Catholics, please help me understand your faith more?

Question

I've been reading up on Catholicism and it's really interesting....but there are some things that I don't understand. First, the Pope. How is that Biblical? And same with confession. Shouldn't you confess to God instead of a priest who is just a man? I just don't see much evidence in the Bible that would support the Catholic Church....Please help me understand your belief in the Catholic Church. Please address the Pope, confession, and just the faith overall.

I'm not trying to put your church down and I'm not trying to belittle you in anyway, I just want want a Catholic's point of view on these matters. And please, CATHOLICS ONLY. Protestants and Atheists, I respectfully ask you to not answer this question. Thank you.

Answer 1

This is going to be a long answer, so please bear with me. Edit: It is apparently TOO long. Please feel free to email me if you want clarification or to talk more.



The Pope: There actually is fairly good biblical evidence of the primacy of Peter and his sucessors as the Popes. The simplest place to start is to look at the role that Peter plays in all of the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. Simon Peter is always the one out in front. He is the first: called by Jesus, to say the things that others are thinking but afraid to say, to call Christ Christ, to run to the tomb, to preach after pentecost, to do miracles in Jesus' name. He is always doing things first, leading the others.



But what makes him Pope? This:



Jesus has just asked Simon who he says that Jesus is, and Simon has just identified Jesus as the Messiah and Christ. Jesus responds with the line that I'm sure you've heard. "You are Peter, and on this rock, I build my Church." (Peter means Rock in Aramaic and Greek, the languages that Jesus spoke) (I can go into a lot more detail here, but for brevity, I'll skip them)



Perhaps one of my favorite things I've read about this moment notes that Jesus is giving Simon a new name: Peter. Whenever God does this in history, it is to appoint a person a leader of his people. Abram becomes Abraham. Jacob becomes Israel. And now Simon becomes Peter. God intends something special for this man.



But why does this set up the Popes? We move on to the next verse. In it, Jesus gives Peter the 'Keys to the Kingdom". What many people do not know is that this verse is almost an exact quoting of a line from Isaiah in which the chief steward of the King is being installed. The steward was (quite literally) given the keys to the kingdom. It was the sign of his office, as he had to be able to open and shut any door around. Tellingly, the important part of this position was that, when the master/king was away, the steward was in charge of the entire estate. In this line, Jesus basically gives Peter the authority of the Pope: Command over his Church when Jesus leaves (and ascends to heaven). We also see in Isaiah that the position of steward is a hereditary one. It passes from steward to appointed successor of the steward and does not require special intervention by the King to create a NEW steward every time. So, when Peter dies, his successor becomes the new steward of the Church (the new Pope).



Confession: Actually, it stems from the same place, but its history is a bit more convoluted. Jesus tells his apostles that the sins they forgive will be forgiven in heaven, and the sins they retain will be retained (very similar to the message he tells Peter above). What eventually becomes Confession, though, requires a history lesson about the early Church. The *first* masses were called 'Agape (love) meals' and were, in essence, a recreation of the last supper: People would get together, tell stories about Jesus and then they would break bread and bless it, and likewise with wine, and pass it around the table. We know this because of a document called the Didache, which is very likely a document written by Paul. In it, it describes the basic structure of these meals, and the blessings over the bread and wine.



However, the Agape meal could not be the form of worship forever. As Christianity grew in numbers, it soon became difficult and then impossible to bring everyone together for an *actual* meal. And so the modern 'mass' was created, where Christians would come together, speak about Jesus, pray, bless bread and wine, and eat and drink communion.



But one very important change had to be made. As part of the Agape Meal and the early mass, Christians would ask forgiveness of the priests and one another for their sins. This actually meant that people would stand up and recite all of their sins... EVERYONE who attended. As attendance swelled, this became incredibly time-consuming. So priests began offering people the opportunity to confess their sins at non-mass times when it was convenient for both Priest and Parishioner. Eventually, this became the private confessions that you see today. We still have a remnant of the old practice though. At the start of mass, we often will say the following.



"I confess to God, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned. In my thoughts, in my words. In what I have done, and what I have failed to do. I ask the Virgin Mary, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God."

Answer 2

I am afraid I am an atheist but I am also a Christian historian with a particular interest in Catholicism so hopefully I can answer.



The first pope is considered to be Peter and the following popes to be his successor.

Confession via a priest grew up out of the structure of the church. When it began to spread through Europe. Catholicism functioned as a social care system. It reduced wars and widows and orphans and the unemployed and dowerless girls all had somewhere to turn. The church brought the people together with the church as a focal point and people all helped each other under the direction of the Priest. Remember that at this time there was no translation of the bible and there was no printing press, most people were illiterate and this did not seem likely to change. Priests were often illiterate too or only read national languages - not Latin. They received their instruction either in person or by letter from bishops. They then told the people. As priests became more literate and read in Latin, they developed a position of power because the common people were never likely to read at all - there was simply nowhere for them to learn. Therefore if they had a spiritual problem, they went to the priest who would then tell them what the bible said. This led to confession. This began to be abused later but originally it was simply the best way to serve an illiterate flock.



Remember Protestantism is only 500 years old. It emerged at the end of the feudal system and the beginning of the early modern era. Before this hierarchy was accepted. Protestantism appeared at the same time as the idea of individual responsibility and so protestantism raised the idea of reading the bible yourself and being responsible to God. Catholicism did not change very much. People were happy with it. It changed only very slowly. In terms of the bible - Catholicism is how the bible was interpreted during a very feudal hierarchical time - the bible was written in this time - see all the stuff about slaves and women and masters and serfs - the idea of leaders being obeyed and the source of wisdom whilst followers just followed their 'betters' is very much part of the bible. Protestantism is how the bible is translated in modernity - the self and rights and responsibilities - this can also be seen in the bible in the character of Jesus who broke with tradition - bit not loads so don't think Christ is Protestant - he also perpetuated the idea of the spiritual leader being the source of wisdom to whom all must turn - he made the first pope - Peter.



Its all biblical but interpreted according to cultural, social, political and economic factors governing society.

Answer 3

This is a very important point. Most Protestant denominations say they go by the bible alone. The CC doesn't. It goes by the bible, sacred tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. It adheres to the interpretations and deductions of the early fathers. These early teachings aren't in the bible, but they were transmitted both orally and scripturally. The CC has non biblical teachings, but no contra biblical teachings. The three guides the Church goes by support and supplement one another.

Catholic bibles have 73 books.

Good confession should be one word. One going to confession might lie to the priest and be believed by the priest. If this is the case and the priest gives the penitent absolution, no absolution is gained because the one confessing has not made a goodconfession. I must go now.

Answer 4

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St. Matthew XVI:13-20



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St. John XX:21-23





I just don't see much evidence in the Bible that would support the Catholic Church...



There is plenty of evidence in the Bible that supports the Catholic Church.

To claim otherwise is to misunderstand the Bible!!!



Ignorance of Scripture

is Ignorance of Christ

-St. Jerome

Answer 5

James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."



The above passage supports confessing to another person. The 12 step programs for addictions includes confessing to another person.



There seems to be a misunderstanding that confessing to a priest and confessing directly to God is either/or when it is actually both/and. Catholics don't confess to a priest INSTEAD of God, but in addition to confessing to God. During confession, we say a prayer to God and the priest pray for us. Basically, we follow the Commandement in James 5.

Answer 6

If you had been reading up on Catholicism in books written by Catholics you would have the answers to your questions. Confession is always to god and to god alone. The priest hears your confession and offers advice, discusses your sins and how you can change so you do not sin again, and gives you a penance, a series of prayers to say while contemplating your sins and the advice given. If the priest considers you to be truly contrite and remorseful, he will grant absolution but forgiveness comes only from god.

Answer 7

" I just don't see much evidence in the Bible that would support the Catholic Church.."



Even though Catholics wrote the Bible, edited the Bible, and were the first to translate the Bible. The Bible is - and always has been - a Catholic book.



If you don't want to follow God's word, this is your choice.



Only you will be called to answer for that choice.

Answer 8

Hey Toby. Ex-protestant here; swam the Tiber in my 50's. Thanks for expressing an interest, and doing it in such an open way.



I had been in a few different denominations. It's tempting to think of Catholicism as just another denomination; just a new set of rules to learn. It really is a whole other religion with a whole other mindset. For one thing, Catholicism - and I include the Orthodox in this - is not about me, it's about us, one living body. I've had moving moments at other churches, but with the Catholics and Orthodox, I always have the sense of 2,000-years of Christians with me. I'm shoulder to shoulder with the apostles, martyrs, saints, and the not so saintly. We believe in the communion of saints of the Church Triumphant, Church Suffering and Church Militant.



A word on popes. Peter was probably not the smartest of the 12 (Nathaniel?), had the best business sense (Matthew?) or even the most deeply spiritual (John?) But Jesus put him in charge.



Same deal with priests. I've encountered some that weren't my best buds. But the Catholic priesthood is an unbroken like all the way back to the apostles and to Jesus. When I kiss the hands of a newly ordained priest, I'm showing devotion to Christ Himself.



Confession - The priest has been ordained by Christ to hear confession and to forgive. It is an incredible thrill to hear the man speaking on behalf of Christ saying,



"God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of your son, you have reconciled the world to yourself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. "

Answer 9

You've gotten some phenomenal answers so far. I wanted to add these resources as well. God bless you.



truefaith.tv

wordonfire.org

hanm.org

Catholic Answers Live Radio/Podcast

EWTN

YouTube: Stephen Ray, Tim Staples, Dr. Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Father Mark Goring, Father Larry Richards, Mother Angelica, The Journey Home (tv show)

Answer 10

I recommend determining up a Bible such because the NASB and studying it. Whilst doing this be certain your not seeking to do your own will or what you want, but ask God as you learn what's your will? When you method Gods phrase this manner with all of your heart God promises to exhibit you the right route. The difficulty is humans appear to normally take the convenient route which leads to dying due to the fact its relaxed. The correct direction is a direction of Obedience to Gods entire legislation. Simply ask God to alter your heart and to show you his will. If you are real seeking His will you will most likely become uncomfortable through what you in finding in the starting. Considering that the guts of Man is Enmity against God and the devil does not need you to succeed but if you push by means of it you'll find life. God phrase says: slim is the way that result in are living, and there are FEW that in finding it. One can find that Gate in the event you seek Gods will no matter how uncomfortable the situation might be and the Reward is to Rule with Christ at his 2d Coming.

Answer 11

You sound like you've been reading Protestant criticisms of Catholicism.



You realize the Catholic church compiled the Bible, right? How can it be non-Biblical then?

Answer 12

Dear Friend, I pulled some up some resources in order to answer your questions. Here you go:



Fr. Barron on Confessing to a priest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cun9F-XCang



Popes:

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/origins-of-peter-as-pope



Yes, and like someone mentioned, I do recommend this website:

https://forums.catholic.com/



It is a great resource. Make a free account and ask any questions you have!

Answer 13

Actually, what you have cited is very Biblical.



Peter was the first Pope.



Jesus says to Peter:





18



And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, 13 and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.



19



I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. 14 Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."





From the 16th chapter of Matthew.







And about Confession.



Jesus says to His disciples after His Resurrection:





19



11 12 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."



20



When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. 13 The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.



21



14 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."



22



15 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.



23



16 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."





From the 20th chapter of John.

Answer 14

The pope is believed to be the successor of Peter, whom Jesus made the leader of the apostles, as is written in Matthew 16:18-19:



"I also say to you that you are Peter, the Rock, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."



The power of priests to forgive sin is based on John 20:19-23:



"So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.'



It is Catholic doctrine that a person's sins can be forgiven if they make perfect contrition, but this is risky because contrition is rarely perfect. The intercession of the priest makes it perfect, and guarantees forgiveness of almost any sin.

Answer 15

The office of Pope was established by Jesus Christ when He appointed Peter the leader of His church.



Jesus said "You are Peter (Kephas) and upon this rock (kephas) I will build my Church."



Matt. to Rev. - Peter is mentioned 155 times and the rest of apostles combined are only mentioned 130 times. Peter is also always listed first except in 1 Cor. 3:22 and Gal. 2:9 (which are obvious exceptions to the rule).



We confess to a priest because that is the way Jesus instituted the sacrament. It is at his command that we confess to one another. When we sin against the Father our sins also affect our Christian family. Confessing sins to a priest is something that was a universal practice and never debated in the Early Church.



Jesus himself was able to heal not only the physically sick, but the spiritually sick as well. Christ had the power to forgive sins (see Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:5-12).



He passed on that power to forgive sins in his name to his Apostles.



"Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father." (Matthew 18:18-19)



"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I sent you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." (John 20:21-23)



Jesus entrusted his Church with the power of forgiving sins through this most wonderful sacrament. The priest is simply the one who acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) in the confessional, but it is our Lord who forgives our sins. The priest grants absolution (sets us free from our sins) using the power Jesus entrusted to his Church. It is through Christ, however, that our sins are forgiven.



We do give our confession to God, thru the priest. As stated above the priest is the one who acts in persona Christi(in the person of Christ)





Catholicism is true Christianity. Jesus established the Catholic Church in 33AD,not 38,000 denominations, or non denominations as in Protestant Christianity. As for Catholic Christians we believe in the following:



I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.



I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,



and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

At the words that follow up to and including

and became man,



For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.



I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.



I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.



Jesus Christ's Catholic Church compiled,preserved,wrote the New testament and canonized the Holy Bible in the 4th century under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.









Catholic Christian †

Answer 16

forums.catholic.com will answer all of your questions.



Too much info to type or copy/paste on here.

Answer 17

OK, I just wanna see what they say.