Quote:
Originally posted by BobraFCD
I'd be happy to give you a list of non-Biblical RomanCatholic doctrine instituted by man (read the Catholic Encyclopedia -it's where I got it from):
Infant baptism (circa 300 AD by RCC)
Prayers for the dead (implemented in 300 AD by the RCC)
Worship of saints (implemented in 375 AD by RCC)
Mass instituted (394 AD)
Worship of Mary (431 AD)
Priests dressing differently from laymen (500 AD)
Extreme unction (last rites) (526 AD)
Doctrine of purgatory (593 AD)
Prayers conducted to Mary (600 AD)
Worship of images and relics (786 AD)
Celibacy of Priests (1079 AD)
Rosary (1090 AD)
Tradition granted equal authority with the Bible (1545 AD)
Infallibility of the Pope declared (1870 AD)
Mary proclaimed the "Mother of the Church" (1965 AD)
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Every one of these is incorrect, misleading, or a
misunderstanding. Where's
my proof? I could write it here, but it would be a book.
Besides, the refutation or explanation of all of these can be
found at
www.catholic.com
so there's no need to do it here!
By the way, here's some common "bible church" practices
which aren't biblical:
- the word "Trinity", or its definition.
- observance of the sabbath on Sunday
- Sunday School (invented in the 1800s)
- use of "official" Sunday School books issued by the
"official" denominational Sunday School Board and/or
Pastor Know-it-All
- Daily/Personal Devotional guides/diaries
- choir practice
- youth group activities
- youth and music ministers
- regular wednesday night prayer services
- church buildings with swimming pools (baptismals) inside
- having to be "voted in" to be baptised/become member
(hey, at least this relates to a "greek" discussion...you
have to get a "bid" to join some churches, like Baptists!)
- pastor elected by congregation
- deacon's council "running the church"
- using grape juice instead of wine for communion
- Conventions/General Assemblies/Synods
- Mission board
- Seminary (preacher's school)
and I could go on and on. Don't know what year some of
these were "invented by man," but they can't be found in the
Bible! So since these practices can't be found in the bible,
does that mean any church which has any of the above
is "unbiblical"?? (I realize some churches may have some,
and not others).
Do I mean that all of the above are 'wrong' or unchristian?
No, I hold to many of the above myself. I'm just pointing out
that they are UNBIBLICAL (not mentioned in the Bible)
INVENTIONS OF MAN.
Now, to show my fairness, I'll "refute" one of my own
accusations...lets take an easy one:
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Is Sunday School mentioned in the Bible: NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT
So is Sunday School an unbiblical invention of man? NOT REALLY
Why? What is "Sunday School?" - "a gathering of Christians to
study the scriptures"
Is that mentioned in the Bible? YES, OF COURSE.
Ah, so the practice of Sunday School (scripture study) is in the
Bible, its just is not called "Sunday School!" - CORRECT!
Now let's apply that same logic to some "Catholic Inventions"
again, lets take an easy one:
EXTREME UNCTION:
Is Extreme Unction mentioned in the Bible: NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT
So is Extreme Unction an unbiblical invention of man? NOT REALLY
Why? What is "Extreme Unction?" - a ritual whereby a priest of
the church anoints and prays over a very sick individual, including
forgiveness of sin.
Is that mentioned in the Bible? YES (New Testament even!)
James 5:14-15: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon
the presbyters (elders/priests) of the church, and they should
pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord,
and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord
will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be
forgiven"
(note who is doing the praying: the elders/priests/presbyters,
not the sick person, though if he's conscious, he' probably
praying too!)
Ah, so the practice of "extreme unction" is mentioned in the
Bible, its just not called "extreme unction" - CORRECT!
Just my 2 cents worth!