Bible Alone (Sola Scriptura)? - Is the Bible the sole authority and foundation of truth for Christianity? No, the Church is the "pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Timothy 3:15) and the final authority (Matthew 18:17). Furthermore, there are traditions to be observed which are on equal footing with Scripture for not everything the Apostles taught or Jesus said, was written down (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6; John 21:25).
Calling Priests "Father" - Isn't calling a priest "Father" in violation of Matthew 23:9? No, in this passage Jesus is using a hyperbole (exaggerated literary expression) to make a point. Otherwise, St. Stephen the first martyr (Acts 7:2) and
Divorce & Remarriage - Is divorce and remarriage permitted in Christianity? No, Jesus Christ and
The Eucharist - Are we to eat the literal Body of Christ and drink His Blood? Yes, Jesus Christ meant for us to literally eat His Flesh and drink His Blood as He Himself repeated and emphasized the literality of this teaching by using the words "verily, verily" and "indeed" in describing it. If He did not mean this teaching literally, He surely would not have allowed disciples to stop following Him over this (John 6:51-71). In addition, why would
Mary - Is Mary the mother of God? Yes, for St. Elizabeth herself calls her "the mother of my Lord" in Scripture (Luke 1:43). Jesus Christ is God (Hebrews 1:8) and Mary is His mother, therefore, Mary is the mother of God (the Son) for Christ was both God and human in the womb of Mary. Did Mary remain a virgin her whole life? Yes, for the "gate" in which the Lord passed is closed to all others (Ezekiel 44:2). The brothers of the Lord spoken of in the Gospels are most likely
The Papacy - Was St. Peter the first "pope" as the Catholic Church claims? Yes, for Jesus Christ said it was upon St. Peter that He would build His Church and Christ gave him authority over His whole "flock" (Matthew 16:18-19; John 21:14-17).
Purgatory - Does a cleansing state of the soul exist before entering Heaven for those who need it? Yes, for Scripture says nothing unclean or impure will enter into the
Repetitious Prayer - Is reciting the same prayer over and over again a sin? While repeating a prayer in vain is useless, repeating a prayer in faith is not, for Jesus Christ Himself repeated prayer (Matthew 26:44) and the angels in Heaven continually repeat "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (Revelations 4:8).
Sin: Deadly or Not? - Is there no degree of seriousness when it comes to committing a sin? Yes, there are sins that are more serious in nature that deprive the soul of communion with God. These are called "mortal" (deadly) sins (1 John 5:16-17). Even Jesus Christ distinguished between lesser and greater sins (John 19:11).
Statues - Isn't having statues of Jesus, Mary and the saints in violation of Exodus 20:4-5? This passage is in reference to pagan idols and graven images which the Israelites would have been prone to worship at the time. For if it were in reference to all graven images, God would not have commanded angelic cherubim of gold be put on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-19). Nor would Moses have made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole (Numbers 21:8-9). In addition, the temple had several graven images decorating it (1 Kings 6:23-29; 7:25-45).
Printed with permission from Catholic Defense.
