Posted on 09/27/2013 1:26:05 AM PDT by jodyel
There are about seven principle signs that identify a cult. Now when one hears the word "cult," the first connotation is that of some strange obscure religious group. But for our discussion the word cult is simply a word that describes organized heresy. In other words, any religious group that systematically teaches false doctrine. Knowing some of these signs is key to preventing people from following these cults.
The sign we will focus on here is the teaching of exclusivity. Cults will declare that they are the only way to heaven. Apart from them there is no salvation. They alone are the repositories of truth and all must join them to be saved. Here one might say, "yea, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Mormons." But to infer, let alone say, that Catholicism is in this class, is to be condemned as a hate monger or Catholic basher.
To demonstrate that Roman Catholicism bears the mark of a cult is quite easy indeed. If we were left to our opinions and personal interpretations, it might be difficult, but Rome has supplied a mass (no pun intended) of evidence to use. For example:
1) "WE BELIEVE THE CHURCH IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION BECAUSE CHRIST, WHO IS THE SOLE MEDIATOR AND EXCLUSIVE WAY OF SALVATION, RENDERS HIMSELF PRESENT FOR US IN HIS BODY WHICH IS THE CHURCH. WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THE UNITY OF THE MYSTICAL BODY, WITHOUT WHICH THERE CAN BE NO SALVATION, IS OPEN TO NO ONE OUTSIDE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH." Pope Paul VI
2) "THE HOLY UNIVERSAL CHURCH PROCLAIMS THAT GOD CANNOT TRULY BE WORSHIPPED SAVE WITHIN HERSELF, AND ASSERTS THAT ALL THEY WHO ARE WITHOUT HER PALE SHALL NEVER BE SAVED." Pope Gregory the Great (Now how is that for ecumenism!)
3) "THE CHURCH IS LIKE THE ARK OF NOAH, OUTSIDE OF WHICH NOBODY CAN BE SAVED." Thomas Aquinas.
4) "THAT THERE IS ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH WE ARE COMPELLED TO BELIEVE AND TO HOLD, PROMPTED BY DIVINE FAITH, AND WE DO BELIEVE THIS FIRMLY AND CONFESS IT SIMPLY, OUTSIDE OF WHICH THERE CAN BE NO SALVATION, OR REMISSION OF SINS…." Pope Boniface VIII
5) "IT IS A SIN TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SALVATION OUTSIDE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH." Pope Pius IX
6) "FOR IT IS THROUGH CHRIST’S CATHOLIC CHURCH ALONE, WHICH IS THE UNIVERSAL HELP TOWARDS SALVATION, THAT THE FULNESS OF THE MEANS OF SALVATION CAN BE OBTAINED." Vatican II
Now we have just cited six infallible sources of the Catholic Church to prove without reservations that they believe that they are the only way to heaven. Understand that they are saying that only Roman Catholics have a chance at going to heaven. This is classic cult mentality. The organization becomes the focus and the savior. Allow us to clearly illustrate this fact. In a recent debate with a Jesuit theologian, we were able to ask a very simple yet extremely important question. The question was "what do we have to do to go to heaven?" The answer that followed was very revealing. It clearly proved that Roman Catholicism teaches that every Baptist is going to hell, in addition to every Presbyterian, Methodist, etc. The Jesuit theologian said to go to heaven we must "do" several things. Firstly, believe the entire Bible. (Sounds like a fundamentalist.) Secondly, we must be baptized in water. Thirdly, we must keep the commandments. Fourthly, we must eat His flesh and drink His blood literally (in the sacrament of the mass). He mentioned a couple of others, but these four should suffice.
The Scripture clearly reveals to one and all that salvation comes from believing in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. (Cf. Acts 16:30-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) The entire book of Galatians was written to demonstrate the futility of believing that the Law justifies or saves anyone. But the "eating" and "drinking" the literal flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ says it all. For according to Roman Catholic theology, this can only be done after a "priest"—and only a priest—says the words of consecration over the bread and wine. Hence, no Catholic Church, no priest. No priest, no Mass or transubstantiation. No transubstantiation, no eating His flesh or drinking His blood. No eating and drinking of Jesus literally, NO SALVATION!
We commend to your reading Hebrews 7, 8, 9 and 10. The mysticism is clearly not biblical and certainly not necessary for anyone to be saved. Their insistence on such heresies places them at the top of the list of religious cults. That statement may seem a bit harsh, but it is nonetheless true. Catholicism does not differ from any of the cults where our first sign is concerned. A closer look at the other signs of a cult further confirm the fact that Catholicism, while large in number, humanitarian in practice, is still unbiblical and perhaps the mother of all "Christian" cults.
These Catholic postings citing the Bible are useless; the Catholics do not BELIEVE the Bible — at least, not all of it. This was shared with me by staunch R.C. friends, one of whom studied for the priesthood. If there is EVER a conflict between what the Bible states and what popes decree, the popes always win.
Per these people, Catholics believe the parts of the Bible they want to believe; the rest is “just stories”.
Of course, any “religion” that raises a man’s word above God’s Word is a cult. Observing extra-biblical fantasies is another criterion.
Gotta love America where anyone can believe anything he chooses. If he chooses to reject God and worship anyone else, living or dead, there are consequences in the hereafter. It’s all about choices.
Paul VI on How the Plan of Salvation Includes Non-Christians
Pope Paul VI
November 21, 1964
In the first place we must recall the people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh [...] But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God [...] Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.
“The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator.”
This is why men not inspired and indwelt with the Holy Spirit should not be rewriting Scripture. There is no need to rewrite what has already been clearly stated by God, thru men indwelt with the Holy Spirit, in Scripture.
I’m sure this has been called out many times already here but acknowledging the Creator is what even Satan and the demons do and they sure don’t have salvation.
Why rewrite something that is already crystal clear unless one has motives that are less than godly?
The believers here get that, Madam. Loud and clear. But we must refute them and their popes nevertheless.
Thank you for posting.
I also condemn anybody that tries to take an isolated Scripture on which to build a doctrine. Your quote to me of Jesus's words were twice misplaced in context.
Firstly, Jesus was quoting scripture, not speaking extemporaneously. Jesus always used the Scriptures to explain the Gospel. Secondly, the context from which your quote came was from the attempted trickery by some suppose that scholars. I see the same thing happening with most of the rhetoric from the Roman Catholic side. the next part of your post even talk about the parable of the rich man and Abraham (which by the way, is found in Luke 16). Do you understand what parable means? Parables are not literal occurrences. Maybe you are just confused, so I will furnish the definition:
par·a·ble [par-uh-buhl]
noun
1. a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.
2. a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.
The Roman Catholic indoctrination process is strong. It is obvious to anyone that reads these threads that the Roman Catholics here in our totally committed to the defense of the organization based in Rome. They even tried to pick some scriptures to build their case without rhyme nor reason. It's just what they've always been taught! But thank God, I have the Holy Spirit as my guide and comforter. I don't need to depend on Rome's interpretations and misinterpretations and misplaced doctrines of men. I only need to trust in the Lord. There is no dead person I can pray to, know what I have any reason when I have the assurance that I can approach God's throne directly. You see, I am part of the family. I have been grafted into joint heirship with Christ. There is no man on earth that can pardon my sins, because when I gave my life to him he promised to remember them no more. Believe it or not!
But Jesus spoke to them just as I will speak to the Roman Catholic “Sadducees”. In verse 29, Jesus says unto them, “you do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”
***
Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
27 And last of all the woman died also.
28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. ...
You mean like fundamentalist Protestants who say (a) only Christians can be saved, and (b) Catholics aren't Christians, Orthodox aren't Christians, most other professing Christians aren't really Christians, and (c) the only real Christians are people in their little group, and a few like it? Like them?
Pot, kettle, black. Pretty amusing to condemn another group for its falsely alleged "exclusivity". Do you not see the blatant irony?
Yeah, and Protestants only believe the parts of the Bible they think they can use to trash Catholics, and most of them only know a few verses out of Romans and Galatians.
Do you want to have a civil discussion or just sit here and slander each other? Which do you think actually glorifies Christ?
Let’s take one point at a time.
I am well aware that the parable of Dives and Lazarus is a parable.
Note that I did NOT say that Dives and Lazarus were real people in the Gospel. I said that, if Jesus wanted to PROMOTE the idea that people survive after death, i.e., that “dead” people are actually alive, then telling that parable was an excellent way to do so.
It would be possible to take you seriously if you weren’t so eager to find the least charitable or plausible interpretation of what I said.
Perhaps you will notice that my posts have been free of any ranting against “corrupt Protestants,” or “Protestants deceived by Satan,” etc. On the other hand, all or nearly all the posts contesting the Catholic view have been loaded with assertions that Catholics are deceived by Satan, that they will burn in Hell, etc.
The contrast is surely interesting.
Yep, the parts between Genesis and Revelation! When does your "civil discussion" begin? I don't slander. Use of the word slander implies falsehood or lies, and I speak truth from the whole word of God, chapter and verse included every time. I also don't trash Catholics individually, but I will speak the truth in love. I agree with the premise stated. The Roman Catholic Church is the world's largest cult.
Numbers mean nothing to God. Each individual gets the same opportunity to choose. sadly, the Roman Catholic organization has designed a system to keep their faithful in the pews. Plus, they get to sell them some candles and statues. I don't think that's what God requires. Scripture tells me otherwise. You don't have to be obedient to ritual and rote. You have to acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of salvation and punishment. God wants you to know the way, and there's no detour through Rome!
John 3: ... 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ...
... Romans 3 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus
If those who have died are DEAD, DEAD, DEAD, as you say, how are they able to enjoy being in heaven?
Okay.
Now that it has been proven (use the link above, to the Vatican website) that the “quote” from Pope Paul VI was fake—that, indeed, it said the OPPOSITE of “all non-Catholics are damned,” are you going to inquire of the author of the webpage you cut-and-pasted why he would publish a fake “quote” from a Pope?
I mean, it seems that a person is either interested in pursuing and spreading the truth, or he is the kind of person who uses fake quotations. I can’t see how anybody can be both!
However, based on the test of exclusivity, does this make Christianity a cult? Even if Christianity (by which I mean accepting Christ as Savior) is right, which it is?
"They're dead, Jim!" Maybe you will believe Paul.
1 Corinthians 15: ...12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. ...
... 50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
Paul is writing about the resurrection of the body. Where does he say that those who are “asleep” are dead—specifically, dead in such a way that they cannot assist us here on earth, or pray for us?
Where does Scripture say that when people “fall asleep” in the Lord, they cease to know or love those of us still here on earth?
Right! And that is exactly what Scripture says, huh?
And the Lord your God says....just follow the dictates of one’s conscience....ya wanna believe in Me, great...ya don’t, that’s great too. And everybody’s happy, happy, happy.
Never heard such a load of hogwash in my life!
Guys, I really don’t think we need even bother with this anymore. Anyone trolling or lurking on this site will be able to see the stupidity and ignorance a mile away.
Who in their right mind would want any part of a Catholic god?
We don’t know!!!! It is up to God!!!!
Truly, truly I say to you...Catholics have to be the most gullible, ignorant, unsaved group in the world.
Are ya’ll really that ignorant?
Thank God I serve a God who leaves me in no doubt as to my eternal state. Boggles the mind that grown men and women could believe such stupidity!
I did address it...read on or are all Catholics blind too? Oh yeah, they are.
Attack, attack, attack....poor pitiful Catholics...poor, poor them!!!
Who are Catholics gonna cry to when real persecution out in the real world comes after them?
Ghostbusters?
Don’t expect Jesus to ride to ya’ll’s rescue when y’all have always believed in hogwash.
Grown men and women believe this stupid Catholic stuff...boggles the mind.
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