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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism #18 Oct 6, 2007 9:39 am
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Forgiveness Of Sins And Escape From Purgatory Through Indulgences

(1471) The doctrine and practice of indulgences in the Church are closely linked to the effects of the sacrament of Penance.

What is an indulgence?
“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.”

“An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin.” Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead. (Page 411)
(147 An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the punishments due for their sins. Thus the Church does not want simply to come to the aid of these Christians, but also to spur them to works of devotion, penance, and charity. (Page 413)

1479 Since the faithful departed now being purified are also members of the same communion of saints, one way we can help them is to obtain indulgences for them, so that the temporal punishments due for their sins may be remitted. (Page 413)

Indulgences can be purchased with money or good works, thereby granting grace to the sinner.. Not one verse in the Bible speaks of temporal punishment. Indulgences are unscriptural doctrine. Over the centuries the Catholic Church has amassed her wealth by recieving money from under the auspices of indulgences.

Acts 8:20-22

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart IS NOT RIGHT in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee
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ECUMENICALISIM - UNITY WITHOUT TRUTH-ONE WORLD CHURCH Oct 6, 2007 9:29 am
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Nothing has done more damage to the church’s promotion of the gospel than the increased alliance of Evangelicals with the Roman Catholic Church. The spirit of the age is at work bringing diverse religions into a unity without the truth at its core. Richard John Neuhaus, co-architect of ECT with Charles Colson, stated: The first order of business is Christian unity, or ecumenism.

As the second millennium has been one of Christian division, so John Paul says that the third millennium must be one of Christian unity.The Roman Catholic Church in the last 20 years through its Pope, spearheaded negotiations through ecumenical dialogue with various Christian groups (the Anglicans, Evangelical Protestants, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutherans etc.) to resolve past disagreements and bring about a “new Christian unity.

”Charisma magazine, July 1995 on its the cover presented the question: “Catholics and Protestants: Can We Walk Together? What began with ECT and its intent for unity between Protestants and Catholics has spread its wingspan. Since then a portion of the evangelical church have been walking with more than Catholics, now it is Mormons, the Unification Church and others who do not claim Christianity. In the last 20 years the Roman Catholic church has been active in seeking cooperative relationships with other world religions more than any other religion in history

Ecumenism is the modus operandi of the new church platform. Pope John Paul II had declared that, “Christians must work with [all] other religions to secure peace.” He has pledged that “the Catholic Church intends to `share in and promote' such ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation” The Catholic Church has held an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the four major religions as well as numerous others. Whether this policy will continue to be upheld remains to be seen.Many may object to this summary of the Popes ecumenical inreach but the news reports and quotes speak for themselves.

These are only a portion of what can be collected on John Paul II travels and statements. His intention was clearly to promote Catholicism's traditional tolerance of pagan religions. At the Universities of Calcutta and New Delhi in his 1986 visit to India, the Pope told huge Hindu audiences that he had not come there to teach them anything, but to learn from their “rich spiritual heritage.” As worldwide ecumenism's diplomat-at-large he went on to declare: “India's mission ... is crucial, because of her intuition of the spiritual nature of man. Indeed, India's greatest contribution to the world can be to offer it a spiritual vision of man. And the world does well to attend willingly to this ancient wisdom and in it to find enrichment for human living ( L'Observatore Romano, February 10, 1986, “Spiritual Vision of Man,” p. 5.)“Pope Wins Gamble as Religions Pray in Assisi for Peace,” National Catholic Reporter, VOL 23, no. 3, November 7, 1986, pp. 1, 8.)

1986 was the beginning of open interfaith cooperation led by the Pope. The Pope gave a papal invitation, to unite the leaders of the world's religions for a prayer summit at Assisi, Italy. The Pope's 1986 gathering the religions for prayer at Assisi had begun an interfaith universalist agenda. He gathered the leading figures of 12 world religions together in Assisi, Italy, to pray to whatever “God” each believed in, beseeching these deities to bring peace to the world. To justify honoring the prayers of even witch doctors and fire worshipers, John Paul II told participants that “the challenge of peace . . . transcends religious differences. “60 Religious Leaders Join Pontiff, Streets of Assisi Ring with Prayers for Peace.” (The 1os Angeles Times, October 28, 1986, Part I, p. 7, continued from front page).60 leaders gathered from the religions of the world to petition God. Catholics with Protestants, Orthodox, Jews. “He welcomed snake worshipers, fire worshipers, spiritists, animists, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and shamans, was supported and attended by representatives of the World Council of Churches and even evangelicals. Represented there were the YWCA and YMCA, the Mennonite World Conference, the Baptist World Alliance (which includes the Southern Baptist Convention), the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the Lutheran World Federation.It was reported that the Muslims sang from the Koran; American medicine men called on the “great spirit”; Buddhism's Dalai Lama, chanted rhythmically; animists from Africa; Hindus; Zoroastrians. All united said: “We will stand side by side, asking God to give us peace.” They all asked for peace together.

How can they join in prayer unless they agree? What was decided is that it was not necessary to follow the prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the only one who can bring that peace.On the second anniversary of Assisi's historic prayer meeting, the Pope recently declared that the efforts of “Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists [etc.] ...were unleashing profound spiritual energies in the world and bringing about a 'new climate' of peace. “The Pope Speaks,” Our Sunday Visitor pp. 10-11 Nov. 13, 1988 Yes an energy is at work, some claim it’s the Holy Spirit breaking down walls. We can be assured it is not, because it embraces those who are not in Christ and actually deny Him.

In May 1999, during an audience granted to three Muslims at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II bowed toward the Muslim Koran, and kissed it (Christian News, Oct. 18, 1999, p. 16) Respect for all religions teachings has been the thrust of Catholic unity. The Pope has commended other religious beliefs and has said that the Muslims worship the same God and are accepted. While Rome was uniting with others a certain portion of the evangelical church was moving toward unity with Rome.Not many years later after ECT, Pentecostal leaders from 27 denominations took a pilgrimage to the Vatican in order to build closer ecumenical relations with the Roman Catholic Church. Over 170 members of the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops attended Pope John Paul II's general audience at the Vatican on February 9 and worshipped in a Roman Catholic church on February 13. The pope told the Pentecostal bishops, “I am confident that your visit to Rome will help strengthen ecumenical relations between Catholics and Pentecostals” (Associated Press, 2/9/00).It was reported David du Plessis, (nicknamed Mr. Pentecost) was the only Pentecostal invited to attend Vatican Council II in the mid 1960’s. du Plessis lost his ministerial credentials from the Assemblies of God in 1962 because of his ecumenism with Rome.
The AOG Bylaws opposed the ecumenical movement and did not allow participation in it. In 1980 du Plessis' credentials were restored by AOG. Rome stayed the same but something changed in the Pentecostals and Charismatics. We have watched numerous evangelicals transverse over a line into the Roman Catholic camp to have peace or cooperation for a greater moral influence on society. Too bad that’s not what the churches mission is.

Another significant interfaith gathering took place at the Vatican, convened by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 (ortzion.org). Entitled “On the Eve of the Millennium: Collaboration Between the Different Religions,” it was a gathering of over 200 religious leaders from around the world, representing more than 20 world religions.The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, was allowed to speak at St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland, (John Calvin’s old church)

William McComish the dean of the Cathedral is also general treasurer of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. He announced the Dalai Lama’s by calling him “His Holiness” and recognized “his spirituality.” He also explained that “the cathedral was becoming a home for a new religious centre to experience understanding between the world’s major faiths.”I wonder what Jesus thinks that someone else is called His holiness. Will we have holy ones for every religion? It appears that the gathering has no distinction.Hundreds of representatives of the worlds religions convened in Assisi Italy in 2001, among them:“Geshe Tashi Tsering will represent the Dalai Lama at Assisi.

Along with him are representatives of the principal Buddhist schools and denominations, especially Zen, as well as Rissho Kosei-kai, a lay association. Five important leaders of Hinduism from India will also be in Assisi. With them will be believers in Tenrikyo, Shintoism (the president of the Korean National Center for Confucianism), as well as leaders of Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and traditional African religions. (Religious Leaders Who Will Attend Day of Prayer in Assisi Significant Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish Presence VATICAN CITY, JAN. 23, 2001

Like the Pope the Dalai Lama has traveled the globe with basically the same message and concern “Since 1967 he has been on a worldwide journey, meeting with many political and religious world leaders, spreading his message of global unity, universal brotherhood, and the “truths” contained in all religions. 'His Holiness” Comes in the name of “peace”, the Dalai preaches a message of hope through unity world unity, political unity, and most importantly, spiritual unity”(Ancient Wisdom, Modem World: Ethics for a New Millennium).In today's dangerous world, the Pope said there is an “urgent need” for the world's great religions to come together, in light of their “common desire that all men be purified of the hatred and evil that always threaten peace.” (POPE SAYS GREAT RELIGIONS MUST UNITE FOR PEACE Vatican, Jan. 19 (CWNews)

Even with all this ecumenical mending, not all has been well between Protestants and Catholics outside the US. At the 31st National Conference of the Bishops of Brazil...Bishop Sinesio Bohn called evangelicals a serious threat to the Vaticans influence in his country. We will declare a holy war; don’t doubt it, He announced the Catholic Church has a ponderous structure, but when we move, we’ll smash anyone beneath us. According to Bohn, an all-out holy war can’t be avoided unless the 13 largest Protestant churches and denominations sign a treaty ... that would require Protestants to stop all evangelism efforts in Brazil. In exchange, he said Catholics would agree to stop all persecution directed toward Protestants” (Charisma, May 1994)

In February of 1999 speaking in Mexico, Pope John Paul II instructed Catholics to rebel against [evangelical] Protestants that were becoming a strong influence.Since the Reformation, salvation has been the core issue that has divided Protestants and Roman Catholics. The heart of that disagreement has been the issue of “justification by faith alone.” Not a problem anymore… Lutherans And Catholics Sign Joint Declaration (1999, Evangelical Press) Ausburg, Germany (EP) -- On Oct. 31 in Augsburg, representatives from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Vatican signed a document called the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. Leaders from both churches hope that the signing will end the rift between Lutherans and Catholics that dates from Oct. 31, 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenberg door.

As its name suggests, the declaration is a statement that reconciles the long-standing debate between Lutherans and Catholics over the doctrine of justification. The declaration states, “Jesus Christ won salvation through His life, death and resurrection; salvation is a gift that no one but Jesus Christ can earn. Together we confess: by grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit.” Unfortunately no one asked about how this grace is applied to the individual, which according to the Catholic church was always by the sacraments that they alone have

In spite of all the ecumenical talk and working together “Dominus Iesus” (published on Aug. 6, 2000) by Cardinal Ratzinger-Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document had been ratified and confirmed by the Pope Paul II on June16 “with sure knowledge and by his apostolic authority.” It affirmed that Catholicism is the only true church, arguing that other churches which lack the “valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery are not churches in the proper sense.”

Whatever truth other denominations possess is derived from the Catholic church and its traditions. Catholicism is the only “instrument for the salvation of all humanity,” that all “other” Christians are “deficient.”Rome continued to speak dualities, because they could never abandon the position that the Catholic Church alone possesses “the fullness of grace and truth,” and is the only church and authority on earth. Catechism of Catholic Doctrine (Revised edition, 1985): “The Pope is the spiritual father of all Christians. The Pope is the Shepherd and Teacher of all Christians.” Boniface VIII decreed: “It is necessary for everyone who is to be saved to be subject to the Roman Pontiff”The Bull Unam Sanctam... Issued by POPE BONIFACE VIII thus reads: ”The Roman Pontiff judges all men, but is judged by no one. We declare, assert, define and pronounce: to be subject to the Roman Pontiff is to every human creature necessary for salvation ... I have the authority of the King of Kings. I am all in all and above all, so that God himself and I, the vicar of God, have but one consistory, and I am able to do all that God can do.”

In the New Catholic Catechism under Supremacy of the Pope. The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, “is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.” “For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.”Catholic Catechism- Salvation Only Comes Through the Catholic Church(846)

How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers? Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: the one Christ is the mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church.

He himself explicitly asserted the necessity of faith and Baptism, and thereby affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through Baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.”In 2000 The Vatican in a 36-page document stated that Roman Catholicism is the only “instrument for the salvation of all humanity,” that all “other” Christians are “deficient,” and Anglican and Protestant churches “are not churches in the proper sense.”

The Popes down through history certainly believed their position, the quotes are plentiful: Pope Innocent the third: “He (the pope) judges all and is judged by no one.” Pope Boniface the eighth: “We declare, assert, define and pronounce: To be subject to the Roman pontiff is to every human creature altogether necessary for salvation.” “The Pope is Christ in office, Christ in jurisdiction and power . . . we bow down before thy voice, O Pius, as before the voice o f Christ, the God o f truth; in clinging to thee, we cling to Christ” (During the Vatican Council Jan. 9, 1870.) How can this be said of a mere man? Because the Roman Catholic position has always been “The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, he is Jesus Christ himself, hidden under the veil of flesh.” (Catholic National July 1895 )

This (and much more) has been intentionally ignored by the new evangelicals leaders to have their unity Year after year, step by step those that were once apart drew closer. We need to understand that there is a selling out going on right from under our noses. The Pope speaking in Geneva, Switzerland to leaders of the World Council of Churches representing 400 million Protestants worldwide, John Paul II declared: From the beginning of my ministry as bishop of Rome, I have insisted that the engagement of the Catholic Church in the ecumenical movement is irreversible! (The Fresno Bee, June 13, 1984, p. C12.)“John Paul II recalled three moments in his pontificate when he entrusted the Church, the world and mankind to Mary: December 8, 1978 when he entrusted the Church and world to her; June 4, 1979, renewing this vow at the shrine of the Black Madonna in Poland and again in 1984. “I remember especially March 25, 1984, the Holy Year. Twenty years have gone by since that day when in spiritual union with all the bishops of the world I entrusted all of mankind to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to Our Lady's plea in Fatima.”

The Pope is so convinced that Mary intervened to save his life that he left the bullet that was pulled from his body in the golden crown of the Madonna during his last visit in 1991. Pope John Paul II has 'dedicated himself and his Pontificate to Our Lady.' He bears the letter “M” for Mary in his coat of arms. And his personal motto, which is embroidered on the side of his robes in Latin is the following: “TOTUS TUUS SUM MARIA”, which in English translates to: “MARY, I'M ALL YOURS. ”Pope John Paul II wrote concerning Mary “On the universal level if victory comes it will be brought by Mary, Christ will conquer through her because He wants the church's victories now and in the future to be linked to her.” (“Crossing The Threshold Of Hope,” 1994; Our Lady Publication, Spring, 1995.)“'All those who have at some time prayed to the Most Holy Virgin, even though they may have strayed from Catholic church, conserve in their hearts an ember of faith which can be revived.' he said. 'The Virgin awaits them with maternal arms open wide.”'…”Yet, at times the pontiff sounded almost evangelical.

He urged Catholic workers to engage in a 'new evangelization,' by using 'new methods, new expressions, [and] new fervor.”' (Christianity Today, April 8, 1996, Stephen R. Sywulka, p. 94.)September 11th, 2001, the Pope declared, “There is one God’. The Apostle proclaims before all else the absolute oneness of God. This is a truth which Christians inherited from the children of Israel and which they share with Muslims: it is faith in the one God, ‘Lord of heaven and earth’ (Lk.10:21), almighty and merciful. In the name of this one God, I turn to the people of deep and ancient religious traditions, the people of Kazakhstan.”(Homily of the Pope, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sunday, 23 September 2001.)Pope meets interfaith leaders, urges culture of dialogue, respect 2004-01-20 VATICAN CITY (CNS) --
Pope John Paul II has urged all religious leaders as well as a committee of Islamic and Vatican officials to promote a culture of dialogue, mutual understanding and respect. In an address to members of the Islamic-… About a dozen representatives of major Islamic organizations from the Middle East and Europe met Jan. 19-20 with officials of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and its Commission for Religious Relations With the Muslims. The Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee was started in 1995 by Vatican and Muslim representatives as a way to promote mutual understanding, strengthen religious values and contribute toward peace and justice.In a message addressed to Cardinal Edward Cassidy, his representative at an international ecumenical conference in Lisbon, Pope John Paul II has emphasized his support for inter-religious dialogue. The Pope's message to Cardinal Cassidy-- the president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity-- encouraged all believers, of every faith, to work for “the unity of the human family.” “I am convinced that the 'spirit of Assisi' is a providential gift for our time,” the Pope remarked. His reference was to the inter-religious prayer gathering that was organized under his guidance in the town of Assisi in 1986. …”the Pontiff continued. “We must be ever bolder” in pursuing inter-religious dialogue, the Pope said.” (Pope Lauds Interfaith Dialogue Sep. 27, 2000 VATICAN (CWNews )

August 1993, in Denver, Colorado, Pope John Paul II prayed “Mary of the New Advent, we implore your protection on the preparations that will now begin for the next meeting [World Youth Day]. Mary, full of grace, we entrust the next World Youth Day to you. Mary, assumed into heaven, we entrust the young people of the world . . . the whole world to you.” (NRI Trumpet , October 11, 93, p. 14.)On August 31 2003, Pope John Paul II entrusted the future of the new Europe to the Virgin Mary. In the words of the Catholic news agency Zenit, “He placed Europe in Mary's hands, so that it would ‘become a symphony of nations committed to building together the civilization of love and peace.' Last Sunday, the Holy Father urged that the final draft of the European Constitution should recognize explicitly the Christian roots of the continent, as they constitute a ‘guarantee of a future.” (2003-08-31) Week of Prayer 2005: Growing collaboration between WCC and the Roman Catholic ChurchThe preparation of the 2005 edition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has led to a new stage in collaboration between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Roman Catholic Church.For the first time, the text that will inspire the Week of Prayer has not only been jointly prepared but also published jointly by the WCC Faith and Order commission and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.Calling it a “further, small step in the direction of Christian unity,” WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and the secretary of the Pontifical Council Bishop Brian Farrell suggested in the foreword that the joint publication of the liturgical resources will, hopefully, usher in the “birth of a new era of collaboration” between the two bodies.The theme proposed for the Week in 2005 is “Christ, the One Foundation of the Church,” a reference to 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Although the Catholic Church does not teach the gospel by grace through Christ alone, but instead by the sacraments, Billy Graham, Chuck Colson, Bill Bright, Jack Van Impe, Pat Robertson, Ted Haggard and so many other “evangelical leaders” have accepted Romanism. They approve of ecumenical activities having worked alongside Rome despite their obvious errors. They admit that Roman Catholicism teaches error, but they have no desire to say a thing about these errors It appears the error is not so severe but only slight. That there are only a few doctrinal issues; we should not concern ourselves with them or it may affect our unity. Their errors are never considered so extreme to be called heresy. Yet, the Catholic churches continual position of someone holding to salvation by grace through faith alone is heresy

What evangelicals have done is compartmentalize the Pope as a person with his concerns and his church with papal infallibility, the perpetual virginity of Mary, transubstantiation, etc. They have separated his works -concerns of the poor, the unborn from the doctrines he upheld as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. We should commend people for doing good, yet meeting people’s physical needs without meeting their spiritual needs is negligence. By neglecting mans real spiritual need we have a “social gospel” that cannot lead to salvation of ones soul. When the foundation for our actions are misguided, there is deception. Everyone should take the time and read Christianity Today, Week of April 4 to get a pulse on what Evangelicals think of the Pope. Because one is concerned about these things does not make them a Christian, even if he is the leader of the biggest church in the world. Many in other religions have the same concerns; in fact one does not need to believe in God to care for many of these issues. While the Pope stood in defense of the poor, the sick, and needy, issues outside the church, he said next to nothing about the inside moral corruption when it was occurring.

There was no outrage sounded by the Pope for all the priest molestations inside his church that ruined so many lives. Yet he is esteemed as a great moral leader. Consider this statement by Steve Shultz of the Elijah list that represents the prophetic movement in the charismatic church. “We should all be praying for the next pope, not because we agree with every theological position of the Catholic Church, but because the Pope represents 1.1 billion Believers, most of who accept Jesus, plain and simple, for their salvation.” Rick Joyner agrees, “ I do not doubt that John Paul II was a man of God that all Christians should be thankful for and should rightly mourn. It was not his title but his character that caused him to transcend the Roman Catholic Church and become a leader who blessed and advanced the whole church, and, indeed, the cause of Christianity itself. He was one of the greatest leaders of our time, and will be sorely missed. ”Has anyone asked what would Jesus or the apostles think about a man who claimed to be the head of the church with the teachings they practice?

We already have the answer in the Bible “The Church's relationship with the Muslims. 'The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day.”’ So here is the Vaticans official stance on Islam, the Roman Catholic Church has the same God and faith of Abraham as the Muslims. Islam insist in their Quran God has no Son and does not call God Father but he says they worship the same God as we do. Could the Vatican one day demote the Son to have unity with other religions? It seems that anything is possible.

This pope attempted to reconcile the Bible with evolution. The Pontifical Academy's annual meeting held at the Vatican October 22-26, was dedicated to the theme “The Origin and Early Evolution of Life: Reflection on Science at the Dawn of the Third Millennium.” The pope reminded the Academy that the Roman Catholic Church has long given tentative approval to the theory of evolution. He cited a 1950 papal encyclical entitled “Humani Generis” by Pius XII, which “considered the doctrine of 'evolutionism' as a serious hypothesis, worthy of a more deeply studied investigation and reflection on a par with the opposite hypothesis. ... Today, more than a half century after this encyclical, new knowledge leads us to recognize in the theory of evolution more than a hypothesis. ... The convergence, neither sought nor induced, of results of work done independently one from the other, constitutes in itself a significant argument in favor of this theory” (Vatican Information Service, Oct. 23, 1996)

Nothing has changed in the Roman Catholic Church, they still hold that: the Roman Catholic church is the one true Church of Christ. Transubstantiation is the true view of the Eucharist. The priesthood is only for males (that are Celibate) Prayers are said to the saints in heaven, to Mary, and prayers for the dead. The main prayer of the rosary is “Hail Mary.” Sacred tradition and Scripture should be received equal reverence. Purgatory not heaven is the destination of Christians, Mary was born without original sin, was a perpetual virgin and assumed bodily into heaven.The Pope said his heart was consecrated to Mary not to Jesus Christ- he called himself the vicar of Christ as all popes do, (pontifex maximus) yet modernized evangelicals ignored the continued policy of the Vatican. Among his other titles are Successor to the Prince of the Apostles; Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. What kind of a Christian leader accepts this, or commends other spiritual practices – saying we can learn from other religions and unites with them in the most intimate way possible, by prayer and fellowship.

Whose example is he following? Did Jesus commend the Pharisees; did he try to unite everyone in Israel, or those outside Israel? They certainly were closer than the religions are today. But close is not good enough when it comes to spiritual matters like these. Kim Clement could not help but prophecy what is next for the Vatican and the church, showing whom he is actually listening too (April 2, 2005). “I will bring the Spirit into the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican there will be an infilling of the spirit of the Cardinals and the priests. This day I have received a servant. This day you call him the Pope. This day I call him My son. This day you said a pope has died, this day I say a servant has won. I have raised up a new voice and a new Spirit that shall come into Italy and I shall invade Europe in a way that I have planned thousands of years ago.” a Spirit filled pope that will raise up a voice and he shall speak the truth”

Yeah, right, According to these men there is no antichrist coming, no tribulation, everything is coming up roses. Peace, peace is all they have to say and the people like sheep without the true shepherd are more than willing to listen. Now we have false prophecy (and many more I’m sure) that we lead us into unity with the Roman Catholic Church. Certain evangelicals have work with Rome for so long they are unable to vocally disagree with their teaching. Because they have a mutual common cause, a friendship has been established- they are in unity. The evangelical church may disagree with some of the things the Pope has said but these things are no longer enough to disturb them and prevent them from uniting with an apostate church.

Why? Because many do not regard doctrine as important, they are more concerned with works. Doctrine is the only thing we can use to discern what is straight or crooked They have reduced themselves to humanitarians only, whose sole intention is to uphold the signpost of morality in a corrupted society and world? They care more about our culture than the TRUTH. The basis to find what we have in common is a wrong foundation, that is the basis of humanism and no Christian should fall for this type of counterfeit unity. The fact that so many are willing to unite with Rome whose main intent is to unite all religions that it has moved a good portion of the evangelical wing of the church to be open for a interfaith alliance. Are they actually thinking this through, or are they all on auto-drive without brakes? Either these men do not understand the gospel any longer or they do not have the courage to defend the faith.

Let Us Reason Ministries
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism #17 Oct 5, 2007 11:24 am
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Priest Has Supernatural Power To Convert The Bread And Wine Into Christ

(1375) It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ BECOMES PRESENT in this sacrament. The Church Fathers strongly affirmed the faith of the Church in the efficacy of the Word of Christ and of the action of the Holy Spirit to bring about this conversion. Thus St. John Chrysostom declares:

It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered,And St. Ambrose says about this conversion:

Be convinced that this is not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the blessing nature itself is changed. Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before?” It is no less a feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature. (Page 384)

Nowhere in the Word of God is this doctrine taught. Transubstantiation is another way to separate the clergy from the laity. The priest cannot miraculously turn the Eucharist turns in to Christ. This idea elevates men above others in order to have power and authority over other men. All true believers are saints of God, and are of no greater importance than another. God is not a respecter of persons. All the Lords people are priests and kings unto God[/SIZE].

Acts 10:34

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God

Revelations 1:3-6

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism #16 Oct 5, 2007 11:14 am
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The Mass Is A Conversion Of Bread And Wine Into The Very Christ.

(1376) The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: “Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.” (Page 384, 385)

(1413) By the consecration the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity (cf. Council of Trent: DS 1640; 1651). (Page 395)

(1374) The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as “the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all sacraments tend.” In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, REALLY, and SUBSTANTIALLY CONTAINED

To be saved one must receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

Receiving Christ does not mean eating a wafer. It simply means accepting Christ, and believing, trusting in His finished work on the cross.The breaking of the bread symbolizes the body of Christ, which was beaten, bruised, and broken for us. The wine, the fruit of the vine, symbolizes the blood that he shed for us.

By taking the Lord’s Supper one should understand what these symbolize, and reflect with adoration and worship in what Jesus did for us. He suffered such a shameful death in our place.
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism Part 15 Oct 5, 2007 11:08 am
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The Mass Is A Re-Sacrifice Of Christ

(1414) As sacrifice, the Eucharist is also offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God. (Page 395)
(1365) Because it is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the Eucharist is also a sacrifice. The sacrificial character of the Eucharist is manifested in the very words of institution: “This is my body which is given for you” and “This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood.” In the Eucharist Christ gives us the VERY body which he gave up for us on the cross, the VERY blood which he “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Page 380)

(1367) The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: “The victim is one and the SAME: the SAME now offers through the ministry of priest, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.” “In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the SAME Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross IS CONTAINED and offered in an unbloody manner.” (Page 381)

Christ was the one time sacrifice for all. He finished his work of salvation, and sat down at the right hand of God. He sat down because the work of salvation was completed. For man to continue to sacrifice is to say that the Jesus’ sacrifice was not sufficient. The work of Christ is finished.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he (Jesus) did ONCE, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 9:24-28

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should OFFER HIMSELF OFTEN, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: BUT NOW ONCE in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
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The LORD had smitten him Oct 5, 2007 10:11 am
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The bible says that there is one mediator between God and man and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our high Priest and intercessor before God. When King Uzziah in his pride took it upon himself to burn incense (symbolic of intercession) before the Lord in the temple, (for the people in place of the high Priest ) God cursed him with leprosy. This is significant because metaphorically leprosy means sin, so in other words the prayers of King Uzziah were considered by the lord to be sinful.

As priests and kings unto God we can now come before the lord and intercede for the people, however, we must as Christs new Testament priestly line, present out intercession through our great high priest Jesus Christ. To place ourselves in authority above the Lord Jesus Christ by presuming to forgive sins (God alone can forgive sins as we know) by mediating as a high priest is a sinful practice and we are in danger of putting ourselves under the curse of sin.

In our intercession we can boldly come before the throne of grace and intercede for the lost, but we must never exalt ourselves in the position of our great high priest Jesus Christ. For he alone has all authority in heaven and earth and has the Priestly position to intercede for us before the Father. We can bring our prayer requests to God only through the son.

Jotham, made sure that he did not make the same mistake as his father. He never entered into the temple to burn incense before the Lord and he was faithful to his calling. Jotham led the people with a heart of humility and followed the ways of the Lord all his daysa nd the Lord blessed him.

2 Chronicles 26: 14-23

And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones. And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, [that were] valiant men:
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, [It appertaineth] not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither [shall it be] for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write. So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings; for they said, He [is] a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 27: 1-9

Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly. He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

Hebrews 4: 14-16

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism Part 14 Oct 4, 2007 12:34 pm
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Doctrines Of Indulgences And Good Works For The Dead

(1032) This teaching is also based upon the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead.Let us help and communicate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them. (Page 291)

The book of Maccabeus was not a part of the Cannon of Scripture. One of the things that authenticated acceptable books of the Bible was their mention in the New Testament. All of the books of the Old Testament of the “Textus Receptus” where referenced to by the Lord Jesus, or the Apostles. This validated their authority. The book of the Maccabeus was never mention, and was not used by early church fathers.

Those that die without trusting Christ as their Savior are dead in their sins, without hope, condemned to eternal Hell. Those without Christ do not have to wait until they die to be condemned because they are already condemned. You can do nothing for the dead

John 3:18

He that believeth on him (Jesus) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 5:11-12

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that HATH the Son hath life; and he that HATH NOT the Son of God hath not life

Those that sleep, or die in Christ, have hope. All else has no hope!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren (he is talking to the saved), concerning them which are asleep (died in Christ), that ye sorrow not, even as others which HAVE NO HOPE. For if we BELIEVE that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus WILL God bring with him.
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism Part 13 Oct 4, 2007 12:27 pm
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The Church Can Forgive Sins

(982) There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive. “There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest. Christ who died for all men desires that in his Church the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin. ( Page 278 )

It was not the Church that died for us, it was not any denomination, it was not by good works. It was Christ who died for us, and redeemed us. Sinful men cannot forgive sins. There is only one who is able to forgive sins, the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 5:30-31

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 13:37-39

But he (Jesus), whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him (Jesus) ALL that believe are justified from ALL things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

1 Peter 1:18-19

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism Part 12 Oct 4, 2007 12:22 pm
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Doctrine Of Purgatory

(1030) All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Page 291)

Purgatory is a man made doctrine. It was never taught by the early church fathers, and it is not taught in the Word of God! It is, as catechism 1031 says, a “tradition.” The rich man that died and went to hell in Luke 16, prayed to Father Abraham, but Abraham told him that his fate was sealed. It could not be changed.

Luke 16:22-26

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell (what happened to purgatory?) he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime (you had your chance when you were living) receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you CANNOT; NEITHER CAN THEY PASS TO US, that would come from thence
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The Paganization of Christianity # 9 Catholic Catechism #11 Oct 4, 2007 12:09 pm
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Penance Necessary For Salvation

(980) It is through the sacrament of Penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church:
“Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers ‘a laborious kind of baptism.’ This sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after Baptism, just as Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn” ( Page 278 )

The doctrine of penance is taught nowhere in the Bible. The Bible teaches that when believer is saved, they are eternally saved and in no danger of falling from salvation. The Scriptures overwhelmingly prove this.

Ephesians 1:13-14

In whom (Jesus) ye also TRUSTED, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jesus says that he knows his sheep.

John 10:27-29

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them ETERNAL life; and they shall NEVER perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

At the Great White Throne Judgment where all the lost damned will be cast into the lake of fire, Jesus says that he never knew those that were lost. Either they were never saved or Jesus knew them, and then said He didn’t know them.

Matthew 7:22-23

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful WORKS? And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

God says whatever He does that is shall be done for ever. You are not saved if you can loose it. Tell a drowning man in the ocean that he is saved as you toss out a life saver and the rope, and tell him that he must do the rest of the work. He is not saved until someone lifts him out of the stormy seas and into safety. Jesus is a safe refuge that is able to keep his sheep saved.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, IT SHALL BE FOR EVER: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
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