"Understanding Roman Catholicism" - by Rick Jones (a former catholic)
Let me ask you... do you have questions about what your church teaches? If so, this book can help. Keep in mind, someday you will stand before God, and you won't be able to say, "See my priest... he takes care of my spiritual matters." You will give an account of your own life.
That's why this book is so important. Using plain, easy-to-understand language, it will answer those nagging questions that have bothered you for so long. With your eternal destiny at stake, nothing is more crucial.
In recent years, there has been a merging of Roman Catholicism with traditional Protestantism. Many on both sides now claim those in the other camp as their Christian brothers and sisters. This was unheard of several years ago, but today:
Roman Catholic clergy appear regularly on Christian television, promoting unity between Catholics and Protestants.
Christian radio stations broadcast Roman Catholic programs.
Christian bookstores carry a variety of material appealing to Roman Catholics.
Have the two sides, in fact, merged? Are they both now preaching the same message? Do both hold the same cardinal doctrines?
To discover the answer to these questions, I began an exhaustive study of the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this particular Catechism was important for two reasons:
1. This catechism is the official source for all Roman Catholic doctrine. No one can deny that it contains the actual teachings of the Roman Catholic church.
2. Published in 1994, this is the first new catechism in over 400 years. Therefore you can be assured that you are reading the current teachings of the Roman Catholic church, not what it may have taught three hundred years ago.
In this book, we will examine 37 of the most critical Roman Catholic doctrines, then let the facts speak for themselves.
You will not find personal opinions or philosophies presented here. This is strictly a declaration of true Roman Catholic doctrine and how those doctrines compare with the Bible. You must draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions.
Neither is this a book of judgment or condemnation. Its sole purpose is to help you better understand Catholic doctrine so you will be prepared when you stand before God for judgment, as we all must do after death:
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27
My heart breaks at the thought of anyone hearing Jesus proclaim the following words to them on that day:
"I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23
Yet the Bible reveals that the Lord will proclaim those very words to many
religious people. Knowing this, it is vital that you not blindly follow anyone. Learn these Roman Catholic doctrines for yourself so you will be able to face God with confidence.
As you read, my sincere prayer is that God will reveal His truth to your heart and mind. God bless you.
Love or hate?
Paul follows these remarks with this statement:
"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16
In closing, I ask you the same question. Am I your enemy because I have told you the truth? Some will certainly suggest that I am against Catholics. I am not!
On the contrary,
I have presented here the one and only message that can spare Catholics (and all people) from an eternity in the lake of fire. That's not hate, that's love.
I want all Catholics to receive the gift of eternal life. I want you to be set free from a religion that enslaves you. That's not hate, that's love.
I want you to experience the joy and peace that only Jesus Christ can give. That's not being an enemy... that's being a friend.
http://www.chick.com/reading/books/160/160cont.asp
Battle Cry
" In areas such as the U.S., where Catholics are trying to appear more biblically "Christian," the pronouncement "Mary Saves" could do great damage to the "ecumenical movement" which has made great strides seducing most of the "formerly" protestant churches into believing that Catholics are really saved, they just have a little different worship "tradition." ...Maybe it would shock so called "Protestants" back to protesting again against this false church which has taken away the glory that belongs only to Jesus Christ and given it to the Virgin Mary goddess who has been constructed out of pagan mythology with no resemblance to the biblical Mary."