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RELIGION

Top 10 Misconceptions About The Catholic Church

JAMIE FRATER JULY 13, 2009

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Having recently published our misconceptions list about Islam, I promised a commenter that I would also publish a list of
misconceptions about the Catholic Church – of which there are millions. With this list I am honoring that promise. I have taken ten of
the most believed or written about misconceptions about Catholics or the Church and debunked them (with evidence wherever
possible). I certainly hope that you all find it interesting and readable.

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 Discourage Bible Reading
10

Misconception: The Church discourages Bible reading

The very first Christian Bible was produced by the Catholic Church – compiled by Catholic scholars of the 2nd and 3rd century and
approved for general Christian use by the Catholic Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397). The very first printed Bible was
produced under the auspices of the Catholic Church – printed by the Catholic inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg. And
the very first Bible with chapters and numbered verses was produced by the Catholic Church–the work of Stephen Langton, Cardinal
Archbishop of Canterbury.

At every Mass in the world everyday, the Bible is read aloud by the priest. In the traditional Mass there is one reading from the
general body of the Bible (excluding the gospels), and two from the Gospels. In the modern Catholic Mass, there are two readings
from the general body of the Bible and one from the Gospels. All Catholic homes have a Bible and the Bible is taught in Catholic
schools (as is its perennial tradition).

This myth has come about because Bibles were often locked away in Churches in the past, but that was not to prevent people having
access – it was to prevent them being stolen. These were hand written Bibles which were incredibly valuable due to scarcity.
Furthermore, people think the Church forbade people from reading the Bible by putting it on the Index of Forbidden Books, but the
Bibles placed on the Index were Protestant versions (lacking 7 books) or badly translated versions – the most famous of which is the
King James Version which Catholics are not supposed to use.

Idolatry
9
Misconception: Catholics worship Mary and are, therefore, committing idolatry

In Catholic theology there are three types of worship – one of which is condemned in the Bible if offered to anyone but God:

1) Latria – this is adoration which is given to God alone – giving this type of worship to anyone else is considered to be a mortal sin
and it is the idolatry condemned in the Bible.

2) Hyperdulia – this is a special type of worship given to Mary the Mother of Jesus – it is only given to her and it is not considered to
be idolatory as it is not adoration, merely reverence.

3) Dulia – this is the special type of worship given only to the saints and angels – it is also not idolatrous as it, too, is a form of
reverence.

The distinction was made by the 2nd Council of Nicaea in 787 AD. The council was called to condemn the people who claimed that it
was idolatrous to have statues and images of saints. The canons of the Council can be read here.

Just to clarify: “Latria is a Latin term (from the Greek ???????) used in Orthodox and Catholic theology to mean adoration, which is the
highest form of worship or reverence and is directed only to the Holy Trinity.” – there are lower forms of worship (as is implied here).
A Catholic who may kneel in front of a statue while praying isn’t worshipping the statue or even praying to it, any more than the
Protestant who kneels with a Bible in his hands when praying is worshipping the Bible or praying to it. The images of saints
(whether it be in statue form or painting) serves as a reminder of the holiness of the person depicted.

Non-Christians
8
Misconception: Catholics aren’t Christians

In fact, Catholics are the first Christians. When reading over the early Christian writings, you can see clearly that their doctrines and
teachings are the same as the Catholic Church today. You hear of Bishops, virgins living in community (nuns), priests, confession,
baptism of infants, the Bishop of Rome as head of the Christian religion, and reverence for the saints. Here are some comments by
the early Church fathers who were, in many cases, the apostles of the Biblical apostles:

Bishops: For it will be no light sin for us, if we thrust out those who have offered the gifts of the bishop’s office unblamably and
holily. — Pope St Clement, Letter to the Corinthians 1, A.D. 96.

The Papacy: “[From] Ignatius . . . to the church also which holds the presidency, in the location of the country of the Romans, worthy
of God, worthy of honor, worthy of blessing, worthy of praise, worthy of success, worthy of sanctification, and, because you hold the
presidency in love, named after Christ and named after the Father” (St Ignatius, Letter to the Romans 1:1 [A.D. 110]).

Holy Communion: “This food we call the Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes that the things we
teach are true, and has received the washing for forgiveness of sins and for rebirth, and who lives as Christ handed down to us. For
we do not receive these things as common bread or common drink; but as Jesus Christ our Savior being incarnate by God’s Word took
flesh and blood for our salvation, so also we have been taught that the food consecrated by the Word of prayer which comes from
him, from which our flesh and blood are nourished by transformation, is the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus.” — St. Justin
Martyr, “First Apology”, A.D. 148-155.

Infant Baptism: “Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other
relatives speak for them” (St Hippolytus, The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D. 215]).

Confession: “[A filial method of forgiveness], albeit hard and laborious [is] the remission of sins through penance, when the sinner . . .
does not shrink from declaring his sin to a priest of the Lord and from seeking medicine, after the manner of him who say, “I said, to
the Lord, I will accuse myself of my iniquity.” ” (Origen, Homilies in Leviticus 2:4 — A.D. 248)

From these quotes it is obvious that the practices of the modern Catholic Church are the closest to the practices of the apostles and
early Christians. It should also be said that the majority of historians accept that the Catholic Church was the first Christian Church
as it is verifiable from ancient texts.

Totally Infallible
7
Misconception: The Pope is infallible in all things

Roman Catholics believe that only under certain circumstances is the pope infallible (that is, he can not make a mistake). The Catholic
Church defines three conditions under which the Pope is infallible:

I. The Pope must be making a decree on matters of faith or morals

II. The declaration must be binding on the whole Church
III. The Pope must be speaking with the full authority of the Papacy, and not in a personal capacity.

This means that when the Pope is speaking on matters of science, he can make errors (as we have seen in the past with issues such
as Heliocentricity). However, when he is teaching a matter of religion and the other two conditions above are met, Catholics consider
that the decree is equal to the Word of God. It can not contradict any previous declarations and it must be believed by all Catholics.
Catholics believe that if a person denies any of these solemn decrees, they are committing a mortal sin – the type of sin that sends a
person to hell. Here is an example of an infallible decree from the Council of Trent (under Pope Saint Pius V – 16th Century):

If anyone denies that in the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist are contained truly, really and substantially the body and blood
together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ, but says that He is in it only as in a
sign, or figure or force, let him be anathema.

The last section of the final sentence “let him be anathema” is a standard phrase that normally appears at the end of an infallible
statement. It means “let him be cursed”. The most recent pronouncement that can be seen as falling under Papal Infallibility was
when Pope John Paul II declared that women could not become priests.

Anti-Science
6

Misconception: The Catholic Church is opposed to science and rejects evolution

In fact, may great scientific advances have come about through Catholic scholarship and education. The most recent and interesting
case is that of Monsignor Georges Lemaître (pictured above, center) a Belgian priest who proposed the Big Bang theory. When he
proposed his theory, Einstein rejected it, causing Monsignor Lemaître to write to him: “Your math is correct, but your physics is
abominable.” Eventually Einstein came to accept the theory.

Also, unlike many of the American Protestant or evangelical religions, the Catholic Church does not reject the theory of evolution.
Right from the early days of the theory, the Church remained mostly silent on the issue. The first public statements specifically
regarding evolution came from Pope Pius XII who said: “The Church does not forbid that…research and discussions, on the part of
men experienced in both fields, take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human
body as coming from pre-existent and living matter.”

In 2004, a Theological Commission overseen by Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) issued this statement: “According to the
widely accepted scientific account, the universe erupted 15 billion years ago in an explosion called the ‘Big Bang’ and has been
expanding and cooling ever since. […] Converging evidence from many studies in the physical and biological sciences furnishes
mounting support for some theory of evolution to account for the development and diversification of life on earth, while controversy
continues over the pace and mechanisms of evolution.”

Catholic Schools all around the world (including the US) teach scientific evolution as part of their science curriculum.

Indulgences
5

Misconception: Indulgences let you pay to have your sins forgiven

First of all we need to understand what an indulgence is. The Catholic Church teaches that when a person sins, they get two
punishments: eternal (hell) and temporal (punishment on earth while alive, or in purgatory after death). To remove the eternal
punishment of hell, a person must confess their sins and be forgiven. But the temporal punishment remains. To remove the
temporal punishment a person can receive an indulgence. This is a special “blessing” in which the temporal punishment is removed
if a person performs a special act such as doing good deeds or reading certain prayers.

In the Middle ages, forgers who were working for disobedient Bishops would write fake indulgences offering the forgiveness of sins
(removal of eternal punishment) in exchange for money which was often used for church building. Popes had been long trying to end
the abuse but it took at least three centuries for the sale of indulgences to finally end. True indulgences existed from the beginning
of Christianity and the Church continues to grant special indulgences today. Wikipedia has an excellent and honest article on the
abuse of indulgences from the Middle Ages. You can read it here. Here is a BBC article on a new indulgence granted by Pope Benedict
XVI in 2007.
 Emperor Constantine
4

Misconception: Emperor Constantine invented the Catholic Church in 325 AD

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity in the Edict of Milan, which removed penalties for professing
Christianity. At the age of 40 he converted to Christianity and in 325 he convened the first ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Because of
the importance of this council, many people believe that Constantine created the Church, but in fact there had been many councils
(though not as large) prior to Nicaea and the structure of the Church already existed. Constantine was at the council merely as an
observer and the Bishops and representative of the Pope made all of the decisions. Before the council of Nicaea, priestly celibacy
was already the norm, baptism of infants was practiced (as were all 7 sacraments), and the structure of priests and Bishops was
already 300 years old.

Priestly Celibacy
3

Misconception: Catholic Priests can’t get married

This has appeared on a previous list, but it is well worth including it here as well. In order to clear this one up, we need to first
understand the nature of the Catholic Church. Within the universal Church there are sections (also called churches but not in the
sense that they are separate) – the most common one is, of course, the Roman (or Latin) Catholic Church. Then there is the Eastern
Catholic Church (not to be confused with the Orthodox which is a different religion). Both of these churches fall under the jurisdiction
of the Pope and all believe the same doctrines. There are a lot of differences between the two groups but these are all in matters of
style of worship and certain rules. In the Eastern Church, priests are allowed to be married – but a married priest can’t become a
Bishop.

It also happens that occasionally in the Latin Church, pastors who convert from other religions such as the Church of England are
allowed to become priests even though they are married, so married priests can be found in all parts of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pictured above is a Greek Catholic priest and his wife. Don’t believe me? Here is proof. And here is more proof.
 Modified Bible
2

Misconception: The Church added books to the Bible

The Catholic version of the Old Testament differs from the Protestant version in that the Catholic edition contains seven more books
than Protestant Bibles. These “extra” books are the reason that many people consider the Church to have added to the Bible, but in
fact these books were considered the official canon (list of books) by all Christians until the Protestant reformation during which
Martin Luther (leader of the revolution) removed them. Interestingly some of these books contain affirmations of Catholic doctrines
which Luther rejected. The reason that the Catholic Church uses the Greek edition is because the apostles used it exclusively in their
preaching.

Luther decided to use the Jewish Masoretic canon (circa 700 – 1000 AD) instead of the Apostolic canon. The seven books he removed
were: Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch. While initially wanting to remove at least one
book (The Epistle of James, because it contradicts Luther’s teaching that faith alone is needed for salvation [James Chapter 2]) from
the New Testament, Luther ultimately decided to keep the Catholic New Testament in full.

Interestingly, Hanukah is mentioned only in 1 and 2 Maccabees, which is not included in either the Jewish or Protestant versions of
the Old Testament.

Medieval Papacy
1

Misconception: The Papacy is a medieval invention

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, and from the beginning of Christianity he was considered the head of the Church. This fact is
alluded to in many of the early Church documents and even in the Bible itself: “And I say to thee: That thou art Peter [Greek for
“rock”]; and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the first Bishop of Rome and he led the Church until his
death in 64 AD, at which point St Linus became the second Pope. St Irenaeus mentions him here:

The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate
[office of Bishop of Rome]. Of this Linus, Paul makes mention in the Epistles to Timothy [2 Timothy 4:21]. To him succeeded
Anacletus [third Pope, pictured above]; and after him, in the third place from the apostles, Clement [4th Pope] was allotted the
bishopric. — Against the Heresies, 180 AD

St Irenaeus goes on to mention another six Popes and the various tasks they undertook during their reigns – such as the imposition
by Pope Linus of the rule that women cover their heads in Church (a rule which, though often ignored, still exists today).

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Marisol
7 years ago
− ⚑

I really like this post. Inevitably, people will always bash the Catholic church.
89 △ ▽ Reply

David Mock > Marisol

− ⚑
5 years ago
They deserve to be bashed, that's probably why.
16 △ ▽ Reply

Grant Bowen > David Mock

− ⚑
5 years ago

Disagreed, religion itself doesn't deserve to be bashed. For one religion most likely won't have more credible evidence than the other.
Instead, intolerant, extremist, hate filled bigots should be bashed, for they are the once that believe they are correct regardless of any
outside evidence, and they make the laws that destroy any sense of free will and independence. (Saudi Arabia, Roman Empire, etc.). So,
that being said, evaluate your opinion's flaws next time.
26 △ ▽ Reply

Mike S Pasamano > Grant Bowen

4 years ago
− ⚑

Muslims are the only ones deserving of being bashed. Everyday they kill innocent men, women, and children for remaining Christians and
not straying from the Truth. Even the leader of all Earthly Christians, His Holiness, Pope Francis himself has spoken out against Islam.
2△ ▽ Reply
 Zoe > Mike S Pasamano
− ⚑
3 years ago

You need to learn the difference between a Muslim and a terrorist. SERIOSLY. Actually there's a list about it.
1△ ▽ Reply

Mike S Pasamano > Zoe

− ⚑
3 years ago

True Mohammedans are terrorists. The "Muslims" who aren't terrorists are what Muhammad claimed Allah called the "hypocrites". Read
the Quran and see for yourself just how fucked up these people are!
3△ ▽ Reply

NymRod > Zoe

− ⚑
3 years ago

There is no difference.
1△ ▽ Reply

James Faehr > David Mock

− ⚑
5 years ago

We are all the children of Abraham

5△ ▽ Reply

Zoe > David Mock

− ⚑
3 years ago

Wow. Talk about racism. Yes, Catholics aren't a race but only by using the word do I make the point of underlying how aggressive and
disrespectful your coent is. Like, even as a joke or in reference to all the pedophile "priests" and stuff. It's as bad as saying that a black
person should be bashed only because they're black.
1△ ▽ Reply

Mike S Pasamano > David Mock

− ⚑
4 years ago
Who do you say deserves to be bashed? Catholics or people bashing Catholics. Muslims are the only ones deserving of being bashed.
Everyday they kill innocent men, women, and children for remaining Christians and not straying from the Truth. Even the leader of all
Earthly Christians, His Holiness, Pope Francis himself has spoken out against Islam.
1△ ▽ Reply

Brandon Eason > Marisol

− ⚑
3 years ago

Do you know why Martin Luther was banned from the Catholic Church?
△ ▽ Reply

Moral Jew > Brandon Eason

2 years ago
− ⚑

Yes. He thought for himself. That's a mortal sin for Catholics.

△ ▽ Reply

Libera Nos Domine > Moral Jew

− ⚑
2 years ago

False. He was excommunicated from the body of Christ for teaching heresy and disobeying authority -- a mortal sin.

Disobedience to authorities
is a sin, and teaching heresy is worse. Take those together, and you've
got someone sinning against Christ's Church, and against His teachings.

Just a few are Sola Fide, Once Justified, Always Justified etc

These are damnable heresies and dissent from the Truth Christ taught, and lead others to Hell with them.

A few verses which totally destroy these diabolical doctrines are:

2 Peter 2:1
"There
will be false teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive
heresies, even denying the master who bought them, bringing upon
themselves swift destruction."
 themselves swift destruction."

This verse teaches that Christ bought these people who later deny Him, and bring destruction upon themselves.

This
see more

1△ ▽ Reply

svcmeee
7 years ago
− ⚑

I'm catholic but our teachings says that we don't worship Mary and other saints we just honor them.
35 △ ▽ Reply

Irritated Bystander > svcmeee

7 years ago
− ⚑

There was a case that when the authorities in this particular Muslim nation desecrated the Bible, there was an uproar among the Christians.
As the authorities tried to suppress them, they all turn to the Catholic Church to defend them. What makes me irritated was that they
continue to criticizes to the point of insult the Catholics even after what they done to protect all Christians irregardless what church they
belong to.
18 △ ▽ Reply

Guest > Irritated Bystander

4 years ago
− ⚑

Exactly. All of Christianity has been attacked throughout the thousands of years since Jesus was born.
4△ ▽ Reply

Gordon D. G. > svcmeee

5 years ago
− ⚑

The Roman Catholic church does not worship Mary, per se. What the problem is, is that, the RCC venerates an image of Mary that is not the
real Mary of the Holy Scriptures. Despite the fact that the RCC and her followers whole-heartedly believe, to their very core, that it is. For one,
RCC believes that Mary was sinless, and she explains away the Verse of ROMANS 3:23 to mean what it truly does not say. The Scriptures
say all have sinned, and fall short of GOD's Glory. This includes Mary (Miryam). Mary was Blessed among all women, who wouldn't be,
giving Birth to the Saviour and Messiah of mankind? But, she had sin, and needed Yahushua (Jesus') Salvation. And, she did not need to be
sinless in order to carry and give Birth to Yahushua. For GOD's Grace alone was her Covering. And, the Infant was Sinless and Holy in and of
Himself. Nothing around Him could alter that, not even being inside the womb of a woman born in sin. Difference with Mary is, is that, she
lived in humble obedience before the LORD, which the LORD honoured that. The Ark of the Covenant comparison notwithstanding. And,
Mary was not a "perpetual Virgin". She was Blessed with a normal, Godly sexual relationship with her Godly husband Joseph. There was no
need for her to, somehow, remain a virgin forever, in order for her to be accounted Blessed by GOD. It is just as much a Blessing for a
woman to humbly obey GOD, and live in the sexual Laws designed by Almighty GOD. For Mary to remain a virgin UNTIL AFTER she gave
Birth to Yahushua was all the "virginity" that GOD required of her. Just long enough for her to be a pure, un-touched vessel to carry and
deliver GOD's Son. Then, afterwards, even for her faithfulness, she was Blessed with a sexual union with Joseph. This sexual union helped
bond their marriage, and Blessed them with more children from this intimate bonding. For, MATTHEW 1:18 and MATTHEW 1:25 attest and
clue us in on Joseph and Mary's sexual activity. (And, the RCC explains away these Verses, too. But, they do so to their own dishonour!) The
Verses say, "Now the Birth of Yahushua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused (already
married) to Joseph, BEFORE THEY CAME TOGETHER (before they had sexual relations), she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost." The
very mentioning of "before they came together" alludes to her virginity which was crucial for the fact that she was "found with Child OF the
see more

3△ ▽ Reply

Colin Michael Sheehan

− ⚑
6 years ago
How very sad to read all the judgement coming from non Catholics and former Catholics. Jesus Christ created One Holy Catholic and
Apostolic Church and calls all His children to it to receive Him in Communion and the Sacraments He instituted for you. He Himself said that
he who does not eat of His body, has no life in him. So by all means, bash away. You're only condemning yourselves. I'll pray for you to open
your hearts to Jesus Christ, that you will cease in your hate filled and arrogant attacks and come to learn of the love and Truth of Jesus Christ
that can only be found in fullness in Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
60 △ ▽ Reply

Alice Kirbyson > Colin Michael Sheehan

− ⚑
5 years ago

The Five Cult Characteristics:

1. Unwavering commitment to the group's word, texts or teaching (ie. How very sad to read all the judgement... that can only be found in
 1. Unwavering commitment to the group's word, texts or teaching (ie. How very sad to read all the judgement... that can only be found in
fullness in Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church)

2. Doubt of the group's beliefs is discouraged (ie. struggling with faith)

3. The group's text proclaims themselves the one and only, the holders of the absolute truth and all other groups are misguided (ie. Matthew
16:18)

4. The group's members find many aspects of their lives excessively controlled, or forbidden (marriage, births, expression of sexuality, use
of medical or psychiatric practices)

5. The group induces feelings of shame and guilt in its members, using peer pressure and subtle persuasion (ie. seven deadly sins)

Catholicism is a cult. End of.

15 △ ▽ Reply

#ProudCatholic :) > Alice Kirbyson

− ⚑
5 years ago

very ignorant. a cult is like fdls. Catholic were first christans. some protestants and alot of atheist like to judge the catholic chruch.
John 15:18 18 “If the world hates you, [a]you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. Mark 13:13 You will be hated by all because
of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the
way you judge, you will be judged; and [a]by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is
in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how [b]can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out
of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to
take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
16 △ ▽ Reply

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