Why would the Catholic Church object to free New Testaments being given to students by the Gideons?

Question

Last autumn the Gideons visited several Latin American countries to distribute free scripture portions (always with the permission of the establishments they visited). The Gideons are an international and interdenominational Christian group who pay for those Bibles and the giving away of them freely.

A group went to Cartago, one-time capital of Costa Rica and kept their appointment at a school. The work of giving Testaments to students had begun but the police had stopped them and made them move on. There was a car with loud speakers telling the people not to take anything from the Gideons, who were "a sect and were evil". It was the Roman Catholic Church that was at back of that.

Can any Catholics explain why their Church would be so opposed to free New Testaments being given to students? By the way, the Gideons had given out 172,384 copies in El Salvador, shortly after which the local Gideon (Ernesto Saldana) had been murdered in his own home. No connection with the RCC of course! I just mention this to let you know that some of the Gideons pay not only with their cheque books and their time, but with their lives.

Answer 1

The false assumption here is that the Catholic Church objects to the distribution of the New Testament. The church doesn't call out the police or drive around with loudspeakers. The civil government runs the police, and some extreme individuals hired the car.



The Church certainly has no objection to people handing out Catholic literature (for the New Testament was written and canonized centuries before Protestants left the Church), but it is doubtful that handing out a book will help people understand Jesus' message.



Cheers,

Bruce

Answer 2

While I agree, that it's better than nothing, the Gideon Bible, I believe, is a version of the King James Version, therefore, a Protestant version of the original bible--and well known to be a very poor translation from the Vulgate, the original bible, or from the Greek.



The Pope in the 4th century asked Jerome to head up the group that organized scriptures into a book. Too many Christian communities were using different versions of the same scriptures or even scriptures that didn't coincide with Jesus' message. It was causing heresies. So the Pope decided all Christians, as the only Christians in the Western Hemisphere were Catholics, should be learning the same scriptures and the same versions of those scriptures. So, the bible was created--by the Catholic Church.



It stayed exactly the same until the mid 16th century, when the Church of England was created because Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Katharyn of Aragon because she couldn't bear him a son after the Pope gave him special permission to marry his brother's widow.



Not long after Henry, the King James Version of the bible was created. It was essentially the same as the Catholic Bible, but some books were removed by the Protestants.



While I don't believe that Gideons are "of the devil," they are a Protestant denomination or sect, and the Church wouldn't approve.

Answer 3

The Church was instituted by Jesus Christ, He did not leave us orphans when He returned to the Father but left the Apostles to help interpret and settle the squabbles that would occur. People being people whether they are Gentile or Jew still want their own opinions heard and everyone has their own point of view about everything. This just causes all sorts of heresy and confusion. The Church is there to interpret and guide those who through faith know that the Church is the Way the Truth and the Life.

When Bibles are just handed out with no guidance there will be people with good hearts that get it all wrong and insist they are right. The Gideon Bible have no explanations, no interpretations, no guidance, their translatio isn't in accordance with the Church teachings, through the Holy Spirit.

Those that don't agree with the Church teachings are called Protestants and atheists.

Answer 4

I could understand why the Catholic Church would object to the Gideons distributing copies of the Old Testament because the Protestant Old Testament does not contain the Apocrypha. But both Catholic and Protestant New Testaments contain exactly the same number of books (27).



Perhaps it has something to do with the version of the New Testament used by the Gideons? I have a copy of their 1979 New Testament and Psalms and they use the New International Version.



The only reason I can come up with is the additional information on where to find help in time of need, guidance in life, praying, suggested readings and information about the Gideons. If the copy of the New Testament being given out contains such extra information, it might be that the Catholic Church does not want anybody contacting the Gideons. Perhaps the Catholic Church wants to exercise absolute control over the population and will resist any efforts by Protestants to distribute God's word.

Answer 5

The Catholic Church is renown for not wanting people to read the word of God for themselves. They may claim that the word has been altered as another contributor says but the real reason is that their teachings do not correspond with the inspired word of God.



They have added so many rituals and myths dreamt up by their colleagues down the years. The Trinity and Mariology are perhaps the most prominent of these, plus, of course, the so-called 'Transubstantiation'. If people read for themselves they will obviously ask why do they do and say things not found in God's word. They call Mary the 'Mother of God' and they call the Lord Jesus Christ, 'God the son' instead of the son of God. Rosaries and repetitious prayers are not part of the Christian life neither is genuflecting. The riches and pomp of papal power is totally the opposite to the way Jesus taught us to be and people prostrating themselves before images of Mary and the Pope himself are contrary to the way Jesus served others and did not ask for adulation.



So, you can see their problem. If people read the simple truth about salvation they might compare it unfavourably with what the Vatican offers them. Absolution from sins used to cost people money which went into the Church coffers and even now in some Catholic countries money changes hands for the necessary big candles for penitents and in Spain I know they used to make an auction and the highest bidder allowed the images of Mary etc, that had been paraded through the streets, back into the church in the south.

Answer 6

<< It was the Roman Catholic Church that was at back of that.>>



Can you site a source for this statement?



The New Testament is the same for Catholics and non-Catholic Christians, so I seriously doubt the Church would have an issue with the distribution of the New Testament.



But if some fringe group claiming Catholic ties, tried to stop it, this would not mean "the Church" was involved. There are many groups that claim to belong to one faith or another, who do not represent that faith as a whole.

Answer 7

Because Of Ideological Differences Between Catholics And Gideons There Is A Vast Chasm Like The U.S. Version Of The McCoys And The Hatfields. The Discord Seems To Stem From Interpretation. The Gideons principally use the King James Version for their Bibles. The text of the Bible is basically the same no matter which Christian denomination one belongs to - a Catholic Bible does not contains the same words. Another interesting fact is that the Catholic Bible contains seven books of the Old Testament not contained in the Protestant Bible. These books are: 1.The Wisdom of Solomon, 2.Tobit, 3.Sirach, 4.Judith, 5.1rst Maccabees, 6.2nd Maccabees And 7.Baruch. Because Of Their Long History [Goes Back To The Roman Empire And Established Before Many Of The Denominations Of This Era, i.e. Baptist, Methodist, etc.] The Tradition Of Catholicism Affords Them To Think That They Are Exclusive Interpreters Of The Holy Scripture. Catholics May Love Gideons BUT They Keep The Gideons At Arms Lengths, AWAY! 2Tim 2:15. . .STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Answer 8

Divine revelation is a fantasy. That is why any denomination can lay claim to a “new” revelation. There is no such thing. Neither the Catholic Church nor the Mormon Church is the true Church. A true church is one that reflects the will of God. In order to establish this you would first have to prove a God exists, and then you would have to prove that he communicated certain truths to your particular church. So far, in the 2000 year history of Christendom, nobody has been able to do this, without resorting to the line that “you just got to have faith.”

Answer 9

Gideons are not Catholic. Therefore, they are the opposition. That is the only explanation I can offer.



It is interesting to watch some people suggest that the New Testament passed out by the Gideons is so different than the New Testament used by the Roman Catholic Church. Some even erroneously state that there have been books removed by the Gideons. Anyone who knows anything about the structure of the various Bibles (Catholic and Protestant) would know that the books in question (the Apocrypha) are ALL in the Old Testament. It has no bearing on what is discussed in this question.

Answer 10

I can't give a specific answer, but I am sure that it doesn't represent the official attitude of the church to the Gideons. It may be that there was some misunderstanding at a local level, it may have been that the action was taken by lay people (rathern than being organised by the clergy) or it may have been that the action was taken by some extremist Catholic sect outside of the official church.



If you have serious concerns, why not find out who the responsible local Catholic bishop is and write him a polite letter to see if he can shed light on the matter?

Answer 11

I agree with Pamela's answer. This world is full of evil and unrighteousness, everybody got an agenda and it is not always right. Everybody that say heaven ain't going either.

There are many people that live behind mask. Just because they go into a specific church, or dress a certain way, maybe even talk the talk, or decide to go into a certain spiritual order, does not mean that they are conformed to it's belief, or even the way of The Lord God.

I look at anything or one that is not in Jesus Christ (God's Son) as lost. I don't shun them, because I was once blind and lost, but now I witness to them. It is up to the person hearing to accept or reject God's order. It is off my shoulders or conscience. I just pray.

We cannot save the world, Jesus did that on The Cross (if one would accept Him). I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody (Jesus) Who can save anybody. That should be the order/method of any true saint of God.



There is a threat in many churches, in the pulpit that is not erected in the Word of God, and that's a bold strong Believer, washed in the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus), in the Word of God. The Spirit of God is on them and they cannot be threatened or fear what man can do to them, but what God have the power to do with their souls. Stephen, in the New Testament was martyred for the same belief. He spoke the truth about God's Son Jesus (The Word), and was stoned to death (Acts 6:8-8:1).

I see it as, those Gideons that were killed, were at the appointed time to receive their home going! Even though it was at the hands of men. Jesus died the same way and is alive today! He is Risen Indeed! Satan meant it for evil, but God have all good in mind. They are forever with the Lord now! No demon in hell or weapon could stop a true saint of God from missing their mark on earth or to the promise land (The Kingdom of Heaven). They cease from their labors and are at rest! (Hebrews 4:9-11)

Answer 12

They were Protestant New Testament translations and are seen as a cover for prostentant proselytization which is very common in Latin America



and Catholics object to being forced to use 'doctored mistranslations' for that was one of the protestations of Catholics in Us public schools in the 19th century

Answer 13

(sigh...) Just as the Protestants are diverse amongst themselves (a shame to the Gospel) , why is it no surprise the lack of complete unity within the Catholic church that produces angst against those who are not connected to the alleged only true Church.? (vs. the Body of Christ), and thus claim the NewTestament is falsified (see post by Thomas) simply on the grounds it is not produced on a Catholic printing press. How utterly full of nonsense to any student of scripture.



The Gospel will continue to survive, even though there are sects / groups that claim to have exclusive rights , and will go as far as to violently go against those who oppose them.



To answer your question better, not all actions by "Catholics", are approved of by Rome, much less from scripture. Further, the Catholics have many sub groups, just as the Protestants have many denominations.



Arguing over which is the true collection of scriptures,( ie the Apocropha) over defending and presenting the Gospel that opens eyes, turns sinners from darkness to light......that they may receive forgiveness of sins is surely a stumbling many will be accountable for





/dm/

Answer 14

Not a catholic, but the NT that is given away by the Gideons

is not the version that is approved by the RC church.

That may be a reason.





The Gideon's do great work.

Answer 15

That's baloney. Why would the Catholic Church object to anyone receiving a copy of their own book, compiled from their own writings by their own bishops?? Especially considering the hundreds of Protestant clergy who have become Catholic after studying the Bible.

Answer 16

Because Catholics are simply another church that want to brainwash their recruits into being mindless followers. The only difference is that Roman Catholics don't even follow half the stuff the Bible says. Oh the Irony! The one true religion they are. -.-

Answer 17

< by the Gideons?>>



You don't know? Seriously?

It's fairly OBVIOUS!





< interdenominational Christian group. . . >>



Stop right here. There's your answer. This group is NOT a CATHOLIC group. Hence, the New Testaments they're issuing are NOT from the CATHOLIC Bible.

Answer 18

Remember the Spanish Inquisition? The Crusades? Scientists who disagreed with the Pope being executed or under house arrest?



Typically Catholic.

Answer 19

The Gideons are a protestant organisation so the Catholics may fear their Bible is a horrible translation

as it be slanted towards the protestant view point.

Answer 20

This is the first I've heard of it, so I have no information. I just want to point out to the other responders that you said "New Testaments." Some obviously are thinking of the whole bible.

Answer 21

Catholics do not approved of the gideon version. As you know the protestants versions have about 4,000 error in their translation. We have our own original bible, the Latin Vulgate, the source of all bible translations and do not read those 4,000 errors. Pax

Answer 22

Satan is the prince of this world and there will always be pain



but rejoice! for Jesus has overcome the world

and Satan will loose!



He knows this and he's trying very hard

to keep everyone away from God-



misery loves company



(not to say the Catholic church is run by Satan-

but make no mistake- he is everywhere!

his undercover spies are at work constantly and

every unguarded heart is at risk of invasion



believers are on the defense here-

this is not our home-

we are aliens in a foreign land

and we are being pressured to accept the local customs



but as Children of the King-

we must remember who our Father is

and remain true to Him)

Answer 23

In other words, FICTION !



Traditional Catholics of Trent at traditionalmass.org/

Answer 24

I hadn't heard about this but I expect someone local simply didn't understand what or whom the Gideons represented

Answer 25

I'm not a catholic but I live in a catholic country and was sent to a catholic school. The most likely reason is that bibles differ between different sectors of christianity. The catholic church is prime example because not only have they changed the scriptures to suit their history but popes throughout the ages have written extra books and included those to the catholic bible! There are alot of rules and traditions in the catholic church that you would never find reason for in a typical christian bible. I'm not hating check it out for yourself!

Answer 26

Because of this scripture:



(KJV)1 Timothy 4:1-3

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.

Answer 27

Very sad to say the least but nonetheless true, and this goes on all of the time around the world where religion is seen to be divisive as such. The cure is here as in ref:

The new world religion.

Source book for all cultures.

Volume one.

2012AD.

Answer 28

I have no idea, but it is the gospel so you know who and what we are really wrestling against, and it's not flesh and blood.

Answer 29

Because they are protestant bibles, which are falsified. Protestant bibles have had books removed, moved, or edited to suit various heretical protestant doctrines. The Church does not want lay people interpreting the scriptures, because many interpret them incorrectly and are led into heresy.

Answer 30

I'm sorry, I just can't take you seriously, all sourceless and all.



Is it real or is it just fan fiction? Links or it didn't happen.

Answer 31

Make sure you wear your tin foil hat when you start seeing visions like this.

Answer 32

They were probably worried that the Gideons were trying to horn in on their hot teenage boy action.

Answer 33

b/c catholic church doesnt want free thinkers. you dont need the catholic church. we need jesus christ period.