[Long] Are there any point-by-point refutations of this Prot anti-Catholic document?

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No. It’s an unending task. The best general and detailed refutation of such nonsense is Karl Keating’s book “Catholicism and Fundamentalism.”
 
You are most likely wasting your time. This document is so full of errors and falsehoods that you will never get anywhere trying to refute the whole thing. Was this given to you by a friend? If so have them pick one topic that they would be open to discussing. The key word here is open. If you attempt to refute the whole thing it would take you weeks of discussion which will be you standing their dodging a never ending barrage of accusations. Accusations against the Catholic Church has nothing to do with history, they are only limited by the imagination of the accuser.

The book already mentioned is good. Tim Staples Sword of the Spirit might help as well.

Here’s a good website that would help with many of these…

https://www.biblechristiansociety.com/download

You can download all of John’s talks for free.

UPDATE…

I missed the part where you said the refutation is for your sake.

I would start with John’s website.

Two minute apologetics might be a good one to start with.

Then which came first the Church or the Bible.

Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide next.

His debate might be a good one to hear both sides of the argument.

Other audio books I’ve listen to

Tim Staples Catholic Answers to Common Objections

Google the conversion stories of Tim Staples or Dr. Scott Hahn.

Start Listening to Catholic Answers Live, Called to Communion and Open Line Monday.

You can download the podcasts and listen to them when you want.

Take your time you don’t need all of the answers now, Just trust that the Church has you back as She has for 2000 years.

God Bless
 
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yawnernonner said:
I’m not looking for short answers. I’m looking for something that is as thorough as possible. If you don’t have the time, please then, don’t answer.
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I have time. But what about you? Do you have time? Are you going to be back?

Here’s what I propose. I come to this forum everyday. I’ll pick one of those objections to Catholicism each day, consecutively and knock them down for you.

It would go faster if other Catholics join in and pick topics with which they are familiar and give the Catholic Teaching.

So, here we go.
 
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Hmm… that’s quite a list there.

If I had the time (several hours) I’d consider tackling this point by point as an exercise.

The thing with tracts like this is that it always comes down to interpretation of the Bible and the old “that’s not what that passage means” argument. The gentleman that wrote this is a Protestant minister who isn’t likely to be persuaded by any evidence he’s shown. He interprets as he sees fit and that’s that.

To the OP: this two part tract covers almost every single point Catholicism and Protestantism clash on. A full length dissertation could be written on what you’ve shown us here. It isn’t a cop out, it’s the truth. I might recommend Catholic Faith - Scripture Catholic to answer some of the common objections. It helped me learn my faith better when my ex-Protestant wife had a thousand questions about the faith.

Looking forward to coming back to this thread later…
 
I’m assuming this is from a Bible only website, so my Catholic answers will come directly from the Bible, for the most part.

The Roman Catholic Church believes many false doctrines that are contrary to the Bible,

That’s not true. The Catholic Church canonized the Bible. She discerned the Old Testament and set aside many books which are not inspired. Those which are, she included in the Canon of the Bible. Her member wrote many New Testament books. She also discerned which of those were inspired and put them in the Bible.

and were unknown to the early Church, such as:

Human Tradition is Elevated to Or Above the Word of God (1545 AD)

On the contrary, the Catholic Church only Teaches the Word of God. Sacred Tradition is the original form of the Word of God which was passed down by Jesus Christ. It is the basis of the Written Word in the New Testament. Jesus did not write a word of Scripture. Nor did the Bible miraculously fall out of the sky. The Catholic Church wrote the New Testament.

Wrong Gospel, Wrong Message of Salvation

On the contrary, salvation by faith alone is an error. The Catholic Church Teaches through her Scriptures, that we are saved by faith and works.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Confession of Sins to Priest to Obtain Absolution of Sins

Also in Scripture.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Do you recognize the Sacrament of Confession, here.

Penance

Penance means “works of repentance”.

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

It also means suffering to pay for our sins:

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Priests

Presbytery means priesthood.

1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

cont’d
 
Greetings @yawnernonner

Welcome to the Catholic Answers Forums. I hope that we will be able to answer your questions concerning these lists.

First, I’d like to point out that some of these claims/assertions are extremely vague. They make a statement but lack the specifics of the background to the statement. A couple of examples:

First the item on “Extreme Unction”:

This sacrament states that “At the end of life, sin can be totally undone and man is prepared for immediate entrance into everlasting glory.” There is no reference as to where the statement comes from; there is no reference to a specific Catholic document. It is difficult to respond to this without that reference, and it makes me question the veracity of the original statement. If one is going to make a statement like this, one should have the source of the statement and be willing to use that source. It makes the argument stronger. Anytime I talk with someone about the Catholic Church and they come up with a statement like this, I always ask them, “What Catholic document did you get that from?” They usually cannot respond. You want to take the same stance. Let them defend their statement.

Second example:
  1. The Roman Catholic church has a history of burning Bibles.
This is very vague. Any good argument will answer all five questions of who, what, when, where, why. This statement only answers the “what” statement. It does not answer who burned the bible, when were they burned, where were they burned and why were they burned. Again, this brings into question whether the original statement is correct or not, i.e. did the Catholic Church burn bibles.

I would suggest, in addition to the suggested resources that others on this thread have made, is that you go to the Catholic Answers main page and type in what you are looking for. They have a ton of stuff there that will go a long way to answering your questions.

I wish you well with your father and your efforts on converting. Without knowing more about your family situation, I would not be able to tell you whether to move out or not. I would recommend that you make an appointment with a priest in your area and tell him your situation. He will be able to help you on your journey.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Blessings
 
cont’d

Celibacy of Priests and Nuns (1079 AD)

This was recommended by St. Paul:
1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Confirmation

Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

Extreme Unction (526 AD)

The Sacrament of Healing:
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Infant Baptism (370 AD)

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Transubstantiation (1215 AD)

John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Adoration of the Host (Wafer Bread) (1220 AD)

It’s the adoration of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life:
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The Mass (394 AD)

Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Other Mediators Between God and Man

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

cont’d
 
cont’d

Prayers to Saints (375 AD)

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Purgatory (593 AD)

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Papal Infallibility (1870 AD)

Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Indulgences (1190 AD)

Treasure in heaven

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Idolatry = Making Images (786 AD)

If that were true, then God was the first to command idolatry:

Numbers 21:8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

Mary Veneration (431 AD)

At least they have the right word, veneration.

Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Catholic Attitudes to the Bible (1229 AD)

The Catholic Church has always taught that the Bible is the Word of God and contains no error. The Catholic Church is the entity which put the Bible together. The first Bible was the Latin Vulgate, put together by St. Jerome in the 4th century.

Peter as the Rock

Matt 16:18 Jesus renamed Simon Bar-jonah, giving him His own name. Rock.

15 Apocrypha Books Added to the Old Testament Bible (1546 AD)

The Latin Vulgate was the first Bible and contained the Deuterocanonicals (Protestant apocrypha). Even the first Protestant bible still had them. Look at the original Lutheran and King James bibles.

cont’d
 
cont’d

Names of Blasphemy (350 AD)

No idea to what that is making reference. Unless it has something to do with the titles of the Pope to which Protestants object. In that case, the Pope remains the Servant of the Servants of God.

Rosary Prayer Beads (1090 AD)

True. What’s the problem?

Low Moral Standards

That would be Protestantism in general. Any sins committed by any people are done in spite of Catholic Teaching. Whereas, Protestants have removed prohibitions for divorce and remarriage, which is adultery. The use of birth control, abortion, masturbation, and even homosexuality in some cases.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate heart of Mary.
True. What’s the problem?

Crossing Oneself (300 AD)

That is Christ’s seal.

Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Was Peter the First Pope?

Matt 16:18-19; John 21:15-17

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

cont’d
 
cont’d

Roman Catholic Lies, Immorality, Corruption

There are none. The Catholic Church is the Church which Jesus Christ established.

The Inquisition, Torture, Massacres, Murders, Wars (1184 AD)

If Catholics had not held the inquisitions, you would be praying to Allah today, five times a day, facing east on your prayer rug.

15 Evidences that the Roman Catholic Church is Mystery Babylon the Great, the Whore of Revelation 17

On the contrary, that is simply an unbiblical accusation made by people who don’t understand the Word of God. Here’s the truth.

Who Gave Us the Bible? God or the Roman Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church by the inspiration of God.

They Turn People Away From Christ to Honor Twelve Other Things

Nope. Without the Catholic Church, no one would today be aware of Jesus Christ existence. No one today would have the Scriptures. No one today would have the Eucharist.

Conclusion

The Roman Catholic Church has developed many doctrines which cannot be remotely proven from the Bible. For example, the Assumption of Mary.

The proof of the Assumption of Mary can be found in Rev 12:1

Revelation 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
 
Just pick one topic. I’ve picked the first. It’s that old list that they keep posting on the internet. I think they’ve left out a few things. I believe the original has like 100 objections.

This one only has 33. I’ve handled them all.

Please take the next page if you are so inclined. God willing, I’ll be back tomorrow and handle another one.
 
When I said I’d tackle the whole thing, I meant as just practice for my own self to hone my apologetics skills, and to have it on file for future responses.

I’m currently in a mandatory class for a certification, and I’m passing time here. I don’t have all my resources at the moment to pick a piece and respond to it. I’ll jump in later today or tomorrow if I can.
 
I am sure there is a Catholic Answers tract for, if not each of these Catholic beliefs and practices in question, at least most of them, providing Biblical and Patristic support for Catholicism.

Dave Armstrong’s book, “Proving the Catholic Faith is Biblical,” might also be help. It is available from the Catholic Answers Shop.
 
Question: Did God leave important teachings out of the Bible? Is God forgetful?

God didn’t write the Bible. He inspired certain men to write down the things which are essential to prove the existence of Jesus Christ.

John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

The Roman Catholic Church cannot clearly and easily show its history before 320 AD,

It can and does. Here’s a website which shows some of the writings of the Early Church Fathers. That should whet your appetite to learn more.

And here’s an example of what you’ll read there. Note the date of this writing.

Ignatius of Antioch

Follow your bishop, every one of you, as obediently as Jesus Christ followed the Father. Obey your clergy too as you would the apostles; give your deacons the same reverence that you would to a command of God. Make sure that no step affecting the Church is ever taken by anyone without the bishop’s sanction. The sole Eucharist you should consider valid is one that is celebrated by the bishop himself, or by some person authorized by him. Where the bishop is to be seen, there let all his people be; just as, wherever Jesus Christ is present, there is the Catholic Church (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).
when the Roman Emperor Constantine professed conversion, amalgamated pagans and Christians, and declared himself to be the head or pontiff of the Universal (Catholic) Church.
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Saint Constantine did help the Church by making it one of the official religions of the Roman empire and forbidding anymore persecution. But he did not rule the Church.
The early Church never had many of the doctrines that the Roman Catholic Church now has.
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The early Church had all the same Doctrines. That’s how we know that it remains the same Church.
“If they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)
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That disqualifies virtually all Protestants. The Catholic Church is the institution which wrote the New Testament Scriptures. Anyone who disagrees with the Catholic Church, also disagrees with God’s Scriptures.
 
Pro tip: when someone tries to say a doctrine was made up at some date, it’s probably a sign they don’t know what they’re talking about.
They take when it was defined, usually in response to accusations against it.
 
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Question: What are some errors of the Roman Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church is infallible and Teaches no errors.

ERROR 1: Human Tradition Is Elevated to Or Above the Word of God (1545 AD)

On the contrary, it is the human tradition known as Sola Scriptura which Protestants have elevated above the Word of God. Notice that by claiming to hold Sola Scriptura, Protestants have given themselves the freedom to interpret the Bible any way they want. Thus, they hold their personal opinion above what the Bible truly says.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit, after the tradition of man, … and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

However, Catholic Tradition is composed of the Teachings of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus charges the Pharisees for exalting tradition above the Word of God in the same way that the Roman Catholic Church does:

It is Protestants who hold up their traditions above the Word of God. That’s why they hold to Scripture alone in disobedience to the Bible:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

"Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" (Matthew 15:3)…

All those verses say the same thing. And as I’ve shown above, it is Protestants who transgress the Commandment of God by their traditions.

I challenge Catholics to test their doctrines by God’s Word.

That’s the exercise we’re doing right now.

The Church does not give birth to the Word of God, but the Word of God gives birth to the Church. “Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth.” (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23)

On the contrary, Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church. Then He commanded the Catholic Church to Teach the world. The Catholic Church took it upon herself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to write the New Testament based upon the Teachings of Jesus Christ and to find the true inspired books of the Old Testament. Then to combine the two in the Bible.
 
Protestant error says:
The Word of God saves us, and we then become part of a local Church. This has always been the case. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) Roman Catholicism quotes Church traditions as the authority as to why they add unbiblical doctrines.

In contrast, the true order of salvation as taught by the Catholic Church, is thus.

TRENT VI
CHAPTER V
THE NECESSITY OF PREPARATION FOR JUSTIFICATION IN ADULTS, AND WHENCE IT PROCEEDS

It is furthermore declared that in adults the beginning of that justification must proceed from the predisposing grace of God through Jesus Christ, that is, from His vocation, whereby, without any merits on their part, they are called;

First, God calls us.

2027 No one can merit the initial grace which is at the origin of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we can merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life, as well as necessary temporal goods.

that they who by sin had been cut off from God, may be disposed through His quickening and helping grace to convert themselves to their own justification by freely assenting to and cooperating with that grace;

If we accept His call, we must cooperate with that grace.

so that, while God touches the heart of man through the illumination of the Holy Ghost, man himself neither does absolutely nothing while receiving that inspiration, since he can also reject it, nor yet is he able by his own free will and without the grace of God to move himself to justice in His sight.

Hence, when it is said in the sacred writings:
Turn ye to me, and I will turn to you,[19] we are reminded of our liberty; and when we reply:
Convert us, O Lord, to thee, and we shall be converted,[20] we confess that we need the grace of God.

CHAPTER VI
THE MANNER OF PREPARATION

Now, they [the adults] are disposed to that justice when, aroused and aided by divine grace, receiving faith by hearing,[21] they are moved freely toward God, believing to be true what has been divinely revealed and promised, especially that the sinner is justified by God by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;[22] and when, understanding themselves to be sinners, they, by turning themselves from the fear of divine justice, by which they are salutarily aroused, to consider the mercy of God, are raised to hope, trusting that God will be propitious to them for Christ’s sake; and they begin to love Him as the fountain of all justice, and on that account are moved against sin by a certain hatred and detestation, that is, by that repentance that must be performed before baptism;[23] finally, when they resolve to receive baptism, to begin a new life and to keep the commandments of God.

Therefore, we must begin to do the things that are necessary for salvation. Study and show ourselves approved and ask for the grace of justification, in Baptism.
 
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