Roman Catholicism

1. Roman Catholicism By Matt Slick

2. Roman CatholicismA brief analysis By Matt Slick

3. IntroductionWhy a course about Roman Catholicism? The Roman Catholic Church is the largest church in the world with over 1 billion members in approximately 100 countries. It has a wide variety of traditions that influence and are influenced by different cultures. The Roman Catholic Church is headquartered in Vatican City (also known as the Holy See), which is the world’s smallest country and is located entirely inside the city of Rome, in Italy. It covers approximately .44 square km, has less than 1,000 citizens and employs 3000 workers. All of Roman Catholicism is governed from this location. Page 1 of manual, paragraphs 1-2

4. Introduction The Vatican’s wealth is estimated to be between $10 Billion and $15 Billion. It has investments in banking, insurance, chemicals, steel, construction, and real estate. It pays no taxes.1 The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the only true Church. It claims to have an unbroken history of apostolic succession dating back to Peter. Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 870 "The sole Church of Christ which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, . . . subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him.” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,833509,00.html Page 1 of manual, paragraphs 3-4

5. Introduction The Roman Catholic Church claims both to represent Jesus and to properly convey to the world the true biblical teachings concerning Faith and Morals. Trent, Session 4, "Decree Concerning the Edition, and the Use, of the Sacred Books") "...no one, relying on his own skill, shall, -- in matters of faith, and of morals … presume to interpret the said sacred Scripture contrary to that sense which holy mother Church…hath held and doth hold.” Page 2 of manual, paragraph 5

6. Introduction The Roman Catholic Church uses the Bible and Sacred Tradition in order to communicate what it says is God’s truth: Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 82 “The Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the Holy Scriptures alone.  Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” Page 2 of manual, paragraph 6

7. Introduction The Roman Catholic Church claims to have the Magisterium which is the body of bishops that exercises its infallible teaching authority. Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2051 “The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.” Page 2 of manual, paragraph 7

8. A Cause for Concern Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2051“The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.” The Roman Catholic Church claims to have the authority to interpret God’s word, teach, and proclaim the True Christian Faith. If that is so, why does it teach the following? Page 3of manual, paragraph 8

9. A Cause for Concern "If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified… by this faith alone…let him be anathema," (Council of Trent, Canons on Justification, Canon 14). “Mary, by her spiritual entering into the sacrifice of her divine son for men, made atonement for the sins of man…" (Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, page 213). "Sins must be expiated. This may be done on this earth through the sorrows, miseries and trials of this life and, above all, through death. Otherwise the expiation must be made in the next life through fire and torments or purifying punishments," (The 2nd Vatican Council, p. 63). Page 3 of manual, paragraph 8

10. A Cause for Concern In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere 'to the end' and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God's eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ," (CCC 1821). "Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification," (CCC 2010). "The bishops, successors of the apostles, receive from the Lord . . . the mission of teaching all peoples…that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments," (CCC 2068). "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods," (CCC par. 460). Page 3 of manual, paragraph 8

11. Don’t Exceed What is Written “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other,” (1 Cor. 4:6). The Scriptures tell us not to exceed what is written. This means that the Word of God tells us what we need to knowand we are not to teach anything that contradicts it or goes beyond what it says. Does the Roman Catholic Church change this verse or cast doubt upon it? Not at all. The Vatican Website renders this verse as “I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another,” (1 Cor. 4:6). Page 4 of manual, paragraphs 9-10

12. Don’t Exceed What is Written The Vatican website itself says that we are not to "go beyond what is written.” But in the case of Roman Catholic teachings, it is obvious that they have violated this biblical principle by producing teachings that are clearly not taught in Scripture such as the bodily Assumption of Mary into heaven (CCC 966), that Mary delivers our souls from death (CCC 966), that grace can be merited (CCC 2010), that heaven is a reward for good works (CCC 1821), and that we need to keep the commandments to be saved (CCC 2068). The Roman Catholic Church claims a great deal. Therefore, let’s examine what it teaches against the Word of God. Page 4 of manual, paragraphs 11-12

13. Terminology In order to understand Catholicism, we need to become familiar with its terminology. (More terms are in the appendix.) Apocrypha – Books written between the writing of Malachi and Matthew. They were added to the Bible by the RCC in 1546. Assumption - the taking of the body and soul of Mary, by God, into glory. Church Fathers – Christian Writers of the first few centuries. Contrition - Heartfelt sorrow and repentance for having sinned Holy See – The Vatican in Rome, Italy. Hyperdulia – Adoration given only to Mary. Latria – Worship given only to God. Magisterium – The Body of bishops, headed by the pope. Mass - a reenactment of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross in a ceremony performed by a priest. Page 5 of manual, paragraph 13

14. Terminology Mortal Sin - a serious and willful transgression of God's Law. It involves full knowledge and intent of the will to commit the sin.If left unrepentant, can damn someone to eternal hell. Penance - Penance is a means by which a person who has sinned after being baptized receives forgiveness of those sins. It involves performing certain actions assigned by a priest. Purgatory - a place of temporary punishment where the Christian is cleansed from sin before they can enter into heaven. Rosary - A string of beads that can be worn around the neck and that is used to keep track of prayers including a repetitive prayer to Mary. Sacred Tradition - special tradition of apostolic teaching handed down through the bishopric. Transubstantiation - The teaching that the bread and wine in the communion supper become the body and blood of the Lord Jesus at the Consecration during the Mass. Venial Sin - A sin but not as bad as Mortal Sin. It lessens the grace of God within a person's soul. Page 5 of manual, paragraph 13

15. Review of Introduction Section The Roman Catholic Church has over 1 Billion members. It is headquartered in Rome, Italy, in Vatican City. Vatican City is the world’s smallest state. The Vatican wealth is between $10 Billion and $15 Billion. Roman Catholicism uses Scripture and Sacred Tradition to determine spiritual truth. The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the true church with Christ’s authority. Roman Catholicism claims infallibility via its Magisterium, the body of bishops by which it exercises its teaching authority (CCC 100). Roman Catholicism teaches that salvation is obtained through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments (CCC 2068). Page 6 of manual, review

16. Scripture and TraditionScripture verses Tradition or Scripture and Tradition One of the great differences between Protestant and Catholic doctrine is in the area of tradition. The Protestant Church recognizes Church Tradition but maintains that the Bible alone is intended by God to be the final authority of doctrinal truth (2 Tim. 3:16). The Catholic Church, however, says, "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word of God . . ." (CCC 97). So which is it? Do we derive our spiritual knowledge from scripture and tradition or from scripture alone? The answer is simple. We use both scripture and tradition but tradition is subordinate to scripture. Page 7 of manual, paragraphs 14-15

17. Scripture and Tradition However, tradition in the Church (i.e., church councils, ancient writers) is different than Sacred Tradition (the means by which the Roman Catholic Church ‘derives truths’ not found in Scripture.) Page 7 of manual, paragraph 16

18. Scripture and Tradition The Bible speaks of tradition in both positive and negative ways. For:"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us," (2 Thess. 3:6). (See also 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 11:2.) Against:"And He answered and said to them, and why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3). (See also Mark 7:8-9; Col. 2:8.) Page 7 of manual, paragraph 17

19. Scripture and Tradition Church Tradition is good when it agrees with scripture. It is bad when it violates scripture.Remember 1 Cor. 4:6 which says, “… that you may learn not to exceed what is written…” (1 Cor. 4:6). Page 8 of manual, paragraph 18

20. Scripture and Tradition The Roman Catholic Church says, "Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence." (CCC 82). And, Tradition is a “current of life”. Catholic Encyclopedia, Tradition and the Living Magisterium”There is a formula current in Christian teaching (and the formula is borrowed from St. Paul himself) that traditional truth was confided to the Church as a deposit which it would guard and faithfully transmit as it had received it without adding to it or taking anything away...This deposit in fact is not an inanimate thing passed from hand to hand; it is not, properly speaking, an assemblage of doctrines and institutions consigned to books or other monuments...it must be represented as a current of life and truth coming from God through Christ and through the Apostles to the last of the faithful who repeats his creed and learns his catechism." Page 8 of manual, paragraph 19

21. Scripture and Tradition So, Sacred Tradition is not “an assemblage of doctrines”. It is “a current of life and truth coming from God through Christ and through the Apostles” -- to and through the Roman Catholic Church. But, the problem is that it issubjective. What is a “current of life and truth”? Can we test it?Can we detect it? Is it whispered from person to person in the halls of the Vatican? How is this “current of life” passed on? Does one priest recite what another told him about something the apostles supposedly taught but isn’t recorded in the Bible? Is it a kind of hearsay whispered across the centuries? This is way too subjective. Page 8 of manual, paragraphs 20-21

22. Scripture and Tradition Tradition that is supposed to inform us about doctrinal truths and is a “current of life” is a problem becauseit opens the door for non-biblical beliefs and practices to be taught. Remember, the Roman Catholic Church says that the task of correctly interpreting the Word of God has been entrustedonly to its teaching body, the Magisterium (CCC par. 2051). If this is so, then it is setting itself up to be the final arbiter of spiritual truth and subjecting the Bible to its interpretations. Page 9 of manual, paragraphs 22-23

23. Scripture and Tradition Instead, the RCC should be checking its traditions and teachings against Scripture alone, not Sacred Tradition AND Scripture so that “… that you may learn not to exceed what is written…” (1 Cor. 4:6). CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAR. 95"It is clear therefore that, 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. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls." Page 9 of manual, paragraph 24

24. Scripture and Tradition Because the Roman Catholic Church elevates its own tradition, it has placed it on equal level with God’s word, both of which can only be interpreted by the Roman Catholic Church! But, Sacred Tradition is based on man’s opinions, memory, and ideas – in spite of the claim of the RCC that it is guided by the Holy Spirit. And, as an important note, nowhere in the Bible is Sacred Tradition said to be inspired. Page 9 of manual, paragraph 25

25. What did Jesus say about Tradition and the Religious Leaders? “Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 “But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition," (Matt. 15:1-6). Page 10 of manual

26. What did Jesus say about Tradition and the Religious Leaders? Notice how Jesus compares the religious leaders’ traditions to scripture. Jesus elevated the Word of God above the “Sacred Tradition” of the religious establishment. In fact, we are warned "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ," (Col. 2:8). Page 10 of manual, paragraph 26

27. What did Jesus say about Tradition and the Religious Leaders? Protestants seek to interpret Scripture first in lightof itself and second in light of sayings and teachingsof those who came before us. But the Catholic Church interprets Scripture in light of its own Tradition. The Pharisees were seeing the Word of God "within" their sacred tradition. Jesus, in contrast to this, cited the Word of God to judge their traditions (Matt. 15:1-6 above). Page 10 of manual, paragraphs 27-28

28. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 1 Cor. 11:2 "Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you,“ (1 Cor. 11:2). Context is everything! Let’s take a look. In the previous chapter Paul had been speaking about avoiding idolatry (10:14), meat sacrificed to idols (10:25ff), and doing things so that people will be saved (10:33). Page 11 of manual, paragraph 29

29. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 1 Cor. 11:2 When we get to Chapter 11 we see Paul speaking of authority. “Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, justas I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to “understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ…8 For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9 for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10 Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels,” (1 Cor. 11:2-3,8-10). Therefore, the tradition Paul was speaking about has nothing to do with Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition. Contextually it has to do with avoiding idolatry and/or head-coverings, authority, and prayer. Page 11 of manual, paragraphs 30-31

30. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 2 Thess. 2:15 “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us," (2 Thess. 2:15). Let’s examine this verse, too. In both the New American Bible and the KJV, the verse begins with "therefore." In the NASB itsays "so then." This means that we must look at the preceding context to see what Paul was talking about. If we do this, we clearly see that Paul is telling the Thessalonians to stand firm in what they had been taught about the second coming of Christ.” Page 12 of manual, paragraph 32

31. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 2 Thess. 2:15 “Now, we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of ourLord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effectthat the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false…14 And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us,” (2 Thess. 2:1-4,10-11,14-15). Like 1 Cor. 11:2 before, 2 Thess. 2:15 has nothing to do with Sacred Tradition. It is about the second coming of Christ. Page 12 of manual, paragraphs 33-34

32. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 2 Thess. 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the nameof our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us," (2 Thess. 3:6). As with 1 Cor. 11:2 and 2 Thess. 2:15, let’s examine 2 Thess. 3:6 in context. Page 13 of manual, paragraph 35

33. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 2 Thess. 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name ofour Lord Jesus Christ that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat,” (2 Thess. 3:6-10). Page 13 of manual, paragraph 36

34. Roman Catholics, Tradition, and 2 Thess. 3:6 The tradition Paul is speaking of is the tradition of working hard and not being idle. It has nothing to do with Roman Catholic Sacred Tradition. So, why does the Roman Catholic Church work so hard at promoting its Tradition and support for it in the Bible? It isbecause it needs to maintain its position as the “only true church” that has the authority to tell us what God’sWord means…which includes praying to Mary, praying tothe Saints, indulgences, penance, and many other unbiblical teachings. Page 13 of manual, paragraphs 37-38

35. Tradition and the Church Fathers Church Fathers are the early Christian writers who lived in the first few centuries after the apostles died. They wrote a great deal about the Christian faith and are quoted and referenced by many Christian scholars both Protestant and Roman Catholic. There are two main groups of Church Fathers. Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene. The Ante-Nicene Fathers are those early Christian writers who were before the Council of Nicene which occurred in 325 A.D. The Post-Nicene Fathers are those who were after that date. The Council of Nicea formulated, among other things, the Nicene Creed (See Appendix for the Nicene Creed.) Page 14 of manual, paragraphs 39-40

36. Tradition and the Church Fathers This is a partial List of Ante-Nicene Fathers: Ignatius (d. 110); Justin Martyr (103-165); Irenaeus(130-202); Hyppolytus of Rome (170-236); Tertulian (160-220); Origen (185-254); Theodotus (late 2nd Century). Partial list of Post-Nicene Fathers: Augustine (354-430); Chrysostom (347-407); Eusebius (263-339); Athanasius (295-373); Jerome (347-420); Basil (330-389); Ambrose (333-397). Since the Catholic Church heavily relies on tradition, it frequently appeals to various Church Fathers to validate its doctrines. The problem is that there is no unanimous agreement among them. Page 14 of manual, paragraphs 41-43

37. My Church Father can beat up your Church Father Do the Church Fathers always agree witheach other? No they do not. We can findChurch Fathers on both sides of various issues. Take these as examples. Page 15 of manual, paragraph 44

38. My Church Father can beat up your Church Father Scripture alone is final authority? Yes: Irenaeus, (130-202),“We have known the method of our salvation by no other means than those by whom the gospel came to us; which gospel they truly preached; but afterward, by the will of God, they delivered to us in the Scriptures…,” (Adv. H. 3:1). No: Athanasius (300? - 375), “But beyond these [Scriptural] sayings, let us look at the very tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church from the beginning, which the Lord gave, the Apostles preached, and the Fathers kept," (Athanasius, Four Letters to Serapion of Thmuis, 1:28). Page 15 of manual, paragraph 45

39. My Church Father can beat up your Church Father Salvation by faith alone? Yes: Irenaeus (130-202), "men were taught to worship God after a new fashion, but not another god, because in truth there is but “one God, who justifieth the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith," (Against Heresies, Book 3, chapter 10, par. 2). No: Gregory of Nyssa (330-394), “Faith without works of justice is not sufficient for salvation.” Page 15 of manual, paragraph 46

40. My Church Father can beat up your Church Father Baptism necessary for salvation? Yes: Irenaeus (120? - 200), “we are made clean, by means of the sacred water and the invocation of the Lord,” (Fragment, 34, A.D. 190). No: Polycarp (69 - 150),'we shall also reign together with Him,' provided only we believe…” (Epistle to the Philippians, 1, 5, 8). Page 15 of manual, paragraph 47

41. Apocrypha The Apocrypha is a set of books written between approximately 400 B.C. and the time of Christ. The word "apocrypha" means "Hidden."  These books consist of 1 and 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, the Rest of Esther, the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, (also titled Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, The Letter of Jeremiah, Song of the Three Young Men, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, The Additions to Daniel, The Prayer of Manasseh, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. In 1546 the Roman Catholic Church officially declared some of the apocryphal books to belong to the canon of scripture.  These are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), and Baruch. The Apocryphal books are not scripture. The Jews never considered them to be inspired. Neither Jesus nor the apostles ever quoted from the Apocrypha. Page 16 of manual, paragraphs 48-50

42. Apocrypha At the time of Christ the arrangement of the O.T. bookswas different than what we have now. In that arrangement,the book of Chronicles, not Malachi, is the last book. This is important because Jesus said, "From the blood of Abel (mentioned in Genesis the first book) to the blood of Zechariah (mentioned in Chronicles the last book), who perished between the altar and the house of God,” (Luke 11:51). Jesus quoted the arrangement of the O.T. according to the Jews at that time and he did not include the Apocrypha. The categorization of the Old Testament used by Jesus was given in Luke 24:44, "Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled," (Luke 24:44). The Apocrypha was excluded by Jesus. So why does the Roman Catholic Church use it? Because of the errors it teaches. Page 16 of manual, paragraphs 51-52

43. Apocrypha The Apocrypha has errors and this should concern the Roman Catholic Church. Salvation by WorksTobit 4:11, "For alms deliver from all sin, and from death, and will not suffer the soul to go into darkness." Salvation by WorksTobit 12:9, "For alms delivereth from death, and the same is that which purgeth away sins, and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting." Money for the sins of the dead 2 Maccabbees 12:43, "And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection." Page 17 of manual, paragraph 53

44. Apocrypha The Apocrypha has errors and this should concern the Roman Catholic Church…(continued) Historical error. Nebechanezzer was the the king of the Babylonians, not the Assyrians Judith 1:5, "Now in the twelfth year of his reign, Nabuchodonosor, king of the Assyrians, who reigned in Ninive the great city, fought against Arphaxad and overcame him." Historical error. The Jews served in Babylon for 70 years (Jer. 25:11), not seven generations Baruch 6:2, "And when you are come into Babylon, you shall be there many years, and for a long time, even to seven generations: and after that I will bring you away from thence with peace." Page 17 of manual, paragraph 53

45. Apocrypha Not only are these serious errors, but the first three also support Catholic soteriology (doctrine of salvation) by adding works to salvation. Remember, Catholicism teaches, "The bishops, successors of the apostles, receive from the Lord . . . the mission of teaching all peoples…that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments," (CCC 2068). Remember, at the time of the Reformation, Martin Luther was teaching the biblical position of salvation by grace through faith alone. The Apocrypha contains the errors of works salvation which is probably why the RCC canonized it in 1547. Page 17 of manual, paragraphs 54-55

46. Review of Scripture and Tradition Roman Catholicism does not teach that the Scripturesare the final authority in spiritual matters. It adds its own tradition and considers them equal in authority(CCC 82, 95, 97). The Bible says not to exceed what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). Tradition is spoken of in both positive and negative ways in the Bible. Jesus elevated the Word of God above tradition in Matt. 15:1-6. Roman Catholicism interprets Scripture in light of tradition. Protestantism interprets tradition in light of Scripture. Page 18 of manual

47. Review of Scripture and Tradition …continued The early church fathers are not unanimous in their views and often disagreed. There is no unanimous view on all topics. The Apocrypha was written between approximately 400 BC and the time of Christ. The Roman Catholic Church added seven of the Apocryphal books to the Canon of Scripture in 1546. Neither Jesus nor the apostles quoted or validated the Apocrypha as being inspired. The Apocryphal books added by Roman Catholicism contain theological errors such as salvation by works (Tobit 4:11; 12:9) and historical errors (Judith 1:5; Baruch 6:2). Page 18 of manual

48. Authority - Roman Catholic Church Authority Roman Catholic Church claims that it has the authority as the one true church to represent God on earth, rightly interpret Scripture, administer the sacraments, absolve sin, distribute grace, marry, annul, and discipline. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAR. 88 “The Church's Magisterium exercises the authority it holds from Christ to the fullest extent when it defines dogmas, that is, when it proposes, in a form obliging the Christian people to an irrevocable adherence of faith, truths contained in divine Revelation or also when it proposes, in a definitive way, truths having a necessary connection with these.” Page 19 of manual, paragraph 56

49. Authority - Roman Catholic Church Authority The Roman Catholic Church says its authority comes from Christ who commissioned Peter to be the Rock and it is upon Peter that the Church is built. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAR. 1008 "Christ, the "living Stone", thus assures his Church, built on Peter, of victory over the powers of death. Because of the faith he confessed Peter will remain the unshakable rock of the Church.” Page 19 of manual, paragraph 57

50. Authority - Roman Catholic Church Authority This authority carries over to the interpretation of Scripture and Tradition in its Magisterium, the body ofBishops headed by the Pope. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAR. 1008 "The Church's Magisterium, as authentic interpreter of the affirmations of Scripture and Tradition, teaches that death entered the world on account of man’s sin.” Page 19 of manual, paragraph 58