The Catholic Church has done a magnificent job over the centuries, publically proclaiming itself as the mother church of all Christian churches. My head is still reeling over the attention given it because of its newly elected leader, Pope Francis.
It seemed as if all in the world wondered, watched, and followed the church’s changing-of-the guard, and it appeared mandatory that political leaders and differing religious leaders from all over the planet attend the installation of the new pope. And they did.
I was alarmed, though, that Protestants were caught up in the hoopla. Not only did many attend the Vatican proceedings, but the adulation and support poured forth from their platforms within the Christian media were incredible to hear. It’s as if they’ve totally forgotten the reason Protestant churches came into being—to protest the Catholic Church.
I can understand recognizing and applauding Pope Francis’s reported humbleness, modesty, and conservatism. But what I don’t understand is the respect and support extended to the institution of the papacy. It is a product of the Catholic Church’s system of teachings that is contrary to the Bible (click here for more on the papacy).
I hope I’m making myself clear. I am not attacking Catholic individuals, many of whom will be in heaven because of their belief and confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior; and because of their repentance.
The thing that I’m against, and you’d think all protestants would be, is the systemic, official views and teachings that are contrary to the Bible. These Catholic beliefs should forever stand in the way of the two sides coming together.
For example, the late Pope John Paul II in his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, says… “the Pope is considered the man on earth who represents the Son of God, who takes the place of the Second Person of the Omnipotent God of the trinity.”
Furthermore, here’s a statement from an edition of the Catholic Record: “The Church is above the Bible.”
Unfortunately, today, most Protestants and evangelicals have all but forgotten what distinguishes them from Catholicism. Protestant leaders Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Knox, Edwards, Wesley, and Spurgeon—just to name a few—didn’t forget. Neither forgetful is Pastor Doug Batchelor. It is from his public ministry Amazing Facts that I provide the following.
10 Doctrinal Deviations in Catholic Teachings
1. The Bible teaches that we are not to bow down to statues. Exodus 20:4, 5
The Roman Catholic Church says that we should bow down to statues.
2. The Bible teaches that all have sinned except Jesus. Romans 3:10-12, Hebrews 4:15
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Mary was sinless.
3. The Bible says that Jesus is the only mediator between man and God. 1 Timothy 2:5
The Roman Catholic Church says Mary is co-mediator with Christ.
4. The Bible teaches that Christ offered His sacrifice on the cross once and for all. Hebrews 7:27, 28; 10:10
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the priest sacrifices Christ on the altar at mass.
5. The Bible teaches that all Christians are saints and priests. Ephesians 1:1, 1 Peter 2:9
The Roman Catholic Church says that saints and priests are special castes within the Christian community.
6. The Bible teaches that all Christians should know that they have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
The Roman Catholic Church teaches all Christians cannot and should not know that they have eternal life.
7. The Bible teaches the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord. Exodus 20:8-11
The Roman Catholic Church openly admits they substituted the first day for the seventh, claiming the church has authority from Christ to alter God’s law.
8. The Bible teaches that we should call no religious leader father. Matthew 23:9
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that we may call the priests and pope “father.”
9. The Bible teaches to not pray in vain repetition. Matthew 6:7
The Roman Catholic Church says to pray the Lord’s Prayer or “Hail Mary’s” repetitiously.
10. The Bible teaches to confess your sins to God, for only God can forgive sin. Isaiah 43:25, Luke 5:24
The Roman Catholic Church says you must confess your sins to the priest for forgiveness.