A response to the most common objections and comments against this book and website?

A Response to Common Objections to

“A Biblical Study of the

Catechism of the Catholic Church”

Video @ https://youtu.be/ZWNCLFjW61U

1. How to Respond? First Step = Prayer

Whenever I face criticism, no matter how harsh, I try to make my first step to be prayer. So if you show up with criticism in my comments, DMs, texts, etc. please know that I am praying for you.  I am also praying for myself, for the wisdom to know if, when, and how to respond.

  • Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (ESV)

  • Colossians 1:9–10 “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”

Here are some of my favorite resources for prayer and fasting: @ www.trustworthyword.com/prayer-fasting

2. Attitude Accusations.

  • “You are anti-Catholic. You are unkind. You are not gracious.”

  • “You are throwing out the baby with the bathwater.”

  • “You are tearing down Catholicism unnecessarily.”

I love you. I love everyone who watches, reads, listens, or comments.  This is a serious topic.  I speak with somberness.  I believe this is a salvation, Heaven or Hell, issue for many. I don’t water down the truths but I try to avoid condescension and arrogance.  I aim to speak with kindness and love.  If you find errors in my writing or speech, I am open to receive these corrections.  Disagreement doesn’t mean hate. Discussion over differences is important.  I think the discussion is helpful.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant [5] or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [7] Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never ends.”

“What does the Bible say about love?”: @ www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-love

3. Why Do I Preach and Teach? Why do I do so publicly?

God has called me to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  While that calling may sound easy, declaring the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) without compromise or avoidance is not easy task.  Many passages and truths are difficult and tough to declare in the midst of a world and culture that often displays the characteristics of being a “crooked generation” (Acts 2:40).  We live in the midst of many false teachings that have produced false world religions as well as false versions of Christianity (cults and sects).  One of the callings of Christians is to speak the good news where you are at (evangelism) and to go beyond your area (even digitally) to bear witness to the Gospel and make disciples (followers) of Christ.

  • Ephesians 4:15–16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

  • Acts 20:26–27 “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, [27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." (ESV)

  • Acts 2:40 “And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’”

Here are some important truths about a call to missions: @ www.trustworthyword.com/missions

4. What is Biblical My Calling as a Pastor? Titus 1:9

Titus 1:9 is an especially important verse to me in my calling as a pastor.  It calls me to guide those who follow the Bible (“sound doctrine”), but also to “rebuke those who contradict it.”  This calling occurs both within the local church but also within public settings as both Jesus and his disciples taught God’s truths publicly and from house to house (Acts 5:42, 20:20).  As Christians, part of our job description from God is to "test everything" and to "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) .

  • Titus 1:9 “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

  • Acts 20:20 “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house”

  • Acts 5:42 “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “test everything; hold fast what is good.”

Here are some important truths about a call to ministry: @ www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-a-call-to-ministry

5. What is Our Challenge in Declaring Truth with Love? Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20 is a reminder to us all that in our struggles and conflicts we do not merely “wrestle against flesh and blood” but that there is a ongoing spiritual war between the born-again followers of Christ and the unseen spiritual forces of evil.  Whenever we obediently follow God’s calling to declare the Bible and demonstrate His love we will face opposition.  We must anticipate and prepare for these spiritual warfare challenges.

  • Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Here is a helpful resource for understanding various avenues of spiritual warfare: @ www.spiritualwarfare.blog

6. Consider the Source: Distinguishing between Legitimate Critics and Internet Trolls

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of wisdom for interpersonal interactions.  When someone offers criticism it is always important to consider both the content of the criticism, but also the source of the criticism.  I have found, in particular to online criticism, that many people are not genuine critics.  Legitimate critics will engage the content with thoughtful evidence. Illegitimate critics will not.

If an individual shared a movie review without watching the movie, it should be rejected outright by any legitimate media source.  If someone submitted a book review without reading the book, their review would likewise be treated as invalid.  Likewise, I have found that many people on social media like to offer their opinions on teachings without actually watching videos or reading the articles and books.

It is quite easy to tell who actually engages the argument.  Particular to my writings on the Catechism of the Catholic Church I often ask the crucial question behind the purpose of my book: “Does the Catechism of the Catholic Church agree with or contradict the Bible?”

If you are unable or unwilling to answer this question with evidence, but yet still want to criticize, name-call, mis-characterize my teachings, and stir things up without reading or watching…you might be an illegitimate critic who fits the definition of an “internet troll” who simply wants attention and is trying to stir things up.  If you are a legitimate critic, I would welcome a private discussion through direct messaging (or I’ll buy you coffee or lunch if you live close enough to meet in person).

Proverbs 26:4-5 is a helpful verse when dealing with critics who show themselves to be foolish.  There is a time to respond to such individuals and there is a time to ignore such individuals.  May the Lord give us discernment when we consider if, when, and how to respond to criticism.

  • Proverbs 26:4–5 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”

Here are some good verses, wisdom, and reminders for when someone treats you as an enemy: @ www.trustworthyword.com/enemies

7. Accusations of Divisiveness:

  • “You are being divisive among Christian brothers and sisters.”

  • “Better Question = Why has the Catholic Catechism divided itself from the Scriptures on Essential Issues?”

Oftentimes the accusation against me is that I am being divisive in discussing and teaching on tough topics.  These accusations often presupposing my motives.  My counter to such an argument is that the issues I address are those who have divided themselves from the Word of God.  My goal is for people to be unified with Christ’s love and truth through the Bible and “sound doctrine.”

  • Romans 16:17–18 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. [18] For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

8. Claims that Catholicism is Just Another Version of Christianity:

  • “Why focus on the Catechism?”

  • “Catholicism is just another Christian denomination.”

  • “Why focus on Catholicism and not Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutheranism, Pentecostals, and other Protestant Denominations?”

  • “Why not focus on what we have in common? Like the Nicene Creed?”

  • “Why not focus on Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc.?”

The reason I used the Catechism of the Catholic Church is that it (The Tradition) is held alongside the Bible as inseparable along with the Magisterium of the church.  (“It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated  that one of them cannot stand without the others.  Working together each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (CCC 95)).  I can read and reference lots of selective books and historical excerpts on the subject from multiple points of view.  At the end of the day in research, a primary source always prevails.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church is authoritatively THE primary source of the Catholic Church for belief and practice.

Some might focus on the simple similarities like the Nicene Creed, which may be helpful with some of our basic theological beliefs, but is not sufficient in explaining the doctrine of salvation and sufficiency and authority of Scripture. Many of those critiquing my works on the Catechism of the Catholic Church would do well to study and better understand the Protestant Reformation and essential differences.

Accordingly many of my teachings function as tools to simply bring the biblical truth into view and help people to compare their beliefs with the Scripture.  I want everyone who listens to or reads my teachings to be like the Bereans and compare it directly with the Bible (Acts 17:11) regardless of their religious and denominational identities.  I have used www.TrustworthyWord.com for years as a resource to evaluate a lot of the relevant concerns and differences.  I have preached and written on many of the differences between Protestant denominations.  I am in the process of even more writings on world religions, sects, and cults.

Biblical or Theological “triage” is a concept that I first heard from Dr. Albert Mohler (link below).  The structure below helps us to better understand why this conversation is so important.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly references a different way of salvation, a different authority than the Bible, which then contradicts the doctrine of who God is as well.  Evaluating the Catechism with a comparison of the Bible reveals the seriousness of the heretical errors involved.

  • Acts 17:11 "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Biblical/“Theological Triage”

• 1st Level Issues: Christian vs. Non-Christian: Essential Teachings [False Teachers Misrepresent God & the Gospel] “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20)

• Who is God? What is the Gospel? What are the Scriptures?

• 2nd Level Issues: Denominational Differences [Less Faithful Teachers: Believing Christians, in Error] “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1)

• 3rd Level Issues: Allowable Individual Differences [Believers Mature At Different Paces ]

  • “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9)

  • “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

  • “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. …So then each of us will give an account to God.” (Romans 14:1-12)

• “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity” by Dr. Albert Mohler @ https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity/

Helpful Resources:

Essential Beliefs: The Nicene Creed is insufficient and inadequate as a sole belief statement for biblical Christianity:

  • Bible: The Bible alone is our sufficient authority for faith and practice and is without error in it’s original manuscripts.

  • Salvation: We believe salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

    • Is is also important in the doctrine of salvation to clarify one’s doctrines of humanity, sin, Heaven, and Hell as well as to emphasize evangelism and missions.

Helpful definitions and resources:

  • Protestant Reformation: “Protestantism is one of the major divisions of the Christian faith. Traditionally, Protestantism includes all churches outside of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church traditions. Protestant churches affirm the principles of the Protestant Reformation set into motion by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in 1517. Protestants were first called by that name because they “protested” against the papacy and Roman rule within the Church.”

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.”

- Martin Luther

World Religions, Cults, and Sects

This chart below may be helpful in communicating a better understanding of world religions, cults, and sects. Each of the major monotheistic world religions has a foundational and primary religious text.  Judaism has the Tanakh (Old Testament to Christians), Christianity has the Bible (Old and New Testament), and Islam has the Quran.

When groups break away from their textual foundations, they are known as sects or cults. While the definitions vary as to what constitutes a sect or a cult, the main difference is found in the break off group having a new source of authority in additional writings, teachers, or leaders whose teachings are considered authoritative at the same authoritative level as the foundational religious text (Tanakh, Bible, Quran).  Cults are often defined more specifically by the leadership exercising significant control over the behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and information of its followers.

Sect: “a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to which they belong”

  • “a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader”

Cult: “a group (as an organization or religious sect) with tenets and practices regarded as coercive, insular, or dangerous”

9. Authority Issues:

  • “Who are you to teach anyone about Catholicism?”

  • “Only priests can teach about Catholicism.”

  • “Why do you put so much attention towards the Catechism of the Catholic Church?”

  • “Roman Catholics don’t consider the Catechism of the Catholic Church as inspired or equal to Scripture.”

Since the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that you must have the Bible + the Tradition (Catechism) + the Magisterium (Pope and Priests) and “one of them cannot stand without the others” (CCC 95), Catholics often question the authority and ability of anyone outside the Magisterium to teach about the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

We know from 1 Peter 2:9 that all Christians are part of the “priesthood” of believers. Furthermore, since they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, they are sufficiently equipped and enabled to to study and understand the Bible.  While biblical pastors and teachers are important, every believer is able to study the Bible.  Any belief system that requires someone else to tell you what to do is bordering on the characteristics of a cult.  My book, writings, and videos all simply present direct quotes of the Catechism alongside quotes of the Bible.  Compare them.  Study them in their context.  Consider the questions I pose.  Scripture is sufficient.  The Holy Spirit will help you.

  • “It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (CCC 95)

  • 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

  • 2 Timothy 3:15–17 “how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

This chart of authority versus salvation doctrine demonstrates simply how when people depart from biblical authority into any version of man-made authority (opinions, experiences, tradition, church, etc.), their doctrine of salvation shifts from faith-based to works-based.  This shift often shows up in a variety of issues such as modern-day “mainline” issues such as LGBTQ+ and women “pastors” as well as in ecclesiastical issues such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, giving, and spiritual gifts before appearing in the sect/cult’s doctrinal view of salvation itself.

Helpful Resources:

10. Church Age Claims

  • “The Catholic Church was established by Jesus.”

  • “The Catholic Church is the first church.”

  • “Peter was the first Pope.”

  • “Today’s Bible in not the same Bible.”

Many Catholics attempt to claim their church as the “first church” and Peter as the “first Pope.” I have studied church history.  I have studied the claims of the Catholic Church.  Several of my chapters reference these statements and claims.  These claims are false and are a revisionist history.  The Catechism applies a very select usage of historical writings and omits authors and writings that do not agree with their teachings.  Just because a church is old, does not mean it is faithful.  Look at the 7 churches referenced in Revelation 2-3.  How many are faithful? Just two of the seven.  Age is not the measure of faithfulness and trustworthiness.  Scripture is the measure we use.  Compare your beliefs with the Bible.  If they are different, guess which one is wrong?

Helpful resources:

Here are some links to the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Catechism of the Catholic Church: www.catholic.blog/faqs

11. Time Constraints

Unfortunately I don’t have the time to respond to every comment, and I respond selectively based on what I already shared above (legitimate criticism vs. internet trolling).  I do welcome private messages and will take local folks to coffee or lunch to talk in person if they’d like.  I am a full time pastor and in a busy season of life with a wonderful family and awesome writing opportunities. With these time constraints and the biblical applications of wisdom (Proverbs 26:4–5)  I simply can’t and don’t respond to everyone.  Please don’t take it personal. I do hope that the many free resources I have put online are helpful to you in your walk with the Lord.

If you have not yet read my book or website, or watched my videos, I hope you will take the time to do so.  Here is a list of them…

Links to the Most Commonly Asked Questions about the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1. What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church?  @ www.catholic.blog/catechism

2. How Do We Know God? @ www.catholic.blog/know-god

3. How Do We Know Truth? @ www.catholic.blog/truth

4. Does Church Tradition Change?  Does God's Revelation Continue in Catholicism? @ www.catholic.blog/tradition

5 Who Can Teach Authoritatively? Can Only Catholic Priests, Bishops, & Popes Interpret the Bible? @ www.catholic.blog/authority

6. What is a Valid Church? Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church? @ www.catholic.blog/church

7. What is Sin According to the Catholic Catechism? Do Different Sins Need Different Sacrifices? @ www.catholic.blog/sin

8. How can we be saved according to the Catholic Catechism?  Is salvation alone thru Catholicism? @  www.catholic.blog/salvation

9. Do We Receive Grace and the Holy Spirit through the Catholic Sacraments? @ www.catholic.blog/sacraments

10. Does Salvation Come through Catholic Mass? Does Giving Money to Church Save Us? @ www.catholic.blog/mass

11. Is Catholic Baptism Necessary for Salvation? @ www.catholic.blog/baptism

12. Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary for Salvation & the Holy Spirit? @ www.catholic.blog/confirmation

13. Is Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation? @ www.catholic.blog/eucharist

14. Does Our Eucharist Help the Dead? Help Us Connect to the Dead? @ www.catholic.blog/eucharist-and-the-dead

15. Is Catholic Penance Necessary for Salvation and Forgiveness? @ www.catholic.blog/penance

16. Is Peter the First Pope? @ www.catholic.blog/peter-pope

17. Did Peter have Authority Over All the Apostles? @ www.catholic.blog/peter-authority

18. Does Peter Call Himself a Pope or Bishop? @ www.catholic.blog/peter-call-himself-pope

19. Was Peter Married? Is Priestly Celibacy Biblical? @ www.catholic.blog/peter-married-or-celibate

20. What Is Veneration? Is Mary Our Mother? Should Mary Be Venerated? @ www.catholic.blog/mary-mother-venerated

21. Was Mary Always Saved?  Did Mary Ever Sin? @ www.catholic.blog/did-mary-ever-sin

22. Is Mary the Cause of Salvation? Is Mary the Cause of Salvation? Did Mary Save the Whole Human Race? @ www.catholic.blog/is-mary-the-cause-of-our-salvation

23. Was Mary a Virgin Her Entire Life? Did Jesus Have Any Brothers? @ www.catholic.blog/was-mary-always-a-virgin

24. Is It True that Mary Never Died? Did Mary Ascend to Heaven? @ www.catholic.blog/is-it-true-that-mary-never-died

25. Are Images of Jesus, Mary, Saints, or Angels Helpful or Harmful? Do Relics &Rosaries have Power? @ www.catholic.blog/images-relics-rosaries

26. Why Do Catholics Talk to the Dead? Is it OK to Pray to Mary, the Saints, & Angels? @ www.catholic.blog/prayer-mary-saints-angels

27. Who Goes to Purgatory? Will I Go to Purgatory? Do Indulgences Help Us? @ www.catholic.blog/purgatory

28. How Can Marriages Be Annulled? What Does the Bible Say about Catholic Divorce and Remarriage? @ www.catholic.blog/marriages-annulled

29. Is the Catholic Catechism Corrupt? Or Trustworthy? ... See for Yourself! @ www.catholic.blog/catechism-trustworthy

30. Why is the Catholic Bible Different? Are the Extra Books Trustworthy? @  www.catholic.blog/catholic-bible

31. What about “Scripture Alone”? @ www.catholic.blog/scripture-alone

32. What about “Christ Alone”? @ www.catholic.blog/christ-alone

33. What about “Faith Alone”? @ www.catholic.blog/faith-alone

34. What about “Grace Alone”? @ www.catholic.blog/grace-alone

35. What about “God’s Glory Alone”? @ www.catholic.blog/gods-glory-alone

36. What does the Bible say about False Teachers? @ www.catholic.blog/false-teachers

37. How Can I Be Born Again? @ www.catholic.blog/christian

38. How Can I Be Sure that I Am Born Again? @  www.catholic.blog/christian-be-sure

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Blog: @ www.catholic.blog/blog

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