It’s going to be difficult tonight to contain my fucking rage, and it’s about Roman fucking Catholicism. I am so sick and tired of their blasphemous dogma and indoctrination of vulnerable children with frightening rehetoric. As was once said, Catholics really, truly put the fear of God into you. They teach children that God is terrifying, angry and punishes those who disobey Him. Those children grow up with immense shame, guilt and fear of their own Father who no reason other than the Catholic Church’s need to control its subscribers.
Now i’m a Christian, but there are certain groups of supposedly “Christian” people who blatantly ignore the simplest scripture and misuse it for ther own purposes. This is not misinterpretation, it is outright blasphemy. Some even go so far as to call Catholicism witchcraft. I’m seriously coming to that opinion. Even time i see that evil wrinkly little ex-nazi pope walking around blessing things i want to fucking puke. If Christ were alive today, he’d be tearing through Vatican City ripping it to pieces as He did in the temple of Jerusalem. These lies are so poisonous that the only way they can be ingrained is to teach them to children. There are few words that can describe my disgust at the Catholic Church.
Why i am i so angry? Because it’s bringing my Father’s name into disrepute. Because it’s a bunch of unbiblical lies and utter rubbish with absolutely no foundation. Because when you are indoctrinated with it, it’s incredibly hard to get to know your Creator. Those lies block the way to the Father.
First off, the “fear” of God does not mean fear in the way we know. It means to have a *respect* for God’s power. A respect for His strength, grace and all-dominating being. It does NOT mean to be scared of Him. You don’t even need to go to Church. You respect the wind and the rain’s ability to cause immense damage, but you do not fear them. The fear of God is the belief and conviction that He is the most powerful force in the universe and is the strongest, deadliest, and most absolute authority. Knowing that information is all that needs to be done to fear and respect God.
The God that Roman Catholics teach is NOT the God of the Bible. Read that again.
If you were brought up Catholic, you were lied to. What you were taught was false, and in direct contravention with Christ’s own words. The laws, rules, ideas and concepts the Catholic Church embedded in your brain are not those of God. I rarely say this, but if you are Catholic and reading this, leave this cult right now. Not tomorrow, right now. Renounce it completely and utterly for the bullshit that it is. Don’t excuse it, tolerate it or pontificate on it. It is a bunch of lies, pure and simple. It’s time for you to re-learn who God is. And i can guarantee you that the punishment for those who instigated this stuff will so much worse than for anyoen else, as the Bible clearly states it.
If you have the gall to call yourself Christian and subsribe to this false doctrine, you seriously need to look again at your conscience. To learn about God, you study scripture, and you pray. You are NOT to follow man-made rules and regulations, as Christ alone is the law. Sscripture is very, very clear about it, as it is the simpel story of a carpenter with a band of peasants, written for other peasants.
So we’re going to walk through those lies, and for each one, look at what Christ Himself said about it.
Broadly speaking, Roman Catholicism suffers with 2 corrupt, weak and poisoned tenets:
a) The idea that Christ’s death was “not enough”, and
b) That tradition is equally, if not more valid than scripture itself.
Christ Himself wasn’t a big fan of tradition, and generally speaking if you are Christian, you follow His example.
“Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15)
So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:” ‘These people honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; Their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” (Mark 7)
There you have it. Scripture and living right are more important than tradition, and scripture alone carries authority.
Purgatory, like many other Catholic dogmas, is based on a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ’s sacrifice. Catholics view the Mass / Eucharist as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice because they fail to understand that Jesus’ once for all sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient (Hebrews 7:27). Catholics view meritorious works as contributing to salvation due to a failure to recognize that Jesus’ sacrificial payment has no need of additional “contribution” Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2). To limit Christ’s’ sacrifice to atoning for original sin, or sins committed before salvation, is an attack on the Person and Work of Christ. If we must in any sense pay for, atone for, or suffer because of our sins – that indicates Jesus’ death was not a perfect, complete, and sufficient sacrifice.
Think about it - if it was a work of God, wouldn’t it go the whole way and be a complete act, or a “nearly there”?
Mary is NOT to be worshipped or venerated
She was not immaculately conceived, had plenty of other children, lived to a good age and died normally, as a human being. She did not ascend to Heaven. We are to deal directly with Christ with no intercessors, and worship of another human being is absolutely forbidden. It has got fuck-all to do with suppression of female characters in biblical tradition. No veneration, no adoration, no devotion, no worship - nothing.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
“As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:27)
“Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? “And His sisters, are they not all with us? (Matthew 13)
While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. And someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” (Matthew 12)
“After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days.” (John 2)
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” -1st Timothy 2:5
Angels, the dead and saints are NOT to be venerated
Angels are created beings that worhsip God, and are not to be held above their designed purpose. Contact with the dead or prayer for them is necromancy and apocryphal, which is specifically forbidden. What God has created is not be raised above it’s natural place or be put before Him or Christ.
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” (Revelation 22:8)
The church is NOT to store up riches
As Bono so eloquently and ironically put it, “my God doesn’t need cash.” Money is a man-made investion, the love of it is the root of all evil, and the Church as a body of people is absolutely not to collect it but to distribute it, give it up and gain all its needs from God. Not hoard it for Nazis, cover churches in beautiful ornaments, invest in strange biotech companies etc.
As Jesus started on his way, a rich young man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Rituals/services/processes are NOT to be done in Latin
Christ was a carpenter, and his disciples were peasants. The Bible is full of very simple words said to very simple people, as it is open to all. Latin was an educated language only learnt by rich, educated elite members of society. God communicates in simple words and included the fringes of societies and outcasts, as should we.
“Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4)
Purgatory does NOT exist
Purgatory is “a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God’s grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.” It is not mentioned in any way in the Bible, at all. It is invented. To say that we must atone for our sins by cleansing in Purgatory is to deny the sufficiency of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It completely contradicts scripture. and neglects the scientific reality of God being to exist outside time, or in multiple lines of time.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)
“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:26)
Images or symbols are NOT to be used in worship
An “idol” is a symbol of image which is given divine workship. Scripture clearly states that only God is worthy of worship, and must be connected with in spirit rather than statues, pictures, engravings and whatever else. There is no need for any “middleman” or intercessor object.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them”. (Exodus 20)
“Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images” (Romans 1)
Rosaries and mantras are NOT be used
Rpsary prayer apparently offers “special protection” and “graces” not afforded to the ordinary person. There is no name to be exalted, apart from that of Christ. The practice of chanting and object intercession is pagan in nature, and has no place in Christianity - it is as close to witchcraft as it gets. There is no mediating circumstance here, it is false, dangerous, contrary to Christ’s teaching and outright blasphemous.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7)
God does NOT punish or condemn
ROman Catholicism is based on the idea of scaring the fuck out of people by telling them God is damning, punishing and condemning. In reality, it’s the Catholic Church that is all these things, as the God of the Bible is quite different. He will judge and punish in the future, but NOT now. The purpose of creation is to be a “choosing ground” for the next world and not just somewhere for us to be dumped and beaten up. Christ’s death was payment for all sins, past, present and future. If He punished, there would be no Christ or forgiveness (duh?). Everything in scripture is orientated around divine forgiveness and our reconciliation with God, not saying sorry and pleasing with Him. It’s about making up, not being told off.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw her and was filled with compassion for her; he ran to his daughter, threw his arms around her and kissed her. “The daughter said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your daughter. But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on her. Put a ring on her finger and sandals on her feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this daughter of mine was dead and is alive again; She was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15)
Church leaders are NOT to be called “father” or be infallible
This one is very easy, and very simple as there is a direct command to the Church that no-one was ever to take the moniker or title of “Father”. The Pope is the infallible “Holy Father” and priests are “fathers”. It doesn’t get more blasphemous, and the rule is unequivocal.
“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. ” (Matthew 23:8)
“… for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4
There is NOT one true Church
A “church” is a “body” of people, not a building or an organisation. Christ is the universal head of the Church, without exception, and has no “chosen representative” on earth. All that qualifies someone to be a member of the Church is to to be servile to and acknowledge Christ. Peter was NOT the “rock” or first Pope (he was married).
“… for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Ephesians 2:20)
Dressed-up priests are NOT middlemen
All Christians are priests (the “universal priesthood”), and officials of the Church are not to wear special garments (Matthew 23) or just do things so people can see. Scripture specifically commands that you go direct to the big guy and no-one else is to be used as an intercessor. Priests do NOT have authority to forgive sin, only God does. All we need to do is ask directly, as Christ taught. Christ didn’t confess or have a priest.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” -1st Timothy 2:5
“If you ask anything of Me in My Name, I will do it.” (John 14)
Penance and indulgences are NOT necessary
This is probably the most offensive, degrading and dehumanising principle taught by Roman Catholicism, and it keeps people trapped in perpetual guilt and servitude for most of their lives. It teaches guilt, fear and endless attempts at acceptance. It is at complete odds with the Bible and the character of God. It fundamentally states that Christ’s death was “not enough”. Penance and insulgences are about pleasing the Church. They are a construct of the Catholic Church, and nothing to do with God at all.
You cannot “earn” your way to Heaven, or “please” God with good works. You cannot buy your way in, and no amount of guilt gets you forgiveness. All have sinned, all are guilty. Christ did it all. To believe otherwise is contrary to scripture, the nature of God, the nature of Christ and everything that Christianity is. Scripture says salvation is a very simple matter of accepting Christ. That’s it. Nothing else.
“And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where re-mission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:17-18)
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
(Romans 3:28)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5)
Excommunication is NOT up to Church authority
There is no support in the Bible for some “preacher” or “church” having the right to cast out people, so it is not at all biblical. It was all saints and believers, both as individuals and also all together as local fellowships, who were to mark, cast out and shun and avoid offenders. And we’re talking serious, chronic offenders who have been warned several times - not dissent and/or disgreement, people who are actively harming the community. Even after this, there is no “official” procedure and all are welcome because all qualify for forgiveness.
“But this know, that later, there will be savage times, for men shall be lovers of the ego, lovers of money, empty pretenders, showing themselves as if above others, abusive, not persuaded by the Fathers, thankless, profane, unsociable, covenant breakers, accusers, men of unsubdued lusts, savage, having no love for what is good, traitors, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; men who pretend respect towards God but who abnegate [denying] his power. Turn away from such men.” (2 Timothy 3)
There are NOT different classes and types of sins
There are no “types” of sins in the Bible - all sin is sin, is sin. All have sinned, and we are all sinners. Scripture makes no distinction between venial and mortal sins, neither does God, and there are no “7 deadly sins” mentioned anywhere. These again are absurd constructs of the Church. All scripture says is that any sin is mortal. The Bible simply states that the wages of sin is death. The only way out is through Christ, and there will be no distinction.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)
Communion is NOT meant as real blood and flesh
Other than being quite sick, the process of “transubstantiation” is a Gnostic idea where bread and wine actually magically become flesh and blood. Nowhere is this mentioned in the Bible, as the Last Supper was a commerative and symbolic act, not a literal one. Christ clearly refers to it as wine and bread - if it turned to something else, then surely He would have talked about it, as He did with everything else.
I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:27)
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. ” (1 Cor 26)
Priests are NOT have to remain celibate
And nowhere does it say that celibacy is “optional”. Scripture even makes a point of saying that its better for a priest to marry so sexual urges don’t build up and cause trouble (e.g. sex abuse scandals by RC priests). The first “Pope”, supposedly Peter, was married. Marriage is seen as a wonderful, good thing, and the wives of priests are highly valued as part of the team.
“If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. “(! Timothy 3)
“I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single as I do. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.” (1 Cor 7)
Sex is NOT just for procreation
For every one but a few species, sexual reproduction in animals is a sterile genetic procedure. In humans, it is a pleasurable experience. In both, the process of natural selection requires it to drive us to propagate our genes, and if God created natural selection and made it pleasurable, AND said so in scripture, it’s safe to assume He’s a fan of the idea. Sex is always mentioned in the context of marriage because of the potential to get hurt, but it is clearly alluded to in the new Testament as a pleasurable activity, without shame. Contraceotion is obviously not mentioned as it wasn’t invented, but again it’s safe to assume that if doing it for pleasure is OK and it prevents unplanned pregnancies, STDs and abortions, it’s not a problem at all.
“The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:25)
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)
The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.
“…because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife” and “it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (1 Corinthians 7)
There are NOT chosen saints
The Pope “canonizes” and “beautifies” dead people. Unfortunately, a “saint” in the early Church applied to ALL Christians, rather than the chosen few, and meant a “holy” person.
“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2)
“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons” (Philippians 1:1)
The Apocrypha is NOT part of the Bible
It was added in the 16th century, is unreliable, asserts values and practices that are wholly contrary to the rest of scripture, were rejected/omitted by everyone else and was even rejected from the first Latin Bulgate angrily by it’s translator (Jerome). The same arguments go for the Gnostic Gospels - if in doubt, exclude (but NOT cover up), and only admit what is reliable and consistent.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 2218)
Suicide does NOT land you in Hell
Nowhere in the Bible does it state that committing suicide sends you automatically downstairs, and the book itself is relatively silent on the issue even though several of the most prominent characters killed themselves. Suicide is seen as sinful because of the betrayal it is to those around you, rather than the act itself. Scripture takes a positive tone about suffering and emphasises the renewing of the spirit and freedom from depression. It focuses on compassion for those who are in despair, rather than damning them as Catholicism does. All sins are forgiven as long as the connection with Christ is there.
“And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Even anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven” (Matthew 12:31)
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30
If the Bible is a Catholic book:
- Why does it condemn clerical dress? (Matt. 23:5-6).
- Why does it teach against the adoration of Mary? (Luke 11:27-28).
- Why does it show that all Christians are priests? (1 Pet. 2:5,9).
- Why does it condemn the observance of special days? (Gal. 4:9-11).
- Why does it teach that all Christians are saints? (1 Cor. 1:2).
- Why does it condemn the making and adoration of images? (Ex. 20:4-5).
- Why does it teach that baptism is immersion instead of pouring? (Col. 2:12).
- Why does it forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9).
- Why does it teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11).
- Why does it teach that there is one mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5).
- Why does it teach that a bishop must be a married man? (1 Tim. 3:2, 4-5).
- Why is it opposed to the primacy of Peter? (Luke 22:24-27).
- Why does it oppose the idea of purgatory? (Luke 16:26).
- Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, instrumental music in worship, indulgences, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other things in the Catholic Church?
1700 years of non-biblical bullshit
| 200 AD |
Immersion of infants who are dying, but considered sinless. (Tertullian V.12) |
| 250 AD |
North Africa region is first to practice infant baptism and reduced the age of baptism from minors to all newborns. This is opposed by other regions. |
| 257 AD |
Baptism by sprinkling for adults instead of immersion first used as an exception for those on sick beds, but it caused great dispute. |
| 300 AD |
Prayers for the dead |
| 320 AD |
Special dress code of the clergy in worship |
| 325 AD |
At the general council of Nice, 325, it was proposed indeed, probably by the Western bishop Hosius, to forbid entirely the marriage of priests; but the motion met with strong opposition, and was rejected. |
| 325 AD |
The date for Easter was set. |
| 379 AD |
Praying to Mary & Saints. (prayers of Ephraim Syrus) |
| 385 AD |
In the West, the first prohibition of clerical marriage, which laid claim to universal ecclesiastical authority, proceeded in 385 from the Roman church in the form of a decretal letter of the bishop Siricius to Himerius, bishop of Tarragona in Spain. |
| 389 AD |
Mariolatry begins with Gregory Nazianzen, who mentions in a eulogy, how Justina had besought the virgin Mary to protect her virginity. |
| 400 AD |
Impossibility of apostasy or once saved always saved, (Augustine XII.9) |
| 416 AD |
Infant baptism by immersion commanded of all infants (Council Of Mela, Austin was the principal director) |
| 430 AD |
Exhalation of Virgin Mary: “Mother of God” first applied by the Council of Ephesus |
| 502 AD |
Special dress code of the Clergy all the time. |
| 500 AD |
The “Habit” of Nuns (Black gowns with white tunics) |
| 519 AD |
Lent |
| 526 AD |
Extreme Unction |
| 593 AD |
The Doctrine of Purgatory popularized from the Apocrypha by Gregory the Great |
| 600 AD |
First use of Latin in worship (Gregory I) |
| Beginning of the Orthodox/Roman Catholic church as we know it today in its present organization. |
| 607 AD |
First Pope: Boniface III is the first person to take the title of “universal Bishop” by decree of Emperor Phocas. |
| 608 AD |
Pope Boniface IV. turns the Pantheon in Rome into a temple of Mary ad martyres: the pagan Olympus into a Christian heaven of gods. |
| 670 AD |
Instrumental music: first organ by Pope Vitalian |
| 709 AD |
Kissing of Pope Constantine’s feet |
| 753 AD |
Baptism by sprinkling for those on sick beds officially accepted. |
| 787 AD |
Worship of icons and statue approved (2nd council of Nicea) |
| 787 AD |
Rome (Latin) and Constantinople (Greek) part ways and begin the drift towards complete split, resulting in two denominations emerging in 1054 AD. |
| 965 AD |
Baptism of bells instituted by Pope John XIII |
| 850 AD |
Burning of Holy Candles |
| 995 AD |
Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV |
| 998 AD |
Good Friday: fish only and the eating-red meat forbidden |
| 1009 AD |
Holy water |
| 1022 AD |
Penance |
| 1054 AD |
Roman Catholic church breaks away from the Orthodox church |
| 1054 AD |
Roman Catholics officially embrace instrumental music, Orthodox reject instrumental music down to the present time. |
| 1079 AD |
Celibacy enforced for priests, bishops, presbyters (Pope Gregory VII) |
| 1090 AD |
Rosary beads: invented by Peter the Hermit |
| 1095 AD |
Instrumental music |
| 1190 AD |
Sale of Indulgences or “tickets to sin” (punishment of sin removed) |
| 1215 AD |
Transubstantiation by Pope Innocent III, Fourth Lateran Council |
| 1215 AD |
Auricular Confession of sins to priests instituted by Pope Innocent III, (Lateran Council) |
| 1215 AD |
Mass a Sacrifice of Christ |
| 1217 AD |
Adoration and Elevation of Host: ie. communion bread (Pope Honrius III) |
| 1230 AD |
Ringing bells at Mass |
| 1251 AD |
The Scapular, the brown cloak worn by monks invented by Simon Stock |
| 1268 AD |
Priestly power of absolution |
| 1311 AD |
Baptism by sprinkling accepted as the universal standard instead of immersion for all, not just the sick. (Council of Ravenna) |
| 1414 AD |
Laity no longer offered Lord’s cup at communion (Council of Constance) |
| 1439 AD |
Purgatory a dogma by the Council of Florence (see 593 AD) |
| 1439 AD |
Doctrine of Seven Sacraments affirmed |
| 1480 AD |
The Inquisition (of Spain) |
| 1495 AD |
Papal control of marriage rights |
| 1534 AD |
Order of Jesuits founded by Loyola |
| 1545 AD |
Man-made tradition of church made equal to Bible (Council of Trent) |
| 1545 AD |
Apocryphal books added to Bible (Council of Trent) |
| 1546 AD |
Justification by human works of merit |
| 1546 AD |
Mass universally said in Latin (see 600 AD) |
| 1547 AD |
Confirmation |
| 1560 AD |
Personal opinions of Pope Pius IV imposed as the official creed |
| 1864 AD |
Syllabus Errorum [Syllabus of Errors] proclaimed that “Catholic countries” could not tolerate other religions, (no freedom of religion), conscience, separation of church and State condemned, asserted the Pope’s temporal authority over all civil rulers (Ratified by Pope Pius IX and Vatican Council) condemned |
| 1870 AD |
Infallibility of Pope (Vatican council) |
| 1908 AD |
All Catholics should be christened into the church |
| 1930 AD |
Public Schools condemned by Pope Pius XII (see 1864 AD) |
| 1950 AD |
Sinners prayer, invented by Billy Sunday and made popular by Billy Graham. (Some Catholics now use this) |
| 1950 AD |
Assumption of the body of the Virgin Mary into heaven shortly after her death. (Pope Pius XII) |
| 1954 AD |
Immaculate conception of Mary proclaimed by Pope Pius XII |
| 1995 AD |
The use of girls in the traditional alter boy duties |
| 1996 AD |
Catholics can believe in Evolution (Pope John Paul II) |
You need to understand something very clearly, so read this slowly and carefully.
God does NOT punish. God does NOT condemn. God does NOT inflict suffering on our lives. If you are suffering, it is NOT God punishing you or through His hands.
Before Christ (i.e. in the Tanakh) God did punish. When this life is over, scripture states He will punish (killing billions). Scripturally, Hell was created as punishment to angelic rebellion, sin, death and those who commit evil. It was not originally created for people. If we die with sin on our back, we carry it with us, and sin isn’t permitted in God’s prescence because He hates it and it is His diamtric opposite. It is “beneath” Him. You have to work it out - either He doesn’t care and doesn’t intervene in your life, or He does and He hates you. He either intervenes and knows you personally, or He doesn’t. You can’t have it both ways.
God has no need to punish anyone, but He does use and allow difficult circumstances to occur to achieve certain things. Scripture states that the purpose of Christ was payment. He was a “bridge” between God and man, part-human, and part-God. His death was a Yom Kippur sacrifice for all humanity - a “get out jail free ” card, if you like. Christ is God’s provision for sin and our way back home. It means we don’t have to be punished, as the debt’s already been paid in full, in advance. As long as we understand and accept that gift, we’re cool. The Father knows all too well we’re going to fuck up and keep fucking up. But all the sin we do has been atoned for, in advance.
The biblical concept of “atonement” is important here, and to understand the idea of Christ you need to understand the Jewish tradition of Yom Kippur. In order to forgive the sins of Israel, each year a goat was covered in blood (representing all the sins of all the people), given all the sins of Israel, and led out into the desert to die. The goat took the sin on its back and was never seen again - it took the place of the people and carried away their sin on their behalf so they didn’t have to walk out into the desert themselves.
There is no need for “penance” and “indulgences” because it’s payment of a debt already settled. You don’t have to “earn” your way in or feel guilty enough to get through the door. Scripture says God already knows all of us our sinful, and has done something about it. We don’t need to feel guilty, we just need to make sure we’re on the winning side. How hard can it be to do that? Well you clearly find it very difficult as you’re reading this and thinking its religious propaganda. It’s a no-brainer. Christ’s meaning was reconciliation, and it was done out of forgiveness. With forgiveness, there is no need for penance as it is absolute and non-compormising. Enough has already been done a long time ago.
