Understanding Roman Catholicism
Confusion
After studying the 1994 Catechism, one cannot help but notice several major differences between Catholic doctrine and the Bible.
First and foremost is that both consistently teach conflicting doctrines. The Catechism's claim that the Bible and Catholic tradition work together to bring about the salvation of souls is simply not true.
Secondly, the Catechism contains an endless list of complicated and often confusing rules which all Catholics must follow to please their church.
The Bible, on the other hand, is simple, straight-forward, consistent and easy to understand. Here is an example.
Who will go to heaven?
The Bible could not be any more explicit on the subject of eternal destiny, which is to be expected from God on such an important topic:
| "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36 |
Here's another example. Jesus Himself preached:
| "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24 |
That is very easy to understand. Now let's see what the Catechism says on the same subject. Here is an exact quote:
| "By virtue of our apostolic authority, we define the following: According to the general disposition of God, the souls of all the saints... and other faithful who died after receiving Christ's holy Baptism (provided they were not in need of purification when they died,... or, if they then did need or will need some purification, when they have been purified after death,...) already before they take up their bodies again and before the general judgment - and this since the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into heaven - have been, are and will be in heaven, in the heavenly Kingdom and celestial paradise with Christ, joined to the company of the holy angels. Since the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, these souls have seen and do see the divine essence with an intuitive vision, and even face to face, without mediation of any creature." Pg. 267, #1023 |
Who could possibly understand that?
Why is such a simple Bible concept made so confusing? Surely God wants everyone to understand how to get to heaven. Would a truly loving God make the rules for reaching heaven so complex that nobody could understand them?
Consider also the following verse of Scripture:
| "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33 |
If God is not the author of this confusing list of Catholic rules, then who is?
Don' t be deceived
The Bible even warns us about being deceived by those who complicate the simple things of Christ:
| "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3 |
Could God be attempting to warn you about the Catholic church? God made His Word simple because He is:
| "...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 |
God wants you in heaven. That' s why He keeps His Word simple.
Conclusion
God does not want you to be confused. If the Catechism and Catholic doctrine have ever left you feeling confused, perhaps you should begin putting your trust in God's Word:
| "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." Psalm 71:1 |
Understanding Roman Catholicism © 1995 by Rick Jones
