CUL:An overview of Roman Catholicism

   INTRODUCTION

   There are hundreds of millions of Roman Catholics world-wide, yet
many are largely unaware of the dramatic differences between the
official teachings, practices, and positions of the Catholic Church,
and the clear teaching of the Holy Bible. There are multitudes of
dedicated Catholics who are spiritually uninformed concerning these
differences because of a lack of sound biblical instruction and
exposure.

   Though many Roman catholics give unquestioned support to their
church and strongly reject any possibility that their church may be in
conflict with their own Catholic Bible, there are sincere Catholics who
see glaring inconsistencies and contradictions between the official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the fundamental truths
contained in the sacred scriptures.

   This booklet offers Roman Catholics, who are seeking after truth, a
clear-cut comparison between the major teachings of the Catholic Church
and the Word of God. The Word of God is the supreme authority from
which all Roman Catholics must derive their beliefs and practices. All
scripture references cited in this booklet are taken only from official
Catholic translations of the Bible.

   A CONCILIATORY COMMENT

   While this booklet scripturally challenges many of the teachings
within Roman Catholicism, it is not an attack upon the competence,
sincerity, intelligence, integrity, or religious dedication of
individual Catholics. This booklet doesn't deny the reality that many
Catholics possess strong convictions and are deeply devoted to their
religious beliefs. Neither do we deny the fact that some Catholics have
had a genuine, born-again experience in Christ.

   However, this booklet does challenge many of the positions and
practices of the Catholic Church by using a point-by-point comparison
of its major teachings and the obvious truths of the Word of God. This
booklet asks Roman Catholics to carefully examine the scriptures with
an intellectually honest and open attitude (Acts 17:11), and to judge
for themselves what the Bible actually says apart from official church
censorship, restrictions, warnings, indoctrination, and qualifications.
We believe the clear truths of the Catholic Bible will speak for
themselves.

   THE ROOT PROBLEM

   The fundamental problem confronting the average Roman Catholic is
the fact that they are almost completely unaware of what the Catholic
Bible really teaches. Many sincere Catholics, including laymen and
parish priests alike, have never had sufficient cause to question the
teachings of their church because they have never been adequately
instructed in the scriptural truths which challenge the principle
doctrines of Catholicism.

   The tragic reality is that the overwhelming majority of Catholics
have either never personally studied the Bible, or have only done so
under the strict supervision and scrutiny of their church. Many have
not been exposed to the clear, simple truths of the Bible because they
have been repeatedly warned to rely on the official interpretations,
opinions, and traditions of the church.

   Even though Catholic versions of the Bible (Jerusalem Bible, New
American, and Challoner-Rheims Version of the Latin Vulgate) encourage
Bible reading and study (Deut. 6:7-9; Ps. 119:9-11; Acts 17:11), the
tragic historical fact is that Catholicism, with very few exceptions,
has repeatedly discouraged Bible reading and study. and even banned or
restricted its use, distribution, and possession.

   THE BIBLE AND ROMAN CATHOLICISM

   The Roman Catholic Church has traditionally suppressed, opposed, and
forbidden the open use of the Bible. It was first officially forbidden
to the people and placed on the index of Forbidden Books List by the
Council of Valencia in 1229 A.D. The Council of Trent (1545-63 A.D.)
also prohibited its use and pronounced a curse upon anyone who would
dare oppose this decree. Many popes have issued decrees forbidding
Bible reading in the common language of the people, condemning Bible
societies and banning its possession and translation under penalty of
mortal sin and death. The Roman Catholic Church has openly burned
Bibles and those who translated it or promoted its study, reading, and
use (John Hus, 1415 A.D.; William Tyndale, 1536 A.D.)

   Though external pressures have caused Rome to relax its restrictions
and opposition against Bible reading in America, the Bible is still
widely withheld and its distribution and free use discouraged in many
countries which are heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism.

   A RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF BIBLICAL DISTORTIONS

   Roman Catholicism is a system which is comprised of a mixture of
truth and error. On the surface, it appears to many to be a brand of
Christianity because it staunchly claims to embrace and defend the
essential doctrines of the Christian faith. However, a closer
examination proves that it is a system which actually nullifies and
distorts scriptural truth by adding erroneous, man- made teachings
which openly contradict the Catholic and non- Catholic Bibles.

   For example, the Roman Catholic Church claims the inspiration of the
scriptures, but dilutes the Word of God by exalting the authority of
its own traditions, councils, and decrees above the Bible. Catholicism
teaches the deity of Christ, but places Mary and priests as mediators
between God and believers so that free access to Jesus is only possible
through them. It teaches the forgiveness of sin, but only through
confession to a priest and the absolution given by him. Catholicism
teaches salvation, but substitutes a system of grace plus works in
which human works are more important. It teaches that Christ
established the church, but exalts a man (the pope) as its head and
invests absolute, infallible authority in him and his official decrees.
These are just a few of the distortions we will further examine in this
booklet.

   THE GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OF

   ROMAN CATHOLIC ERRORS

   Before we compare the fundamental teachings of Roman Catholicism
with the Catholic bible, it should be pointed out that the distinctive
features of Catholicism originated several hundred years after the
early church. Though the Catholic Church argues that its roots can be
traced to Christ, the historical facts do no substantiate this claim.
Roman Catholic dogma has gradually evolved over the centuries. However,
none of its major traditions and doctrines were taught, defended,
practiced, or embraced by the apostolic church. The following list will
indicate the approximate date when the various doctrines, rituals,
decrees, and beliefs were instituted:

   1. Prayers for the dead. (A.D. 300)

   2. Making the sign of the cross. (300)

   3. Wax candles. (320)

   4. Veneration of angels and dead saints, and use of images. (375)

   5. The beginning of mass as a daily celebration. (394)

   6. The worship and exaltation of Mary and use of term "Mother of
God". (431)

   7. Priests begin to dress differently from laity. (500)

   8. Extreme unction. (526)

   9. The doctrine of purgatory, instituted by Gregory I (593)

   10. The Latin Language used in worship and prayer -Gregory I. (600)

   11. Prayers directed to Mary, dead saints and angels (600)

   12. Title of "Pope" or "universal bishop" first given to Boniface
III (607)

   13. Kissing the pope's foot, began with Pope Constantine (709)

   14. Temporal power of the popes, conferred by Pepin, King of France
(750)

   15. Worship of the cross, image, and relics authorized in (786)

   16. Holy water, mixed with a pinch of salt and blessed by a priest
(850)

   17. Worship of St. Joseph. (890)

   18. College of Cardinals established (927)

   19. Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV (995)

   20. Fastings on Fridays and during Lent (998)

   21. The mass developed as a sacrifice and attendance made mandatory
(11th Cent.)

   22. Celibacy of the priesthood, decreed by Pope Gregory VII (1079)

   23. The rosary, used in prayer (1090)

   24. The Inquisition, instituted by the Council of Verona (1184)

   25. Sale of Indulgences (1190)

   26. Transubstantiation, proclaimed by Pope Innoncent III (1215)

   27. Auricular (private) confession of sins to a priest, instituted
by Pope Innocent III in Lateran Council (1215)

   28. Adoration of wafer (HOst), decreed by Pope Honorius III (1220)

   29. Bible forbidden to laymen and placed on Index of Forbidden Books
by Council of Valencia (1229)

   30. The Sapilar, invented by Simon Stock, an English monk (1251)

   31. Cup forbidden to the people at communion by Council of Constance
(1414)

   32. Purgatory proclaimed as a dogma by Council of Florence (1439)

   33. The doctrine of seven sacraments affirmed (1439)

   34. The Ave Maria (Hail Mary) invented and completed 50 yrs. later
(1508)

   35. Jesuit order founded by Loyola (1534)

   36. Tradition declared to be of equal authority with the Bible by
Council of Trent (1545)

   37. The Apocryphal books added to the Bible by the Council of Trent
(1546)

   38. Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, proclaimed by Pope
Pius IX (1854)

   39. Syllabus of Errors, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX and ratified by
the Vatican Council; condemned freedom of religion, conscience, speech,
press, and scientific discoveries which are disapproved by the Roman
Church; reasserted the Pope's temporal authority over all civil rulers
(1864)

   40. Infallibility of the pope in matters of faith and morals
proclaimed by the Vatican Council (1870)

   41. Public schools condemned by Pope Pius XI (1930)

   42. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (bodily ascension into heaven
shortly after her death), proclaimed by Pope XII (1950)

   43. Mary proclaimed mother of the church by Pope paul VI (1965)

   Many other scriptural abuses and irregularities could be added to
this list: Monks, nuns, monasteries, convents, forty days of Lent, holy
week, Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, All Saints Day, Candlemas Day, fish
day, meat days, incense, holy oil, holy palms, St. Christopher medals,
charms, relics, novenas, and may more.

   This revealing list represents an overview of the many human
inventions which have corrupted, distorted, and perverted the official
positions presented as truth by the Roman Catholic Church.

   ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES WE WILL COMPARE THE MORE PROMINENT POSITIONS
OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM WITH THE FUNDAMENTAL TEACHINGS OF THE SCRIPTURES
USING ONLY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE INCLUDING THE
CHALLONER-RHEIMS VERSION (C.R.V.) OR THE JERUSALEM BIBLE VERSION
(J.B.V.). The New American Bible (N.A.B.) can also be used to
substantiate these comparisons. ROMAN CATHOLICISM AND

   TRADITION

   The church of Rome claims that the Bible is the inspired Word of God
but, in reality, they supplant and undermine its absolute authority by
exalting church traditions, councils, and decrees above the scriptures.
In fact, the Council of Trent (1546 A.D.) declared that church
tradition was of equal authority with the Word of God.

   Roman Catholicism places tradition on an equal and often higher
level than the Bible. Roman Catholic traditions, commandments, papal
decrees, and councils have repeatedly usurped and contradicted the
clear teachings of scripture. The fact is that many of the positions
and dogmas of Roman Catholicism rest upon the foundation of human
innovations, traditions, and teachings rather than the Bible. For this
reason, Catholicism strongly defends its traditions and rigidly
regulates any interpretations of the Bible which conflict with its
positions. Rome has even added a section of uninspired books to the
Bible called the Apocrypha because they provide the only semblance of
support for a limited number of their teachings, beliefs, and
practices. These books are not found in the Hebrew Old Testament, and
were never referred to as scripture by Christ or His disciples, and
were not even sanctioned by the Catholic Church until the Council of
Trent in 1546 A.D.

   However, Jesus rebuked the usurping and undermining of scriptures
through man-made tradition when He said "The worship they offer me is
worthless, the doctrines they teach are only human regulations. You put
aside the commandment of God to cling to HUMAN TRADITIONS...In this way
you make God's word null and void for the sake of your TRADITION which
you have handed down." (MK 7:7, 8, 13, J.B.V.).

   Such prominent Roman Catholic doctrines and practices as the mass,
purgatory, the priesthood, Transubstantiation, prayers for the dead,
indulgences, penance, the worship of Mary, the use of images in
worship, holy water, rosary beads, the celibacy of priests and nuns,
the papacy, and many others are based totally upon tradition and are
without the slightest shred of scriptural support to substantiate them.
In fact, the Bible gives strong witness against many of these teachings
and practices.

   THE VIRGIN MARY

   In spite of the great emphasis upon Mary in Roman Catholicism, the
Bible says very little about her. In fact, she is never even mentioned
by Peter, Paul, James, or John. Furthermore, none of the New Testament
epistles refer to her either. This is significant in light of the
elaborate system of Mariology created by Rome with its Mary works,
veneration, and devotions. What is even more surprising is the fact
that some of the most significant teachings concerning Mary are of
fairly recent origin (i.e., the Immaculate Conception, [1854], and the
Assumption of Mary, [1950]).

   Though the Bible honors Mary as the mother of Jesus and calls her
"blessed...among women" (not above women, Lk 1:28), it does not teach
us to deify her, worship her, or pray to her. The scriptures recognize
Mary as a woman of humility, obedience, and virtue, but reject Rome's
adoration of her on the grounds that it is idolatrous worship condemned
by the Word of God.

   On the following pages we will examine some of the more prominent
Roman Catholic teachings concerning Mary in light of the Bible. The
information footnoted was written by an individual canonized as a
saint, and his book was officially endorsed by the church of Rome.

   1. Rome claims that Mary acts as a mediator between sinners and God,
and teaches that sinners receive pardon through Mary(1). This is
refuted by the scriptures. "For there is only one God, and there is
only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus
(1 Tim. 2:5, J.B.V.). "Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the
Life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (Jn 14:6,
J.B.V.).

   2. "The Holy Church commands a worship peculiar to Mary"(2), but the
Bible rejects this demand on the ground that it is idolatry. The
worship of Mary in the form of prayers (Hail Marys), songs to her, and
kneeling before her statues is blatant idolatry specifically forbidden
by Christ: "You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone"
(Matt. 4:10, J.B.V.).

   3. Catholicism teaches that Christ is a stern, wrathful judge who
cannot be approached by sinners. It teaches that Mary, on the other
hand, is a tender understanding, merciful intercessor who is more
sympathetic and compassionate than Christ and will plead our cause to
her Son with the forceful persuasion of a loving mother. But the Bible
rejects Rome's claim that Mary is an intersessor or advocate who
intercedes to God on our behalf in order to obtain grace for the
sinner(3). The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of
God where "He stands and pleads for us" (Rom. 8:34, J.B.V.), -not Mary
and that He is "living for ever to intercede for all who come to God
through him" (Heb. 7:25, J.B.V.; see also Heb. 9:24).

   4. The Bible rejects Rome's claim that "Mary is the Peace-maker
between sinners and God"(4). The Bible states, "But now in Christ
Jesus, you that used to be so far apart from us have been brought very
close, by the blood of Christ...For he is the the peace between
us...Through him, both of us have in the one Spirit our way to come to
the Father" (Eph. 2:13, 14, 18, J.B.V.). Christ is our peacemaker, not
Mary, priests, popes, dead saints, or even the church.

   5. The Bible rejects Catholic claims that Mary is "...the gate of
heaven because no one can enter that blessed kingdom without passing
through Her"(5), that "the Way of Salvation is open to none otherwise
than through Mary, and that our salvation is in the hands of Mary."(6)
"Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name
under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12,
C.R.V.). "Jesus said: I am the Way...No one can come to the Father
except through me" (Jn 14:6, J.B.V.).

   6. The Bible gives absolutely no support to the many exalted titles
which the Roman Catholic Church has bestowed upon Mary such as, such
as, "Queen of the Angels, Prophets, Patriachs, Apostles, Confessors,
Virgins, and All Saints"(7), "The Door of Paradise", "The Gate of
Heaven", "Our Life", "Mother of Grace", "Morningstar", "Refuge of
Sinners", and "Mother of Mercy". These titles represent Rome's attempts
to elevate Mary to a glorified position which is not taught in the
scriptures.

   7. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception which teaches that Mary
was born without sin is contrary to the scriptures which stress that
"everyone has sinned" (Rom. 5:12, 13 J.V.B.), and "there is no man who
does not sin" (1 Kg. 8:46, J.B.V.; see also Ps. 53:3, 1 Jn. 1:8, 10).
Even Mary acknowledged that she was a sinner in need of a Savior: "My
soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in GOD MY
SAVIOR" (Lk. 1:46, 47, J.B.V.).

   8. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Assumption of Mary which
teaches that Mary's body was raised from the dead and taken to heaven
as "Queen of Heaven" is a teaching which can't find the slightest
support in the Bible and was not made an official doctrine in the
Catholic Church until 1950.

   9. Roman Catholicism's emphasis on Mary's perpetual virginity is
clearly refuted in the Bible which plainly states that Jesus had
brothers and sisters (Matt. 13:54-56; Mk. 6:3; Jn. 7:5, 6). Though Rome
claims that these verses refer to Christ's cousins, the original Greek
wording clearly refers to brothers and not cousins. After the virgin
birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph lived a normal husband and wife
relationship, bearing other children.

   1 Bishop Alphonse de Liguori, The Glories of Mary, pp. 82, 83.

   2 lbid., pg. 130.

   3 Bishop Alphonse de Liguori, The Glories of Mary, pg. 80; see also
pp. 254, 257.

   4 Ibid., pg. 197.

   5 Bishop Alphonse de Liguori, The Glories of Mary, pg. 160.

   6 Ibid., pg. 169.

   7 St. Joseph's Daily Misal, pg. 1305.

   THE PAPACY

   The word "pope" comes from the Latin word "papa" meaning father.
Most scholars agree that the first real pope was Gregory I (590- 604
A.D.). The pope claims to be the mediator between God and men with the
power over souls in purgatory.

   However, the Bible contradicts this claim by stating that "For there
is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and
mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus" (I Tim 2:5 J.B.V.). The papacy
attempts to usurp the power and authority belonging solely to Christ by
claiming the pope as the head of the church, but the Bible declares
that Jesus is the head of the church (Col. 1:18), and that "He has put
all things under his feet, and made him, as the ruler of everything,
the head of the church; which is his body (Eph. 1:22, 23, J.B.V.; see
also Col. 2:9, 10).

   The pope also claims the titles of "His Holiness" or "The Holy
Father" in direct violation of Christ's warnings to His followers: "You
must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father,
and he is in heaven" (Matt. 23:9, 10, J.B.V.).

   PAPAL INFALLIBILITY

   The doctrine of papal infallibility was ratified in 1870 when the
Vatican Council decreed that papal judgments involving faith and morals
were infallible when spoken "ex-cathedra", meaning in his official
capacity as head of the church while sitting in the chair of St. Peter.
However, the concept of the papacy and papal infallibility can find no
justification in the Scriptures.

   Most Catholics are unaware of the scandalous history of the Roman
papacy. The historical record of papal corruption causes extreme
embarrassment to the church in its attempts to defend papal
infallibility and its moral authority. For this reason, the church
hierarchy endeavors to deny, suppress, and cover-up the historical
facts concerning its many doctrinal and moral abuses. What makes the
idea of papal infallibility and purity so absurd is its notorious
record of papal corruption, contradictions, inconsistencies,and
reversals during its history. Though most popes were men of integrity
and high moral character, many were wicked and corrupt. What is more,
these facts can be easily substantiated by secular, Protestant, and
even Catholic sources!(1)

   As shocking and unbelievable as it may seem, many popes were guilty
of committing nearly every crime in the catalogue of sin (2) including
rape, adultery, fornication, incest, murder, assassinations, robbery,
conspiracy, bribery, fraud, perjury, and the purchase of the papacy
with money simony(3). The corruption and gross immorality of
twenty-nine popes was so flagrant that Rome has listed them as
"anti-popes" in order to minimize the scandalous testimony of the
papacy and erase this notorious blot from their history.

   Furthermore, some popes have contradicted each other (Sixtus V
recommended Bible reading, while Pope Pius VII condemned it); some
popes condemned scientific truth (Paul V and Urban VIII tortured and
imprisoned Galileo for teaching that the earth revolves around the
sun); many have promoted and defended doctrinal heresies in direct
conflict with the clear teachings of scripture; and some have endorsed
massacres, atrocities, torture, imprisonment, and inquisitions against
Rome's opponents resulting in the deaths of millions!(4)

   1 Ludwig Pastor, History of the Popes (a Roman Catholic historian).

   2 H.H. Halley, Halley's Bible Handbook, pp. 767-793.

   3 Glen D. Kittler, The Papal Princes (a Roman Catholic author), 358
pages.

   4 John Foxe, Foxes Book of Martyrs.

   PAPAL DECREES

   The following selected examples are only a few of the many abuses
demonstrated through papal decrees:

   Innocent III (1198-1216 A.D.) claimed the right to dispose of kings,
ordered the extermination of heretics, instituted the Inquisition,
ordered the massacre of Albigenses, condemned the Magna Charta, and
forbade Bible reading in the common language; Innocent IV (1241-54
A.D.) sanctioned torture of suspected heretics to extract confessions;
Nicolas V (1447-55 A.D.) authorized war on African peoples and their
enslavement; Sixtus IV (1471-84 A.D.) sanctioned the Spanish
Inquisition; Leo X (1513-21 A.D.) declared the burning of heretics a
divine appointment; Clement XI (1700-21 A.D.) issued a papal bull
(pronouncement) against Bible reading; condemned all religious freedom,
tolerance, Bible societies, and Bible translations; Pius IX (1846-78
A.D.) decreed papal infallibility, condemned separation of church and
state, denounced Liberty of Conscience, Liberty of Worship, freedom of
speech, freedom of press, decreed the Immaculate Conception and deity
of Mary, condemned Bible societies, and proclaimed the right to
suppress heresy by force; Leo XIII (1878-1903 A.D.) pronounced
Protestants "enemies of the Christian name".

   MORTAL AND VENIAL SINS

   Roman Catholicism divides sins into two categories: 1.) Mortal sins
which are defined as serious offenses against God that can damn a soul
to eternal punishment, and 2.) Venial sins which are lesser infractions
against God and man. Both can subject a soul to an indefinite stay in
the purifying fires of a place referred to as "purgatory".

   There is no uniform agreement among priests concerning which sins
are venial or mortal. Mortal sins could include not attending mass,
breaking Ten Commandments, sexual offenses, reading a Protestant Bible,
or going to a Protestant church. Venial sins could be anything a priest
decides. Only a priest can forgive mortal sins, but both mortal and
venial sins must be paid for by temporal penance and inevitable
punishment in purgatory.

   However, the Bible makes no distinction between mortal and venial
sins. Though some sins are worse than others, all unrepented,
unforgiven sins will keep a soul out of heaven. It simply teaches that
"the wage paid by sin is death" (Rom. 6:23, J.B.V.), and that "The man
who has sinned, he... shall die" (Eze. 18:4, J.B.V.).

   CONFESSION

   The Baltimore Catechism defines confession as "the telling of our
sins to an authorized priest for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness."
Catholicism stresses that priests have the power and authority to
forgive sins without even asking God!(1) Forgiveness involves the
assigning of penance, punishments in the form of good works, a certain
number of prayers, fastings, or abstinence from certain pleasures as a
token of repentance. Priests can forgive the guilt of mortal sins, but
cannot remit the penalty which must be paid through the performance of
good works which he chooses to prescribe. Under penalty of committing a
mortal sin, every Roman Catholic is required to go to confession at
least once a year. However, the Bible gives no support for private
(auricular) confession to a priest for receiving the forgiveness of
sins. Furthermore, this practice didn't originate until the 5th century
and wasn't officially made compulsory until the Fourth Laterin Council
in 1215 A.D.

   Even the Catholic Bible challenges the concept of Catholic
confession on the grounds that no mortal man possesses the power to
forgive or absolve sins, and clearly reveals that God alone can forgive
sins; "WHO CAN FORGIVE SINS BUT ONLY GOD?" (Mk. 2:7, C.R.V.). No priest
has the authority to forgive sins but "the Son of Man has authority on
earth to forgive sins" (Matt. 9:6, J.B.V.).

   By establishing a priest as the official forgiver of sins, the
Catholic Church usurps Christ's exclusive position and authority to act
as the mediator between God and man: "For there is only one God, and
there is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man,
Christ Jesus" (I Tim 2:5, J.B.V.; see also Heb. 8:6; 9:15). The Bible
further declares that, "if any one should sin, we have our advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is just" (I Jn. 2:1 J.B.V.).

   The scriptures also teach that each individual Christian has the
privilege of going directly to God for forgiveness: "but if we
acknowledge our sins, then God...will forgive our sins and purify us
from everything that is wrong" (I Jn., 1:9, J.B.V.). Even Peter
confirmed that men receive the remission of sins directly from Christ
not through priests: "all who believe in Jesus will have their sins
forgiven through his name" (Acts 10:43, J.B.V.; see also Acts 13:38,
39).

   1 Instrutions for Non-Catholics, pg. 93.

   PENANCE

   The sacrament of penance involves the performance of good works
which the priest assigns after confession. According to Catholic
teaching, God does not cancel out all the punishment due the sinner
when he is forgiven, and thus requires works of penance to help relieve
the penalty. Those sins which cannot be fully paid by simple penance
(such as "The Act of Contrition", the recital of a given number of
"Hail Marys", "Our Fathers", or stations of the cross) must eventually
be paid for by suffering in purgatory until the debt is cleared.

   However, the scriptures say nothing about penance. God does not
demand outward penance but inward repentance, and a turning from sinful
practices: "Let the wicked man abandon his way...Let him turn back to
Yahweh who will take pity on him, to our God who is rich in forgiving"
(Isa. 55:7, J.B.V; see also Prov. 28:13) The Bible clearly teaches that
our sins are completely cleansed and forgiven through Christ when we
repent directly to Him; "but if we acknowledge our sins, then
God...will forgive our sins and purify us from everything that is
wrong" (I Jn. 1:9 J.B.V.). God bases complete, unconditional
forgiveness and cleansing upon sincere repentance and a forsaking of
sin.

   The main error in penance is the false assumption that Christ's
sacrifice was insufficient to totally atone for sin and must be
supplemented by human works. The Roman Catholic teaching that "penance
is necessary for salvation"(1) and "whosoever shall affirm that men are
justified solely by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ...let
him be accursed"(2) is a blatant perversion of the biblical teaching of
justification by faith apart from works.

   The fundamental error of Catholicism is its unscriptural emphasis
upon a complicated system of salvation by good works and human effort.
Though good works are a natural outgrowth of genuine faith and
salvation, they can never save us - they are the result, not the cause
of salvation. No man can earn salvation by meritorious works. Only
through the justifying grace of God through faith are we saved: "For by
grace you have been saved through faith; and that not from yourselves,
for it is the gift of God: not as the outcome of works, lest anyone may
boast" (Eph 2:8, 9, C.R.V.). Catholicism contradicts the truth that
"Man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ...because by the works of the Law no man will be
justified" (Gal. 2:16, C.R.V.; see also Rom. 1:17; 3:21. 22, 28; 5:1;
10:3; 11:6; Gal 2:21; Titus 3:5).

   1 The Catholic Almanac, pp. 269, 559.

   2 The Council of Trent.

   PURGATORY

   Rome teaches that when Catholics die in an unperfected state, they
must enter an intermediate realm of punishment called "purgatory"
before being released to heaven. Those who have accumulated sins which
have not been sufficiently atoned for through penance must endure the
sufferings of purgatory until the soul is refined and God's justice has
been satisfied. The torments of this halfway hell can vary in
intensity, severity, and duration depending upon the guilt, impurity,
lack of proper penance, or sorrow of the sufferer.

   Catholics are kept in fear all their lives by the prospects of going
to this imaginary place. But Rome teaches that the period of suffering
in purgatory can be shortened by gifts of money, prayers by the
priests, and masses. Catholicism also stresses that friends and
relatives can help lessen the time that loved ones remain in purgatory
and even relieve their suffering by financing masses on their behalf.
Rome collects millions of dollars each year from grieving individuals
who willing pay to alleviate the agonies of those in purgatory.

   However, this frightening doctrine cannot find a single verse in the
entire Bible to support it. Rome has had to rely on ingenious twistings
of the scriptures to defend this terrifying teaching, along with an
isolated passage from the apocryphal book of II Maccabees (12:39-45).

   The concept of purgatorial sufferings after death challenges the
very work of Christ on our behalf. The Bible declares that "Christ
himself...had died once for sins" (I Pet. 3:18, J.B.V.). There is no
more need for further sufferings in purgatory. To demand further
suffering and sacrifice is to deny that Christ's sacrifice was
sufficient the first time! Jesus said that "he who hears my word...has
life everlasting and does not come to judgment, but has passed from
death to life" (Jn. 5:24, C.R.V.). The Bible also teaches that "if we
acknowledge our sins, then God...will forgive our sins and purify us
from everything that is wrong" (1Jn. 1:9, J.B.V.); that God remembers
our sins no more (Heb. 10:17); that to die is gain, not torment (Phil.
1:21, 22); that to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord
(II Cor. 5:8, 9); and that those who die in Christ are blessed and
receive rest from their labors and not excruciating pain (Rev. 14:13).

   INDULGENCES

   An indulgence is "the remission or limited release from the temporal
punishments one must suffer in this life or in purgatory for the sins a
person has committed." Indulgences can even be granted to souls already
in purgatory to shorten their stay. Both penance and indulgences
originated during the Middle Ages and have been commonly associated
with fraud and corruption. At times, Rome has openly sold indulgences
to raise revenues. Money raised from the selling of indulgences by
emissaries appointed by Pope Leo X (1513-21 A.D.) helped finance the
construction of St. Peter's Basilica. It was the public selling of them
by Friar Tetzel who claimed that "a soul is released from purgatory and
carried to heaven as soon as the money tinkles in the box" that
outraged Martin Luther and helped launch the Protestant Reformation
(1517 A.D.).

   The whole system of indulgences violates scriptural truth and cannot
be supported by the Bible. Its practice amounts to placing a price tag
on salvation and perverting the message of salvation by grace.

   THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

   The consequence of the doctrines of penance, indulgences, and
purgatory is that Roman Catholics can never have assurance or a genuine
sense of spiritual security concerning their salvation. All that a
dying Catholic can be sure of after death is that he will suffer an
indefinite period of excruciating punishment in the flames of
purgatory. In fact, the Council of Trent even pronounced a curse upon
any who presumed to say that he had assurance of salvation, or that the
whole punishment for sin is forgiven along with that sin.

   However, the Bible says that "the blood of Jesus ...purifies us from
all sin" (I Jn. 1:7, J.B.V.). It also assures us of our salvation and
eternal life. "This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and
this life is in his Son" (I Jn. 5:11, J.B.V.; see also 5:13). Jesus
also guaranteed us that "he who hears my word, and believes him who
sent me, has life everlasting, and does not come to judgment, but has
passed from death to life" (Jn. 5:24, C.R.V.), and "He who believes in
the Son has everlasting life; he who is believing towards the Son shall
not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him" (Jn. 3:36, C.R.V.).

   PETER

   Roman Catholicism endeavors to defend the papacy by claiming that
Peter was the first pope and was personally appointed by Christ. They
base this claim upon their interpretation of Matthew 16:13- 19 in which
Jesus responds to Peter's confession that He is the Christ by declaring
that upon this rock He will build His church and will give the keys of
the kingdom to Peter to bind and loose upon the earth. The papacy
claims that Peter is the rock, and the keys represent the pope's
absolute authority and infallibility over the church.

   However, Jesus was not saying He would build His church upon Peter,
but upon the simple foundational confession of faith which Peter made
that Jesus is the Christ. The church is not built upon Peter, but
Christ - Christ is the rock, not Peter (I Cor. 3:11, 12; Eph. 2:20,
21). The "keys" symbolize the authority to open the way of salvation
through the preaching of the gospel to all those who are bound in
darkness and sin. Peter was first entrusted with the keys because he
was the first to give this confession of faith in Jesus and was
instrumental in initially opening the door of salvation to the Jews at
Pentecost (Acts 2), as well as the Gentiles at Cornelius' house (Acts
10).

   However, all true disciples possess the keys when proclaiming the
way of salvation to unbelievers and offering them spiritual liberty
through Christ (Matt. 18:18).

   Furthermore, the scriptures disprove Catholic claims concerning
Peter. Neither the Bible nor Peter ever claim to be a pope, head over
the church, or in a superior position over the other apostles. He
simply referred to himself as an elder among many (I Pet. 5:1). Peter
challenged the dictatorial nature of the papacy by warning ministers
not to lord over the flock. (I Pet. 5:3). Peter refused to receive
homage from men (Acts 10:25-27). Peter proved he wasn't infallible when
Jesus sharply rebuked him for challenging the need of the crucifixion
(Matt. 16:23), and Paul scolded him for his vacillation, inconsistency,
and spiritual hypocrisy (Gal. 2:11-14). Peter was married (Matt 87:14;
Lk. 4:38; I Cor. 9:5). When Paul wrote the epistle to the Romans, he
greeted many believers but never mentioned Peter (Rom.16); and what is
more, apart from Catholic tradition, there is no biblical, historical,
or credible archaeological evidence that Peter ever went to Rome or
presided as its supreme bishop. THE PRIESTHOOD

   Roman Catholicism has established a priesthood which serves as
mediator between God and man to offer blood sacrifices for an
individual's sins in the form of the mass. The function and structure
of the Catholic priesthood, which includes a sacrificial system (mass),
is of Jewish origin and was abolished through Christ. Christians no
longer require human priests to serve as mediators by offering
sacrifices for them or forgiving and remitting their sins through
confession.

   The Bible gives no support to Rome's attempt to place the priest
between the confessor of sins and the forgiveness of sins, or to exalt
the priesthood as mediator between the sinner and God. The Bible
declares that "For there is only one God, and...one mediator between
God and mankind...Christ Jesus" (I Tim 2:5, J.B.V.), regardless of the
religious title, no man has the power to forgive sins (Mk.2:7).
Furthermore, every believer has free, unrestricted access to God's
grace through prayer (Rom. 5:2; Heb. 4:16). There is no need to repeat
Christ's sacrifice for sins because it has been accomplished once and
for all (Heb.9:26; 10:10-14). Any attempts to do so is an abomination
before God.

   Though the New Testament lists various kinds of ministries and
offices within the church (Eph. 4:11, 12; I Cor. 12:28, 29; I Tim 3),
it never mentions the Roman Catholic concept of a priesthood. According
to Peter, the Christian priesthood is a universal priesthood consisting
of all true believers and is not the exclusive privilege of a select
few: "so that you too, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD that offers the spiritual
sacrifices...you are a chosen race, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a consecrated
nation, a people set apart" (I Peter 2:5, 9, J.B.V.; see also Rev. 1:5,
6).

   The Catholic concept of the priesthood is unscriptural and didn't
even originate until the 3rd century. Furthermore, there is no
reference to such titles as archbishop, cardinal, or pope, and the
requirement of the celibacy of the priesthood is an idea condemned by
the Apostle Paul (I Tim . 4:1-3). In fact, when Paul listed the
qualifications for bishops (elders), he stated that they must "not have
been married more than once" (I Tim. 3:2, J.B.V.; see also Titus 1:6).

   MASS

   The biblical teachings concerning communion are radically opposed to
the official Roman Catholic position regarding the mass.(1) While
Protestants view communion as a source of spiritual blessing and a
symbolic sacrament commemorating Christ's sacrifice on our behalf,
Catholics claim that it is the same sacrifice as Christ's death on the
cross, and view it as a re- enactment of Christ's crucifixion on
Calvary in an unbloody manner.(2) Mass is a ritual officiated by a
priest it which Christ's body is recrucified and resacrificed for the
atonement of an individual's sins. Catholicism further teaches that the
physical presence of Christ is in the sacrifice, and that the wine and
wafer ("host") are miraculously changed into the actual blood and body
of Jesus Christ (the doctrine of Transubstantiation).

   The Catholic concept of the mass was unheard of in the early church
and was not invented until 831 A.D. by a Benedictine monk named
Radbertus. It did not become an official doctrine until the Fourth
Laterin Council in 1215 A. D. The doctrine of Transubstantiation wasn't
proclaimed until 1215 A.D. by Pope Innocent the III, and did not become
an official creed until 1564 A.D.

   The elaborate ritualism associated with the mass is unscriptural in
that is stresses that Christ's sacrifice for sins was insufficient the
first time. The Bible repeatedly stresses the finality and completeness
of Christ's sacrifice and challenges any need for it to be repeated,
reoffered, renewed, or perpetuated through mass: "And every priest
indeed stands daily ministering and often offering the same sacrifice
which can never take away sins. But Jesus, having offered ONE SACRIFICE
for sins, has taken his seat forever at the right hand of God...For by
ONE OFFERING he has perfected forever those who are sanctified...Now
where there is a forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for
sin" (Heb. 10:11, 12, 14, 18, C.R.V.; see also 7:27; 9:12, 22-28).

   Even Jesus challenged the need for repeating His sacrifice for sins
when He declared: "It is finished" (Jn. 19:30, C.R.V.); and Peter
confirmed that "Christ himself...died ONCE for sins, died for the
guilty, to lead us to God" (I Pet. 3:18, J.B.V.).

   1 II Vatican Council documents on the mass.

   2 John A. O'Brian, The Faith of Millions, pg. 382 (Roman Catholic).

   RITUALISM

   1. Roman Catholic Ritualism can find no basis of support in the
Bible. The gorgeous vestments, colorful processions, exotic pageantry,
mystifying symbolism, stately music, dim cathedral lighting, flickering
candles, tinkling bells, and sweet-smelling incense is contrary to the
character, conduct, and spirit of Christianity. The dazzling theatrical
display of pomp and pageantry, the splendor of priests arrayed in
costly jewels and apparel, and the elaborate spectacle of ceremonies
and liturgies associated with Roman Catholicism is hardly in keeping
with the purity and simplicity demonstrated by Christ, the apostles,
and the early church. Even Peter warned against the wearing of gold,
jewelry, or the putting on of rich robes (I Pet. 3:3, 4).

   The external ritualism of Roman Catholicism is a superficial,
religious display designed to impress the natural senses, but lacks the
transforming power of the gospel and the Spirit of Christ to change the
heart or save a soul from hell.

   2. Images, Statues, Shrines, and Pictures --The Roman Catholic
Church officially sanctioned the worship of images and pictures in 787
A.D. at the Council of Nicaea. However, the veneration of images,
statues, pictures, and shrines of Christ, Mary, dead saints, and angels
is nothing more than blatant idolatry strictly forbidden by the Bible:
"Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of
ANYTHING that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath...Thou shalt
not adore them, nor serve them" (Ex. 20:4,5, C.R.V.; see also Lev.
26:1). In fact, the Bible pronounces a curse upon all those who do!
(Deut. 27:15).

   3. The Use of Relics -- The widespread use of relics consisting of a
piece of bone, a fragment of a saint's body, or some article which a
deceased saint touched during his life for the purpose of adoration,
worship, or the impartation of blessings and miracles is simply
fetishism and rank superstition borrowed from pagan practices. It has
no support in the scriptures. The attributing of supernatural power to
such relics is simply another form of idolatry condemned by the Word of
God.

   4. The Use of the Rosary -- The rosary is a device consisting of a
chain of beads used in the ritualistic counting of repetitious prayers
such as Hail Marys and The Lord's Prayer. it was first introduced by a
monk named Peter the Hermit (1090 A.D.), but was not officially
sanctioned until the 16th century. The repetitious recital of prayers
is a heathen practice specifically condemned by Christ: "In your
prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using
many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them" (Matt.
6:7,8, J.B.V.; see also N.A.B.).

   5. The Wearing of the Scapular -- The Scapular is a piece of brown
cloth with the picture of the Virgin Mary which is worn over the
shoulders next to the skin for the purpose of protecting the wearer
from evil and danger. It was introduced by Simon Stock, an English
monk, in 1287 A.D. This, like the wearing of St. Christopher medals, is
nothing but superstition and fetishism which is practiced by pagan
religions and primitive tribes in heathen countries, and condemned as
idolatry by the Bible.

   6. The Use of Incense, Candles, and Holy Water in Roman Catholic
worship can find no grounds of support in the Bible. Christians are
called to worship the Father in Spirit and truth. This is what the
Father is seeking for among believers (Jn. 4:23). Our worship is not to
be adulterated with the trappings of pagan idolatry and empty
ritualism. The use of none of these elements can be found in the New
Testament or the practice of the early church.

   7. Prayers, Masses, and Other Rituals for the Dead -- A common
practice among Roman Catholics are prayers for the dead in order to
improve their condition in purgatory and eternal destiny. However,
these practices are in conflict with the Bible which teaches that the
status of the dead, whether they be righteous or wicked, is fixed and
irrevocable. The only opportunity men have for determining their
eternal destiny is in this present life. All of our ritualism on their
behalf after death avails nothing and can not alter their condition,
for "men only die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27,
J.B.V.).

   CONCLUSION

   We have carefully compared the major teachings of Roman Catholicism
with the Bible and have shown it is a religious system composed of many
man - made practices and teachings which often contradict the clear
truths contained in the Word of God. The scriptural facts should offer
a sobering challenge to all Roman Catholics who love God and earnestly
desire to follow the truth.

   Though this booklet has not attempted to question the religious
sincerity, devotion, and dedication of Catholics nor deny that some
have had a genuine, "born-again" experience in Christ, it does endeavor
to inform Catholics of the scriptural errors of Roman Catholicism and
challenge them accordingly.

   We must each recognize that it is difficult to serve God acceptably
and be approved by Christ if we willfully continue to condone teachings
or participate in practices which violate the holy scriptures. Jesus
revealed that the true test of commitment and love for God is obedience
and loyalty to the truth: "If you love me you will keep my
commandments" (Jn. 14:15, J.B.V.; see also I Jn. 2:3, 4; II Jn. 9). An
important fruit of salvation is obedience to those truths which have
been revealed to us in the Bible.

   A persistent unwillingness to respond to scriptural truth is usually
an indication that an individual has not fully surrendered his life to
Christ's Lordship. Furthermore, the scriptures clearly caution us that
"Everyone who knows what is the right thing to do and doesn't do it
commits a sin" (James 4:17, J.B.V.).

   The inevitable challenge confronting Catholics is whether they are
willing to risk salvation and eternal life by continuing to rely upon a
religious system which openly contradicts the Bible. Will you take the
steps to embrace God's Word without reservation and follow Christ in
absolute obedience? This is a courageous decision which each Roman
Catholic must personally settle in his or her own heart. It is a
crucial choice which confronts all conscientious Catholics who
sincerely desire to embrace the truth and trust soley in Jesus Christ
for their salvation.

   For a more comprehensive treatment of this important subject, we
recommend reading Roman Catholicism, by Lorraine Boettner, and Foxes
Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe. For a brief overview of the main points
covered in this booklet, please re-read the boldly printed words on
each page.

   CONCLUSION

   We have carefully compared the major teachings of Roman Catholicism
with the Bible and have shown it is a religious system composed of many
man - made practices and teachings which often contradict the clear
truths contained in the Word of God. The scriptural facts should offer
a sobering challenge to all Roman Catholics who love God and earnestly
desire to follow the truth.

   Though this booklet has not attempted to question the religious
sincerity, devotion, and dedication of Catholics nor deny that some
have had a genuine, "born-again" experience in Christ, it does endeavor
to inform Catholics of the scriptural errors of Roman Catholicism and
challenge them accordingly.

   We must each recognize that it is difficult to serve God acceptably
and be approved by Christ if we willfully continue to condone teachings
or participate in practices which violate the holy scriptures. Jesus
revealed that the true test of commitment and love for God is obedience
and loyalty to the truth: "If you love me you will keep my
commandments" (Jn. 14:15, J.B.V.; see also I Jn. 2:3, 4; II Jn. 9). An
important fruit of salvation is obedience to those truths which have
been revealed to us in the Bible.

   A persistent unwillingness to respond to scriptural truth is usually
an indication that an individual has not fully surrendered his life to
Christ's Lordship. Furthermore, the scriptures clearly caution us that
"Everyone who knows what is the right thing to do and doesn't do it
commits a sin" (James 4:17, J.B.V.).

   The inevitable challenge confronting Catholics is whether they are
willing to risk salvation and eternal life by continuing to rely upon a
religious system which openly contradicts the Bible. Will you take the
steps to embrace God's Word without reservation and follow Christ in
absolute obedience? This is a courageous decision which each Roman
Catholic must personally settle in his or her own heart. It is a
crucial choice which confronts all conscientious Catholics who
sincerely desire to embrace the truth and trust soley in Jesus Christ
for their salvation.

   For a more comprehensive treatment of this important subject, we
recommend reading Roman Catholicism, by Lorraine Boettner, and Foxes
Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe. For a brief overview of the main points
covered in this booklet, please re-read the boldly printed words on
each page.
