It is necessary to write a page on Roman Catholicism because there are significant differences between Protestant and Roman Catholic doctrines (and various Protestant sect's doctrine is insignificantly different?). Protestants accuse the Catholics of being unscriptural and the Catholics state that the Protestants do not have the true faith carried through the centuries by the Catholic Church. On which ever side you fall, the real issue is whether or not the Roman Catholic Church is representing true Christianity.In reference to the Catholic reliance upon (gasp) "Tradition", Mr. Slick goes on to say:
If you are a Roman Catholic, please understand that this site is not meant to offend you in any way (let me define offensive as a poor attempt to understand the position you are arguing against -- let's see if this holds). This site is dedicated to examining the truth, all truth, and comparing it to the Bible. No matter who it is or what group is proclaiming truth, we know that the Bible is the Word of God (I will test that theory, specifically regarding the "Bible" as canon) and that no truth from God will contradict it. I urge you to examine what is here on this site and see if what is being taught here is true. If you do, you will be doing exactly what the Bible commands: to examine all things (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11; Jude 3). Since the Catholic Church holds the Bible to be the word of God, I am putting Catholic doctrine to the biblical test.
If you are a Protestant, you will probably (unless you believe to the historic doctrine of baptism regeneration) feel more comfortable browsing these pages since they will, essentially, confront Roman Catholic teachings. It is apparent that the Roman Church has added much to the scope of Christian doctrine that is not revealed in scripture ("apparent" only begs the question, but let's proceed). This is an issue that needs to be addressed. It is vital.
What is interesting about his list is:Apparently, it is Tradition that is the source of doctrines which are clearly not taught in the Bible, but which the Catholic Church still says are implicit within its text and elucidated through Apostolic Tradition. Some of them are as follows: The Mass, Penance, Veneration of Mary, Purgatory, Indulgences, the Priesthood, the Confessional, the Rosary, Venial and Mortal Sins, and statues in the Church.
Matt Slick
1. All the elements of the The Mass come explicitly from Scripture (e.g., consecration, altar, Scripture reading, sign of peace, etc.), setting aside a few phrases and gestures that harken back to both Christian and Jewish traditions. See also The Mass in Scripture.
2. Penance. Boy this is awkward. "No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3
3. Veneration of Mary- "Every generation will call me blessed." This is a complicated issue, but to say that veneration is "clearly not taught in the Bible" is a hermeneutic decision not the result of a clear-as-day proof-text. If a distinction between veneration and worship can be made -- and there is, then there is nothing in Scripture even approaching a disapprobation of venerating Mary.
4. Setting aside the rest of the list for time's sake, the great irony is that the phrase "implicit within its text and elucidated through Apostolic Tradition" could be replaced with "implicit within its text and elucidated through evangelical-Protestant tradition" as an explanation and/or apology for Mr. Slick's particular doctrinal commitments. Especially considering that he denies baptismal regeneration. In other words, no man is a tradition-less island unto himself.
At this point, I am starting to gather that CARM is not inviting me to write a guest article. Anyways, remember they are a "research" ministry. In an attempt, I guess, to bring fellow Protestants into the illuminati of the inner circle of Roman Catholic theology, Mr. Slick kindly offer his reader a "terminology section". Since the term "Tradition" plays so heavy right out of the gate in his contention with Roman Catholic doctrine, I was interested to find out how he defines that term.
Tradition - handing down through the centuries from mouth to mouth of the teachings of Jesus. It began with the apostles and continues unbroken to the present bishopric of the Catholic Church.Nice try.
For starters, Tradition is not exclusively oral. In fact, most of the Traditions of the Church can be found in the writings of the early Church Fathers. Tradition does include the teachings of Christ as handed off to the Apostles. These teachings and way of life and worship are preserved in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. They are not only preserved but grow -- being active, living and dynamic -- in Christ's Church through the work of the Holy Spirit.
In the spirit of outreach (I gather), and just below the "copy and paste" section on the Catechism whereby Mr. Slick enjoys an out-of-context-extravaganza, there is a section that is a kind of "Coming Out Network International". In this case, and unlike the Coming Home Network, the "outers" are former priests. Many of the original Protestants were former priests, thus, there is nothing really sensational about a few priests defecting. However, what is amazing, according to Mr. Slick, with regards to their stories is:
"As you can see, even Roman Catholic Priests can discover the truth found in God's word and escape the error of the Roman Catholic system of works righteousness. To God be the glory." (source)
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Glory be to God.
