Just the Bible
F a l s e t e a c h i n g s e x p o s e d
Catholicism
1 Worship of Angels
2 Worship of dead Saints (Icons)
3 Worship of Mary
4 Ascension of Mary
5 Sinlessness of Mary
6 Doctrine of "Purgatory"
7 Praying and Preaching in Latin
8 Veneration of the Pope as "Holy Father"
9 "Canonization" of deceased Saints
10 The office of the "Priest"
11 The "Holy Mass" as a sacrificial Ceremony
12 Celibacy
13 The Rosary Prayer
14 The Confession
15 Eucharist - Veneration of the Host
16 Equality of Bible and Traditions
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1 Worship of Angels
Colossians 2,18 f.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind (…).
The Bible forbids the worship of angels. Boasting about (alleged) angelic appearances is equally reprehensible and an expression of arrogance. According to the Holy Scriptures, angels are spirits who serve GOD. Even though angels possess supernatural powers, we humans should not pay special attention to them. In addition to the holy angels, there are also fallen angels (demons). These specifically seek the worship of humans in order to entice them into idolatry (Matthew 4:8-10 / 1 Corinthians 10:20).
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2 Worship of dead Saints (Icons)
Daniel 12,13
13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
John 5,28 f.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
As Christian persecution grew, beginnings of the veneration of Christian martyrs began to emerge in the second century AD. One of the first martyrs to receive special attention was Polycarp of Smyrna. He was Bishop of Smyrna (Asia Minor) and was publicly executed for his faith in 155 AD. As a result, his tomb took on special significance as a place of spiritual gatherings. While the Bible calls all God-fearing people "saints" (Romans 8:27 / Colossians 3:12 / 1 Peter 2:9, among others) – regardless of their duties or position in the community – the term "saint" was increasingly used as an honorary title (see "Saint Polycarp" or "Holy Virgin Mary"). Later, these supposedly special figures were invoked as "intercessors" in Catholicism.
The Bible teaches that the dead rest in their graves. This also applies to all saints and martyrs. Only when Jesus returns will the resurrection of the dead occur; first the resurrection of the righteous to eternal life, and then the resurrection of the unrighteous to judgment. Therefore, it makes no sense to invoke deceased believers. This is rather equivalent to necromancy, which GOD expressly forbids (Leviticus 19:26 / Deuteronomy 18:10).
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3 Worship of Mary
1. Timothy 2,5
5 For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man Christ Jesus (...).
1st John 2,1
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The roots of Marian veneration lie in pagan mythology; more precisely, in the pre-Christian veneration of the Queens of Heaven, who were worshipped under various names in numerous regions of the Mediterranean, including Artemis, Astarte, Celeste, Ceres, Cybele, Demeter, Diana, Ishtar, Isis, and Selene. The so-called "Protoevangelium of James," written in the second century AD, first gave Mary special attention, particularly with regard to her virginity. After Jesus was dogmatically elevated to "GOD" at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Mary was proclaimed "Mother of GOD" (Greek: Theotokos / Latin: Dei Genetrix) at the Council of Ephesus in 431.
The unbiblical and highly blasphemous cult of Mary, as it is practiced throughout Catholicism today, dates back largely to Gregory of Nazianus and Ambrose of Milan. Some Catholics claim that Mary is not worshipped, but only invoked as an "advocate." However, the Bible teaches that we have only one advocate with the Father: Jesus Christ. He is the mediator between GOD and humanity, and no one else. Like all other human beings who have already died, Mary rests in her grave, awaiting her resurrection at the end of days. Furthermore, the Bible forbids invoking the dead (Leviticus 19:26 / Deuteronomy 18:10).
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4 Ascension of Mary
John 3,13
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
The Bible teaches that no other human being besides Jesus was taken up into heaven by GOD—neither Mary nor any other saint. Anyone who claims the opposite goes beyond the Scripture. Jesus's enthronement at GOD's right hand in heaven is a recognition of his obedience and redemptive work. This honor is deserved by no one other than the Lord Jesus alone.
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5 Sinlessness of Mary
Romans 3,23 f.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
After Jesus was declared "GOD" at the Councils of Nicaea and Laodicea in the 4th century with the help of philosophical and metaphysical concepts, it was concluded that the Son of GOD could not have come from a woman tainted with original sin. For this reason, Mary was given the role of "Mother of GOD." This gave rise to the unbiblical myth that Mary was given the "sanctifying grace" to remain sinless at birth. The Bible teaches that no human being except Jesus is without sin. This also applies to Mary and her husband Joseph, even though both were very GOD-fearing. The claim that Mary was sinless and therefore did not need salvation is a direct contradiction of GOD's Word. Anyone who believes this makes GOD a liar. Since Mary was not sinless, she has no salvific significance.
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6 Doctrine of "Purgatory"
Hebrews 9,27 f.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
At the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, the doctrine of "purgatory" was first formulated in the Catechism. According to this doctrine, a person's soul must be purified after death. At the same time, it is said, the dead would benefit from the prayers and pious duties of the living. The Bible teaches that there is only eternal life or eternal damnation. Those who believe in Jesus and repent will receive forgiveness of their sins and salvation from death. Those who do not believe in Jesus will be judged by GOD. There is no second chance after death.
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7 Praying and Preaching in Latin
1st Corinthians 14,9
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
1st Corinthians 14,27 f.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to GOD.
The Bible teaches that during spiritual gatherings, everything should be done for the edification of the church or all believers. This includes translating any statements in foreign languages concerning GOD and His Word into a language understandable to all present. If no translator is present, speaking in foreign languages is not permitted, as what is said will remain fruitless for the listeners.
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8 Veneration of the Pope as "Holy Father"
Matthew 16,15-20
15 He saith unto them, "But whom say ye that I am?" 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living GOD." 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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." 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
The Pope (Greek/Latin "papa" = father) is the Bishop of Rome. He is considered the head of the Catholic Church and simultaneously holds supreme priestly, teaching, and leadership power. The authority of the Pope has been defined at several church councils and has been increasingly expanded over time. According to the First Vatican Council, which, among other things, established papal infallibility, anyone who does not recognize the authority of the Pope is to be punished with excommunication from the Church. In 1302, submission to the Pope was even declared essential for salvation. The entire authority of the Pope is essentially based on Matthew 16:16-19 and John 21:15-17.
Matthew 16 uses two similar words with different meanings. While Peter is called "Petros" (masculine) in Greek and means "stone" or "piece of rock," the word "Petra" (feminine) means "rock," referring here to the entire rock. The core of this passage is the revelation that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of GOD (King/Ruler). This is the central Christian creed. The disciple Peter plays only a minor role here.
The phrase "key to the kingdom of heaven" refers to the earthly kingdom of GOD—the church. Jesus commissioned Peter and the apostles to proclaim the gospel. In this way, Peter opened access to the church of GOD for people—first to the Jews, later to the Gentiles, and finally to the Samaritans. The terms "bind" and "loose" mean to punish or acquit a person. Peter received from Jesus the authority to bind people's sins upon them—as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) or Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8), thereby excluding them from the church. Likewise, a repentant sinner could be released from their guilt and readmitted to the community. This does not mean that Peter has a salvific function, as the Pope claims. For everything that Peter could bind or loose on earth had already been bound or loosed in heaven. Accordingly, every judgment Peter pronounced was already predetermined. No human being, not even a priest, can forgive sins on his own authority or at his own discretion. This belongs solely to GOD, or rather, to Jesus, as GOD's direct representative. Likewise, only GOD can decide who is saved and who is lost.
Acts 4,11
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
1st Corinthians 3,11
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2,19-22
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD; 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of GOD through the Spirit.
Ephesians 5,23
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Colossians 1,18
18 And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
The Bible teaches that none other than Jesus is the foundation and head of the church; neither Peter nor anyone else. If Jesus meant to express that he would build his church on Peter, he would have said, "Upon you I will build my church" rather than "upon this rock I will build my church." Jesus is the foundation stone, while Peter and the other apostles are the first stones upon which the Lord builds his church.
Matthew 23,8 f.
8 Aber ihr sollt euch nicht Rabbi nennen lassen; denn einer ist euer Meister; ihr aber seid alle Brüder. 9 Und ihr sollt niemand euren Vater nennen auf Erden; denn einer ist euer Vater: der im Himmel.
Jesus declares that all his disciples are to be brothers, while he himself is the Master and Teacher. Furthermore, Jesus teaches that we should not call anyone on earth "Holy Father," as this is tantamount to blasphemy; especially when accompanied by an act of homage, as is the case with the Pope. Peter himself rejected any honorifics toward his person (Acts 10:26-27). The designation "Father" in the sense of a progenitor or spiritual role model—as in the case of Paul and Timothy—is not forbidden.
John 21,15-17
15 Da sie nun das Mahl gehalten hatten, spricht Jesus zu Simon Petrus: Simon, Sohn des Johannes, liebst du mich mehr, als mich diese lieb haben? Er spricht zu ihm: Ja, Herr, du weißt, dass ich dich lieb habe. Spricht Jesus zu ihm: Weide meine Lämmer! 16 Spricht er zum zweiten Mal zu ihm: Simon, Sohn des Johannes, hast du mich lieb? Er spricht zu ihm: Ja, Herr, du weißt, dass ich dich lieb habe. Spricht Jesus zu ihm: Weide meine Schafe! 17 Spricht er zum dritten Mal zu ihm: Simon, Sohn des Johannes, hast du mich lieb? Petrus wurde traurig, weil er zum dritten Mal zu ihm sagte: Hast du mich lieb?, und sprach zu ihm: Herr, du weißt alle Dinge, du weißt, dass ich dich lieb habe. Spricht Jesus zu ihm: Weide meine Schafe!
This passage can be interpreted in different ways: Jesus may have instructed Peter to watch over his brothers until the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Likewise, Jesus' statement could refer to the apostles' later mission after Pentecost. The fact that Jesus is addressing Peter personally here in no way distinguishes him. Rather, Peter, who had recently denied his Lord three times, was meant to be encouraged by Jesus' words and strengthened for his apostolic ministry, to which Jesus had called him along with the other disciples.
Nowhere do we read that Peter's apostleship was to be passed on to a successor. Jesus called 12 apostles and sent them out with the authority to proclaim the gospel, establish churches, and appoint elders/leaders over them. While initially the apostles were to shepherd and lead the Lord's sheep, this responsibility later passed to the elders. All elders, in turn, are equal, so none of them has authority over another.
1st Corinthians 13,9
9 Denn unser Wissen ist Stückwerk (...).
The claim that the Pope is infallible is both presumptuous and arrogant. Even Peter was not infallible, as Paul attests in Galatians 2. The countless errors of the Catholic Church and contradictions with the Bible confirm that the Pope is by no means infallible, but rather leads people away from the truth and saving faith.
All dogmas adopted at church councils since the fourth century (beginning at Nicea) are based on human teachings and traditions that have no significance before GOD and are therefore null and void. Therefore, no Christian is obligated to recognize the teachings of Catholicism or the Pope as the head of the Church of Jesus, or to submit to his instructions.
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9 "Canonization" of deceased Saints
Colossians 3,12
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved (...)
1st Peter 1,14-16
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
In the Bible, all people who confess Jesus and live a godly life are called "saints." This has nothing to do with the decision of the Church or a pope. Neither the pope nor any bishop possesses the authority to declare people saints. Those who believe in Jesus and follow his example are and remain holy, even after their death. Those who die as sinners are lost and cannot be subsequently declared holy.
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10 Office of the "Priest"
1st Peter 2,9
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (...).
A Catholic "priest" holds a spiritual office in a Catholic Church. A person is admitted to the priesthood through ordination. However, the Bible teaches that all believers are called to the priestly ministry to offer spiritual sacrifices. This includes those who are not appointed as teachers, pastors, or elders in the congregation.
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11 The "Holy Mass" as a sacrificial Ceremony
Hebrews 10,14
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
The Bible teaches that the one-time sacrifice Jesus offered through his substitutionary death on the cross is sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity. A further sacrifice is unnecessary. The gathering of believers is meant to worship GOD together, to serve one another in love, and to build one another up in faith. It is not a (symbolic) sacrificial ceremony.
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12 Celibacy
1st Corinthians 7,36
36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
1st Timothy 4,1-3
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which GOD hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
The Bible teaches that every Christian is free to marry. This is their personal decision. No one has the right to forbid a single or widowed believer from marrying, or to make renunciation of marriage a condition for holding a particular church office. Paul calls such teaching "demonic." Jesus explains that not everyone is called to celibacy. Paul adds that a prohibition against marriage can lead to fornication, especially for those unable to live a life of celibacy. Therefore, anyone who forbids marriage is complicit in a Christian's sexual sin.
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13 The Rosary Prayer
Matthew 6,7
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
John 4,24
24 GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Matthew 6,9
9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (...).
The Bible teaches that only GOD the Father (in the name of Jesus) should be worshipped. Christians may also call upon Jesus, their Lord. Jesus taught his disciples to worship GOD in spirit (i.e., led by the Holy Spirit) and in truth (i.e., according to God's will). Prayer is a personal conversation between people and GOD. It should not be a pre-established formula that is constantly repeated, as was common among pagan peoples. Furthermore, there is no other advocate with GOD than Jesus. Therefore, no one other than Jesus may be called upon as an advocate.
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14 The Confession
1st John 1,9
9 If we confess our sins (before GOD), He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5,16
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.
The Bible teaches that people must confess their sins first and foremost to GOD in order to receive forgiveness. However, it is by no means wrong to do so in front of witnesses to demonstrate one's commitment to repentance. In the case of illness, believers should even explicitly confess their sins to the elders and other believers so that GOD can grant healing and the affected person can recover from their illness.
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15 Eucharist - Veneration of the Host
Luke 22,19
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1st Corinthians 10,16 f.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1st Corinthians 11,26
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
The Bible teaches that the Lord's Supper is a symbolic act in which Christians collectively commemorate and outwardly witness to the redemptive work of their Lord and Savior. It is not a "sacrificial rite" as practiced in Catholicism.
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16 Equality of Bible and traditions
Proverbs 30,6
6 Add thou not unto His words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
John 17,17
17 Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.
The Bible is GOD's Word, in which GOD reveals His will to us. It begins with the first book of Moses and ends with the book of Revelation. This makes the Bible a complete work. Furthermore, Holy Scripture is the basis and standard for our lives. Any teachings and traditions that do not agree with what GOD's Word teaches must be firmly rejected. This also applies to the so-called Catechism, the handbook of the Catholic Church. Even though the Catechism is officially intended to contribute to a deeper understanding of the Bible, it contradicts Holy Scripture on numerous fundamental points, as already explained. Therefore, it must be rejected in its entirety.