Why do some Christians consider Catholicism to be false?

Question

Isn't Catholicism a form of christianity??
so why are some christians against it?
what's the big deal?

Answer 1

Mainstream Christians view Catholicism as a non-Christian religion because it disagrees with the Bible on too many points to list here, but for starters...



It places emphasis on human tradition and interpretation rather than on what the Bible ultimately says. It also requires confession and works in order to be saved, whereas the Bible clearly states that in contrast to Israel's day, we are under grace and grace alone. The Bible is clear that a faithful Christian cannot mix grace with works in that way.



The only place you will find Catholicism as the "first church" or "real Christianity" is in the books of biased Catholic historians. The Catholic church has a long history, but it began after true Biblical Christianity was in place as a corruption of its doctrines. Old does not equal true. Even at the time that Paul was writing his epistles, he warned that there were people who were falsifying doctrines and presenting them as Scripture.



And then there are the obvious fruits of the church which point to it not being of God: greed, corruption, emphasis on wealth and priviledge, abuse of power, and on and on. The Catholic church may use some of God's words in its masses, but it is not of God.

Answer 2

As some of the answers here demonstrate, some Protestants think Catholicism goes against the Bible. The problem with this thinking is that the New Testament is a collection of Catholic writings, commissioned, selected, and canonized by Catholic Church councils. It really doesn't make sense to accuse the church of violating its own writings.



The more reasonale answer is that by the doctrine of sola scriptura, Protestant groups and individuals have arrogated to themselves that interpretive authority Jesus gave his church (see Matt 16:18-19, 18:18). This is extraordinarily naive because these Protestants don't have the original languages and deep historical knowledge needed for accurate interpretation. It's like saying you are a surgeon because you can carve a chicken.



Catholics have been working at biblical interpretation about four times as long as Protestants, and the first interpreters were the apostles personally trained by Jesus and their disciples, the Fathers of the Church. As you might guess, that gives Catholics a major advantage in maintaining Jesus' teachings.



See the link below for the well-established interpretations of the first several centuries of Christianity.



Cheers,

Bruce

Answer 3

Catholicism was first in christianity. But they are very strict, and corrupt. Also, the priests rape little children, bc they refrain form marriage, and are supposed to from sex. So Martin Luther (not related to King jr.) withdrew from the church, and created the protestants. Protestants and Catholics don't like each other, and have warred in the past. Im a Protestant, and i think Catholics are too strict, force money from their members, rape children, and try to push religion on too many people. There are many sub variations of Catholicism and Protestants, like Orthodox is Catholic, and Lutheran is Protestant. But, it's not just Christianity, It's Christianity, Then Catholic or Protestant, and each have several smaller groups. I understand you are atheist, and think christians try to push religion on you. Well this is mainly Catholics, and Methodists (who are protestant, but are a little extremest). Hope this explains everything.

Answer 4

I know there a few select groups who are forceful in their beliefs against the catholics however, I find it offensive to be grouped into that. First to get things straight not all christians are against catholics.



Ok..now ..there is a reason however, why catholicism and evangelics differ. In the catholic faith they regard Mary as holy (hence part of the rosary which says "holy mary mother of God") we who are eveangelic believe that while she was special she is not holy as only the Lord is holy (which means morally perfect and pure).



Secondly the catholics believe that Mary and Joseph didn't ever consumate (have sex) after their marriage so Jesus had no brothers or sisters. This is in fact condradictory to the scriptures where it specifically says that he did have brothers and sisters.



Matthew 12:46 (NIV)

46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.



Matthew 13:55 (NIV)

55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?



and so on there are other verses.



Also the catholics have added a few extra books into the bible called the Apocrypha, it is not right to add or take away from teh Holy Bible.



They pray to angels and saints and believe that saints can hear prayers. They also go to confession to ask teh priest to forgive their sins and then usually their penance is a few hail mary's and our fathers. Instead we eveangelics believe that because of what Jesus did on the cross we can go straight to him and ask for forgivness and infact is what should be done. The priest is just a man like yo uand I who perhaps is educated in scripture and holy practices but that hardly qualifies him to forgive sins.



Also the catholics believe in purgatory where you go when you die, it's between heaven and hell and from there depending on the works you did on earth, whether you were good or bad and how many prayers and masses are said for you, you will or will not be let into heaven.



The eveangelics believe that the question about whether you enter into heaven or hell has nothing to do with good works or prayers and masses but with whether you believed in jesus christ and recieved him as your Lord and saviour and asked him to forgive your sins. If you did then you will go to heaven and if not then hell is your fate. To us there is no purgatory also nor is there any biblical truth pointing ot such a place.



There are many many other key differences between the catholics and eveangelical christians but my post is long enough lol.



So as you can see there are differences but in no way shape or form do we hate them, there may be a select few who are haters but then I have always said that any christian (be it catholic or eveangelic) who hates anyone for any reason well then they are truly not christians.



We eveangelics who truly have Christ in our hearts and lives DO NOT hate catholics.

Answer 5

Yes, Catholicism is the original form of Christianity. Any historian will let you know it. Fundies? That's a different story, man. These people worship Pat Robertson and believe that Hurricane Katrina happened because gay people had too much sex in 'Nawlins. I wouldn't take a damn thing they do seriously.

Answer 6

Note of correction: Some people said Catholicism was the original form of Christianity. It certainly was not. Like someone else said, read history and it will become clear. The original form of Christianity was what is written in the gospels. As it developed, it became what is now the Catholic Church, but they did all kinds of things that were really bad and against Christianity, like sellling "indulgences" - basically telling people they could buy their way into heaven, and other such things. Then Martin Luther thought/realized that the Church had strayed far from Jesus' teachings and thus started the protestant reformation.



Summary: The Catholic church isn't the original form of Christianity.

Answer 7

nicely, let's examine... we are commanded no longer to make graven images, pretend idols, or images of any residing component. Do Catholics have statues of their church homes? Do they placed on St. Christopher medals? have they were given images of what an artist conceives as Jesus of their houses? we are to wish to God basically. Do Catholics pray to saints and Mary? Jesus suggested to devour in memory of Him. Do Catholics prepare that the communion host and grape juice actually grow to be the body and blood of Christ, it quite is, cannibalism? the ten Commandments did no longer have an expiration date. Saturday began out because the Sabbath and that has no longer replaced in accordance to the Bible. Do Catholics declare Sunday is the Sabbath? The Bible states all sins are equivalent because the penalty for all sins is an similar - lack of life. Does the Catholic church prepare there are venial and cardinal sins? there are countless, many different issues that the Catholic church teaches that are opposite to the know God. Many say that the Whore of Babylon pronounced in Revelations is the Catholic church because the Whore of Babylon sits on 7 hills and Rome sits on 7 hills.

Answer 8

All Christians came from the Catholic Church. It is the original at one time that was the only one.It is indeed the church Christ founded we are the first Christians.

Answer 9

To really explain this would require you have a full understanding of Christian history and theology. But to put it simply, SOME (by no means all) Christians think that the Roman Catholic church violates many core beliefs. For example, the Catholic church venerates Mary. Some Christians believe they go as far as worshiping Mary. This isn't correct, at least the church's beliefs and practices as they SHOULD be done don't, but the way some people end up acting, it might go that far (the difference between what a rule is and how someone follows that rule... subtle, but important). Some protestants also believe that the Catholic church places too much emphasis on works and not enough on faith. Again, its the true belief of the church versus how people actually practice.



There's other reasons, some good, some not so good. Most established protestant denominations do NOT think this of Catholics. But fundamentalists frequently do.

Answer 10

just like most protestants, most catholics are not saved. however, some are. the reason Catholicism is false is because of its idolatrous practices and wickedness. It is the whore of the revelation of John. I would suggest you do a study on this, you will be amazed at the truth that the Catholic Church and protestant "daughters who are prostitutes" were prophesied about.



Revelation 17:" 1One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. 2With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries."

3Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5This title was written on her forehead:

MYSTERY

BABYLON THE GREAT

THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES

AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.



When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7Then the angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.



9"This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. 11The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.



12"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."



15Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. 16The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. 18The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.""

Answer 11

Because Catholics are not far from being a cult. Didnt you realize, in Catholic church they only preach some verse, they dont accept all the verses on the bible.



Also Catholics, makes images of saints which is clearly Idolatry..Also Catholics have made their own doctrines which is not from the bible. THATS WHY..



And Jesus clearly frobid to add or remove anything from the bible.

Answer 12

Revelation 2 beginning at verse 18. The angel to the church of Thyatira ( Catholic )

Some will be taken and some will face tribulation.

The distinction will be made on the basis of their beliefs.

Those who remain true to the gospel will go.

While those who adhere to The Catholic Church's " Jesus plus Mary, grace plus works, and Scripture plus Sacraments" doctrine will not.

peace to you

a friend

in Christ Jesus

Answer 13

You're right. Catholicism is a form of christianity. Most protestants don't follow Catholic doctrines because some of them are a little off I think. The catholic basis of salvation is the same as protestants, so I believe that all catholics and protestants regardless will go to heaven. Catholics believe that Mary was also sinless and is to be worshipped as well whereas I believe that only God, being the trinity, should be worshipped. Catholics also do confession, which is when the priest is acting in God's place and He forgives the people whereas protestants only ask God for forgiveness. I also think that the catholic church places to much significance in the Pope as the leader but that's just my opinion. I love catholics and I believe they are my brothers and sisters in Christ but I disagree with some of their doctrines. Hope this helps.

Answer 14

The long and short of it is that Satan is the true ruler of the Catholic church. Since the apostles of Christ, the Roman Empire sought to have global control. This is still their obsession. After they had finally killed off the apostles, and a few other troublesome followers of Christ, they began to build their church. Keeping in mind that this was for the purpose of the control of the people, and so they began to unite teachings of Christ and of the pagan world and tried to unify them. Some time ago, this system was struck a might blow to their power.



The warning is that this system is regaining its power, and will have even greater power than ever before. It will perform great things to behold, so that the world will follow after her. Only a true relationship with Christ, though the Holy Spirit can save and protect those He calls His own.



There are many false prophets, and false teachers. Christ has said, "...my sheep hear my voice, and know me."



Whom do you serve?



...and to comment about Martin Luther and the protestant movement. Luther was a priest that was conflicted about what the "church" was teaching the people because he saw so much that was in error. He could not in good conscious continue in the "church".



Furthermore, in 1611, King James gathered the greatest scholars of the day to assemble what is now called the "Holy Bible". There were more than 230 such scholars to undertake this task. His intent was so that no man would have to be without the "Word of God", and that mankind would no longer have to look toward the Catholic Church for guidance. Thus, the ending of the "Dark Ages". Hmm. Go figure.



Where the Word of God prevails, so does freedom. Even though there are many scoffers at His word, in the day that It is no longer available, they will seek It.

Answer 15

It is different and in the US it had (has?) been considered anti-American. Catholics have always been the foil for some preachers as "what not to be". Read American history especially the second Klan. Look at the Presidential campaign rhetoric from Governor Al Smith and Sen John Kennedy. Just as immigrants and homosexuals are blamed for problems, immigrants once were Catholic and were discriminated against.



Homework question: What did the Puritans think of the Spanish Armada?

Answer 16

What "Hayden's Mommy" said is pretty much right. I personally believe that some Catholics are Christians, but I believe most aren't (same can be said about most Protestants though). I've learned a little bit in class so far but the main differences I've noticed are these four things: Justification by faith alone in Christ, the books of the Bible, church authority and church tradition.



As Protestants we believe in justification by faith alone. We believe that our best of works outside of Christ are like dung in the sight of God and can't save us; we have to look to the finished work of Christ. From what I've learned so far Catholics are more works oriented and believe in a type of progressive justification.



Second, Protestants use the 66 books of the Bible while Catholics use the Apocrypha plus the 66 books as infalliable and inspired. We view them as adding to the Bible. This affects a lot of the doctrines that Catholics hold, while we reject them.



Third, Catholics hold the Pope in a very high postion and Protestants reject him. I'm still studying this one.



Last, Protestants believe the Bible is totally sufficent and that church history is fallable while Catholics hold church history much higher. I'm not sure of all the details on this one too.



This is what I know so far and I could be a little wrong on some of the issues.

Answer 17

Catholicism is the oldest form of christianity. People were mad at the catholic church and formed different denominations of the church. Most people think it is a false religion because of the prayers said to the saints and mother mary. They think people are praying to to saints as a spiritual replacement for God. that is not true. they pray to the saints to pray to God for them. It sounds odd if you do not understand. Most christian fundamentalist are against Catholics including the K.K.K.

Answer 18

Catholicism is the original form of christianity. About 500 years ago a group of revolutionaries begun organizing against Catholicism and its preaches, in what we call the "Protestant Reformation", they were known as protestants.

What you call a normal "christian" is actually a protestant, and it is normal they keep this grudge against catholics if thats how they begun.

Answer 19

Some people feel that spirituality should be a way for humanity to come together and for us to overcome our limitations.



Others feel it should be wielded as a weapon.



Sad, but that's the way it is.

Answer 20

I don't consider Catholicism to be false. It is false despite my consideration.

Answer 21

that is such a loaded question with too long of an answer for Y!A



Protestant Christians do not think Catholics are Christians. The same way, we do not believe JWs are Christians. The big deal is that we don't like false prophets. We don't appreciate people ruining our name with beliefs we do not find as truth.



Although we have similar beliefs, we are very different in many ways. Protestant Christians like to separate ourselves from Catholics because we have very different values.

Answer 22

So many things to love about the Roman church, and a few to dislike.

Ex: they've dropped the ball on the whole molestation thing, the Pope is just another preacher, he is not infallible, they need to recognize women's talents, etc, but of course they're Xians

Answer 23

Catholicism is the oldest Christian religion.

Answer 24

Yes it is. I don't know why they are full of bile against catholics, maybe they forget the bit Jesus said about loving one another.

Answer 25

such people think Christianity started with Martin Luther not Jesus Christ

Answer 26

What catholic's believe....





Gotquestion.org





God bless

Answer 27

They forget that protestantism was a split off branch from the catholic church, long, long ago.

Answer 28

because they do everything the Bible tells them not to do.

Answer 29

Delusion, ignorance, just plain dumb? Take your pick.

Answer 30

Ask "David". oh here go, below...

Answer 31

catholics follow the word of the pope not the word of the bible (which is the word of god)

Answer 32

Study your history and it will get clearer......