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.

[Seraphicaviary]

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.

[Resettozero]

I’ve seen how nasty your posts are about Jesus and Christianity before and would never confuse you as a Disciple of Christ

Depends on which Christ one believes and is a disciple. Many claim to be Christ and always have since the Lord Jesus Christ told us to beware and not follow the other Christs.

Discernment without the leading of the Holy Spirit who directed the writing of the Holy Bible and has protected it from destruction throughout these many years...without Him, how would anyone know anything for certain?

[Resettozero]

What cult would that be? Christian?

You've previously posted that your are not an RC. But you post like one who has been, is being, or is a candidate to be ensnared into a cultic mindset of posting on FR RF, IMO.

[Seraphicaviary]

Yes.. she is the Theotokos. There were big fights about this between the Greeks and Latins long ago, but it was resolved long before the Protestant churches came about.

If Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. It is not rocket science.

[RnMomof7]

Is the bible confusing? On the one hand it says not to pray with vain repetitions like heathens. On the other hand it says “Pray like this ‘Our Father who is in heaven, holy is Your name....’”.

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

[DJ MacWoW]

I'm not Catholic. I've been in a Catholic church a handful of times. What I am is a member of the body of Christ watching members attack other members.

I spoke with my Pastor about these threads. He said not to waste my time as none of the attackers want to see what they're really doing to the body. He's right.

[DJ MacWoW]

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

[Resettozero]

If Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. It is not rocket science.

Yes He is. No she isn't. It isn't a question of science, rocket or otherwise, but of your faith you place in Mary that your post is true.

[Resettozero]

I spoke with my Pastor about these threads. He said not to waste my time as none of the attackers want to see what they're really doing to the body. He's right.

Episcopalian, United Methodist, PC-USA or another National Council of Churches demonination?

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

Actually, in my Rosary which I pray every, the contents of it directly derived from the New Testament, primarily the Gospels. Let me break it down for you:

The Five Joyful Mysteries
1). The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Luke 1:32,38.
2) The Visitation. Luke 39-43
3) The Nativity of our Lord Jesus. Luke 2:7
4) The Presentation of our Lord Jesus. Luke 2:25-32
5) The Find of our Lord Jesus. Luke 2:46-50

The Five Luminous Mysteries
1) The Baptism of our Lord Jesus. Matthew 3:13-17
2) The Revelation of our Lord at the Wedding of Cana. John 2:2-10
3) The Proclamation of our Lord Jesus of the Kingdom of God and his Call for our Conversion. Mark 1:14-15
4) The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus. Luke 9:28-35
5) Our Lord Jesus gives us the Eucharist. John 6:51-57

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries
1) The Agony of our Lord Jesus in the Garden. Mark 14:32-38
2) The Scourging of our Lord Jesus at the Pillar. John 19:1
3) The Crowning of or Lord Jesus with Thorns. Mark 15: 17-19
4) Our Lord Jesus Carries the Cross to Calvary. John 19:18
5) The Death of our Lord. Mark 15:33-38

The Five Glorious Mysteries
1) The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 16:6-7
2) The Ascension of our Lord Jesus. Acts 1:7-9
3) The Descent of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2-3
4) The Assumption of our Blessed Mother. 1 Thessalonians 4,14
5) The Coronation of Mary. Revelation 12:1

Now, since this all comes straight from the Bible, I have no problem with it.

Although some of my fellow Catholics don’t like when I say that marriage among the clergy is permissible. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and that you do not have to confess your sins to a priest, James 5:16, you can confess them to others.

[DJ MacWoW]

No denomination. Our doctrine is only the Bible.

[Resettozero]

It seems you are a student of the right subject matter but with wrong teachers at the wrong school.

[Zathras]

I respectfully suggest it is the Catholics who need to address Catholic issues.
All denominations need to stop pointing fingers at others and fix their own house first.

FR shouldn’t be a religious battleground.
This will only cause further divisions within the Conservative Base.

[Resettozero]

No denomination. Our doctrine is only the Bible.

Why then do you defend Roman Catholicism against your brothers and sister in Christ? What manner of doctrine have you been taught?

[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.

While it may not be binding it is representative of a lot of thinking and writing regarding the roman catholic Mary.

You probably believe Mary was sinless, a perpetual virgin, etc in spite of what the Bible teaches.

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

This may also come as a complete shock to some of my fellow Catholics. I first learned that Jesus had brothers and sisters in a Bible study class taught by a Catholic priest in a Catholic church. When we went over the passages mentioning Jesus’s brothers and sisters, the priest did not put any spin on it or make up any yarns, like oh the Bible meant to say cousins, or here’s another whopper, oh they were Joseph’s children from a previous marriage. I am grateful to this day the priest taught the Bible as it is written without making up any tales in order to conform to an ideology or dogma.

[Lonely Bull]

It asks Mary to “pray for us”, which you should ask of everyone you know. Do you tell everyone you know “Don’t pray for me.. I will take care of it myself!”?

A certain logical consistency would demand this response out of everyone who uses "one mediator" (1 Timothy 2:5) in such a way as to forbid intercession by people who aren't exactly Jesus (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1).

At least to my mind, a stronger objection would be the whole idea of "talking to dead people" or that requesting the prayers of those who have died does not enjoy the scriptural support that exists for requesting the prayers of those who are still living. (Yes, I'm aware of counter-arguments.) Even so, for some reason "one mediator!" seems to appear more often in my experience. And yet no one seems to use it to discourage (or interrupt) threads requesting prayer. If "one mediator" means what some people says, they should.

I see no difference, in terms of "one mediator," between asking the "living" for their prayers and asking the "dead" for their prayers. If asking the most famous Mary for prayers would betray some lack in trust in Jesus as the one mediator, then asking Mary Smith for prayers at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting would also betray some lack of trust in Jesus as the one mediator.

The same Paul who wrote "one mediator" prayed for others and asked others to pray for him in multiple letters (for example, Romans 15:30, Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1). I see no indication that his position had changed between other writings and 1 Timothy (let alone between 1 Timothy 2:1 and 1 Timothy 2:5). Colossians 4:12 reads, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." It does not read "Epaphras, who is one of you, is always labouring fervently for you in prayers, but he is a fool because there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Christ Jesus seemingly would have us pray for others who "despitefully use" us (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28) and didn't forbid us from praying for them because "there is one mediator."

[Resettozero]

FR shouldn’t be a religious battleground. This will only cause further divisions within the Conservative Base.

Yes it should on this special Religion Forum set aside for those FReepers who wish to defend the faith handed down through this church age. There are significant disagreements and always have been on FR RF regarding the Truth as opposed to that which has been fabricated by men.

This matter is more important than the current political Republican Party unity of "conservatives".

[DJ MacWoW]

Because Catholics are also believers and part of the body but some are too narrow-minded to realize it. Maybe I see beyond what brick and mortar building they enter. Maybe I look to see if they profess Christ as the Savior who died and shed His blood for their salvation.

PCUSA just voted for homosexual "marriage". Are you posting threads and attacking Presbyterians as heretics? If not, why not? Where are the anti-Presbyterian threads? Or the anti-Episcopal threads? You know why not? Because the individuals in those churches love Christ....the same as Catholics.

[avenir]

You’d think Catholic and Protestant FReepers could have firm agreement that these apparitions are CLEARLY demonic, regardless of other affections around Mary. I’ve heard a lot of nonsense “channeling” claiming to be a message from God. If it restates Scripture—which is NOT “just a book” and which is now complete whereas it was not—then we DO NOT need it. If it counters Scripture it is under a curse.