont we do a reverse Luther, go and nail copies of these on other church doors.lol :lol:

[Monica]

Thanks , that was very informative. Im printing right now. Hey why dont we do a reverse Luther, go and nail copies of these on other church doors.lol

:huh:

[Anna]

Those are excellent, but you must add Purgatory and the Eucharist in there, too!!! Biggies! ;)

[Aloysius]

Thanks , that was very informative. Im printing right now. Hey why dont we do a reverse Luther, go and nail copies of these on other church doors.lol

i'm all for that...

but we gotta come up with 95 of em B)

[GodsThespianChic]

Lil Red Devil, you are so amesome for putting that up...that will be printed out and stored in a safe place for when people have their misconceptions about our faith and I don't know how to answer them!!

Thanks so much!

[Lil Red]

you ARE welcome!! That's why I like posting stuff, cuz I know SOMEONE will use it!!!! :)

[SoulMan_Mr_G]

Hi there,

I'm only posting up, so that if any Phamily members (like me) just check out the recent discussed current threads b/c there's no time to read the long forgotten ones on other pages: they can check this one out.

Go to the 1st post of the thread / highlight, copy, paste into a doc file & print this sucker off.

It's good 'Apologetic' material to keep on hand

Love you all,

-Soul Man B) Mr.G

[SoulMan_Mr_G]

Those are excellent, but you must add Purgatory and the Eucharist in there, too!!!  Biggies!

:D Presentation is Everything! -

- Here's a recap of a conversation I had, while I worked at an 'Interdenominational' Camp a few summers ago, with (2) a Pentecostal & a Vineyard friend(s) of mine.

I wasn't as educated in Catholic Theology, so I approached it with a Philisophical approach: (So basically I'm saying: this isn't 'set in stone' Catholic Doctrine, but it helped me get my point across. Feel free to admonish or affirm me as well as add actual 'Apologetic' material to better explain this topic. I'm always open)

P: Do you beleive in everything the Catholic Church, as a whole, beleives?

Mr.G: Yeah, actually I do

V: Do you beleive in Purgatory?

Mr.G: Yeah, actually I do

P: So you beleive it exists?

Mr.G: Yeah, actually I do... and so do both of you!

P: huh?

V: Umm, no actually I don't...

Mr.G: Yah, ya do - ya just don't know that you do. Ya both beleive that only pure souls can enter Heaven, right?

P&V: (nods in agreement) Yah...

Mr.G: What do you think happens when you die, would you agree that when you die and you're soul is being judged it would just be your 'conscience & God'?

P&V: (nods again in agreement) Yah...

Mr.G: Well think about the word "Purgatory"... it comes from the root words: "To Be Purged"... and to be "Purged" is to be "Purified". You both already agreed that only Pure souls can enter into Heaven. If the over all verdict for your soul is not damnation, your conscience would still need to be purged or purified before it can enter into Heaven.

V: I guess I do beleive in Purgatory

P: Yah, and I guess if my soul was being purified, it would probably be an uncomfortable feeling as I would hafta honestly have my conscience work thru things with GOD. The idea of that is almost like a drastic suffering. Wow, I guess I do beleive in Purgatory too.

Mr.G: Which is what Catholics beleive. We refer to the Souls in Purgatory as the "Holy Souls" or "Suffering Souls". Holy cuz they're on their way to Heaven & Suffering cuz they're in the purging process.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We got into the topic of 'offering up' our sufferings for the souls in Purgatory, but that was another night... cuz this was a late one & we needed the sleep.

Peace n GodBless ya phamily,

-Soul B) Man

[IcePrincessKRS]

Thats really amesome... Both Red Dev, and Soul Man!!! Thanks for posting!

[SoulMan_Mr_G]

Thats really amesome... Both Red Dev, and Soul Man!!! Thanks for posting!

Yer welcome

Here's another one:

Isn’t Jesus speaking figuratively when He says we must eat His body and drink His blood?

Answer: NO!

… Jesus couldn’t be speaking figuratively, b/c that expression already had specific figurative meaning. In the Aramaic language of our Lord, to figuratively “eat the flesh” or “drink the blood” of someone meant to persecute, assault, and destroy him. This Hebrew expression is found in Psalm 27:2; Isaiah9:18-20; Isaiah 49:26; Micah 3:3; 2Samuel 23:15-17; and Revelation 17:6, 16.

If Jesus is speaking only figuratively about eating his flesh and drinking His blood, as non-Catholics claim, then what he really means is “whoever persecutes, assaults, and destroys Me, will have eternal life.” This would make no sense of the passage!

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Found in the Book: Beginning Apologetics-3 by Fr.FrankChacon & JimBurnham

Published by San Juan Catholic Seminars

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God :B Bless

[Lil Red]

yur welcome :)

[SoulMan_Mr_G]

;)

[Lil Red]