Page 3 - Jesus' Resurrection

"A bottom line belief for all Christians is a belief in the resurrection."
However, that statement is immediately qualified by saying that what Christians believe about the resurrection varies widely.
The chapter gives four different approaches to the resurrection. They are discussed below, in the order that they are given in the book.

(1) "Some interpret the resurrection as more of a spiritual than a physical phenomenon, almost as if Jesus were an apparition. Such an understanding is neo-Docetic, and despite the fact that Docetism was deemed heretical centuries ago, its influence and broad level of acceptance remains undeniable even today." This statement is followed by accounts of ghost stories. (p. 22)

According to the online edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Docetism did more than deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also denied that he had a real body during his life on earth. It spiritualized Jesus to the point of claiming that He only had an "apparent or phantom" body. This was one of the earliest heresies, and in the second century it became a teaching of Gnosticism. This heresy denies the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. As a result, it also denies salvation. By trying to spiritualize Jesus to the point of denying His humanity, it makes a mockery of the Gospels and of Christianity.[1]

Docetism is clearly refuted in the Bible. It wasn't just "deemed heretical "centuries ago" -- it has always been considered to be a heresy, ever since the early church. It spiritualizes Jesus, denying that He is God come in the flesh, it denies both the Incarnation and the Resurrection, and it thereby nullifies salvation. The apostle John warned Christians not to be deceived by such false teachings. He said,

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." (1 John 4:1-3)

The Bible makes it absolutely clear that Jesus had a physical, bodily resurrection. And it specifically refutes the idea that what the disciples encountered was a spirit or a ghost. Consider the following account of the apostle Luke:

"Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Peace to you.' But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.'

"When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, 'Have you any food here?'So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence." (Luke 24:36-43)

They personally handled the physical body of Jesus. They touched Him and felt Him. When they gave Him food, He physically ate real food in their presence. Jesus made it absolutely clear that He was physically present. By handling Jesus' body, the disciples personally experienced the concrete, physical nature of Jesus' resurrected body.

(2) "Another way of interpreting the resurrection is that Christ's followers in the days after the crucifixion merely felt his nearness with them." This statement is followed by accounts of grieving people who "feel" the presence of loved ones who have died.

In addition to denying that Jesus was resurrected as described in Luke's gospel, this approach makes Jesus Christ seem to be no different than anybody else.

(3) "Jesus' teachings, his principles, and the lives of discipleship exhibited by his followers all survived in spite of the cross. There are those who say that Jesus lives on through the people who started the Christian movement and keep it going." (p. 23)

Again, this approach denies the resurrection as described in Luke's gospel. And again, it makes Jesus Christ seem to be no different than other people. One could say that Karl Marx lives on through the people who keep his movement going. One could say the same thing about other people who have impacted society in smaller ways.

(4) "Finally, there are many traditionalists among us who accept the idea of the bodily resurrection of Jesus." (p. 25)

After giving three approaches that deny the Biblical accounts of the Resurrection, the author finally mentions that there are Christians who believe that Jesus was resurrected bodily. And he calls such people 'traditionalists.' But belief that Jesus was physically resurrected as described in the Bible is not based on tradition -- it is based on Scripture. By talking in terms of tradition, the author makes the belief seem as if it rests on the traditions of men rather than being based on the clear, obvious, unmistakable meaning of the accounts of the Resurrection given in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.

General Comments
The literal bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ is absolutely central to Christianity. Our salvation depends on it. The resurrection of the dead depends on it. Without a literal, physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, our faith is worthless. The apostle Paul said,

"Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up -- if in fact the dead do not rise.

"For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

"Bottom Line Beliefs" does not build up faith. It brings fog instead of light. It gives a distorted, watered-down, confusing picture of Jesus Christ and of Christianity. If readers are not Scripturally knowledgeable and well grounded in foundational Christian doctrines, then this book is likely to cause confusion and undermine their faith.

For centuries, courageous missionaries have faced dangers, hardships, and death in order to share their faith with people in other countries. And they are still doing it today, in nations where Christians are severely persecuted.

The early Christians faced death by torture rather than deny their faith. And throughout history since then, Christians have been suffering and dying for their faith. It is still going on today, in countries such as North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. These faithful Christians endure hardship and death because of their love for, and trust in, the Lord Jesus Christ -- a risen Savior, a glorious Lord who conquered death and hell. Not for a ghost or an ethics teacher.
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NOTE

1. "Docetism," The Encyclopedia Britannica (online edition) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/167323/Docetism

Page 2 - The Centrality of Jesus

This chapter makes the following main points about Jesus:

(1) "Jesus is a man who transformed human culture." That statement is followed by discussing how, over the centuries, Christians have founded hospitals, nursed the sick, provided education, helped the poor, and engaged in "social services." (p. 15)

This approach could be used by humanists or atheists who care about the poor.

(2) "Some see Jesus as a ‘rabbi' who taught the ultimate ethical system for life within community." The Sermon on the Mount is given as an illustration of teachings about ethics. (p. 15)

This approach could also be used by humanists or atheists.

(3) "Some see Jesus as a personal presence. He challenges us in our daily decision-making. He comforts us in times of crisis. He confronts us at work or school or home, asking us, as he did Matthew, to ‘Rise up, and follow' (Matt 9:9). He is intensely personal and involved in our human lives." (p. 17)

This third approach is alright as far as it goes, but there is much more to Jesus Christ than that. The apostle Paul said,

"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Nowhere in the entire chapter is there a word about Jesus being our Savior, that He loves us so much that He died to save us from our sins. Nothing is said about Jesus Christ being Lord. And nothing is said about Jesus being God incarnate, both God and man. The silence is deafening. ...
Continued on Page 3 here:
http://lowercase-life.blogspot.com/2009/12/page-3-jesus-resurrection.html

Mangled Christianity - Page 1

"...in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons...." 1 Timothy 4:1
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OR HOW TO PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR OWN VIEWS:
A Review of "Bottom Line Beliefs" [by Michael B. Brown] & written by Mary Ann Collins, 1st November 2009.
This book claims to describe twelve "bottom line" beliefs that all Christians hold in common. However, its description of those beliefs is confusing, and at times clearly contrary to Scripture. For example, in discussing what happens after we die (chapter 12), it includes reincarnation as a belief that is held by some Christians (p. 94). However, reincarnation is contrary to Jesus' parable about the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). And it is clearly refuted in the book of Hebrews, which says,
"it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27, emphasis added)
I have discussed two chapters dealing with beliefs that are absolutely foundational to Christianity.
Following that are some general comments about the book.
Continued on Page 2 here:
http://newbeginning-page2.blogspot.com/2009/11/page-2_20.html

A New Beginning - Page 1

MARY WORSHIP?
A Study of Catholic Practice and Doctrine
Mary Ann Collins (A Former Catholic Nun)
Jesus said that the truth will set us free. (John 8:32)
However, He did not say that the truth would necessarily be easy to accept. It was painful for me to learn the information that I am about to share with you, but it was also liberating and it led to a closer relationship with God.
As a faithful Catholic, and later as a nun, I was devoted to Mary. The prayers and practices were so familiar. They were taught to me by sincere people. I prayed the rosary, including rosary novenas. I wore a Brown Scapular and a Miraculous Medal. I visited shrines that honor Mary. I had beautiful statues of Mary. I attended special services where we prayed to Mary and recited a litany of titles honoring her. I read books about apparitions of Mary, and dreamed of visiting Lourdes and Fatima. I participated in processions honoring Mary. A statue of Mary was put on a platform that was decorated with flowers. There were poles on the platform, so that men could carry it. The men walked through the streets, carrying the statue on the platform. We walked behind the statue, singing songs in Mary's honor.
Was this worship? At the time, that question never occurred to me. Now, looking back on what I did, I believe that it was.
If modern Catholic teachings and doctrines about Mary are true, then they will not be contrary to Scripture, the writings of the Early Fathers, or the decrees of past popes. For a devout Catholic to question these issues and put them to the test can be painful. It certainly was for me. However, it would be far more painful to have God correct us when we face Him on Judgment Day.
DEVOTION TO MARY
If you want to see what a person's real priorities are, then watch what they do when their life, or the life of a loved one, is in danger. When Pope John Paul II was shot, while the ambulance was rushing him to the hospital, the Pope was not praying to God or calling on the name of Jesus. He kept saying, over and over, "Mary, my mother!" Polish pilgrims placed a picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa on the throne where the Pope normally sat. People gathered around the picture. Vatican loudspeakers broadcasted the prayers of the rosary. When the Pope recovered, he gave Mary all the glory for saving his life, and he made a pilgrimage to Fatima to publicly thank her.[l]
Jesus said, "[W]here your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:34) Vast sums of money are spent on jeweled crowns and lavish clothing for some special statues of Mary.
(You can see pictures of them in the Catholic devotional book, Miraculous Images of Our Lady.)[2]
In the Philippines, there is a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary that is nearly 5 feet high. It wears a crown of gold studded with diamonds, rubies, and other gems. There is a large halo like a sunburst behind its head, made of gold and diamonds.[3]
.. Continued on Page 2 - (See right margin)

Page 2

In Spain, a statue of Our Lady of the Forsaken has elegant gowns and mantles decorated with gold and jewels. It has a large collection of jewels, including $50,000 worth of jewels that are a gift from Queen Isabella II.[4]Our Lady of Guadalupe is best known for a painting in Mexico, but there is also a statue in Spain that wears gold and jewels. It has a sunburst headdress with 30,000 jewels.[5]In Germany, a statue of Our Lady of Alotting has a gold crown covered with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. It wears a necklace of pearls and rubies, and a gown that is decorated with gold, pearls, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The statue is in a shrine with a silver altar and walls that are decorated with silver. [6]In Spain, a statue of Our Lady of the Pillar wears clothing decorated with gold and jewels, and a large gold crown covered with jewels. There is a sunburst (halo) behind the statue with a diameter that is larger than the height of the statue. A full-color, close-up picture of the crown and sunburst shows that they are covered with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. (There are so many jewels that I can't see the gold underneath them.) On the wall behind the statue are 148 gold stars; 80 of them are set with jewels. [7]Even paintings of Mary can wear jewels. In Russia, there is a painting of Our Lady of Kazan that is covered with a rizza (a structure of gold that covers the entire painting except for the faces of Mary and baby Jesus). This rizza has more than 1,000 diamonds, rubies, pearls, and sapphires on it.[8]In Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, preparations are underway to construct a huge statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. Inside the base of the statue there will be chapels, conference rooms, apartments, a food court, and radio and TV stations. There will also be observation decks. This statue will be part of a 500-acre "Mystical City" complex. According to an article in Caribbean Business, this statue "will top at 1,500 feet." According to an article by the Associated Press, the statue will be 305 feet high.[9]The discrepancy in numbers can be explained by looking at the Statue of Liberty, which is a 151 foot statue on top of a 154 foot base. Some sources say that the Statue of Liberty is 305 feet high (which includes the height of the base) and some say that it is 151 feet high (which is the height of the actual statue). What we probably have in Sabana Grande is a 305 foot statue with a 1,200 foot base.I have personally participated in American processions which honored Mary. We walked through the streets following a statue of Mary which was carried on a platform, high up where it was clearly visible. We sang songs in Mary's honor. We prayed rosaries and other prayers to her. These were small processions. At Fatima, Portugal, crowds of over a million people gather on the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The celebration includes a procession of a million people following a statue of Mary and singing her praises.[10]One popular prayer in Mary's honor is the "Hail Holy Queen," which is known in Latin as the Salve Regina. It is traditionally included as part of praying the rosary.For Catholics who are reading this, please try to overcome your familiarity with this text and really look at the words. Doesn't this sound like worship?"Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping, in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy ...
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Page 14

... with both Scripture and the writings of the Early Fathers, see James G. McCarthy, The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the Word of God, pp. 281-309.
31. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 85, 87,100, 862, 891, 939,2034,2037,2041,2050.
32. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 890, 891, 939, 2033, 2034, 2049.
33. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 892, 2037, 2050.
34. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, pp. 34-55, op. cit.
35. Ibid., pp. 56-63.
36. Ibid., pp. 63-71.
37. James G. McCarthy, The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and theWord of God, pp. 181-184 and 199-200, op. cit.
38. "Catholicism: Crisis of Faith" (video and DVD). The producer is a former Catholic. You can order it from D& K Press (800-777-8839) or Amazon.com.
39. Jim Tetlow, Messages from Heaven, pp. 3-7, op. cit. Jim Tetlow also produced a video withthe same title. If you can afford to get both, I recommend it. The book gives a lot of information and it is thoroughly documented. The author is a former Catholic.
40. Video, "Messages from Heaven," produced by James Tetlow. You can watch it online.(Accessed 9/30/08)
http://www.creationists.org/MessagesFromHeaven/english.html
41. Quotations from popes who exalted Mary. (Accessed 9/30/08)
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/IMARY.html
Mary's Names and Titles. (Accessed 9/30/08) http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/MNames.html
The Rosary. (Accessed 9/30/08) http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/Rosary.html
The Litany. (Accessed 9/30/08) http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/Litany.html
Dr. Ken Lawson, "Mary Around the World." (A series of articles about cultural devotion to Mary.) (Accessed 9/30/08) http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/MaryLawson.html

Editors Note:
Thank you Mary Ann, for the privilege of publishing a part of your life's work to the world.
The writings of Mary Ann Collins will continue here soon, on:
http://lowercase-life.blogspot.com
- to be followed later, by some of my own.

Page 13

13. In the Encyclical Intersodalicia (1918). Quoted in Donald G. Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology, Volume 1 (San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1982), p. 196.
14. In the Encyclical of February 2, 1849. Quoted in Donald G. Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology, Volume 1, p. 196, op. cit.
15. Queenship Jubilee Year 2000 Catalog, p. 92. This is a catalog of the Queenship Marian Center for World Peace, which promotes the doctrine of Mary as Advocate, Mediator, and Co-Redemptrix. It also promotes the petition. The catalog gives information about the petition's progress, and about church leaders who support the doctrine.
16. Catechism of the Catholic Church (New York: Doubleday Image, 1995), paragraphs 490-492. The Catechism comes in numerous editions and languages. Because it has numbered paragraphs, statements can be accurately located in spite of the variety of editions.
17. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, pp. 72-77, op. cit.
18. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 411, 493.
19. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 496-511.
20. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, pp.79-80, op. cit.
21. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 963, 971, 2677.
22. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 963, 975.
23. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 966, 974.
24. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, pp. 81-85, op. cit.
25. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 968-970, 2677.
26. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 966.
27. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 971, 2675.
28. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 80, 84, 86, 97.
29. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 78, 98, 113, 2650, 2661.
30. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, pp. 22-33, op. cit. For a description of how pious practices can become official Catholic doctrine, and how this conflicts ...
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Page 12

http://\vww.creationists.org/MessagesFromHeaven/english.html
''Messages from Heaven" (video and DVD) by Jim Tetlow. The DVD is multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Polish). You can order it by phone from D&K Press (800-777-8839) or by calling 877-370-7770.
NOTES
1. James G. McCarthy, The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and theWord of God, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1995), pp. 181-184; 199-200. (The authoris a former Catholic.)
2. Joan Carrol Cruz, Miraculous Images of Our Lady: 100 Famous Catholic Portraits andStatues (Rockford, IL: TAN Books & Publishers, 1994). This Catholic devotional book has 125pictures, 32 of which are full color. Following page 238 there are 32 pages with full colorpictures. They are numbered page 238-1, 238-2, 238-3, etc.
3. Ibid. Statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, color picture on page 238-18, text and 2 black-and-white pictures on pages 367-372.
4. Ibid. Statue of Our Lady of the Forsaken, color picture on page 238-22, text and 1 black-and-white picture on pages 419-421.
5. Ibid. Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, color picture on page 238-16, text and 1 black-and-white picture on pages 407-409.
6. Ibid. Statue of Our Lady of Alotting, color picture on page 238-10, text and 3 black-and-whitepictures on pages 115-119.
7. Ibid. Statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, color pictures on pages 238-2 and 238-7. (The picture on238-7 is a close-up of the crown and sunburst, showing the jewels clearly.) Text and 4 black-and-white pictures are on pages 401-406.
8. Ibid. Painting of Our Lady of Kazan, color picture on page 238-15, text and 1 black-and-whitepicture on pages 297-400.
9. Jim Tetlow, Messages from Heaven, (Fairport, NY: Eternal Productions, 2002), p. 7. (Theauthor is a former Catholic.)
10. Ibid.
11. William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, (Carlisle, PA: The Banner ofTruth Trust, 1995), p. 87. (The author is a former Catholic.)
12. Ibid. ...

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Page 11

The Apostles told the religious leaders of their day, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29b) As an old hymn says, "On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand."
If you are not persuaded that Catholicism encourages, and even requires, a level of ''devotion" to Mary that really is a form of worship, then I challenge you to ask God what He thinks about it. If you are sincere in your prayer, and open to letting God show you the truth, then He will.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bloesch, Donald G., Essentials of Evangelical Theology, Volume 1. San Francisco, California: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982.
''Catechism of the Catholic Church." New York: Doubleday Image, 1995. The Catechism comes in many languages and editions. However, things can be accurately located because the paragraphs are numbered.
Code of Canon Law, Latin-English edition, New English Translation. Washington, DC: Canon Law Society of America, 1999. The laws have Canon numbers, so they can easily be found in any of the numerous editions and translations of the Code of Canon Law.
Cruz, Joan Carroll, Miraculous Images of Our Lady: 100 Famous Catholic Statues and Portraits. Rockford, Illinois: TAN Books & Publishers, 1994. This Catholic devotional book has 125 pictures, 32 of which are full color.
Elwell, Walter A. (editor), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1984.
Johnson, Paul, A History of Christianity. New York: Touchstone, Simon & Schuster, 1995. The author is a Catholic.
McCarthy, James G., The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the Word of God. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 1995. The author is a former Catholic
Tetlow, Jim, Messages from Heaven. Fairport, New York: Eternal Productions, 2002. You can order it from D&K Press (800-777-8839) or by calling 877-370-7770.
Webster, William, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1995. The author is a former Catholic.
VIDEOS AND DVD's
"Catholicism: Crisis of Faith" (video and DVD) by James G. McCarthy. You can buy this from D&K Press (800-777-8839) or Amazon.com. The DVD is multi-lingual (English plus seven other languages.) You can watch this video online. (Accessed 9/30/08) ...
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Page 10

KINDS OF WORSHIP
There are many traditional ways of expressing devotion to Mary. You can read about some of them online and decide for yourself whether or not these constitute worship.[41J
Catholic theologians speak of three degrees of homage, which have Latin words. Latria is the kind of worship which is due to God alone. Dulia is appropriate for honoring the saints. Hyperdulia is appropriate for honoring Mary. It is higher than dulia but not latria. Therefore, Catholic theologians say that Catholics do not worship Mary.
However, in the practical, down-to-earth, real world, these theological distinctions don't work. Most Catholics have never heard of these words. Of those who have, how many know how to apply them in practical ways? Catholics are not told how to engage in hyperdulia without crossing a line that results in actually practicing latria towards Mary without realizing it.
When asked about praying to Mary and the saints, I always used to say that actually I was just asking them to pray for me, like I would ask a friend. Well, that is not really accurate, because when I talk to my friends I am not talking to people who have died. Also, I just ask them directly for what I want. I would never begin talking to my friends by saying something like: "Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve."
I personally participated in many kinds of Marian devotions. ("Marian" means something relating to the Virgin Mary.) I prayed the Rosary, which uses beads to keep track of the prayers. There are ten "Hail Mary's" for every "Our Father" (the Lord's Prayer). The words of the Hail Mary are: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death."
I wore the Brown Scapular (two pieces of cloth attached with strings, worn in honor of Mary). I also wore the Miraculous Medal. Both the Brown Scapular and the Miraculous Medal resulted from apparitions of Mary. There are special prayers associated with them. The apparitions of Mary promised to help people who were faithful to these devotions.
I went to special services where we recited litanies (a series of titles honoring Mary), prayed to her, and sang songs in her honor, or else recited the words of the songs. I participated in a procession where people carried a statue of Mary, and we all followed it, singing songs in her honor. I visited several Marian shrines. I read books about apparitions of Mary, and dreamed of some day going to Lourdes.
I did not realize that what I was doing was actually a form of worship. I thought that it was pleasing to God. I thought that Jesus wanted us to honor His mother in this way.
The Bible says,
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25)
Our minds can be deceived, and so can the minds of bishops and popes. Only the Bible is totally trustworthy. When religious traditions conflict with the plain meaning of Scripture, then we need to discard those traditions. We cannot afford to do otherwise, because our eternal destiny is at stake. ...
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The Pope is said to be infallible whenever he makes an official decree on matters of faith and morals. According to Catholic doctrine, it is impossible for the Pope to teach false doctrine. Catholics are expected to obey the Pope without question, even when he is not making an "infallible" statement about doctrine. They are expected to submit their wills and minds to the Pope without question. [33]
The Early Fathers, and the theologians and canon lawyers of the Middle Ages, never taught that the bishops or the Pope were infallible. This is demonstrated by the fact that in 680 A.D., the Sixth Ecumenical Council condemned a pope as a heretic. It was not until the fourteenth century that the theory of infallibility began to emerge. With the development of this theory came a change in the interpretation of some biblical passages.[34]
The history of the early Church shows that the Bishop of Rome was considered to be just another bishop. For example, Pope Gregory (590-604 A.D.) explicitly stated that all of the bishops were equal. He specifically repudiated the idea that any one bishop could be the supreme ruler of the Church. [35]
The claim for papal infallibility does not stand up to the test of history. For example, Pope Zosimus (417-418 A.D.) reversed the pronouncement of a previous pope. He also retracted a doctrinal pronouncement that he himself had previously made. Pope Honorious was condemned as a heretic by the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680-681 A.D.). He was also condemned as a heretic by Pope Leo II, as well as by every other pope until the eleventh century. So here we have "infallible" popes condemning another "infallible" pope as a heretic. In 1870, the First Vatican Council abolished "infallible" papal decrees and the decrees of two "infallible" councils. [36]
MARIAN APPARITIONS
On May 13, 1981, a man shot Pope John Paul II. As the ambulance carried him to the hospital, the Pope kept praying, "Mary, my mother! Mary, my mother!" One year later, the Pope made a pilgrimage to Fatima to thank Our Lady of Fatima for saving his life and to consecrate the entire human race to her.[37] The video "Catholicism: Crisis of Faith" shows the Pope kissing the feet of a statue of Mary. [38]
Millions of pilgrims go to shrines which honor apparitions of Mary. Every year fifteen to twenty million pilgrims go to Guadalupe in Mexico, five and a half million go to Lourdes in France, five million go to Czestochowa (Jasna Gora) in Poland, and four and a half million go to Fatima in Portugal. Special dates draw huge crowds. On August 15, half a million pilgrims go to Czestochowa. On October 13, a million people go to Fatima. On December 12,1999, five million pilgrims went to Mexico to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe.[39]
Are these pilgrims worshipping Mary? You can observe them and see for yourself, thanks to a video titled "Messages from Heaven." If you watch the video (which is available online) you will see the Pope bow in front of a painting of Mary and cover the area with incense. You will see a million pilgrims walking in a procession, following a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and singing songs in her honor. You will see several million people in a procession following a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You will see people weeping and raising their arms towards Mary. You will see the largest assembly of bishops and cardinals since the Second Vatican Council, gathered together to join Pope John Paul LI in solemnly consecrating the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. [40] ...
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How did modern Catholic doctrine about Mary wander so far away from the teachings of the Bible and the Early Fathers? Two reasons are the importance given to Church tradition and the doctrine of papal infallibility.
The Catholic Church officially states that Church tradition is equal in authority to the Bible. [28] The problem is that Catholic tradition consists of various expressions of worship and belief of the Catholic people. [29] It is nebulous. It keeps changing. You cannot find it written in one place. You can't really put your hands on exactly what it is.
The Early Fathers used Scripture as the standard against which they tested Church tradition. The modern Catholic doctrine that Church tradition is equal in authority with the Bible is contrary to the writings of the Early Fathers.[30]
According to Jesus, Scripture is the plumb line for measuring everything else. He judged religious traditions by comparing them to Scripture. When religious traditions contradicted Scripture, he condemned them. This shows clearly that nothing is equal in authority to Scripture. The Bible stands alone as the standard by which all other things are to be judged. The pharisees criticized Jesus and His disciples for not following their traditions. Jesus' response shows his attitude towards those traditions:
"He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and Whosoever curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:6-13, emphasis added)
According to the official teaching of the Catholic Church, Catholic men and women are not allowed to believe what they read in the Bible without checking it out with the Catholic Church. They are required to find out how the bishops of the Church interpret a passage and they are to accept what the bishops teach as if it came from Jesus Christ Himself. They are not allowed to use their own judgment or follow their own conscience. They are required to believe whatever the bishops teach without questioning it.[31]
The Catholic Church teaches that when the bishops officially teach doctrine relating to faith and morals, then God supernaturally prevents them from making any errors. This is called ''infallibility." It applies to official councils, such as the Second Vatican Council. It also applies to other teachings, as long as the bishops and the Pope are in agreement about them.[32] ...
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CO-MEDIATOR
According to Catholic doctrine, Mary is the Co-Mediator to whom we can entrust all our cares and petitions.[25]
There is only one mediator and that is Jesus. The Bible says,
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
"Wherefore he [Jesus] is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)
"In whom [Jesus} we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:12)
If Jesus is constantly interceding for us and He is able to save us "to the uttermost," (utterly, completely) then He doesn't need Mary's help. If we can approach God with "boldness' and "confidence" because of our faith in Jesus, then we don't need Mary's help either.
QUEEN OF HEAVEN
According to Catholic doctrine, God has exalted Mary in heavenly glory as Queen of Heaven and earth.[26] She is to be praised with special devotion.[27] The Bible says,
"Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is
excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:13, emphasis added)
This makes it quite clear that only God's name (not Mary's) is to be exalted. (In Catholic Bibles the numbering of the chapters and verses of some of the Psalms is slightly different.)
When people tried to give Mary special honor and pre-eminence because she was His mother, Jesus corrected them.
"And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28)
In chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation, we are given a quite detailed picture of Heaven. God is seated on the throne, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures. The Lamb (Jesus) is standing in the center of the throne. Thousands upon thousands of angels circle the throne, singing God's praises. And Mary is not in the picture at all.
HOW DID WE GET HERE? ...
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MOTHER OF THE CHURCH — According to Catholic doctrine, Mary is the Mother of the Church.[22]
Acts 1:13-14 gives a picture of a group of people praying together. Mary is mentioned as one of them, but nothing indicates any special prominence.
"And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Phillip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Mary was probably in the Upper Room when the tongues of fire fell upon the 120 disciples. However, she is never mentioned again in the Book of Acts, which is our only historical record of how the Church was born. She is also not specifically identified in the epistles. Paul did send greetings to "Mary," but that was a common name. (In the Gospels and in the Book of Acts, she is referred to as "Mary the mother of Jesus" to distinguish her from other women named Mary.)
It is notable that John, who took Mary into his home after Jesus was crucified, does not mention her in his epistles, and he only mentions her on two occasions in his Gospel (the wedding at Cana and the crucifixion of Jesus). John mentions Mary Magdalene more than he mentions Jesus' mother.
ASSUMPTION — According to Catholic doctrine, at the end of her life, Mary was taken up ("assumed") body and soul into Heaven.[23]
There is no biblical reference to the assumption of Mary. The Gospel of John was written around 90 A.D., which is more than 100 years after Mary was born. (Surely Mary was more than ten years old when Jesus was conceived.) If Mary had been supernaturally assumed into Heaven, wouldn't John (the disciple that Mary lived with) have mentioned it? When Enoch and Elijah were taken up to Heaven, the Bible recorded it. With Elijah it was recorded in some detail. (See Genesis 6:24 and 2 Kings 2:1-18.)
The Assumption of Mary was officially declared to be a dogma of the Roman Catholic faith in 1950. This means that every Roman Catholic is required to believe this doctrine without questioning it. However, as we will see, the teaching of the Assumption originated with heretical writings which were officially condemned by the early Church.
In 495 A.D., Pope Gelasius issued a decree which rejected this teaching as heresy and its proponents as heretics. In the sixth century, Pope Hormisdas also condemned as heretics those authors who taught the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary. The early Church clearly considered the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary to be a heresy worthy of condemnation. Here we have "infallible" popes declaring something to be a heresy. Then in 1950, Pope Pius XII, another "infallible" pope, declared it to be official Roman Catholic doctrine.[24] ...
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Other Scripture verses which specifically refer to Jesus' brothers are: Matthew 12:46; John 2:12; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; and Galatians 1:19.
I was always taught that "brothers" and "sisters" were general terms that really could refer to any kind of kinsman, including cousins. This is true in the Hebrew language.
However, the * text missing from manuscript - will update later*, which is an extremely precise language. It makes a clear distinction between the words used to describe family relationships. There is a Greek word which refers to people who are relatives but not of the immediate family, such as aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. There are other Greek words which refer specifically to a person's brother or sister within a family.[20]
MOTHER OF GOD — According to Catholic doctrine, because she is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus is God, therefore Mary is the Mother of God. [21]
The Incarnation means that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. Mary was only the mother of Jesus as man, and not the mother of Jesus as God. According to the Bible, the world was created through Jesus. The Bible says,
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." (Hebrews 1:1-2, emphasis added)
"For by him [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things [including Mary] were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things [including Mary], and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17, emphasis added)
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58)
Jesus existed before Abraham was born. That means that He also existed before Mary was born. Jesus said,
"And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5, emphasis added).
So Jesus existed even before the world began. Jesus came first—not Mary. ...
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