March 2025

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Matthew 7:15-20 instructs that believers call out false prophets and false doctrine. Christianity is not the same as Catholicism. Catholicism is a faith and works based religion whereas Christianity believes salvation through faith alone. The following highlights ways the Roman Catholic Church teaches a different Gospel that resembles a pagan religion sprinkled with a little bit of Jesus. There will be special attention placed on the false doctrines of Virgin Mary worship, goddess worship, the catholic version of the bible-vulgate, praying the rosary, roles of priests and popes, repentance, eucharist, purgatory, and indulgences.

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The Catholic Church was born in the 3rd – 4th century when it fell away from the Apostolic Church of the first century. The first church began in Jerusalem led by Apostle Peter and James, the half-brother of Jesus. The second church, made up of gentiles and the first to call themselves Christians, was founded by Apostle Paul and Barnabas. 

The Bible
Knowing the Word of God is the best defense to recognizing false doctrine. People that have direct access to the Scriptures are less vulnerable to false teachers, “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15-20), for scripture warns us “…false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). 

Apostle John says,  “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (1 John 4:1-3).

By the time we get to the 1500s, Pope Pius IX states that “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God…”, “had no sin”, that she is the “repairer of the lost world” that Jesus and His mother share in glory and even “she crushed the head of the serpent”. In 1944, it was Pope Pius XII that began the feasts concerning the ‘immaculate heart’. 

The Vulgate and Those That Pointed Out False Interpretations of The Virgin Mary
The Vulgate is the Catholic version of the Bible. Prior to the Vulgate, the Bible (manuscripts) were established and understood by the masses in the Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic languages. Jerome (347-420AD) takes the initiative and translates the Scriptures from these common languages to a dead language, Latin.  His colleagues push back; however, he presses on and is part of those responsible for Mary worship and addressing her as mother of God. Since God does not have a mother, the subject becomes controversial. For example, at the command of Pope Celestine and Pope Cyril, Antioch and Constantinople’s Archbishop Nestorius (380-450AD) was condemned and hung for voicing the blasphemy of attributing titles and roles to Mary. Mary is given title “Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 44; 7), a title given to objects carved out of wood and stone in the image of goddesses that ancient civilizations worshipped. Other titles, include Latin “mater Dei”, “genitrix Dei”, and Greek Orthodox “theotokos’, all meaning ‘mother of God’ or ‘blessed mother’.  In the late Middle Ages this subject is addressed again, as well as false teachings of purgatory, indulgences, mass, eucharist, idol worship, titles of priest, pope and father, and more. They will be called out in the 15th and 16th centuries when Desiderius Erasmus and Martin Luther take a stand that help launch the Reformation.

The Humanness of Mary
We get a glimpse into Jesus’ family in Matthew “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to the, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:54-58 ESV). Jesus was known to have brothers and sisters, His brother James authored Book of James; moreover, Mary speaks of her Lord, “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49 ESV). Mary knows she is human and in need of a Savior, “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 ESV). Finally, it does not go without escape how Jesus speaks to His mother, as in the Cana Wedding where He says, “Woman (Mary), why do you involve me?” and “…My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4 NIV). Then there is the moment Jesus is speaking to a group in a home and it says, “Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12: 47-50 ESV).

“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) 

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Jerome’s Vulgate translation from the Greek to Latin in Luke 1:28 was incorrectly interpreted by the Catholic church and remains misinterpreted today. Angel Gabriel tells Mary she is going to conceive a son, the scripture in the original Greek is “greetings favored one”, “thou art highly favored”, “greetings favored woman” “you are truly blessed”. When Jerome choses to translate into Latin, he takes the original Greek  kecharitomene  meaning of “one that has” and “been given favor” and incorrectly translates as “gratia plena” which means “hail one that is full of grace”.  If Jerome correctly translated in the Latin, he would have come up with “gratia” which is something to be had like ‘favor’ or ‘grace’ as opposed to being full of grace that signifies void of sin. Jesus is the only sinless man/God to walk on earth, “…and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:7-8).                                                                                                                              

Perhaps the Catholic Church does not have exact types of rituals; however, the celebrations with parades and festivals with costumes and pageantry worshipping Lady of Fatima, Lady of Guadalupe, and Lady of Pontmain fall under the goddess worship God despises. Satan corruption comes from within, popes and bishops are not really any different than the first century Sadducees and Pharisees during the days of Jesus. Jesus tells the religious leaders in His day, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). 

The Catholic Church has roots in Judaism and Christianity, but by the 3rd and 4th centuries it changed and compromised. For example, Emperor Constantine will combine the Jewish resurrection celebration of Passover with the pagan holiday in honor of goddess Eostre/Ostara and naming it ‘Easter’. Satan wastes no time weaving discourse surrounding God’s Word. The Apostles spread the Gospel and planted churches, ensuring the truth was spread throughout the empire. Eventually false doctrines and heresies would spread, God says, “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). 

The Mary apparitions are a good example Satan identifying himself as an angel of light, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Mary Apparition:  “Lucia [apparition appeared to in Portugal] made some requests for sick people, to which Mary replied that she would cure some but not others, and that all must say the rosary to obtain such graces, before continuing: “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially when you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary” (theotokos.org.uk).

The apparition says “to obtain such graces” which falls in-line with good works and is actually central to the Catholic religion and not to Scripture. Faith alone in Jesus ‘alone’ brings salvation, there is nothing a person can do to earn grace from God. Then there is the nonsensical statement inconsistent with scripture, “sins committed against the immaculate heart of Mary” that puts Mary on a level equal or even above God the Father, Jesus, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – the Trinity. Not only have Catholic leaders twisted the Word of God, they have led many down the wrong path that will be met with punishment; those given more responsibility, comes greater expectations, rewards, and punishments, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as they will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1).

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More False Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

 Rosary
The ‘rosary’ has many legendary stories that resulted in another idol ‘the rosary beads’ used for praying to Mary during the Middle Ages in the battlefield. Notice the way to pray, is Jesus Christ mentioned in that? Even if He were, this would be an abomination still. Then there is the matter of repetitive chants, also unbiblical and blasphemous, as when the priest instructs to repent by saying 10 Hail Marys. Pope Pius V made a request of praying to the Rosary (1500s) on the battlefield (Lapanto) that there became an “Our Lady of the Rosary”. Scripture clearly says, “use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7 KJV). Jesus specifically says, “But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret…”” (Matthew 6:6 ESV), not go seek out a priest or church leader and confess.

Celibacy
Celibacy is a rule of the Catholic Church and has no biblical standing. The abstinence from marriage mandate began during the 11th century during the reign of Pope Benedict VIII and Pope Gregory VII. The primary reason for this rule was to eliminate any responsibility of the church for the family of a deceased pope (MacArthur, 2015).  

Purgatory and Indulgences
The Roman Catholic Church began teaching purgatory centuries before finalizing it as set doctrine in the 12th Century.  If purgatory were true, then the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ, died in vain and did not really save humanity from sin.  As if that was not bad enough,  Indulgences were a fabrication of the Catholic Church and became popular in the 11th century when the crusaders protected the Catholic Church against enemy  attack;  for a price, they thought they could be cleansed of their sins. Then centuries later, many were martyred for pushing back against the purgatory and indulgences doctrines, among them were Desiderius Erasmus and a German monk Martin Luther. 

Martin Luther said purgatory was “vainly invented.”  It became increasily obvious purgatory was a false teaching for there is no pit-stop or waiting room before going to judgement and entering heaven, it is completely and utterly false.  The Catholic Church developed this system in which a human being can somehow apply merit to loved ones so they may complete their journey to heaven.  It is true believers can pray for the salvation of others, as well as spread the Gospel (the Good News about Jesus)  that God  came down to earth to live, to die and to rise from death so that those that believe in Him may have eternal life.  This is the commission given to all that believe in Jesus and  has to happen while on earth.  

How did the Catholic Church come up with the false doctrine of purgatory?  Let’s  begin with Scripture that mentions Hades (Greek), and Sheol (Hebrew)  as referring to the ‘realm of the dead’; to be clear, this is not the final place of eternal torment known as the ‘lake of fire’ (Revelation 20, 21).  Some of the interpretations of  Sheol or Hades is found in 1 Peter, when Jesus says, “…he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water” (1 Peter 3:19-20). Apostle Paul mentions in Ephesians, “What does ‘he ascended’ mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?” (Ephesians 4:9).  Also, Luke 16 tells the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in which Jesus speaks of Hades/Sheol. In Luke, we get a picture of this place  a being divided in two sections, a chasm, one called Abraham’s bosom,  and the other an area of torment (this is not the lake of fire).   All these depictions of the ‘realm of the dead’ has been interpreted by reputable theologians as the place Jesus went for the three days between his death on Friday and resurrection and appearance to the Apostles on Sunday. During this time Jesus did not go to hell, but rather Abraham’s bosom, also called ‘Paradise’.  Jesus tells the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”(Luke 23:43).  As with 1 Peter, some interpret this as after Jesus conquered death at the cross, He appeared before the fallen angels (demons), the wicked, and the nonbelievers, while also at the same time freeing the Old Testament saints. The interpretation here is those saved in the Old Testament had to wait for the time of fulfillment (the resurrection) to be allowed to enter Heaven. Prior to the resurrection, there was not a way in which the Old Testament Saints could enter Heaven. This is an interesting interpretation. 

The interesting point about Luke 14, is the rich man wants Lazarus to go back to his family to warn them (v.27). Abraham’s response is “they have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”  At this point, the resurrection did not yet happen, the only reference was the Old Testament, the Torah (Moses and the Prophets). The rich man said if someone from this place would just warn them, they would not be sent there. Abraham says “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even to someone that rises from the dead.” This can be viewed as literal and symbolic. The message here is once dead, there is no getting another. The New Testament speaks about believers go directly in the presence of Jesus after death, 2 Corinthians 5, “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”  In summary, pray for loved ones while they are living on earth.

Repentance and Eucharist
God knows our heart better than we know it ourselves. The Holy Spirit convicts the believer’s soul causing the find it difficult to escape having a contrite and remorseful heart. The only priest the believer repents to is our Lord Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit is able to turn away from that sin.  The Vulgate, on the other hand, uses the word ‘do penance’, “Then Jesus began to preach and say: “‘do penance, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near””; the correct translation is ‘repent, for the kingdom…’ (Matthew 4:17).  A combination of popes and bishops/archbishops were among the few that could read and write during the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476AD. Popes and bishops continued to gain power, prominence, and influence over emperors that the Catholic Church became a church/state. The Pope has been referred to as ‘father’ when Jesus clearly says in Matthew 23:9 “And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father.”; and Jesus is our only Priest we go to for repentance of sins. The history of the priestly role is found in the Levitical system when God instructs the Jewish High Priest to make the sacrificial atonement once a year on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. He would go into the section of the Tabernacle/Temple called the Holy Holies (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9). In the Gospels, it is recorded the moment Jesus became our one and only Priest when the Temple veil was torn top to bottom. 

The Catholic Church’s Eucharist ceremony is known as Mass and is called ‘Transubstantiation’. It is not recognized as symbolic commemorating the Last Supper as with Christianity, but rather believe this as sacrificing with the blood turning into wine and the bread turning into the flesh. This ceremony is bringing Jesus down and sacrificing Him every time, and resembles in ways to pagan sacrifice in worship. Catechism #1367 says, “In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.”  Catechism #1370 says, “To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven.  In communion with and commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.  In the Eucharist the Church is as it were at the foot of the cross with Mary, united with the offering and intercession of Christ.” Catechism #1368 says, “The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church, the Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of her Head.  With him, she herself is offered whole and entire, She united herself to his intercession with the Father of all men.  The meaning of Transubstantiation is offering up sacrifice which Jesus has done once and for all. 

Catholicism has moved far from its JUDAISM and CHRISTIAN roots; however, the true Word of God remains. The Bible is referred to as ‘Canon’, a Greek word that means ‘rule’ because the Canon is the measuring stick. All the Books of the Bible are consistent divinely inspired writings by approximately 40 different authors on 3 different continents. The books have been scrutinized for canonization that includes answering a set of questions: 1) was the book written by a prophet; 2) miracles authenticate writer, confirming his message; 3) does the writing tell the truth about God without contradictions; 4) does the writing have a divine capacity to transform lives; and 5) did the people it was written for accept it as God’s Word (McGrath, 2012). The Word of God is relevant today as it was more than 2,000 years ago with the Old Testament long established centuries prior. Jesus often quotes from the Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew text) in His teachings and when He debates the Pharisees. The New Testament books were written, circulated, and accepted long before the Vulgate, the councils reaffirmed which 26 books would make up the New Testament (i.e. Nicene, Constantinople). These writings were always meant to go directly to the people in a language they understood which is why Jerome’s translation in the Latin was met with much scrutiny. In Matthew 23, Jesus gives the religious leaders warning about their arrogance, and self-seeking praise “and call no man your father on earth, for ‘you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor the Christ” (Matt 23:9-10 ESV). In Titus 1:6, we find the word ‘prysbyter’ which means ‘elder’ or ‘minister’ in Greek; however, the titles of ‘bishop’ and ‘pope’ ‘priest’ make their way into the new Roman Catholic Church.

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“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV)

Jesus gives the Great Commission to the 12 Apostles, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV). When Jesus ascended to heaven, the church began and so does Satan’s attempts to copy God and thwart His plan. Apostle Paul constantly pointed out false teachings that crept into the early church.; Corinth struggled with immorality; Colossae had its mystics; Ephesus encountered false teachers; Thessalonica had end of time freaks; and Philippi were complainers (Muehlhoff, T., & Lewis, T. V. 2010). The Bible is invaluable, knowing His Word protects us from falling for false doctrines.

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References:
CNS photo/Paul Haring. 2018. Retrieved from https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/03/03/pope-francis-establishes-universal-feast-day-blessed-virgin-mary-mother-church
MacArthur, J. (2015). Exposing the Idolatry of Mary Worship parts 1-4. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/RbDn_KU7BqU
McGrath, A. (2012). Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought.2nd edition. Retrieved from http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var2=750
Muehlhoff, T., & Lewis, T. V. (2010). Authentic communication: Christian speech engaging culture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Retrieved by: http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/intervarsity-press/2010/authentic-communication_christian-speech-engaging-culture_ebook_1e.php
Theotokos Catholic Book. Words spoken by Mary at Fatima. Retrieved from http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/approved/words/wordfati.ht