Posted on 09/25/2013 8:27:57 PM PDT by WXRGina
Reuters and other news agencies are reporting that the Pope has capitulated on several issues such as homosexuality, abortion and contraception.
The Pope’s remarks were taken from a 12,000 word interview with the Jesuit periodical, Civilta Cattolica, (Catholic Civilization) the most prominent statement reaching news agencies is his declaration that the church needs to shake off its obsession with abortion and homosexuality.
The Pope has pleased the liberal factions of the Catholic Church and sickened and worried the conservative members of the church.
Few have reported on the prophetic implications of the Pope’s remarks and with some exceptions, such as those made by Evangelist Bill Keller, most protestant news outlets remain free of op-eds or theological treatment of the Pope’s interview, at the moment.
Biblical Theology and Catholic Teachings – Always at Odds
Hundreds of traditional or patristic teachings of Catholicism are either in direct conflict with the bible or do not exist in the scriptures at all.
The list of theological discrepancies has been addressed repeatedly for centuries and there would be little room to cover them all in one short article.
What we must point out is that on two very important levels, those who stand on scripture can’t ever recognize the authority of the Pope – it has never been a matter of whether they like him or not, nor is it a matter of personal choosing.
First, Because of the Greek rendering of Matthew 16: 18, “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Protestants believe that Christ was referring to himself as the Rock, not Peter. This is supported by other scriptural passages, to wit:
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (Mt 16: 18b)
Secondly, not one word in the bible speaks of ‘apostolic succession.’ It is a concoction of the Roman church, not a biblical teaching. It is very difficult even to support the teaching in view of the fact that there was no Catholic church for over 300 years after Christ came into the world. Most Catholics are totally unaware of this fact. They have been told they are the ‘first church,’ but true history betrays them.
Simply because these facts cannot keep the childlike faith of any Catholic from reaching the Savior does not justify or verify the truth of Catholicism’s origins. It is simply a matter of Catholics being saved or redeemed not because of their religion – but in spite of it!
The Real and Present Danger in the Discrepancies between the Papacy and the Bible
Gentle, but firm, is the only way to approach addressing the errors of Catholicism at the same time knowing that millions of Catholics are of the family of faith simply because Jesus said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (Jn 6: 37)
Yet, it is more than an item of curiosity or some minor theological difference; it is a dire sense of urgency and concern, especially in the last days, that causes anyone who knows scripture to make fair warning.
I have repeated this warning so often that I think my publishers may think I’ve run out of new things to say. I’ll take that chance, as opposed to risking a confrontation with my Savior for not making it as abundantly clear as possible, while there is still time.
What warning you ask!
Any religion, Catholic or other, that derives its ultimate authority from a man is subject to heresy, apostasy and error depending on the personality, the current state of mind or the evolvement of personal ideologies in that man.
Faith based solely on the scriptures, the written accounts of Christ’s teaching and his Apostles and biblical prophets cannot be altered, changed or disputed until the very last day of time. God intended this; it is his way of grounding us on a rock instead of the sinking sands of a changing and unstable world, to wit:
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Mt 7: 24, 25)
Christ relegated his authority to his Apostles and their teachings too are on the same level as his. They were not mere scribes or interpreters of his will they were Holy Spirit inspired and authorized to speak as final authorities.
“He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” (Lk 10: 16)
Finally, since we will not be judged by what other men say – why would we waste time or risk being found in total error. Why not go to the source of truth and take Christ’s warning seriously?
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (Jn 12: 48)
So what did the Apostles really say about abortion, homosexuality and issues of the day?
The prophetic part of the bible contradicts the Pope’s assertion that believers are obsessed with homosexuality and abortion. In fact it warns that in the last days it is possession (demonic) that will fuel the slide into apostasy the world over.
Political correctness, floundering Pontiff’s and general acceptance of everything the bible condemns, is proof immutable, that the NWO, apostasy and the emergence of the Antichrist are well on track for the very near future. ‘Just don’t talk about it’ is the advice of fools. If the only choices are between obsession and possession it’s pretty much a no brainer.
Not only is homosexuality referred to as an abomination, to be noted, rebuked and refused as part of the church, but immoral behaviors were cause for people to be put out of the church and not allowed back in until they had fully repented. (1Co 5: 1-7) Should the perversion of same sex acts and marriage be an exception?
The idea of the Pope suggesting that we are over-talking the subject of abortions reaches to the heights of apostasy. The only voices the over two hundred million aborted babies worldwide have - is ours. Telling us to be silent is the moral equivalent of blasphemy.
After the Sandy Hook massacre of innocent children the liberals went after guns with a vengeance. Doesn’t it seem hypocritical that after 60,000,000 abortions in the U.S. and 160,000,000 abortions worldwide that telling us to pipe down is the only thing the Pope can think of to say? We will never be silent, or to borrow a phrase, you can pry my anti-abortion argument from my cold dead lips, but no other way.
The Folly of Following the Fallen
Has the Pope taken his first steps into the last day’s (apostasy) falling away? We can only hope he has not, but if this is the beginning of it, it is also the end of everything as we have known it.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Th 2: 3)
Well, let us say he is a Constitutional scholar, like our esteemed President (according to the MSM, minds you) concerned with pedestrians spitting on the sidewalk. His legal argument (because in both cases we are dealing with widely understood legalisms) is not with the Federal Constitution, but with local ordinances, and at most with the State Constitution.
“Catholics are not Christians and as such fall under the same admonition from Christ for evangelization that unbelievers outside the Catholic church do. No difference. They have not been born again of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit. So I am under no obligation except to proclaim the Gospel to them as I would to a Muslim, a Hindu, a Mormon, or anyone else in a false religion.”
“Go blow your collective Catholic noses on your collective Catholic sleeves, and trouble me no further.”
Truly tagline worthy, some real gems! If I was the one who formulated them, I’d be tempted to print them up in tract form, beat feet to the local Catholic parish parking lot and lay these impressive words of wisdom on the unholy windshields of the infidels.
Freegards
My "move" was to post this column by Mr. Bresciani. I have no interest in arguing with die-hard catholics, because we will never agree. There have been false teachers and false prophets since the Garden, and the apostles even noted that there were those among the early church that went out from them but were not of them.
I have no idea. We aren’t supposed to know in advance. Are we?
we are specifically instructed to watch the signs. The exact hour of Jesus’s return to the Mount of Olives no man knows, but the beginnings of the seven years are well outlined with signs we are to watch for. Personally, I believe we are in the end times, already at if not in the first months of the seven years, but what do I know?
He calls himself the “bishop of Syria” in Romans chapter 2. He uses the term “Catholic Church” (or “catholic church” if you prefer — the original Greek text had no capitals) in several places, most notably in Smyrnaeans. I recalled a quote where he connected the two, but maybe my memory is faulty. I’d have to consult my books at home to be sure.
I think you know more than I . . . pilgrim. (giggle)
Of late I feel more like ‘stranger in a strange land’ ...
I am not speaking of any one world religion. The idea of which you speak is a purely humanistic, secular goal. I am speaking of Christians working together to bring the Good News to others...who desperately need to know the powerful love of Jesus.
I do not worship Mary...nor does my Church teach me to.
I have never known the Church to teach that we must “just all get along.”
What the Catholic Church teaches is VERY distinct from Islam. Pope Benedict garnered the wrath of many Muslims when he spoke the truth at the University of Regensburg. There have been dialogues with Muslims...and there have been resulting converts to Christianity as a result (though the press will never share such news).
Mercy and love DO come from God and He grants us the grace to become holy as He is holy. Jesus’ last prayer before ascending to the Father was that we all might be one as He and the Father are one. I believe there was an important reason fur such a prayer.
I also firmly believe that Satan is the source of division and that he seeks to arouse a divisive spirit in order to attempt to thwart the plan of God. He fears Christian unity (of the right sort) because of its power to make the world know the truth.
Jesus taught that we would know those who are His by their good fruits, those of the Holy Spirit.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Also, I am born-again and and have received the Spirit...as my husband and many other Catholics.
Why not work with us?
If you cannot at this time, with humility, simply ask God to show you if you *might* be a little wrong about some of what you think. I believe that He will answer that prayer if you are sincerely open to the possibility. I can honestly share that I have, in the past, been CONVINCED about something...only to pray for such discernment...and then eventually discovered that I was (with no doubt) incorrect.
I believe that you are sincere and I know that God loves you very much. May the Risen Christ grant you His peace.
If you were merely speaking in generalities, and at least implicitly admitting of possible exceptions, you might have a point.
But in your post to me, you say, “And none of you...”
The literal meaning, then, of your post is the same as “every single one of you.”
Which means, “including you, sitetest.”
And that makes it personal.
I don’t necessarily agree with the rules of the Religion Forum. Frankly, I think they’re inherently anti-Catholic. But I’ve said what I think bluntly to the Religion Moderator on a few occasions, and I try not to beat too many dead horses simultaneously in life.
Nonetheless, the rules are the rules. I see ‘em enforced against Catholics, might as well make sure they get enforced against non-Catholics.
sitetest
We were not discussing the idea of a pope but rather the foundation of the Catholic Church.
The term *Roman Catholicism* is actually an incorrect terminology. Catholicism is correct.
catholic simply means “universal” Yes.
Are you familiar with the writings of St. Pacian of Barcelona, (A.D. c.310-375)?
Given that statement above, it is obvious to you, as it is to me, that the title of this thread is a red flag that will invite warring between factions. As such, I believe it violates the original standards of the religion forum and should be changed or the thread removed. Just my humble opinion, RM, with acknowledgment that you have been a fair and reasonable presence on the RF for many years.
To capitalize on the capitalization of Catholic to infer that all Christians were “Catholics” back them is erroneous.
It wasn't until about 3 centuries later that Catholicism was actually put into existence, and then the retroactive designating of “Popes” starting with Peter.
No mention of “Popes” in the Bible.
Bishops, yes many times.
And as on poster stated, rapture isn't in the Bible so we apparently can't say it is Biblical. Must be the same for pope.
I was just answering your question, and the fact that there were no popes in 1st century Christianity was a relevant part of the answer.
Picking the nit a bit, no problem but many refer to themselves as Roman Catholics.
You did notice it was in quotes from where I quoted it, right?
Would have been more correct, you are right, if it simply said Catholicism.
I have not read everything written about Catholicism, it takes away from Bible reading too much.
Heck, I have seen posters post up to about 20-30 links to Catholic writings on threads as an “answer” to a question.
Heck, it would take dozens of hours to read all the links!
Very good Alamo-Girl, thanks.
That is a great site, I will bookmark it for later now that I have read about the word catholic.
And thanks also for your various posts on this thread, very clarifying and scriptural.
Your are so wrong to it’s really pathetic to disgrace a women to say what happen to them. You are not God!!!!! Period. Totally Outrageous!!! I have never seen any put statements like you have about another human being on thses threads before. Who would even write these statements no matter what side. Just astounding.
Jesus taught that we would know those who are His by their good fruits, those of the Holy Spirit. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15)
Clearly, Jesus instructed that we would know FALSE PROPHETS by their fruits. When you seek to instruct someone --and especially a fellow Christian-- on spiritual matters, using the scriptures, it would be well to use the passages correctly and more precisely than you have done.
How does the title of this thread violate any standards of the religion forum? The title is a question, and the author presents a compelling case in answer to it. And, almost 160 comments later, most everyone remains civil enough. Why would you want to delete this thread along with everyone's comments that they took time and effort to compose? Is it just because you don't like the column?
I’ve been here longer than you. It’s flame bait. I remember the discussion of rules and standards. One was that flame bait on the religion forum is different than on the regular forum.
We have a wise mod who will make a wise decision.
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