Bible Question: What is so wrong with Roman Catholics. I am intrigued by their worship formats. They are disciplined and have strict adherence to the Bible. |
Bible Answer: But why this question? It may be an offshoot of another discussion, and it would be interesting to know which one. There is a question on this forum (ID# 95694) abut things that are praiseworthy in that system. But it is apparent there are good parts and not-so-good parts in every system. There is another question in the air, which may not have landed on this forum as yet. Someone wanted to ask the question: “Do you think the Pope was saved?” or “Do you think he went to heaven?” but they were afraid to ask. It is really a question about the system that he headed. One would guess that, with such a question, sparks would fly. (How dare you question whether His Holy …?) One might need to check the guidelines again to see if such a question is allowable. (This writer did not double-check the guidelines, and he is not asking the question). But it is on some of our minds. One might have to frame it in terms of an intellectual examination of scripture, or else initiate a Bible study related to false religion and false prophets leading hordes of people astray. There is not a question whether there are Catholics who go to heaven. One would not have asked Jesus if there were Pharisees who went to heaven. After all, Nicodemus and Paul had been Pharisees. But it is necessary to consider the idea of systems of religion preaching a false gospel and giving adherents a false hope of salvation. In an open discussion, it may be good if participants did not reveal their affiliation with the systems, (I do not know) as they might then feel the need to defend them, and those who speak against them, or anything in them would have to fear. It is easy to dismiss small cults, but more difficult and more dangerous to look with criticism at any major sect. Jesus was surely aware of that before he spoke up. But sometimes one is led to wonder: Does Jesus statement concerning false prophets apply to anyone? “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. Does his statement about being blind alert any of us? Some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, “Are we blind also?” (John 9:40). What an amazing answer Jesus gave! (v. 41). It is one, I think, that those men had to ponder. And now, it is our turn. Does his statement about following blind men serve to turn us from them to him perhaps? “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14). But Jesus is the Light of the world. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Does Jesus’ prophecy frighten anyone? “Not every one that says unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven”. Does his warning concerning the ultimate consequences appeal to anyone? “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity‘”. It may be that someone needs to be strong and fearless, to say what Jesus would have said today: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:13). But it is my guess that any person saying that would be either ignored or crucified. |