But that's not in the Bible!

This week's subject, again a favorite of anti-Catholic argument, is the point that many things involved in the faith are not mentioned in the Bible. My first thought is: so what? Computers aren't in the Bible either, but you're on one, aren't you? But the subject deserves more consideration than that. So let's examine it (actually I mean me not us, since you're not typing).

Why would things that aren't in the Bible be part of worship? Because people like routine and traditions. The issue isn't really whether Catholic practices have a basis in scripture (and most of them do) but whether it's possible for something not mentioned in the Bible to contribute to a relationship with Jesus.

This is one of those "fine line" issues that Satan loves to play with. I am by no means an expert, but I pray for guidance each time I post. I have faith that God can work through me. You can choose to agree with me or not. Your decision. But I feel that I've been given information that should be shared in the interests of arresting division between believers, who need to stand together now more than ever.

First let's pick just one Catholic thing that's not in the Bible. Saints for example. Not that there aren't saints in the Bible (after all, the KJV has the gospels according to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John) but arguably the Catholic Church has a lot more on their list.

Ok, is there anything wrong with designating certain people as saints? I don't think so, but I don't think only those who get canonization are saints. There's no way a system run by men will recognize all of them. It's not humanly possible. Which is why as far as eternity goes, the decision is up to God, not men. Still I don't think there's anything specifically wrong or sinful about it. And anyone who doesn't make the cut will still get a Heavenly reward anyway so it's not like they'd complain. Compared to the glories of Heaven, what is having your name on a list made by men?


What is the point of designating saints anyway? Giving people an example of others who have lived and followed Christ. Showing that there are different ways to serve. Helping to remind us that others have faced trials, and it is possible to resist temptation and live by faith.

Does it take people away from Jesus? Not if the saints have been recognized for their devotion to Christ. Only in twisting the point could it even be possible. Those who have made their lives examples of Christ's love cannot but serve as a testament to the goodness and mercy of God. The only way anyone can believe that the Catholic tradition of sainthood takes people away from Jesus is if they want to believe it.

The same way the only people who think the film The Passion of the Christ is anti-semitic were those who went into the movie believing that, and refused to consider otherwise. The evidence they saw supported the conclusions they had made before seeing it, because that is the way they wanted it. "There is none so blind as he who will not see."

Could the "sainthood" thing be used by Satan? Of course. He'll use anything. But a thourough knowledge of scripture as well as knowledge of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, can make void his efforts.

Which reminds me. Another reason the Catholic Church isn't the harlot of Revelation (hey, this is the main focus of my blog until I run through the reasons for my belief): Satan is so incredibly anti-Catholic that it's not possible. Think about it. The most evil, corrupt, and depraved portray the Church as a backward and archaic institution for the sole reason that it defends the lessons of the Holy Scriptures against the modern secular way of life. As I pointed out in my last post, Jesus said "A house divided against itself cannot stand." So why would Satan be working so hard to bring down the Church if it was his baby to begin with?

Actually many of the arguments against the Catholic Church fail to take into consideration the changes implented with Vatican II. The entire point of Vatican II was to bring the church back in line with the Scriptures because it had fallen away. Yes, there have been many mistakes made, but as Jesus said "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."

I can't say what I'll write about next week, because I don't usually plan it out in advance. I let the Holy Spirit dictate the topic. But I will, at some point be going through the book of Revelation in depth. It will take many posts, but it will be done. That's really more the point of this blog than even defending my religion. There are dangerous things going on in the world and so many people do not see it. We are moving toward Armageddon (did I spell that right?). It is not something to fear, but people should be made aware of it. The days in which more sheep can be brought into the fold grow short. It is my hope that this blog will help to spread the Good News to others who might not hear it otherwise.

May God's peace be with you.