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"Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." I Peter 1:8
CATHOLIC TRADITION / WORD GOD
I. Authority and the Bible
1. Tradition is to be held as the highest authority in the church, even above the Bible. "Other spiritual books ...are preferred" (Plain Facts For Fair Minds, Searle, p. 154).
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2. "If the sacred books are permitted everywhere ...in the vernacular, there will arise ...more harm than good" (Council of Trent, Schroeder, 273-8).
3. The Bible is not to be read by all; the Pope forbids it; all must not read it. (Catholic Dictionary, p. 82) )
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II. The Church
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The Roman Catholic Church is the only true apostolic church.
"If it is not identical in belief, government, etc., with the primitive church, then it is not the Church of Christ." (Catholic Facts, p.27
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III. Peter, Foundation and Head of the Church
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Peter established the church; he was the first pope and his successors were popes. (Faith of our Fathers, p.78).
"The records of the second century are so scanty as to throw but little on the subject." Catholic Encyclopedia XII, p. 267.
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IV. The Priesthood
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1. The priest is 'another Christ,' the means of access between the sinner and God ...."who holds the place of God." (True Spouse of Christ, St. Ligouri, p. 93).
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2. Catholics and non-Catholics are expected to call Priest "Father."
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3. Priest has power to forgive sins (Council of Trent, and Lateran council of 1215). He receives gifts to say prayers. (Catholic Dictionary, Vatican Edition, p. 821.)
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V. Purgatory
There is an intermediate state or place called Purgatory where the dead go to suffer punishment until they can be purified. (Council of Florence, 1439) Made an official doctrine, though man began to teach the idea as early as the sixth century.
These people have not fully made amends for their failings, so must atone for them by suffering before being admitted into heaven. These sufferings are lessened by prayers and masses, according to Council of Trent. (Fulton J. Sheen, World Book, "P", 803).
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WRONG TIME: 606 A. D.
WRONG PLACE: Rome
WRONG FOUNDER: Boniface III
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I. Authority and the Bible
1. Must not add to nor take from Scriptures inspired of God. Deuteronomy 4:2, Isaiah 8:20
2. Traditions of men make void the Word of God. Matthew 15:3, 6, 7-9. Worshiping thereby makes worship vain.
3. The Scriptures are alone sufficient for the man of God.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; Revelation 22:18-19; I Corinthians 4:6
4. Scriptures are to be read and understood by everyone. Ephesians 3:4; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; I Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:20.
II. The Church
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1. No union of church and state in the Bible. Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7.
2. Bible names for the church do not include "Roman" or "Catholic." Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 1:1; Hebrews 12:23; Acts 20:28.
3. Catholic church is described as the apostate church, the mother of Harlots. Revelation 17:1-18.
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III. Peter, Foundation and Head of the Church
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1. Only the apostles could pass spiritual gifts to others. Acts 6:1-6; Acts 8:12-18; 19:6, 7; 2 Timothy 1:6.
2. Paul, an apostle, could pass spiritual gifts. Romans 1:10-11. The church at Rome evidently had never had an apostle visit them.
3. Peter denied the church was built by him or on him. I Peter 2:4-6.
4. Christ is the rock, "petra." I Corinthians 10:4. He is the builder and head of the (One)..His church. Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23
5. Peter was NOT superior to the other apostles. I Peter 5:1; 2 Corinthians 11:5; Acts 15:13-19; Matthew 20:25-26.
6. To be an apostle, one must have been a companion of Christ. Acts 1:21-22. Must have several qualifications which cannot be passed on by others.
7. Only one case of apostolic succession in Bible: Acts 1:15-26. When James was beheaded, no one was selected to succeed him like in the case of Judas. Acts 1:15-26; 15:1-29.
8. Peter was married. Matthew 8:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5. Popes are NOT allowed to marry.
9. Peter would NOT allow men to fall down to worship him. Acts 10:25,26. See also Acts 14:14-15; Matthew 4:10.
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IV. The Priesthood
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1. Only one mediator -Christ
I Timothy 2:5.
2. Christ has the only unchangeable high priesthood. Hebrews 7:11,12, 22-24
3. All Christians are priests who have access to God through Christ. I Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:5-6.
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1. Call no man "Father" in religious sense. Matthew 23:9, 10.
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1. Forgiveness of sins belongs to the Godhead. Mark 2:6-10; 1 John 1:9; 2:1
2. The gift of God cannot be purchased with money. 1 Peter 1:18.
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V. Purgatory
1. Prayers of saints or others cannot change our destiny after death. Hebrews 9:27.
2. The righteous acts of others cannot be transferred to my credit (before or) after my decease. I must answer for my own acts of my own body . 2 Corinthians 5:10
3. After death there is no changing from place of punishment to place of bliss. Luke 16:19-31.
4. The Bible knows nothing of indulgences either plenary or partial.
Hebrews 2:3.
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