Praying of the Rosary Is NOT Bible-Based Teaching

The Disciplers ^ | 2011 | Ptr. Vince

[RnMomof7]

Praying The Rosary Is Not Biblical, And Is A Form Of Idolatry

Just last Sunday, a local newspaper paper released an article teaching that the praying of the Holy Rosary is Bible-based. In the first two paragraphs, the writer admittedly says that there is no passage in the Bible teaching nor mentioned about the praying of Rosary.

However, in the following paragraphs, the writer justified the praying of the Rosary basing it on the repetition of historical events of some Bible characters (like Gideon as he mentioned) about Israel’s history.

I don’t know if the writer of this article did some research about the origin of rosary and how it was deeply encouraged for Roman Catholics.

Praying of Rosary was encouraged when Lucia Dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto claimed to have an apparation from an angel teaching them to pray in the spring of 1916. They were asked to pray repeatedly by the angel who appeared to them. This is why the Catholics were convinced that they have to pray repeatedly.

The flaw however in the story was that, the angel gave two sets of completely different prayers. The angel appeared to the three children three times.

Then after a year, 1917, it was said that Our Lady of Rosary had an apparitions for 7 times. In her second apparition the Our Lady said:

“I wish you to come here the 13th of next month; that you say the Rosary every day, and that you learn to read. In succeding months I will tell you what else I want.” “I would like to ask you to bring us to Heaven“, said Lucy. “Yes, Giacinta and Francis will be among the few, but you must stay here for a long time. Jesus wants to help Himself of you to make Me known and loved. God wishes you to remain in the world for some time because He wants to use you to establish in the world a devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it, and their souls will be loved by God as flowers placed by myself to adorn His throne.” Lucy asked: “Will I stay here alone”?, “Don’t be discouraged , I will not abandon you ever. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and through it will conduct you to God.”

Now here are the flaws of this apparition. First, the Our Lady is telling the children to teach the people to make her known and be loved. Note that the apparition was initiated not by Jesus, nor an angel, but the very person who wants to be made known. It is like, someone came to you and asked you using the name of your friend to introduce her to other people that you know.

The second flaw, Our Lady promises salvation to those who embrace this command. A completely heretical claim, and totally in contrast to what the Bible is saying. The Bible is very clear in saying that “…whosoever believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).” Only God can give salvation. This is the Biblical truth that cannot be altered, deducted nor added.

Third flaw, Our Lady claims that her immaculate heart will be our refuge and through it will conduct you to God. This is another contradiction to what the Bible is saying. “Come to me all you labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest (Matt.11:28)”, “I am the way the truth and the life, NO ONE comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)”.

The truth is, there is only one mediator between God and man, it is only Jesus Christ (Hebrews chapters 6,7,8,9, and 10)

This is the statement coming from the third apparition:

“In october I will tell you who I am, that which I want, and I will do a miracle that all can see and believe. Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say often this prayer, especially during any sacrifice: “O my Jesus, I offer this for love of Thee, for the conversion of poor sinners, and in reparation for all the sins commited against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.“

The flaw of the third apparition is the claiming of honor which belongs to Jesus Christ, and the idea of co-equality with Jesus. Though she did not claim co-equality, but the fact of showing that people committed sins against her proposes the idea of deity that people needs to be so sorry for not recognizing her. The Bible tells us that there are three persona where we committed sins, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now, here comes the Mary, an addition to the Holy Trinity.

“You have seen Hell, where the souls of poor sinners go. To save future souls God wishes to establish in the world the devotion to My Immaculate Heart. If people do what I tell you, many souls will be saved.” Then She said:” If my requests are granted, Russia will be converted and there will be peace. If not, she will scatter her errors throughout the world, provoking wars and persecution of the Church. The good will be martyed, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and various nations will be destroyed…But in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, Russia will be converted, and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world“. “Do you want to learn a prayer?” the vision asked, “Yes we do!” the children responded. “When you recite the Rosary, say at the end of each decade: Oh My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.“

Now let’s look at this additional quotations from the third apparition. This is more like “Our Lady” centered command rather than “Jesus” centered command. Russia will be consecreted to Our Lady of Rosary than instead of Jesus. Notice the number of recitation of the Rosary. At the end of each decade (10), there is only one calling for Jesus help.

This is quoted from the last (6^th) apparition

“I am the Lady of the Rosary, I desire here a chapel in my honor to be built, that people continue to recite the Rosary every day. Will the war finish. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.” Then Lucy asked: “may I ask you for cures and conversions, will you grant them?”. “Some yes, others no. It is necessary that they ask pardon for their sins, that they don’t offend God our Lord, and that he is already too much offended.” “Do you Want anything else from me?” Lucy asked. “I do not want anything more.“

The flaw of the 6^th apparition is that the Lady of the Rosary is asking for a chapel in “HER” honor, and not Jesus’ nor the Father’s honor. We have to note that taking glory which supposed to be for God is a serious sin, this is idolatry.

The apparition is completely directing people in a wrong path. It is completely in contradiction with what the Bible is saying. The Bible warn us about these kinds of apparitions in Galatians 1:8 “But even though we (referring to Paul and his companions) or an angel from heaven, which should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.” This is a strong warning that we should be careful in believing apparitions especially if it gives another teachings that what the Bible already have taught us.

Just some additional observations concerning the apparition of Our Lady of Rosary. Our Lady appeared “6” times. In Hebrew culture (the Israelite culture), 6 is the imperfect number. A number usually associated with evil things. Thus, the number of the Beast in the Book of Revelations tells us that it is 666.

Another observation is the dates of the apparition. The apparition dates are significantly on the 13^th of every month of that year. Even until, Roman Catholics believe that 13^th is always associated with evil things like Friday the 13^{t h} bad luck and not placing 13^th floor on buildings. Not to mention all the horror movies that happens on Friday the 13^th.

Now let me ask you, do you really believe that these apparitions comes from God? These apparition and commands are completely in contrast to what the Bible teaches us. They are “Our Lady of Rosary” centered rather than “God” centered. The apparitions promotes glory and honor for “Our Lady of Rosary” rather than the glory of God. And finally, even culture related things are in contradiction to the apparitions. Not to mention its lack of Apostolicity and Biblical support.

The praying of Rosary is another heretical belief of the Roman Catholic church to which Catholics are willing fight for.

[elhombrelibre]

Ah know.

[elhombrelibre]

I agree, and I find it interesting that those who claim to be religious experts are so determined to split the Christians.

[Seraphicaviary]

I know some bishops that would have that priest removed from any active ministry...

And I also know many priests that are in open dissent against the Church. Priests are only supposed to teach what, where, and how the local bishop says, since the bishop is the primary teacher in the diocese.

[ealgeone]

Yes I stand on it, as one who went to a RC seminary and was one semester short of being ordained to the priesthood. The report of Bernadine is not binding. Many Catholics don’t know our own doctrine. The hierarchy has not said this was definitive teaching that is required by all believers. Try again.

Guess this one is binding.....

Thus as no man goeth to the Father but by the Son, so no man goeth to Christ but by His Mother.

ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII ON THE ROSARY

http://w2.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_22091891_octobri-mense.html

[Repent and Believe]

“... I approach Christ though His Word...No room (no need) for rosary beads, icons, madonnas, and other add-ons.”

---

Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

John 19:27

The disciple had room for her in his own household.

[Resettozero]

Because Catholics are also believers and part of the body but some are too narrow-minded to realize it.

Yes, I hope at least one RC FR poster here today is a Christian, hopefully more. But you toss the word "believers" around too casually.

My terminology of "believer" is one called and chosen by God through the hearing of or reading of the Word of the Truth Who is THE LORD Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, and only Savior of sinful mankind; such a believer is a faithful follower of Jesus of Nazareth (to death) and one who has been born again of the Spirit and sealed forever in Christ by the Holy Spirit and will be resurrected or caught up with Jesus when He appears next as King of kings and Lord of lords.

My definition pertains to the narrow path, not the wide boulevard and also is what is taught in the Holy Bible, OT and NT.

[RnMomof7]

And yet millions of Protestant churches repeat the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday morning word for word.

I agree, but that does not make it right or spiritually profitable.. BTW my church does not

[dragonblustar]

When praying a rosary one contemplates the life of Christ as told in the gospels. How is that not scriptural?

Matthew 6: 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

[DJ MacWoW]

And you believe that doesn't apply to Catholics? Where does Scripture tell you to judge another's salvation? If they confess with their tongue that Jesus is Lord who are you tell tell them they aren't saved?

But you toss the word "believers" around too casually.

And you deny believers are saved and have accepted Christ simply because you don't like where they worship.

Let me ask you this, where does Jesus tell believers to go and erect stone edifices dedicated to him? Where does he talk about establishing theological seminaries? Are they Scriptural?

There are churches built around one scripture or section of the Word and they all believe they have the "corner" on salvation. I tell you bunkum.

You're going to be surprised who you sit next to in Heaven.

[DJ MacWoW]

Neither does mine. But all churches are guilty of non-scriptural practices. All of them.

[DJ MacWoW]

Matthew 6:7

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

[Seraphicaviary]

The Rosary is a good practice, and Pope Leo XIII recognizes this, but nothing from a encyclical makes one’s salvation dependent on it.

You seem to think we act as Kantians under a Categorical Imperative, i.e. that a good practice, something that you would will everyone to do, becomes a moral imperative. That is not the case for Catholics. We don’t think that way.

We would do well to do what the Pope says, but we will not go to hell if we don’t. So no... not binding.

[Resettozero]

You're going to be surprised who you sit next to in Heaven.

Brothers and sisters in Christ know who we are.

Don't expect to be "sitting". Expect to be returning soon or immediately to planet Earth to confront the gathered armies of men who refused to the end of days to believe in Lord Jesus Christ. And thus, those born by the Will of God are to be with Him forevermore.

Not much sitting around on fluffy clouds, I s'pose. Yet, wonders beyond our imagining are promised to the chosen Children of the Most High and only God.

1 Corinthians 1:
NASB

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,…

[kinsman redeemer]

Here, for reference, is the whole passage under discussion:

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.m Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

. The next topic is fasting and the message is parallel re. hypocrisy.

For me, the Lord's Prayer is a model prayer. Certainly, there's nothing wrong with praying scripture. It is a blessing to do so. There are many other scriptural prayers that can be recited.

I see the Lord's Prayer as a model. "...pray like (ESV) (houtōs) this..." The word means: in this way (referring to what precedes or follows): — after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.

There's a pattern to follow: who are you addressing? what are His qualifications? what is your relationship to Him? what's YOUR condition? what is the status of your relationship to your neighbor? And much more!

It's when the prayer becomes rote ("babbling"-NIV) that it becomes meaningless. Others have made note of this point beforehand.

Is there any recorded example where anyone prays the Lord's Prayer- verbatim, in any letter or epistle?

THAT IS NOT TO SAY we should not recite the Lord's Prayer but there are many recorded prayers after Christ gives the model - and they are all inspired and all beautiful! (Amen?)

[DungeonMaster]

Jesus did not say "pray THIS" He said pray LIKE this..that is a pattern for prayer not a prayer

I agree. "Scripture cannot be broken" and that is how to make sense of those two verses.

[Resettozero]

Neither does mine. But all churches are guilty of non-scriptural practices. All of them.

Suggest prayerfully finding a Bible-centered fellowship to gather and worship with born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Such congregations do exist, much to the chagrin of leaders of many denominations including the cults.

You're correct in saying there is no perfect organization of men but don't just leave it at that. It really does matter.

[DJ MacWoW]

Brothers and sisters in Christ know who we are.

One has only to read the RF to know that's not true.

[DungeonMaster]

And yet millions of Protestant churches repeat the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday morning word for word.

Ours sure doesn't. Repeating scripture is not prayer. Saying these words to the Lord in faith is interpreted by the Lord as He will. Teaching to pray in vain repetition, to Mary, now that's just bad.

[DJ MacWoW]

Suggest prayerfully finding a Bible-centered fellowship

I did that. That's why this forum dismays me. I hope that you do the same.

I have to go. I hope your day is blessed.

[ealgeone]

You had a priest who has gone off the reservation if he taught Mary had children. Glad there is some sanity in catholicisim somewhere.