Before delving into this piece, I feel an urging to give a relevant, if abbreviated, testimony. As I write these articles concerning blasphemous and heretical practices perpetrated by the Catholic Church, I feel that it is important for the reader to know that I do not do so out of spite or hatred of Catholics. Quite the contrary, actually, I have a quintessential understanding, love and compassion for these people as I was counted among their ranks for my entire life. That is until the Holy Spirit dealt with my heart and guided me to the truth that is in Christ Jesus through the Scriptures.
So, it is of the utmost importance that the reader understands that the motive behind these writings is not to inspire loathing of those that do not believe as we do. Not only is that a non-Christian attitude, but the only thing a believer has to boast of is Christ, not of himself. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Isaiah 64:6) Instead I write to you friends with all humbleness of a lost soul that followed these doctrines unquestioned; so that you may understand the doctrines of men and their adversity with scripture. Moreover, I submit this to any Catholic so that they too may experience an epiphany of the “simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)
As a cog in the Catholic Machine my entire life I had a great respect for the priesthood, the bishops, cardinals and most of all, the pope. Growing up in a Catholic household, attending Catholic school and going to mass twice a week, one is taught from the earliest age that the pope is infallible when he speaks of matters of faith and morality. What greater position could a person hold? What awe and fascination and utter respect does a person deserve when they cannot make a mistake concerning the most important aspect of peoples’ existence? Surely, this man must be hand-picked by God if he can hold the key to man’s salvation by his simple declarations. Certainly, if this is the case then he must have a special relationship with God and derives all that he teaches from scripture.
By the grace of God I would not be held captive to naivety forever. Through my own study of the bible I became acutely aware of a sharp contrast between the teachings of the church I was serving and the lessons in the bible. Unfortunately, when reading the book of Matthew I noticed that my church only seemed to run parallel to the people of the bible in the fact that it so closely resembled the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus denounced. This is a disturbing concept when one considers Luke 20:46-47 “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.”
More dramatically, I quickly found a disheartening dichotomy between our Lord Jesus Christ and the office of the pope. Interestingly enough, I noted that the apostle Peter, whom they teach to have been their first pope, was nothing like the so-called Successor of Peter.
Henceforth, I shed the yoke of inscrutable Catholicism in favor of biblical Christianity, in which men are equal in Christ. Since then, I have had a richer, fuller spiritual life and desire that all should, likewise, have this blessing. Therefore, I write these things in hopes that some will be inspired to read their bibles and find for themselves the teachings of Jesus; and with guidance from the Holy Spirit find that simplicity that is in Christ.
The pope of the Catholic Church—
Friends, when you choose to follow a man for spiritual guidance, do you make sure that you know about his personal views, interpretations or lifestyle? Or, do you leave your beliefs up to the ramblings of a person chosen by popular vote? While democracy works in the secular world, I daresay that it is a frightful thought to have your beliefs hinged on whoever happens to be sitting in the “Chair of St. Peter.”
Over the centuries many men have sat in that spot as the so-called “Holy See” of the Catholic Church. Arguably, there have been some that have been outright vile in their sullied practices, yet they are infallible, so a believer must follow what this “infallible” teacher presents as dogma. And if the whims of two separate popes are of an opposing nature, then what? Surely, the current pope could not declare a predecessor to be fallible.
But, to be enthroned as overseer of the largest Christian population in the world, surely you must be an exemplary Christian. And certainly it could be assumed that this most holy, infallible creature would do as is told us in 1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Does the pope “walk the walk”?
When the pope is selected by his peers to advance to supremacy, he is not simply told that he is the new CEO of Catholic, Inc. and given the keys to the executive washroom. Instead, there is an elaborate ceremonious inauguration that takes place among a vast sea of followers of the “Supreme Pontiff.”
When Benedict XVI was elected as ruler the cardinals of the Catholic Church all knelt down and swore obedience to him. To start out the inauguration he knelt with the cardinals in front of the tomb of St. Peter and prayed. Then in a peacock-like showing of importance, they proceeded to St. Peter’s Square among chants from onlookers. The pope was then endowed with symbols of his dominance and presented with more subjective swearing of obedience. In attendance to greet the new pope were kings, queens, princes, and heads of state.
The pope will then spend the rest of his days being treated in excess, living in the apartments of the Apostolic Palace or other lavish settings. Everywhere he goes people, including the very rulers of nations, will bow to him and kiss his ring and his feet as a sign of their obedience. He will receive invitations to meetings of the most powerful political influences on earth, and have ambassadors dabbling in the politics of every nation. In times not so long past, the pope was ushered in by an excessive coronation and enthroned wearing a triple crown, as a sign of his dominion. Does this sound like Christ to you?
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phillipians 2:5-8) Though Christ deserved the presentation to the world as the supreme ruler, he instead presented himself as a servant. He was God. Yet, he was of the most humble estate while on this earth.
In fact, when the masses wanted to crown him as king because of the miracles he had performed he did not entertain their desire. After the miracle of feeding the five thousand we are told in John 6:15 “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.”
Did your Savior live in palaces and castles and preach from the most expensively decorated churches? Did he live a life of excess, so as to be seen by all the people that they could marvel at his riches? Luke 9:58 tells us nay, “And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
I think that we can probably concede that Jesus lived a life that is in direct disparity to the Bishop of Rome. But, let us now look at Peter, Christ’s apostle. As the Catholic Church touts that he is “the Rock” on which their church is built, let’s see how he rates against the “Apostolic See.”
Where as it is an expected custom for people to bow down to the pope and kiss his ring or his feet, Peter rebuked Cornelius for doing such a thing to him. “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” (Acts 10:25-26)
You see, Peter regarded himself as simply a man. He was a fragile man at one point and had denied his very Savior in order to save his own skin. He knew he was a sinner and after the resurrection of Christ, he took the commission of spreading the gospel of Christ. He did not promote himself or let anyone else exalt him. Peter introduced himself as an apostle and servant of Christ (2 Peter 1:1). And when addressing the elders of the church he included himself among their ranks, not above them; but regarding himself as being in the same position as they. “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed” (1 Peter 5:1)
However, the popery not only elevates a single man’s spiritual status above his followers, it also usurps titles belonging only to God:
The Vicar of Christ on Earth—I wish I was making this up, but this is a common title for bishop of Rome. Let us break this down into simple understanding. Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father. He died for our sins and rose again and is now in Heaven with the Father. The word vicar is described in Webster’s 1828 as follows: 1. In a general sense, a person deputed or authorized to perform the functions of another; a substitute in office.
Could this be right? When Jesus left the earth did he promise to leave a substitute or stand in? The answer is yes, He did. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”(John 14:16) But, friends, you and I both know that the Comforter that was promised to us was not in the form of a man with a fancy tall hat. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things…”(John 14:26)
Friends, the vicar of Christ on earth is the Holy Spirit. If you want to play roulette with your soul and exalt the pope with that title, please remember this: “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” (Matthew 12:31)
Holy Father—I probably don’t even have to tell a believer what is wrong with this name. However, it is a very commonly used title for the pope. I find it extremely depressing that people that call themselves Christian would refer to a man as Holy Father. Jesus was Christ. Jesus was God. Jesus would not have allowed anyone to call Him, Holy Father. He forbade the world from referring to their spiritual leaders as father. “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9) The only place in the bible that the title Holy Father is used is in reference to God the Father. “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11)
Friends, please don’t ever call a man your Holy Father. You know that you have a Holy Father, but He is in Heaven. Peter said in his first epistle, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) The Lord will not share His glory! When we are instructed to abstain from idols, don’t think that only refers to statues and pictures; it pertains to people as well. Do not fret with God and think that He will not mind that you give His glorious name to a man. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Are you following Jesus, or do you prefer the appearance of worldly power and money? Don’t let yourself be fooled by the Catholic Church, which likes to publicly announce itself as a victim of bigotry; but denies the atrocities committed in the name of Catholicism throughout history. Be not deceived, that organization is massive and wealthier than you can imagine. If you follow the Catholic Church because they are rich and appear powerful, you are absolutely right. They are powerful and possess great political influence worldwide. But that was never the case with the true followers of Christ. They were always the small group that did not heed to the world and its devilish ambitions of power and glory. “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Timothy 6:5)
Should you follow the humble teachings of Christ or the hypocritical ramblings of a man that lives in worldly excess? “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
For the bible teaches that when we are born again in the spirit we will shed the lust of worldly goods. How, then, do we serve an organization that teaches it is the bond to salvation through Christ; yet, despite their outward calling to a charitable life, they speak hypocrisy through their holdings of vast fortunes of earthly treasures? Does the pope not realize that it is not good enough to tell people about Jesus, but he is to be an example? Having the knowledge of Jesus we must rid oruselves the worldly nature to possess excessive riches and the adoration of men. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” (2 Peter 2:20) Please, friends, take note of who wrote that. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter, whom is claimed to be their first pope, gave that warning.
Another example that we get from Peter, the imperfect, humble follower of Christ that is not in conjunction with the extravagant existence of the popery is found in Peter’s response to Jesus after being told the perils of living as a rich man. Jesus said “…How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:24-25) “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” (Luke 18:28) Peter left all his worldly possessions in order to serve Christ. The pope gains the riches of the world and the titles of God Himself for the proclamation of Christ. Who will you serve?
I have had the argument presented to me that times have changed and, therefore, it is no big thing if a man declare himself righteous above all and infallible, so as to properly instruct the known world. I’m sorry if you believe that. We know that Peter did not assume that role. But, supposing that the world has changed, at least we have the scriptures which have not changed. And with that we have this assurance: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) The world has changed. Jesus Christ has not. Therefore, we need not change how we go about serving Him.
When John was presented with the Revelation of Christ to record in his writing he wrote about the whore of Babylon: “I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:1-5) It is commonly thought that Peter wrote an epistle from Rome, but he referred to it as “Babylon.” John continues by making it very clear that the angel revealed to him, and all of us, who the harlot is: “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” (Revelation 17:9) Everyone in John’s day knew that the city that sat on seven mountains was Rome. Oh, but how soon the world forgets or is convinced otherwise. The mind that has wisdom knows of what is being told here. And if that’s not clear enough the chapter ends with this verse. “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18)
Like I said, when that was written I doubt there was a person around that didn’t understand that the woman was a city, and the city was Rome. Friends, keep in mind that Rome has not changed much since that time. It did not die out, it simply got a facelift. It changed from the Roman Empire, to the Holy Roman Empire to the current Roman Catholic Church. In its current state it wields power over more of this earth than Nero ever had, yet the Emperor is now called a pope and every nation’s leaders bow down before him. Choose who you will serve.
In closing, I want to reiterate that my goal here is to expose the evil of the doctrines and practices, not the people. I hope that reading this has moved you spiritually, but don’t you for one second think that as a bible believing Christian that you are better than those that disagree with you. Instead, be moved to compassion and pray for those that are deceived by deceitful doctrine and ambitions of worldly glory. You and I need the grace of God just as much as the pope of Rome does. Do not be drawn to anger over what you have read concerning this man; but pray for him just as much as you would your friend or family member, that he might abandon earthly glories for heavenly treasures.
and these are the Signs of the Times…
—-Anthony Dentler (a 27 year veteran of the Roman Catholic Church…..now a Born Again Believer Saved by the Grace of God )
