It's important to realize in today's climate of ecumenicalism and unity by all means that the Church of Rome officially cursed all Protestant Christians during Vatican I. Vatican I lasted for 18 years and was convened as a response to Luther's 95 theses and the subsequent Protestant Reformation.
The result of the RCC's analysis of the Protestant's doctrine was to change absolutely nothing as touching Rome's doctrine, but rather to pronounce a papal curse upon those who held to faith by grace alone (as opposed to faith plus works as promulgated by the apostate RCC).
Regardless of what we may think of some of his other activities, before a worldwide audience on the The John Ankerberg Show, Dr. D. James Kennedy at least had the intestinal fortitude to be willing to put all this all into its proper perspective when he tells us:
The Council Of Trent [was a full] 18 years…spent examining the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation…[and] this has never been altered or denied by the [Roman] Catholic Church – “if anyone says that the faith which justifies is nothing else but trust in the divine mercy–which pardons sins because of Christ or that it is trust alone by which we are justified” – which is what every Evangelical Christian would say… “Let him be anathema.” Which means let him be accursed. Every Evangelical Christian in the world stands under the official–[and] never changed curse of the Roman [Catholic] Church. (Grace To You, Irreconcilable Differences, cassette tape GTY54, parts 1-3, side 1). (HAT TIP: Apprising Ministries)
So there you have it Christian. Can you embrace with open arms the apostate false-church that curses you and your faith in the Risen Lord of Glory? Can you simply shrug off the "minor doctrinal differences" between you and fellowship with your "Catholic brothers and sisters"?
Scripture answers with a resounding "NO!" in 2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
A PRAYER TO THE LORD OF GLORY
Lord may we be bold to stand upon your unchanging and eternal Word! Empower us O' mighty King that we would not be deceived by the subtlety of the enemy who would ensnare us with his false doctrine and counterfeit unity; who would enter in secretly introducing destructive heresies! The enemy is as a wolf in sheep's clothing desiring to rend the flock! Give us eyes to see O' Lord and ears to hear your truth and your voice Lord, and let us not hearken unto another! Keep us Lord by Your power and strength and after having done all to stand, may we stand steadfastly upon the Rock of our Salvation and Your holy Word of Truth! Amen.
I had assumed that the sense of "anathema" at work here was "denouncement or condemnation". It's not the witch-sense in which to place a curse is to attempt to harm, or hope that harm comes. Its really not as bad as you (and Kenneday) seem to think it is. It simply marks the absolute rejection of a certain religious doctrine. You do the same with the Catholic view of salvation - you absolutely reject it (I take it). The situation is symmetrical in that regard.
ReplyDeleteOh . . . and I'm Catholic. I think you said in your last paragraph that I'm in league with the devil. But perhaps I misunderstood.
I had assumed that the sense of "anathema" at work here was "denouncement or condemnation".
ReplyDeleteIt would seem that you've assumed imprecisely. You can read up on the subject of anathema a bit here if you'd like, or if you prefer (and considering you have self-identified as a Catholic) perhaps you could ask your parish priest for a clarification.
You do the same with the Catholic view of salvation - you absolutely reject it (I take it).
I do reject the Catholic view of salvation, however I stop short of formulating official curses upon Catholics but instead pray for the Lord to open their eyes and move upon their hearts that perhaps they might be saved from the wrath to come.
Oh . . . and I'm Catholic. I think you said in your last paragraph that I'm in league with the devil. But perhaps I misunderstood.
If you are a practicing Roman Catholic then according to scripture you have "believed another gospel" and are without God. I don't know whether you're "in league with the devil" or not, but knowingly or not you are serving him and his purposes nonetheless.
I would recommend that you review Mike Gendron's "Proclaiming the Gospel" website for more information on the myriad differences between Roman Catholicism and Biblical Christianity. I have a link to his site on my blogroll.
From Wikipedia (your link):
ReplyDeleteThe 1917 Code of Canon Law, which abolished all ecclesiastical penalties not mentioned in the Code itself (canon 6), made "anathema" synonymous with "excommunication" (canon 2257). The 1983 Code of Canon Law, now in force, has no mention of the word "anathema". The ritual described above is not included in the post-Vatican II revision of the Pontifical.
I assume that this is the current Catholic view about "anathema". I don't think the Church hierarchy wants you handed over to the devil for the mortification of your flesh.
So then it’s your position - and apparently that of the Holy See - that anathema holds little meaning?
ReplyDeleteIf something is "anathema" to the RCC that means what, precisely? Is it the denouncement mentioned in your previous post? Something rather like a spiritual slap on the wrist?
I suppose this serves as an example of why witnessing to Catholics often feels like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall; their voluminous "re-do's" ensure a fortuitous "dodge or weave" at just the right moment.
I'm reminded of an excellent article written by Mike Gendron entitled The Confusing, Complex Contradictions of Catholicism"