Below is a topical summary of blog entries examining, interacting with, and exposing the errors of Roman Catholicism and those wishing to defend her.
The first section: includes blog entries on general topics. The second section: includes blog entries on specific church fathers. The third section: specific to blog entries on Catholic apologists and laymen.
Section One: General Topics on Roman Catholicism
Apocrypha
Did Jerome Change his Mind on the Apocrypha?- An excellent entry done by Ray Aviles proving Jerome did not think the apocrypha belonged in the canon, and never changed his mind.
Who Were some of the Best Scholars at the Council of Trent, and What did They Think of the Apocrypha?- A great quote from Trent expert Hubert Jedin on how a small group of Catholic scholars at Trent stood against including the apocrypha in the canon.
Response From Catholic Apologist Mark Shea on “Did Jerome Change his Mind on the Apocrypha?”- Catholic apologist Mark Shea admits he was wrong that Jerome changed his mind on whether or not the apocrypha should be included in the Canon.
Bible
Catholics Are Not United on the Inerrancy of Scripture- This entry looks at the argument that Catholics are unified in their beliefs, while Protestants are not. This entry concentrates on alleged Catholic unity- for if an argument, when applied to one's own position, refutes one's own position, it is an invalid argument. Catholics are not “unified” when comes to the inerrancy of Scripture.
Cyril of Jerusalem on Sola Scriptura-Cyril made statements that advocate sola scriptura. For Cyril, the ultimate issue with respect to authority was not the ecclesiastical position (sola ecclesia), but rather conformity to the truth of Scripture.
Defined Biblical Texts of the Roman Catholic Church- quotes proving that the Catholic Church hasn’t done its job in infallibly interpreting Scripture.
Erasmus on 1 John 5:7- A quick look at a controversial passage of scripture, that may in fact not be Scripture.
More Fun With The Catholic Encyclopedia- The Catholic Encyclopedia proves that very few texts have been infallibly defined by the Roman Church.
The Catholic View of the Material Sufficiency of Scripture- Some interaction with Catholic layman Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on whether or not Cyril of Jerusalem held to the sufficiency of Scripture and an infallible magisterium. Includes an overview of material sufficiency and the partim-partim view.
The Imprimatur: Watch What You’re Reading My Catholic Friends-Does the Imprimatur allow Catholics to present their own personal opinions on Scripture?
The Material Sufficiency of Scripture Vs. the Partim-Partim View of Scripture in Roman Catholicism- A review of the two positions that Catholics may hold on the sufficiency or insufficiency of Scripture. Also includes a link to a great overview on this by James White.
Melanchthon vs. Eck on Ultimate authority-Eck relied on the church fathers rather than on the Scriptures. The early reformers though were committed to only one ultimate authority: the sacred Scriptures.
Canon
Augustine on the Canon- A look at the claim that the Roman Church infallibly determining the canon at early councils, and how Augustine doesn’t appear to have any notion of an “infallible list”, nor an infallible ability of either himself or a church council.
Canon Brain Teaser-Did you know that the councils of Hippo and Carthage actually "canonized" a different book then the Council of Trent?
Luther: The Infallible church Declared the contents of Scripture?- A look at a Luther quote that is supposed to prove Luther believed the Church defined the canon.
The Canon Quiz and a Presuppositional Response- How well do you know the differences between the Roman Catholic view of the Canon of Scripture versus the Protestant view of the Canon of Scripture?
The Canon: The Empty Arguments From The Defenders of Rome- An entry responding to a Catholic on the Canon and a quote from Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong. Do Protestants have to rely on infallible Catholic tradition to know the contents of the Canon?
Cyril of Jerusalem on the Canon- A look at the canon Cyril adhered to, which is different the current Catholic canon.
Ray Aviles Responds to Robert Sungenis on Jerome and the Canon- Guest blogger Ray Aviles responds to Sungenis on whether or not Jerome changed his mind on the canon.
White vs. Madrid on Canon Certainty- Mr. Madrid, I've asked you this before. How did the Jewish man 50 years before Jesus Christ know that the books of 2 Chronicles and Isaiah were Scripture? Would you like me to repeat that?
Who Were some of the Best Scholars at the Council of Trent, and What did They Think of the Apocrypha?- A great quote from Trent expert Hubert Jedin on how a small group of Catholic scholars at Trent stood against including the apocrypha in the canon.
Catholic Answers (Discussion Board)
Church Fathers, Luther, and the Tabletalk
Eavesdropping at Catholic Answers: The Debates of James White
Silly Stuff From Catholic Answers
Catholic Apologetics
Apologetics and the Christian bookstore- My trip to the local Christian bookstore, and my discovery it had a lot of Catholic apologetics books.
Checking in with the Theologians of Glory- My reason for calling Catholic apologists “Theologians of Glory”
Catholic Encyclopedia
Check Please: On The Futility of Catholic Apologetics- The Catholic Encyclopedia documents that Catholic laymen are not allowed to debate heretics.
Mantra: Read The Article in the Catholic Encyclopedia- A brief look at faulty information in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
More Fun With The Catholic Encyclopedia- The Catholic Encyclopedia proves that very few texts have been infallibly defined by the Roman Church.
Council of Trent
Canon Brain Teaser-Did you know that the councils of Hippo and Carthage actually "canonized" a different book then the Council of Trent?
Who Were some of the Best Scholars at the Council of Trent, and What did They Think of the Apocrypha?- A great quote from Trent expert Hubert Jedin on how a small group of Catholic scholars at Trent stood against including the apocrypha in the canon.
Thoughts on the Examination of the Council of Trent- Guest blogger Frank Marron’s excellent look at Chemnitz’s book on the Council of Trent.
Church Fathers
Calvin in Dialog with Catholic Apologists- Ever wonder if John Calvin had a face to face debate with Catholic apologists? Did Calvin simply sit locked up in his study engaging in written debate? Calvin had a good grip on the Fathers, and proved it in debate.
Calvin, the Church Fathers, and the Roman Church
Catholic, But Not Roman Catholic- Jason Engwer’s great directory of quotes from the early church fathers.
Church History Quiz
The Fathers did not Profess to be the Standard of Truth- A quote from Luther on how the Father’s did not claim infallibility.
Conversions to Roman Catholicism
Crossing the Tiber: Conversions To Rome- A very brief look at an article from Christianity today on those converting to Rome.
Epistemology
How Do You Know? Answering faulty Epistemological Catholic Arguments- Roman Catholics think that their epistemological problems have somehow vanished by their choice to enter and believe the Roman Catholic Church. This entry provides 5 key questions to ask Roman Catholics to prove such is not the case.
Roman Catholic Reliance on Private Judgment- A mantra-like point made by Catholic apologists is that Protestants rely on their own fallible private judgment when reading the Bible or studying Church history. A Protestant therefore can have no actual certainty, because they have no infallible interpreter making doctrine and history explicitly clear. This entry provides an answer to such assertions.
White vs. Madrid on Canon Certainty- Mr. Madrid, I've asked you this before. How did the Jewish man 50 years before Jesus Christ know that the books of 2 Chronicles and Isaiah were Scripture? Would you like me to repeat that?
Indulgences
On Indulgences and the Reformation- An entry giving the basics of the 16th Century Indulgence controversy which sparked the Reformation.
Reformation Day: A Brief Overview of the 95 Theses- A look at Luther’s 95 Theses and what they were, and were not against.
Infallible Interpreter
John Calvin’s Response to the Doctrine of an Infallible Church-Roman Catholics adhere to the infallible Bible, but also contend that an “infallible church” is needed as well. John Calvin took a look at this notion in his treatise, Articles Agreed Upon by the Faculty of Sacred Theology of Paris, in Reference to Matters of Faith at Present Controverted; with the Antidote.
Infallible Pronouncements Based on Possible Fallible Proofs: The Folly of Rome’s Claim of Certainty-The certainty Roman Catholics have is not in the text of Scripture, but in the doctrines infallibly declared by the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church says that a doctrine can be defined, but the scriptural proofs used to support it utilized by the Church’s theologians might not actually support it. In other words, one can have certainty for a doctrine, but not have certainty in the scriptural proof texts for that doctrine. The infallibleness is in the decree, not in the reasoning to that decree.
The Church as an Infallible Norm- A look at how quickly error swept into the early church, and how it is impossible for it to be an infallible authority.
The Fathers did not Profess to be the Standard of Truth- A quote from Luther on how the Father’s did not claim infallibility.
Justification
Alister McGrath on Augustine and Justification- McGrath documents that Augustine misunderstood the biblical term “justification” and thus set the tone for the understanding of the Roman Catholic Church.
A Look at Justification by Faith Alone and Good Works in Luther’s Theology- A look at the Protestant understanding of justification and its relation to good works.
A Response to Catholic Apologist Bob Klaus on Luther and Romans 3:28-Bob contends that I miscited Catholic writer Joseph A. Fitzmyer’s book Romans, A New Translation with introduction and Commentary, and also makes some claims about Luther and his understanding of justification.
A Response to Robert Sungenis on Church History, Luther, and the doctrine of Justification- A response to Sungenis on these topics from his Q & A page in which he addresses my work.
A Response to Robert Sungenis on Luther Inserting the Word “Alone” in Romans 3:28- A response to Sungenis on these topics from his Q & A page in which he addresses my work.
Certainty of Salvation
Response on McGrath’s Book Iustitia Dei- A look at Catholic usage of McGrath’s book on Justification. A response to the Catholic attempt to show that that the protestant understanding of justification was unknown in church history previous to the Reformation.
The Alleged Roman Catholic Tradition of Justification- An entry showing that there was not “one” tradition of justification before the Council of Trent made its declaration. Also included is a review of Catholic layman Apolonio Latar’s use of Alister McGrath’s book on Justification.
The Catholic View of Justification Previous to Trent- History doesn't determine doctrine. Councils don't determine doctrine. Only the Bible determines doctrine. Existing side by side in pre-Reformation theology were several ways of interpreting the righteousness of God and the act of justification.
Who Has the Gospel, and What Happens Without it?- A dialog on whether or not Protestants and Catholics believe in the same gospel. Are we “brothers in Christ” or not?
Lord’s Supper
Questions for Roman Catholics on “This is My Body” and “This is My Blood”-Questions about the Lord’s Supper.
Mary
Assumptions About the Assumption #1-The doctrine of the Assumption comes from condemned apocryphal literature, and is believed by Catholics because they want to believe it.
Assumptions About the Assumption #2- If the Assumption is not true, then where is Mary’s tomb?” This question was offered to me once in support of the Assumption. This is a dangerous way to argue for the truth one's beliefs. The corrupt/bogus practice of gathering alleged relics exploded during the 16th Century. Such things like pieces of the cross and drops of the Virgin Mary's milk became objects of great idolatry.
Assumptions About the Assumption #3- Why Did Pope Gelasius Condemn Apocryphal Stories About Mary's assumption?
Assumptions About the Assumption #4- Does the feast of the Assumption of Mary prove the early church believed in the Assumption? No, and I prove it.
Assumptions About the Assumption: In Action-A discussion showing that belief in the Assumption rests on faith and private interpretation rather than Biblical proof and historical confirmation.
Extra! Extra! The New Fatima Crusader Arrived!
John Calvin on the Greatness of Mary- A look at a Calvin quote used by Catholics that is supposed to prove Calvin thought Mary was “great”.
Mary Bingo- A board game to help you learn about Mary.
16th Century Marian Piety or Mariolatry?- An entry documenting the fact that devotion to Mary was ill defined in the 16th Century, and led to gross abuse.
Young Luther, the Saints, and the Virgin Mary- Documents how the young Martin Luther was infected with Mariolatry.
One Bread, One Body: OBOB Catholic discussion Board
On Bob Klaus and the Catholic Legate- My interaction with Bob and the Catholic discussion board “OBOB”.
The Bubble Known as “OBOB”- A look at the silliest Catholic discussion board going.
Papacy
Atheist Accuses Priest of illegally Saying Jesus Existed
Babylon=Rome? Some Opinions on 1 Peter 5:13- A look at many Biblical scholars and interpreters on whether or not “Babylon” means “Rome” in 1 Peter 5:13.
Pope Makes friends With 75 Million Reformed Christians
The Biblical Evidence for Peter in Rome- A look at whether or not the Biblical evidence proves Peter went to Rome an founded the church there.
Was Peter in Rome? A Look at the Arguments and Evidence Used by Roman Catholics- A look at the reasoning used by Catholics to prove Peter went to Rome and founded the church there.
The Bad Popes- A book review of The Bad Popes by E.R. Chamberlin.
Protestants
Catholic Opinions on Protestant Heretics-Are Protestants who deny key dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church their “brothers in Christ”? Or, are they “separated brethren”? Are they “outside the church and in need of salvation”? An outline of three positions from Roman Catholics on this topic.
Check Please: On The Futility of Catholic Apologetics- The Catholic Encyclopedia documents that Catholic laymen are not allowed to debate heretics.
Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations?- Guest blogger Frank Marron’s insightful look at this question.
Purgatory
Did Augustine Really Affirm Purgatory in ‘The City of God’ Book 21?- a look at whether or not the original version on Augustine’s City of God really discussed Purgatory, or if it was added in later by someone other than Augustine.
Tradition
Calvin on Tradition- John Calvin’s understanding of Tradition.
Section Two: The Church Fathers
Augustine (Church Father)
Alister McGrath on Augustine and Justification- McGrath documents that Augustine misunderstood the biblical term “justification” and thus set the tone for the understanding of the Roman Catholic Church.
Augustine on the Canon- A look at the claim that the Roman Church infallibly determining the canon at early councils, and how Augustine doesn’t appear to have any notion of an “infallible list”, nor an infallible ability of either himself or a church council.
Did Augustine Really Affirm Purgatory in ‘The City of God’ Book 21?- a look at whether or not the original version on Augustine’s City of God really discussed Purgatory, or if it was added in later by someone other than Augustine.
Basil (Church Father)
Luther, Basil, Michuta, and 1st Century Indians-An interesting quote from Basil on a secret tradition passed down in church history.
Cyril of Jerusalem (Church Father)
Cyril of Jerusalem on the Canon- A look at the canon Cyril adhered to, which is different the current Catholic canon.
Cyril of Jerusalem on Sola Scriptura-Cyril made statements that advocate sola scriptura. For Cyril, the ultimate issue with respect to authority was not the ecclesiastical position (sola ecclesia), but rather conformity to the truth of Scripture.
Cyril of Jerusalem Revisited: On the Material and formal Sufficiency of Scripture- A response to Catholic layman Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on whether or not Cyril of Jerusalem believed in the material and formal sufficiency of Scripture.
Cyril of Jerusalem Revisited….Again- Further interaction with Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on Cyril of Jerusalem. Included are many quotes from Cyril that show his dedication to Scripture alone as the ultimate authority for a Christian.
Jerome (Church Father)
Did Jerome Change his Mind on the Apocrypha?- an excellent entry done by Ray Aviles proving Jerome did not think the apocrypha belonged in the canon, and never changed his mind.
Ray Aviles Responds to Robert Sungenis on Jerome and the Canon- Guest blogger Ray Aviles responds to Sungenis on whether or not Jerome changed his mind on the canon.
Section Three: Catholic Apologists and Laymen
Dave Armstrong (Catholic Apologist)
Ad Fontes: To The Sources- A request to Dave Armstrong to do Ad Fontes research.
Be Nice to Catholic Apologists Thursday #1
Be Nice to Catholic Apologists Thursday #2
Be nice to Catholic Apologists Thursday #3
Be Nice to Catholic Apologists Thursday #4
Certainty of Salvation
Exposed: Melanchthon Advocated the Death Penalty- My review of Armstrong’s detective work exposing Melanchthon and the death penalty.
Exposed: Philip Melanchthon’s Strong Enthusiasm for Astrology- My review of Armstrong’s detective work exposing Melanchthon’s use of astrology.
Father O'Hare's "Facts About Luther" Revisted- Documents Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong removal of O'Hare quotes from his website, as well as the difficulty in checking O'Hare's citations.
For The Record: On Luther’s Mariology- On overview of my discussion with Dave Armstrong on Luther’s Mariology.
Having Tea with Calvin, Melanchthon and Armstrong
*Here I Stand: A Review of Dave Armstrong’s Citations of Roland Bainton’s Popular Biography on Martin Luther* This short paper takes a look at Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong’s usage of Roland Bainton’s popular biography of Luther, Here I Stand.
How to Eliminate Blog Readers: Bore Them With Tedium
Luther, Armstrong, and Mary: One More Time- More comments on my discussion with Armstrong on Luther’s Mariology
*Luther's Theology of Mary: A Response to Dave Armstrong* Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong reviewed my paper *Luther’s Theology of Mary*. I provided this detailed counter response.
New Term: Auntie Catholic
Pope Luther and Pope Calvin
The Canon: The Empty Arguments From the Defenders of Rome
The “Dave-inci” Code- A short review of Armstrong’s polemic against me.
The Facts About Luther (Part 2)
They Understood Not the Saying, Which He Spake Unto Them- A Luther quote on the Immaculate Conception that doesn’t fit in Dave’s understanding of Luther’s Mariology
Thus spoke Armstrong-athustra: Checking in with The Theologians of Glory
Zwingli’s Denial of Original Sin
Catholic Dude (Catholic Layman)
Luther's Canon: A Response To "Catholic Dude" (Part one)
Luther's Canon: A Response to Catholic Dude (Part Two)
Luther's Canon: A Response To Catholic Dude (part Three)
Luther's Canon: A Response To Catholic Dude (Part Four)
Nicholas Hardesty, phatcatholic (Catholic Layman)
Cyril of Jerusalem Revisited: On the Material and formal Sufficiency of Scripture- A response to Catholic layman Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on whether or not Cyril of Jerusalem believed in the material and formal sufficiency of Scripture.
Cyril of Jerusalem Revisited….Again- Further interaction with Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on Cyril of Jerusalem. Included are many quotes from Cyril that show his dedication to Scripture alone as the ultimate authority for a Christian.
The Catholic View of the Material Sufficiency of Scripture- Some interaction with Catholic layman Nick Hardesty (phatcatholic) on whether or not Cyril of Jerusalem held to the sufficiency of Scripture and an infallible magisterium. Includes an overview of material sufficiency and the partim-partim view.
Bob Klaus (Catholic Apologist)
A Response to Catholic Apologist Bob Klaus on Luther and Romans 3:28-Bob contends that I miscited Catholic writer Joseph A. Fitzmyer’s book Romans, A New Translation with introduction and Commentary, and also makes some claims about Luther and his understanding of justification.
On Bob Klaus and the Catholic Legate- My interaction with Bob and the Catholic discussion board “OBOB”.
Apolonio Latar (Catholic Layman)
Luther, Basil, Michuta, and 1st Century Indians-A look at the fairness of God according to Latar.
Gerry Matatics (Catholic Apologist)
Gerry Matatics: Catholic Apologist for the Last Days- A review of a seminar given by Gerry.
Who Has the Gospel, and What Happens Without it?- A dialog on whether or not Protestants and Catholics believe in the same gospel. Are we “brothers in Christ” or not? Includes quotes from Matatics that Catholics and Protestants are not “united in Christ”.
Gary Michuta (Catholic Apologist)
Luther, Basil, Michuta, and 1st Century Indians-A review of a Luther misquote put on Gary’s website.
Steve Ray (Catholic Apologist)
The Evils of Private Interpretation- A look at a Luther quote used by Steve Ray.
Steve Ray and Melanchthon Keeping books in the New Testament Canon- A look at a probably bogus fact that Melanchthon stopped Luther from taking books out of the canon.
Mark Shea (Catholic Apologist)
Response From Catholic Apologist Mark Shea on “Did Jerome Change his Mind on the Apocrypha?”- Catholic apologist Mark Shea admits he was wrong that Jerome changed his mind on whether or not the apocrypha should be included in the Canon.
Robert Sungenis (Catholic Apologist)
A Response to Robert Sungenis on Church History, Luther, and the doctrine of Justification- A response to Sungenis on these topics from his Q & A page in which he addresses my work.
A Response to Robert Sungenis on Luther Inserting the Word “Alone” in Romans 3:28- A response to Sungenis on these topics from his Q & A page in which he addresses my work.
Mantra: Read The Article in the Catholic Encyclopedia- A brief look at faulty information in the Catholic Encyclopedia. Sungenis points out that the Catholic Encyclopedia denies a universal flood.
Ray Aviles Responds to Robert Sungenis on Jerome and the Canon- Guest blogger Ray Aviles responds to Sungenis on whether or not Jerome changed his mind on the canon.
Art Sippo (Catholic Apologist)
How Do Catholic Apologists Feel About Art Sippo?- Documentation on how some in the Catholic apologetic world feel about Dr. Sippo’s tactics in Internet dialog.
Debate With Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Luther Biographies: Catholic apologist Art Sippo and I discussed which were the best and worst biographies on Luther to read. Needless to say, Dr. Sippo and I agreed on nothing. The conversation shows that Sippo begins with Luther as an arch-villain, and any book that says otherwise is propaganda.
I. On Dialoging With Catholic apologist Art Sippo on Luther Scholarship
II. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Father O’Hare’s “Facts About Luther”
III. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Luther Scholarship and Research (Part 1)
IV. Art Sippo on Catholic Historians Grisar and Denifle and Luther’s Demon Possession (part 2)
V. Using Psychohistory To Interpret Luther (A Response To Catholic Apologist Art Sippo (part3)
VI. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo Takes The Time To Thank Me For My Luther Research
VII. Luther Between God and the Devil: Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Heiko Oberman
VIII. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Roland Bainton's "Here I Stand"
IX. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Richard Marius
X. Catholic Apologist Art Sippo on Catholic Historian Joseph Lortz
XI. A Last Look At Catholic Apologist Art's Sippo's View Of Luther Biographies
XII. Art Sippo on Luther Biographies Revisited: Marius on Denifle
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