Roman Catholicism

Introduction

For over 1,200 years the Catholic church was largely Roman. Confusion over thetwo termscan cause confusion. By breaking the title apart, we can see what is meant by "Roman Catholic Church"

  • Roman: of Roman origin
  • Catholic:  universal
  • Church:  the body of believers in Jesus Christ
So, "the catholic church" is actually all Christians - not just Roman ones. That is why we can agree with the writers of the Nicene creed where it states "we believe in the holy catholic church". Much has been written on the topic of Roman Catholicism, and I do not wish to re-invent the wheel. I will endeavor to establish a groundwork for dealing with this faith, and provide a foundation for understanding how Roman Catholicism diverges from what Protestants believe to be biblical Christianity. It is important to understand where our difference lie, and most of this page will deal with just that. It would be unfair, however, to simply list all of Roman Catholicism's problems without first showing areas of agreement. Below are listed the fundamentals of the Christian faith. It is important to note that what differentiates a cult from a denomination (in the theological sense) is agreement on these basic beliefs.

Areas of Agreement with Protestantism

  • The Bible - Roman Catholics revere the word of God, and hold it in high honor.
  • God - Roman Catholics worship God as revealed in Scripture as a triune God, one God revealed in three persons - that of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
  • Creation - Roman Catholics teach the special origin of man, his nature, his fall, and his ultimate destiny.
  • Salvation - Roman Catholics view salvation as a historical work in the cross of Christ, that man is NOT saved by his wisdom, mere religious acts, or morality. Initial justification by God is by His grace alone, it is unmerited.
  • The Church - Roman Catholics teach a universal, single body that is set apart for God.
  • The End - Roman Catholics teach that at the end there will be death, final judgment (with God as judge) and consignment to either Heaven or Hell. Jesus Christ will return for His church, followed by a resurrection. Heaven and earth will be made new.

Areas of Disagreement with Protestantism

  • The Bible - Roman Catholicism adds several books to the Old Testament that are recognized as being non-canonical. Added to this is the idea of a teaching magesterium... that the Roman Catholic Church's official interpretations must be added to Scripture for it to be rightly understood.
  • Salvation - Roman Catholicism's largest problems lie here. In brief, although Roman Catholicism teaches (initial) justification based on Grace alone (although provided for by baptism), they add a second part (progressive justification), claiming that it produces faith infused with works. Thus, works ARE necessary for final salvation. These works include the sacraments (confirmation, the eucharist, penance, etc. - baptism is for initial justification). Added to this is the idea of Purgatory, a waiting place for believers after death where they must pay for unconfessed sin, and gain enough "merit" to enter heaven. Prayers for the dead are encouraged, as these add to the deceased's merit.
  • The Church - Roman Catholicism teaches that they are the visible manifestation of the universal church on earth. The unity of the church is then based on the proclamations of the pope, and strict adherence to his word.

also:

  • Mary - her perpetual virginity, immaculate (sinless) conception, sinless life, bodily assumption to heaven, role as mediator between man and Christ, and her veneration.
  • The Pope - infallibility (when teaching ex-cathedra, or officially, the Pope's words are considered perfect without question. Once spoken, they are unable to be amended or withdrawn).
  • The Sacraments - grace producing, necessity of for salvation. Transubstantiation (that the priest actually converts the bread and wine of communion into the actual body and blood of Christ).
  • Priestly Authority - priests are elevated to miracle-producing men who have the power of transferring grace from God, and even forgiving sins.

Conclusion

As has been shown, very serious difference exist between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church - most coming from Romes claim for equal authority with Scripture.