Christians often take lightly or entirely disregard the diversity of doctrinal beliefs between Christianity’s various denominations. As a few of our blog posts have hopefully illustrated, we believe very strongly and try to show that the truth is important, and thus defending and clarifying the truth has great value. Some views are apparently Christian, but some digging reveals disparities between these views and orthodoxy (e.g. Mormonism; see our post about it here). However, some groups aren’t usually questioned. In the spirit of the Lord’s commandment to test things so that we may know the will of God, and what is holy, acceptable, and perfect, (Romans 12:2) This time we’d like to step out into troubled waters. Is Catholicism orthodox Christianity?
We know, this may seem a bit unorthodox (haha get it?). Perhaps it goes without saying, but we feel that many Catholics are saved and love God with all their heart, and love their neighbors as themselves. It is important to us that we further clarify our utmost respect for many Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ, including respectable churches trying to do what they believe is the true will of God. However, it is concerning how little Christians today know of Catholic doctrine - even those who consider themselves Catholic. In this post, we aim to briefly examine and explain some of the differences between orthodox Christianity (as explained in our blog post here) and Roman Catholicism, with a few reasons we think orthodoxy is more consistent.
Popes, Creeds, and Councils
The great reformer, Martin Luther in his defense before the Holy Roman Emperor at Worms said the following.
“I can not submit my faith either to the pope or to the council, because it is as clear as noonday that they have fallen into error and even into glaring inconsistency with themselves. If, then, I am not convinced by proof from Holy Scripture, or by cogent reasons, if I am not satisfied by the very text I have cited, and if my judgment is not in this way brought into subjection to God’s word, I neither can nor will retract anything; for it can not be right for a Christian to speak against his conscience. I stand here and can say no more. God help me. Amen.”
Although I disagree with Luther on quite a few points and several of his methods, one cannot help but be blown away by the courage of this lone man standing before the might of both the Holy Roman Empire and the Roman church. Furthermore, his critique of Popes and councils is quite correct. A first major difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism is where absolute truth is to be found. Protestants traditionally hold to a doctrine known as “Sola Scriptura” (Latin-Scripture Alone) and thus that all authority on doctrine and theology come directly from Scripture as the inspired word of God. The Roman Catholic Church holds that in addition to scripture, there is a sacred Church tradition which is also infallible.
“Sacred or apostolic tradition consists of the teachings that the apostles passed on orally through their preaching. These teachings largely (perhaps entirely) overlap with those contained in Scripture, but the mode of their transmission is different. They have been handed down and entrusted to the Churches. It is necessary that Christians believe in and follow this tradition as well as the Bible. The truth of the faith has been given primarily to the leaders of the Church, who, with Christ, form the foundation of the Church. The Church has been guided by the Holy Spirit, who protects this teaching from corruption.”
We are going to have a post soon explaining why we believe Sola Scriptura; however, for now this will have to suffice. There is no place in scripture where God gives infallibility to anyone or their teachings. We realize this is apparently circular on our view - assuming scriptural authority, then recognizing that scripture gives authority to itself and not the view the Roman Catholic church holds. But reflect on this a bit. Our presupposition is the Bible. We deduce from that basis all that we know, and find a beautiful consistency, including knowledge of our Lord, teachings on all aspects of life, and confirmation of our presupposition in practice.
Priests or the Priesthood of all Believers?
Another big question between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism is how the believer approaches God. Roman Catholics believe that it is often necessary to reach God through the intercession of one more holy. This may be a Saint, Mary, or a priest.
To the protestant, this belief is nullified by the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Since Scripture specifically says in Revelation 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:4-12 that Christians are a nation of priests to God this seems logical. Further proof comes from book of Hebrews and the Gospels. In Hebrews 4, there is a rather extensive demonstration of the fact that since Jesus is our high priest we need no other. In my opinion, one of the most extraordinary events during Jesus crucifixion is the tearing of the Temple veil. All three of the synoptic Gospels record this magnificent event. The veil of the temple dividing “the holy place” from the “holy of holies” was 80 ft high by 30 ft wide and 4 in thick. Every year it was tested by tying a horse to each end and having them try to break it. Then in a moment, as the Son of God died it was ripped from top to bottom; that those who have been brought near by his death may enter the Holy of Holies crying out “Abba Father.” There was only a need for an intermediary until Christ came."As the prayers themselves witness, the Church teaches us that we should pray not only directly to God, but also to those who are close to God, those who have the power to intercede upon our behalf. Indeed, we pray to the angels to help and watch over us; we pray to the saints in heaven to ask their intercession and assistance; we pray to the Blessed Mother to enlist her aid, to ask her to beg her Son to hear our prayers. Further, we pray not only on our own behalf, but also on the behalf of those souls in purgatory and of those brothers on earth who are in need. Prayer unites us to God; in doing so, we are united to the other members of the Mystical Body."
Saving Ourselves or Saved in Spite of Ourselves?
One of the main differences between Protestants and Catholics is the understanding of salvation. Protestants believe in Faith-based salvation, concluding that the Bible’s various teachings of our fallen nature imply that we lack the power to live the life necessary to be seen as pleasing to God. As explained before, this really is the essence of Christianity. Despite our radically depraved nature, and inability to do anything right, Christ still came and died for our sins. We are justified by works, but not our works - because ours could never be enough. It follows logically then that is not our works that save us, but rather faith in Christ, whose death atoned for ours. Roman Catholicism teaches a different understanding. In the Church’s conception, our good works coupled with Christ’s death cause us to earn salvation. Works such as belonging to the Catholic Church, doing good things as taught in the Bible, or even following the Pope on twitter (see this link; or a more precise source here; we know that bringing up "indulgences" will strike a cord with some Catholic readers - we encourage you to research history and their current standing, for they are very much still an aspect of the church) can earn one’s salvation, or even do things like take “time-off” purgatory, a place Roman Catholicism teaches exists as an intermediary before Heaven for those that are saved (see explanation here). The definitions can be explained by these two equations (note from Athanasius: See Excelsior? I can use math words too)
Catholicism:
Good Works + Faith = Salvation
Protestantism:
Good Works + Salvation = Faith
For these reasons and others, we would argue that Roman Catholicism teaches another gospel from that found in scripture, and thus should be rejected as Paul told the Galatians. (Gal 1:8-9) This does not mean we are hating on those who are catholic or that we condone any hatred toward them. It simply means that they are being led astray by false teaching. But for the Grace of God, we would all be in the same place. This is a controversial question and answer. If you have any questions or concerns, please comment or email us! Also, a special shout out to Kevin, a reader who is currently serving America overseas. Please keep Kevin in your prayers!
In Christ Alone,
Excelsior
Athanasius
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