|
|
 |
|
J M J
Martin Luther on the Bible: "We are
compelled to concede to the Papists that they have the Word of God, that we have received It from them, and that without them
we should have no knowledge of It at all." Commentary On St. John
"The word of the Lord endureth forever."
1 Peter 1:25
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
V. Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church.
131 "And such is the force and power of the Word of God that
it can serve the Church as her support and vigor, and the children of the Church as strength for their faith, food for the
soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life."109 Hence "access to Sacred Scripture ought to be open wide
to the Christian faithful."110
132 "Therefore, the study of the sacred page should be the very soul of sacred theology. The ministry of the
Word, too - pastoral preaching, catechetics and all forms of Christian instruction, among which the liturgical homily should
hold pride of place - is healthily nourished and thrives in holiness through the Word of Scripture."111
133 The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful. . . to learn the surpassing
knowledge of Jesus Christ, by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.112
|
|
|
Scriptural Apologetics
Apologetics Bible Cards
2000 St Joseph Communications
12/7/2005
Objection: The Holy Spirit will guide each Christian in understanding the Bible.
Scripture: Acts 8:30-31 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the
prophet, and asked, "Do you understand what you are readin g?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Reflection: If the Ethiopian eunuch, who was most likely wealthy and well educated,
couldn't understand by just reading the scriptures, then how are we to understand without help from an official teaching authority;
the Church? The guaranteed guidance of the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles and to the Church, not to each individual
believer. The Church is made up of believers but it is the teaching function of the Church (Magisterium) that correctly
instructs the faithful.
12/6/2005
Objection: The Holy Spirit will guide each Christian in understanding the Bible.
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:16 speaking of this as he does in all his letters.
there are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they
do the other scriptures.
Reflection: This is a severe warning to those who try to understand the scripture
on their own, especially those who are ignorant or unstable. Misinterpreting scripture can lead to destruction.
Looking to the Church to provide us with infallible teaching is our assurance of finding the truth in scripture. Reading
scripture on our own is highly encouraged but it must be done in the light of Catholic doctrine. Use the Catechism of
the Catholic Church (CCC) when you study the Bible.
12/5/2005
Objection: The Holy Spirit will guide each Christian in understanding the Bible.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy
of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
Reflection: Look at who this verse was being addressed to; it was the
apostles. Jesus never told the multitudes that the Holy Spirit would guide them. We are to rely upon the infallible
teaching of the Church that has been handed down to us through the apostolic succession for nearly 2000 years. Personal
interpretation leads to division, not unity. How many different churches claim to have the true Gospel? More than
20,000. Which one is the true church? The founded by Christ 2000 years ago.
12/4/2005
Objection: The Bible is the only authoritative source for God's word.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the
traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.
Reflection: The traditions that Paul speaks of are those that the Thessalonians
were taught, either by spoken word or in the writing of letters. If oral traditions were to be condemned, there would
have been a verse to do just that. However, Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians, to hold on to both the preached
and written traditions, supports the Catholic practic and point of view.
12/3/2005
Objection: The Bible is the only authoritative source for God's word.
Scripture: and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful
men who will be able to teach others also.
Reflection: Paul instructs Timothy to teach others as he was taught...by what
he HEARD, not by what he read. This does not discredit the importance of scripture but the idea that scripture
alone is the only authoritative means in which God communicates to his people. The apostles wrote and preached thus
establishing both the written and oral traditions used within the Church to hand on the faith to others. This process
is called "catechesis" and comes from the Greek verb meaning to echo or resound.
12/2/2005
Objection: The Bible is the only authoritative source for God's word.
Scripture: Romans 10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and
what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.
Reflection: Our faith typically is not initially received by reading the Bible.
It is usually born and developed through what we hear from others (our parents, family, friends, etc). This oral transmission
of faith is what this verse is referring to. The Bible tells us in this verse that our faith comes from hearing the
Word of God. The scripture is read and preached from, but is not the only source of God's revelation.
12/1/2005
Objection: The Bible is the only authority we need.
Scripture: Mt 18:17-18 If he refuses to listen to them,
tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven.
Reflection: If the Bible is the only authority we need, why does
Matthew tell us to go to the Church to settle disputes rather than the Bible? The Church here is not the two or three
witnesses or the two or three gathered in His name, but an apostolic authority given the power to bind and loosed If
the Bible is all we need, why are there over 20,000 Bible based churches claiming to be the true church, yet teaching very
different doctrines? The Church that Christ established is one in unity, not many in division.
11/30/2005
Objection: The Bible is the only book we need
Scripture: John 21:25 But there are also many other things which Jesus
did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Reflection: If the Bible was intended to be an all inclusive handbook of how
the Church should operate, be structured, and teach a Christian all they must know, why doesn't one find the method of ceremony
about how to get married in it? Especially since marriage is a union God established between man and woman. The
marriage ceremony is in fact a tradition which has been passed down through generations relatively unchanged beginning with
the Catholic Church Other churches simulate it.
11/29/2005
Objection: The Bible is all we need.
Scripture: 2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correctio, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped
for every good work.
Reflection: Catholics agree with that verse is saying...but don't take it to
the extreme that some non-Catholics do. It says that scripture is USEFUL, not necessary. The Bible alone
concept is not supported by this verse even though many may try to make a case for it. The Bible is a collection of
letters and accounts of what happened throughout Bible history. It is USEFUL but it is not an all inclusive handbook
for being a Christian or running a church.
11/28/2005
Objection: Peter was no greater than any of the other apostles.
Scripture: Acts 15: 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter
rose and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made choice among you, and by my mouth the Gentiles
should hear the word of the gospel and believe."
Reflection: Here after much discussion and debate, Peter stands up and speaks.
After he speaks the council falls silent indicating that his authority is recognized; Peter has spoken. The issue of
the Gentiles regarding circumcision and the Mosaic law were settled by Peter. This first Church council held in Jerusalem
was the occasion of the first Pope exercising his authority. Jesus left Peter in charge of the Church on earth.
11/27/2005
Objection: Peter was no greater than any of the other apostles.
Scripture: John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know
everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "'Feed my sheep."
Reflection: Jesus confirms His appointment of Peter to be the head of the Church on earth.
Christ is the Good Shepherd who leads His flock but here He tells Peter to feed His sheep. This discussion between Jesus
and Peter takes place prior to Jesus ascending into heaven. Peter is given the authority by Christ and left in charge
of the sheepfold (the Church). No other apostle was given this authority. We look to the Chair of Peter for Christ's
representative here on earth.
11/26/2005
Objection: Peter was no greater than any of the other apostles
Scripture: Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of
heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loossed in
heaven.
Reflection: Jesus gives Peter the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.
These are symbolic keys which represent a supreme apostolic authority. The authority of the keys gives Peter
alone jurisdiction as supreme shepherd and ruler over all the Church. Also note, Peter's name is mentioned 195 times
in the New Testament; more than all the other apostles combined. His name is always mentioned first. The primacy
of Peter is undeniable. Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my lambs" John 21:15-17
11/25/2005
Objection: The Catholic claim that Peter was the lead apostle is another false teaching.
Scripture: Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have
you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have
turned again, strengthen your brethren.
Reflection: Peter is again distinguished from the other apostles by Jesus.
Jesus prays for Peter, that his faith may not fail and tells Peter he must strengthen (lead) the others.
No objection from the other apostles is recorded about this leadership role given to Peter. The other apostles
knew Peter was the head apostle and recognized it. Satan attacks those who are closest to God since those that
are far from God already belong to Satan. The apostles were prime targets. Jesus warns Peter of this.
11/24/2005
Objection: The Pope can't be head of the Church.
Scripture: Isaiah 22:21-22 and I will clothe him with your robe, and will
bind your girdle on him, and will commit your authority to his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants
of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David;
and he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Reflection: Jesus is drawing from this image of the keys when he gives
Peter the keys to the Kingdom of heaven in Matthew 16:18-19. The keys are a symbol of authority given to the chief
official or prime minister of the Kingdom of David. A dynastic succession was also an element of the office of prime
minister. When the office was vacated, another was selected to take his place. The Pope is Christ's earthly
representative and is the prime minister of the Kingdom of heaven here on earth, the Church.
11/23/2005
Objection: The Christian Church does not include the hierarchy that is found in the
Catholic Church.
Scripture: Luke 10:16 He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects
you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.
Reflection: The Church today reflects a hierarchy that Christ established in
the early Church. The apostles were given the authority to teach in Christ's name. Again, Jesus didn't commission
the multitudes to have this authority; only the twelve and their successors (see Acts 1:20). Without an infallible teaching
authority guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church would not have lasted 2000 years. Consider the 20,000 plus churches which
have been a direct result of the denial of authority.
11/22/2005
Objection: The Apostles were not replaced. The Catholic idea of apostolic succession
is false.
Scripture: Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, "Let
his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it", and "His office [Bishopric-KJV] let another take."
Reflection: Here's an example of an apostle (bishop) being replaced or succeeded.
Peter (the head apostle) stands up before a large crowd and tells them that Judas's office (bishopric) must filled.
After praying to the Lord to show them who should fill the office of Judas, they cast lots. God answered their prayers
by having the lots fall on the one who should be chosen (Matthias). God still guides the Church when selecting a Pope
or teaching the people of God.
11/21/2005
Objection: Apostolic Succession is a Catholic invention.
Scripture: Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.
Reflection: The apostles handed on the teachings of Jesus to new apostles as
this verse indicates. Apostolic succession was clearly exercised in the early Church and continued throughtout history.
It is true that we are all called to evangelize as the apostles did but not all are called to have the same functions as those
in the ministerial priesthood. See Titus 1:5
11/20/2005
Objection: Once the last apostle died that was the end of the apostolic age and
any further apostolic authority.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given
to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care
how he builds upon it.
Reflection: Paul is building on the cornerstone/capstone (Christ), a foundation.
He taught and gave authority for others to build upon that foundation. This is what the Catholic Church refers to as
apostolic succession. Christ didn't come to establish a church only to have it fall apart with the death of the last
apostle. The Church was intended to be a visible living Church. He commissioned the apostles to baptize and preach
the Gospel until He returns. Successive replacements are necessary.
11/19/2005
Objection: In the Church everyone is subject only to the authority of the Bible.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:20 built upon the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.
Reflection: The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets
with Jesus as teh capstone or cornerstone. The apostles and their successors were the authority within the early Church
just as they are today. The Bible was not brought together into one book until 393 AD. Apostolic succession was
the primary authority prior to this time. Oral tradition was heavily relied upon, since many letters and gospels were
still being written. No one knew which were truly inspired until 393 AD.
11/18/2005
Objection: All Christians have the authority to interpret scripture.
Scripture: John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the
Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Reflection: During the Last Supper, Jesus told the apostles that the Holy Spirit
would come and teach them and also remind them of all that he had taught them. Jesus is speaking only to the apostles,
not to the great multitudes which he frequently addressed. He gave the governing and interpretive power to the apostles
and their successors. We, as faithful Catholics, submit to Christ and are obedient to His Church which leads and teaches
us.
11/17/2005
Objection: In the Church, everyone is subject only to the
authority of the Bible.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
Reflection: These verses are known as "The
Great Commission." Here Jesus tells the apostles to baptize and teach what He taught them. He didn't instruct
them to go and write a book. Jesus Himself never wrote a book. He would have been the most logical one to
do so if this is what He intended; to build a church based on a book. The Church is built by teaching
others through preaching the teachings of Jesus. Faith comes from what is heard (preached) (Romans 10:17). The
Church existed BEFORE the Bible.
11/16/2005
Objection: In the true Christian church, no one has authority
over another.
Scripture: Romans 12:4-5 For as in one
body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another.
Reflection: This verse points out there are many
roles we all participate in as members of the same body. We are all members of the same body but have been
given different gifts and functions to carry out within the Church. The apostolic succession is manifested
in our Holy Father, the bishops, and our priests. The teaching functions of the Church (Magisterium) guides and
directs the body of believers so they do not go astray.
11/15/2005
Objection: Christ is the only head of the Church.
Scripture: Matthew 16:18 And I tell you,
you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
Reflection: Christ is the head of the Church,
but He did appoint a prime minister to build His Church. Peter was the first prime minister (pope) to represent
the head of the Church on earth. The name "Peter" (Kepha) means a large massive rock (not a little stone as some would
suggest). Christ was not building His Church upon Peter's recognition of who Christ is but upon Peter himself.
The powers of death shall not prevail against it. This means the Church will prevail until the end.
11/14/2005
Objection: How can the Catholic Church claim to be one in
unity?
Scripture: 1 Corintians 12:12-13 For just
as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Reflection: The doctrines of the Catholic Church
are universal and unchanging. Some Catholics may misunderstand or misrepresent the official teachings of the Church
but this doesn't change the Church's teachings. The Catholic Church is One, Holy, Catholic (universal) and Apostolic.
Some members may stray, some may fall away, some may teach heresy and all will sin. But the unity of the Church
(The Body of Christ) will remain intact.
11/13/2005
Objection: For the true Christian, the Bible alone is the
pillar of truth.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:15 If I am delayed, you
may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
bulwark of the truth.
For the Catholic, the pillar of truth is the Church. Paul does not
tell Timothy to consult or read the scriptures to seek the truth. The scriptures do in fact contain the true Word of
God but we must turn to the Church for an infallible interpretation of the revealed truths found in scripture. If we
read the scriptures in concert with the Church we will see truths in God's revelation. We are not to interpret scripture in
isolation but with the Church (2 Pt 3:16, 2 Pt 1:20).
11/12/ 2005
Objection: The Catholic Church cannot be the true church
due to scandals, evil popes, etc.
Scripture: Matthew 22:10 And those servants
went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
Reflection: Yes, the Church has it's share of sinners
today just as it did in the early Church, (i.e. Judas). The first apostles were far from perfect and history hasn't
changed human nature to eliminate the inclination to sin. It's only by the grace of God that the Church remains intact.
The Church is Holy because Christ is the Head and it is guided by the Holy Spirit. The many saints,
miracles, and conversions are also a few of the results of God's grace working in and through the Church.
11/11/2005
Objection: The Christian Church is not a visible organization,
but is made up of all true believers.
Scripture: Matthew 5:14 You are the light
of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Reflection: The Church is visible and will remain
so. Christ said, "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel." (Mt 5:15) We are the light of the
world and the light must be seen. The idea of an invisible Church is not biblical. It's an excuse used by some
to suggest that the Church went "underground" and hid itself from the world. The closest it came to going underground
was in the Roman catacombs. Everyone still knew about the Church because Catholics were being martyred everyday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTUS TUUS
(Totally Yours, to Jesus through Mary)
|
|
|
|
