CATHOLICISM'S LIES, DECEPTIONS & HERESIES
JOHN BIRNEY, PRINCIPAL
VIDEO:
Catholic High School Creates ‘Sacred Space’ for Muslim Students to Pray
SEE:
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/12/17/catholic-high-school-creates-sacred-space-muslim-students-pray/; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
A Michigan Catholic high school run by the Christian Brothers of Ireland is under fire for the creation of a “sacred space” for its Muslim students to worship during school hours.
“We don’t discriminate based on race, creed, color,” said school principal John Birney in defense of his decision to maintain the non-Christian prayer space despite the school’s official Catholic status.
Although the majority of the student body is Catholic, the all-boy Bloomfield Hills school accepts students of other faiths and currently some 12 Muslim boys study there.
Parents of several of the school’s students have protested the measure, with one mother claiming it was “unconscionable” and would undermine her son’s Christian education. Parents pay the school $11,750 in yearly tuition for their children to study in a Catholic environment.
According to local television station WXYZ, “a dozen or so angry parents” have expressed their disapproval of the school’s move to formalize a non-Christian prayer room on a Catholic school’s property.
Birney defends the decision, saying that making accommodation for non-Catholic students is in line with the thinking and teaching at the school, and that “all the Catholic hospitals in town do this.”
“Is [the prayer room] something that compromises our faith and identity, or is it in fact consistent with the respect that we have? We are Catholic in the sense that we share the ‘good news.’ We are not Catholic in the sense, ‘Hey, if you’re not Catholic, don’t bother coming here,’” Birney said.
“When the question was, ‘Is there a place that I can pray?’ the answer that evolved was yes,” he said. “We have this sacred space available for you if you want it.”
Birney also said that Muslim students in the school are required to conform to the Catholic curriculum for all students, and since they respect the Catholic faith the school should respect theirs.
In a statement released last week regarding Muslim immigration and religious liberty, Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron declared: “Fifty years ago, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council taught that the Catholic Church treats with respect those who practice the religion of Islam. And for these past 50 years, Catholics and Muslims in southeastern Michigan have enjoyed warm relations marked by a spirit of mutual respect and esteem.”
Birney said that a handful of boys use the prayer room on a regular basis, including one Tibetan Buddhist. “I guess the way I would view it, we’re a Catholic school; we continue to teach the Catholic faith and continue to celebrate our faith but we have other faiths here,” he said.
Brother Rice is not the only Catholic school to create a non-Christian prayer space. In 2012, a Catholic high school in Ontario, Canada, created an Islamic prayer room.
A spokesman for the Detroit Archdiocese told the Huffpost in an email that Birney had reached out to them for guidance.
“The Archdiocese of Detroit has provided Brother Rice High School with information in regards to the precedent in the Catholic Church for respecting the religious liberty — including the ability to pray — for non-Christians who are present at a great number of Church institutions worldwide, including schools, universities, hospitals, soup kitchens and shelters,” archdiocesan spokesman Joe Kohn said.
“Such respect for non-Christian people of faith is in keeping with what the Church teaches and what the Church Fathers put forth at the Second Vatican Council,” he said.
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ROME SAYS JEWS ARE SAVED, SHOULD NOT BE TARGET OF EVANGELISM
(Friday Church News Notes, January 1, 2016, www.wayoflife.org,fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) -
An official report published by Rome says that Jews (and everyone else) are saved, and Jews should not be the target of evangelism. The document, “The Gifts and Calling of God are Irrevocable,” was published by The Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, one of Rome’s many ecumenical ventures that began with the Second Vatican Council. The fifth chapter of the report “emphasizes that through Jesus Christ--and through his death and resurrection--all people have a part in salvation, all are saved. Although Jews cannot believe in Jesus Christ as the universal redeemer, they have a part in salvation, because the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” The sixth chapter deals with evangelism, and urges Catholics to “refrain from attempts at conversion or mission toward Jews” (“Summary of ‘The Gifts and Calling of God,’” Vatican Information Service, Dec. 10, 2015). If Jews are saved by means of the covenants of God without faith in Jesus Christ, why did Christ Himself call upon them to repent and believe (Luke 13:1-5), and why did He warn them of eternal judgment when they rejected Him (Matthew 11:20-24)? The Roman Catholic Church is the heart and soul of Mystery Babylon, and she is uniting with all of her daughters today. Note that this latest document says that ALL men have a part in salvation. It is impossible to be more ecumenical than that. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
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"Another Mary Who Is Quite Contrary"
by Mike Gendron, Ex Catholic
In its refusal to submit to God's Word as the supreme authority in matters of faith, the Roman Catholic Church worships another Jesus, teaches another gospel, and is deluded by another spirit (2 Cor.11:4). However, those soul-condemning errors are only the tip of the iceberg. Her deceptive practices and ungodly traditions also include the veneration of another Mary. The Mary of Catholicism is a twisted distortion of the Mary revealed in Scripture who also gave birth to James, Joseph, Judas, Simon, and their sisters (Mark 6:3). Rome rejects the Scriptural proof of Mary's other children by infallibly declaring she remained a virgin throughout her life. This counterfeit Mary is said to be another sinless mediator who is the cause of salvation for herself and the whole human race (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 494).
The exaltation of the virgin Mary by Catholics is completely unfounded in Scripture. Outside of the Gospels, Mary's name is mentioned only once and that is when she is praying with her other children and other believers in the upper room (Acts 1:14). Information about Mary in the Gospels is also very sparse. After the narratives related to the birth of Jesus, there are only three other references to Mary. The first is at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-5). Next is when she and the brothers of Jesus desired to talk to Jesus. Jesus responded that His mother and brothers are those who do the will of God (Mat. 12:46-50). One other reference is given when a woman in the crowd calls the mother of Jesus blessed, but Jesus does not affirm her. Instead He said blessed are those who hear the Word and observe it (Luke 11:27-28).
The exaltation of the virgin Mary by Catholics is completely unfounded in Scripture. Outside of the Gospels, Mary's name is mentioned only once and that is when she is praying with her other children and other believers in the upper room (Acts 1:14). Information about Mary in the Gospels is also very sparse. After the narratives related to the birth of Jesus, there are only three other references to Mary. The first is at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-5). Next is when she and the brothers of Jesus desired to talk to Jesus. Jesus responded that His mother and brothers are those who do the will of God (Mat. 12:46-50). One other reference is given when a woman in the crowd calls the mother of Jesus blessed, but Jesus does not affirm her. Instead He said blessed are those who hear the Word and observe it (Luke 11:27-28).
Roman pontiffs have created a Mary that shares the divine attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ. They say she was conceived without sin, lived a sinless life, was bodily assumed into glory, is the mediatrix of all grace, is our advocate, and now reigns as Queen of heaven alongside the King of kings. Pope Francis declared, "The Immaculate 'Virgin' becomes the sublime icon of Divine Mercy that conquered sin. To her I entrust the Church and all humanity, especially the city of Rome."
The idolatry associated with the Catholic Mary is evidenced in many ways, but primarily in the ungodly practice of praying to her. Prayer is one of the deepest forms of worship because it acknowledges the divine power of the person to whom we pray. This is why we never see any God-fearing man praying to anyone other than God in the Bible. Yet thousands of Catholics pray to Mary, at the same time asking for her help. The only way Mary could hear and answer those prayers would be if she were omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Yet, she is only human like all of us.
Mike's Comment: As Christians, we esteem Mary as blessed among women, but to ascribe divine powers and attributes to her is blasphemous and idolatrous. Satan will use anything to persuade people to take their eyes off Jesus. Just as he deceived Eve by his cunning, Catholics who idolize Mary will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3). Our dear Catholic friends and loved ones need to be warned of how God hates idolatry. We must call them to turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thes. 1:9). John MacArthur does an excellent teaching on the Catholic perversion of Mary. Listen to the message here.
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False Prophet Points to a Door Not the Cross
by Mike Gendron
Pope Francis has commenced the Jubilee Year of Mercy by offering a plenary indulgence for the remission of the punishment for sins. All those who pass through the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica will receive the indulgence. This is the first time the Holy Door has been opened since the Great Jubilee in the year 2000.
The opening of the door is meant to be symbolic of the "extraordinary path" toward salvation. The pope opened the door on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In his homily he said, "Not only does God forgive sin, but in Mary he even averts the original sin present in every man and woman who comes into this world." In closing he prayed, "May the Blessed Virgin, the first fruits of the saved, the model of the Church, holy and immaculate Bride, loved by the Lord, help us to rediscover the mercy of God more and more, in a way characteristic of Christians." Read more
Mike's Comment: If Catholics were abiding in God's Word, they would be asking the pope, "Why do we have to go through a door instead of coming to the cross of Christ with empty hands of faith?" Why go through a wooden door made with human hands when the eternal Christ is the only door by which sinners must enter to be forgiven (John 10:9). The apostle Paul wrote, "God made [believers] alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross" (Col. 2:13-14). The eternal sin debt was cancelled when the perfect High Priest offered Himself, the perfect sacrifice to a perfect God who demands perfection. Then Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). There are no more offerings for sin because by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Heb. 10:14).
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Vatican’s liturgy chief contradicts Pope Francis on Communion for non-Catholics
BY John-Henry Westen
SEE: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vaticans-liturgy-chief-contradicts-pope-francis-on-communion-for-non-cathol; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
ROME, November 30, 2015 (LifeSiteNews) -- The Vatican’s cardinal in charge of liturgy and the sacraments has strongly defended the Church’s tradition on reception of Communion in the wake of Pope Francis’ comments to a Lutheran woman suggesting she could choose in conscience to receive.
Speaking with Aleteia reporter Diane Montagna, Cardinal Robert Sarah said, “Intercommunion is not permitted between Catholics and non-Catholics. You must confess the Catholic Faith. A non-Catholic cannot receive Communion. That is very, very clear. It’s not a matter of following your conscience.”
In responding to a Lutheran woman seeking to go to communion with her Catholic husband, Pope Francis said, “There are questions that only if one is sincere with oneself and the little theological light one has, must be responded to on one’s own. See for yourself.” The pope, who was speaking to a Lutheran community in Rome November 15, added that both Lutherans and Catholics believe the Lord is present in Holy Communion, and that while there are “explanations and interpretations” that may differ, “life is bigger than explanations and interpretations.”
Pope Francis concluded it was not within his competence to allow a Lutheran woman to receive Holy Communion with her Catholic husband, but to answer her question, she should, “Talk to the Lord and then go forward.”
But Cardinal Sarah, who serves as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, contradicted this suggestion. “It’s not that I have to talk to the Lord in order to know if I should go to Communion,” he said. “No, I have to know if I’m in accord with the rule of the Church.”
“It’s not a personal desire or a personal dialogue with Jesus that determines if I can receive Communion in the Catholic Church. How can I know that the Lord has really said: ‘Come and receive My Body.’ No. A person cannot decide if he is able to receive Communion. He has to have the rule of the Church: i.e., being a Catholic, being in a state of grace, properly married [if married].
The cardinal warned that if Holy Communion is not received correctly it would not be a benefit to unity, but quoting St. Paul he said, “We will eat our condemnation.”
See the full interview at Aleteia here.
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Catholics and Orthodox Seek Unity
(In Apostasy)
by Mike Gendron:
Pope Francis calls for the re-unification of Catholics and Orthodox in a message to Patriarch Bartholomew I. In his message he spoke of "the conditions necessary to journey towards re-establishing the 'full communion of faith, fraternal accord, and sacramental life which existed during the first thousand years of the life of the Church.'" The pope continued, "Having restored a relationship of love and fraternity, in a spirit of mutual trust, respect and charity, there is no longer any impediment to Eucharistic communion, which cannot be overcome through prayer, the purification of hearts, dialogue and the affirmation of truth. Indeed, where there is love in the life of the Church, its source and fulfillment is always to be found in Eucharistic love. So too the symbol of the fraternal embrace finds its most profound truth in the embrace of peace exchanged in the Eucharistic celebration. In every context of Church life, relations between Catholics and Orthodox must increasingly reflect the logic of love that leaves no room for the spirit of rivalry. Theological dialogue itself, sustained by mutual charity, must continue to examine carefully the questions which divide us, aiming always at deepening our shared understanding of revealed truth. Motivated by God's love, we must together offer the world a credible and effective witness to Christ's message of reconciliation and salvation."
SEE: http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope-tells-Bartholomew-I-that-the-necessary-conditions-for-the-restoration-of-unity-between-Catholics-and-Orthodox-exist-36020.html; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
VATICAN
Pope tells Bartholomew I that the necessary conditions for the restoration of unity between Catholics and Orthodox exist
Francis issues a message for the feast day of Saint Andrew, patron of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Although not all the differences have been overcome, "there is no longer any impediment to Eucharistic communion" between Catholics and Orthodox, “which cannot be overcome through prayer, the purification of hearts, dialogue and the affirmation of truth."
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis sent Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I a message as part of the traditional meeting of delegations for the feast day of their respective patron saints, Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June in Rome and Saint Andrew on 30 November in Istanbul.Pope tells Bartholomew I that the necessary conditions for the restoration of unity between Catholics and Orthodox exist
Francis issues a message for the feast day of Saint Andrew, patron of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Although not all the differences have been overcome, "there is no longer any impediment to Eucharistic communion" between Catholics and Orthodox, “which cannot be overcome through prayer, the purification of hearts, dialogue and the affirmation of truth."
For the pontiff, “there is no longer any impediment to Eucharistic communion,” and progress “towards the full communion” can “draw inspiration from the gesture of reconciliation and peace by our venerable predecessors Paul VI and Athenagoras I,” who lifted the mutual excommunications of 1054.
Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, delivered Francis’ message as the head of the Holy See delegation. The pope also sent the patriarch his greetings from Bangui, Central African Republic.
“While not all differences between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches were brought to an end, there now existed the conditions necessary to journey towards re-establishing the ‘full communion of faith, fraternal accord and sacramental life which existed among them during the first thousand years of the life of the Church’ (Joint Catholic-Orthodox Declaration, 7 December 1965). Having restored a relationship of love and fraternity, in a spirit of mutual trust, respect and charity, there is no longer any impediment to Eucharistic communion, which cannot be overcome through prayer, the purification of hearts, dialogue and the affirmation of truth. Indeed, where there is love in the life of the Church, its source and fulfillment is always to be found in Eucharistic love. So too the symbol of the fraternal embrace finds its most profound truth in the embrace of peace exchanged in the Eucharistic celebration.
“In order to progress on our journey towards the full communion for which we long, we need continually to draw inspiration from the gesture of reconciliation and peace by our venerable predecessors Paul VI and Athenagoras I. At all levels and in every context of Church life, relations between Catholics and Orthodox must increasingly reflect the logic of love that leaves no room for the spirit of rivalry. Theological dialogue itself, sustained by mutual charity, must continue to examine carefully the questions which divide us, aiming always at deepening our shared understanding of revealed truth. Motivated by God’s love, we must together offer the world a credible and effective witness to Christ’s message of reconciliation and salvation.
