Points of disagreement with Roman Catholicism
A look at Roman Catholicism, part 2 of 2
Pastor Vince DiPaola
1. On the issue of the source of truth:
Roman Catholicism believes in the Bible plus Sacred Tradition.
The RCC claims that the Bible and tradition, as interpreted by the church and its infallible Pope, are equal in authority. “In the supremely wise arrangement of God, Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others.” Vatican Council II (VCII).
The RCC calls the pope Holy Father and believes “the voice of the Holy Father is the voice of God, and his word is the word of God.”
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini: “He is called Father because he gives divine life to spiritual children.” A Catechism for Adults, p 90 (ACFA)
The Bible teaches:
“Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6b, NIV)
“All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (1 Peter 1:24–25a, NIV)
2. On the issue of the church:
Roman Catholicism teaches that the RC church is the only true church.
The RCC teaches that the Roman Catholic Church is the one true church.
“The Catholic Church alone is the Body of Christ.” Pope Paul VI.
“Neither the true faith, nor eternal salvation is to be found outside the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It is a sin to believe that there is salvation outside the Roman Catholic Church.” Pope Pius IX
The RCC teaches “the Catholic Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation.” (VCII, p 365)
“Outside this true Catholic faith no one can be saved, so help me God.” Pope John XXIII.
The RCC contradicts even its own teaching by claiming “the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Moslems.” (VCII, p 367)
The Bible teaches:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NIV)
“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism…”(Eph. 4:4–6, NIV)
3. On the issue of church leaders:
Roman Catholicism teaches that priests forgive sin, and that the Pope is Vicar (representative) of Christ.
The RCC teaches that the priesthood is still necessary.
“The forgiveness of God can be obtained only through the supplication of priests.” Pope St. Leo the Great
“Both priests and sacraments are the instruments which Christ our Lord makes use of to accomplish in us the pardon of sin and the grace of justification.” Catechism of Trent
The RCC teaches that salvation is lost when a person dies in mortal sin. (ACFA, p 34)
“It is impossible for a sinner to be saved unless he confesses his sins to a priest.” Pope Leo the Great.
The RCC claims the Pope is the head of the church on earth and mediator between God and man.
“He who would separate himself from the Roman Pontiff has no further bond with Christ.” Pope Leo XIII
“The entire body of society is sick; all it’s most noble parts are infected; the very sources of life have been tainted. The one refuge, the one remedy, is the Pope.” Pope St. Pius X
“It is necessary for salvation that all the faithful of Christ be subject to the Roman Pontiff.” V Lateran Council
The Bible teaches:
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood… a people belonging to God…”(1 Peter 2:9a, NIV see also Hebrews 7:24–27)
“Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7b, NIV)
“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘… you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…’” (Matthew 16:16&18, NIV) (see also 1 Peter 2:6–8 where the Rock = Christ)
4. On the issue of prayer:
Roman Catholicism teaches that prayer is offered up to Mary and deceased saints for help.
The RCC teaches that Mary was sinless throughout her life. Canon 23, 6th session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC also claims God’s grace flows through Mary.
“Every grace which is communicated to this world has a threefold origin: it flows from God to Christ, from Christ to the Virgin, and from the Virgin to us—Nothing comes to us except through the mediation of Mary, for such is the will of God.” Pope Leo XIII
The RCC encourages prayers to dead saints.
“Humbly invoking them (the saints), and having recourse to their prayers, their aid and help in obtaining from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the benefits we need.”
The RCC teaches that Mary is the mediator.
“God has committed to Mary the treasury of all good things, in order that everyone may know that through her are obtained every hope, every grace, and all salvation. For this is His will: that we obtain everything through Mary.” Pope Pius IX
“All those who seek Mary’s protection will be saved for all eternity.” Pope Benedict XV
The Bible teaches:
“Mary said, ‘…my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” (Luke 1:47, NIV) (see also Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 11:27–28)
“Let no one be found among you who… consults the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10–12, NIV)
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5, NIV)
5. On the issue of Christ’s death on the cross:
Roman Catholicism teaches that Christ’s death is not sufficient for salvation. (Believing that we need other mediation besides what Christ did on the Cross).
a. Sacraments: (baptism, confirmation, eucharist, penance, extreme unction, ordination, marriage)
Roman Catholicism teaches:
The RCC teaches that you must believe grace is imparted by receiving the sacraments or you are cursed. Canon 7, 7th Session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC teaches that justification is God’s act of making man righteous through the sacraments. “All true justification either begins through the sacraments or increases through them, or when lost, is regained through them.” 6th Session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC teaches that each person must save himself through faith plus “baptism, loving God and neighbor, obeying His commandments, receiving the other sacraments, especially Holy Communion, praying and good works, and preserving God’s friendship until death.” (ACFA, p 50)
“Those who have truly merited eternal life, (will receive it), provided they depart this life in grace.” Chapter 16, 6th Session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC teaches that water baptism is the sacrament of spiritual rebirth and it cleanses us from original sin, from all personal sins and from the temporal punishment due to sin. It gives us a share in divine life, makes us holy, heirs of heaven, children of God, and living members of Christ’s body, which is the church. (ACFA, p 62)
“If anyone says baptism is not necessary for salvation, let him be anathema [be cursed].” Canon 5, 7th Session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC teaches that “if anyone denies that in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist are contained truly and substantially the body and blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, but says that He is in it only as a sign, or figure or force, let him be anathema.” Canon 1, 13th Session, Council of Trent.
The RCC teaches it is necessary to receive the Eucharist to be saved. (ACFA, p 50)
The Bible teaches:
“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy… having been justified by his grace.” (Titus 3:5a, NIV)
b. Indulgences:
Roman Catholicism teaches:
The RCC teaches that indulgences take away temporal punishment due for sins. An example of a partial indulgence is using with devotion “an object of piety (crucifix, cross, rosary, scapular or medal) after it has been duly blessed by any priest.” If it is blessed by the Pope or any bishop a plenary indulgence will be granted on the feat of Peter and Paul provided a profession of faith is made using any approved formula. (VCII, p. 77)
The Bible teaches
“No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him… no payment is ever enough.” (Psalm 49:7–8, NIV)
c. The Mass:
Roman Catholicism teaches:
The RCC teaches the sacrifice of the Mass is the same as the sacrifice of the cross. (ACFA, p 74)
The RCC teaches the mass is to be repeated daily for the propitiation of man’s sins, both for the living and the dead. Canon 3, 22nd Session, Council Of Trent.
The Bible teaches:
“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many…” (Hebrews 9:28a, NIV)
d. Mary:
Roman Catholicism teaches:
The RCC teaches that Mary brings gifts of eternal salvation.
“Taken up to heaven, she did not lay aside this saving office but her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.” (VCII, p.419)
The Bible teaches:
“Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11a, NIV)
e. Purgatory:
Roman Catholicism teaches:
The RCC teaches that “In Purgatory, the souls of those who died in charity of God and truly repentant, but who had not made satisfaction with adequate penance for their sins are cleansed after death with punishments designed to purge away their debt.” (VCII, p. 64)
The RCC teaches “Sins must be expiated. This may be done on this earth through the sorrows, miseries and trials of this life, above all, through death. Otherwise the expiation must be made in the next life through fire and torments or purifying punishments.” (VCII, p. 63)
The Bible teaches:
“Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27, NIV)
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5, NIV)
6. On the issue of Heaven:
Roman Catholicism teaches that salvation is by God’s Grace and RC good works.
The RCC teaches that “those who work well unto the end and trust God, eternal life is to be offered.” Chapter 16, 6th Session, Council Of Trent.
The RCC teaches that if anyone claims to know they are saved they are cursed. “If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema.” Canon 30, 6th session, Council Of Trent.
The Bible teaches:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV)