Is "Evangelical" Christianity's increased acceptance of Roman Catholicism as another Christian denomination...

Question

An indication that we are very near to the "falling away" of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ?

For instance - the reaction of many so - called Christian leaders to Pope John Paul's death, exalting him as some kind of example of correct Christian living, rather than the Marian idolater & false teacher which he was ?

Cynical -

I HAVE studied Roman Catholicism, hence my perspective on it. Have you ?

With all due respect, I think that many of these answers underline just what I am talking about.

Sasi -
I basically used the term "Evangelical" in a broad sense to cover all professing Bible - believing Christians who would subscribe to the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith apart from sacramentalism, and would accept the word of God - and not human tradition - as the final authority in matters of faith & conduct.
I find it very difficult to accept that a truly born - again Spirit indwelt child of God could continue to engage in unscriptural RC practices such as praying to "Mary", "saints" & angels without their conscience being the least bit challenged. This practice clearly contradicts the biblical teaching that there is ONE mediator between God & men, the Lord Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). As the source of inspiration of all scripture is the Spirit of God (2 Timothy 3:16), how could the same Spirit which RC's claim dwells in them also not bring strong conviction to those who regularly engage in unbiblical practices ?

Can RC's be saved in spite of their subscribing to the many errors which the Roman Catholic "church" teaches ? If so, then what about Mormons ? And JW's ? After all, they believe in Jesus, too. I think that such a line of thinking is a dangerous road to go down.
Why are there NUMEROUS exhortations in the NT for believers to adhere to sound doctrine ? Why did Paul write in such urgency to the church in Galatia to warn them concerning the Judaizing false teachers who were attempting to corrupt the church with an heretical grace plus works pseudo - gospel which - in principle - was not that far removed from what the RC church teaches today ? A vague, wishy - washy belief in Christ is not enough. Believers must be united by the Holy Spirit through belief in the TRUTH. The RC system, corrupted with Arminian, paganized, salvation by works doctrine and submerged in idolatry, is not biblical Christianity. Those dear brothers who think otherwise need more study of the Bible & Catholicism..

Answer 1

I think most Protestants have no idea what they should be protesting against and why....

Answer 2

I've got a few problems with this Q. Why stop at verse 3? Why is "Evangelical" highlighted, as if it was somehow more reprehensible in God's eyes than Christian denominations that shy away from such an adjective? Is not the Greek Orthodox Church's views of its Roman Catholic cousins part of the picture? And what about pseudo-Christian groups, like the Jehovah's Witnesses? They call Roman Catholicism the main part of the whore of Revelation, Babylon the Great! Are they to be applauded, by comparison? I doubt if the asker wanted his Q to have such a wide remit, but the scope of it is vast.

I share the view that the 1st Century Church was catholic, but that Roman Catholicism is something else. Yet, until the Reformation, there were only comparatively small groups of persecuted brethren resisting the errors that crept in. No doubt many Reformers thought 2 Thess 2:8 was in process of fulfilment in their day, but no, it's still future: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour of his coming." The scripture goes on to say that "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in ALL KINDS of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in EVERY sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing." I'm just as inclined to think of some extreme "Evangelical" groups here, and pseudo-Christian cults, plus some political powers, as of RCism!

The outworking of 2 Thess. 2 might surprise us all. Hindsight might be the only way of fully understanding it. In the meantime, it would be good for all Christians to examine themselves, to be sure that when Christ returns, he will find in them the faith that he is looking for (Luke 18:8). I reckon some RCs will have that faith, despite RC deceptions, but many Evangelicals might be in for a shock, not altogether due to their pally alliances with RCism. "Beware he who thinks he is standing lest he should fall" (1 Cor 10:12). As to how near we are to that "falling away" - yes, compromises and deceptions abound and the Lord could return any day. Acceptance of Roman Catholicism as genuine Christianity is a sign that spiritual deception is frighteningly active right now.

Answer 3

Hello, Carlpart...:

Your observation is correct. It is not politically correct to be called a Protestant today. A more acceptable term is Evangelical, which actually means Godpel--Protestants do little protesting today.

I was suprised to read in a Latin American newspaper that Methodist, George Bush, in refrence to John Paul's death, said: "It will be hard to find another Pope to replace the throne of Peter."

Historically, the first church headquarters was Jerusalem, with James as the first "pope". It is described in Acts 15. After Hadrian banned all Jews from Israel in the Second Century, Mark was appointed the first non-Jewish Bishop of the catholic (universla) church (not Roman Catholic).

Most early synods met in Asia, and it would be the fifth-century Greek emperor, Justinian, who would suggest that Rome be head of the Churches--this met great opposition, especially in North Africa, where Arian Christians despised icons in church; Justinian waged war against them.

Then, about four centuries after Constantine's death, a forged document appeared hat was purpotedly written by Constantine himself. Catholic scholars immediately noted its falsity, but accepted it its allegation that Peter was the first pope. That document calls the Pope, Vicarius Filli Dei--early protestants noted that totaled 666 in Latin.

More on this is discussed in an On-line publication that uses a hidden "key" to break the code in the only part of the Bible that says you can not understand it until the end-of-the-days. It's message is important, that is why God closed it, but "the wise shall understand": www.revelado.org/revealed.htm

Blessings and AGAPE love, One-Way

Answer 4

Roman Catholicism: (a million) know for Mary and prayer as an intercessor (2) Have considered visions of Mary (3) Veneration of Saints as intercessors (4) Has clergy (clergymen, nuns, Pope, bishops) (5) Has a quiet, respectful mass (6) frequently super human beings for the main section (7) would not cut back themselves (many practitioners) (8) Has long status traditions and rituals Evangelical, Born-back, Baptist (a million) Anti-Mary (2) Screams on the floor, acts out wildly of their sermons (3) Sells their faith and pushes it down others throats (4) Acts as though their interpretation and way is the only way there is (5) Limits themselves to what their pastors (Jerry Falwell) says (6) could be fairly snobby and/or kinda creepy (7) Very cultlike, significantly a cult itself (8) Sees Mary, Saints, something different than what they do as "idol worship"

Answer 5

I worked in a Christian bookstore for quite some time, and after coming into contact with so many Catholic people, this is the conclusion that I came to.
We can't lump all Catholic people into one group, just like I don't want to be lumped into a group.
There are many people in the Catholic church who love Jesus and who are leading and taking many incredible Bible studies!
Many of the Catholic people don't agree with all the church teaches, but they are there praying for change for the church. Someone has to!
We need to be careful about who we are judging, we are to love people and let the God of the Universe be their judge. Spending more time with Jesus and making sure our walk is right is the better way.
This is our job, to love Jesus and let Him be our guide to what we are to think, do and say.

Answer 6

You're quite lovely for a troll.

In fact, Catholics don't idolize Mary. (some individual catholics may, but the Church doesn't)

Catholic teaching says that one worships God (as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) alone. Mary is HONORED, as the Bible says she should be (Every age shall call me blessed).

So, prior to calling a group idolators, you might wish to study their theology, rather than reading a Chick tract or some other fundamentalist crap.

BTW, I'm neither a Christian nor a Catholic, and the sort of rhetoric you just posted reinforces in me that not being a Christian is a good thing.

Answer 7

Apparently, you think it's impossible to be both Catholic and a born again Christian. You would be wrong in that asumption by the way. It is for God to judge the heart of a man, not you.

Answer 8

The pope had a heart after God, and that's what God is looking for. If the heart is right, Catholics can also find Jesus. Religions are just that. John Paul was not a bad example of a Catholic with a good heart. There are others out there.

Answer 9

Weird Darryl is correct and i compliment him on his answer. Catholicism is a Christian religion too. How can you justify those names you called Pope John Paul II? He was a very holy and good man and was a good leader of the Catholic Church.

Answer 10

What an anti-Catholic bigot! They're Christians too and you should try and learn abou their religion not guide yourself by stupidity.