Show 18: Music and Worship Part II

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism (and the Factory here in Salt Lake City, Utah) this is Heart of the Matter, where . . . Biblical Christianity meets American Evangelicalism Face to Face . . . Show 18 Music and Worship part II July 2nd 2013

And I’m your host, Shawn McCraney. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this, His ministry. We pray His Spirit upon you – and us – tonight.

Let me remind you that we have three websites for your consideration: www.hotm.tv (which serves as an archive for all the programs we have ever done on the Mormon / Christian debate), www.bornagainmormon.com (which describes our perspective and approach to the Mormon / Christian issues), and www.c-a-m-p-u-s.com (which details and describes our general approach to doing church – CAMPUS.com also contains some of our teachings (with the hope that it will someday soon contain all of them). Check them out and share them with a friend.

Encounter at the Manti Pageant

Met up with an active LDS man who doesn’t really buy into the Mormon myth at all but he remains active in the LDS church for “the sake of his marriage and family.” Well he currently serves in the Young Men’s program of his ward and was recently coerced in taking the guys down to the Manti Pageant – something he has never experienced before. Now, understand, I have had dozens of conversations with this guy and he is really level-headed about things.

What did he have to say about the Manti experience? A smile spread across his face as he said: “It was a circus,” he said. He went on to say that on the one side there were the Christians who were up on these boxes and/or ladders screaming to the top of their lungs and holding up signs warning the attendees of the Pageant that they have been deceived, lied to, and in some cases, are headed straight to hell. “It’s been a while since I’ve been LDS,” I said to this chap, “tell me, really, how did you and the people you were with react to their approach?”

“We thought it was hilarious,” he replied, “I mean, it makes you really think you are part of something good when people come by the dozens from all over the place to picket and protest you.” I wish street protesters at LDS events realized this. Now granted, ANYTHING someone does against Mormonism will be used by most Mormon people as sign of persecution. I get that, but there are limits, aren’t there? Maybe it's me, but I have NEVER understood protesting and prodding the LDS at their religious gatherings. Don’t think I ever will.

“And how was the Pageant itself,” I asked. He started wagging his head, “oh my gosh, Shawn,” he said, “it was horrible.” I mean, it was like all these people from fifty years ago come out from the wood work from Southern Utah and put on this creepy side show for themselves.”

Reflections on the Pageant

He went on: “The information was so one-sided and created to perpetuate the myth. As we drove to the hotel I asked the guys what they thought of it and they were like, “it was kinda weird.” “Ever been to the Manti Pageant Shawn?,” he asked, heading now toward the door. “Never,” I replied.

He looked at me with all seriousness, “Don’t go. Everywhere you look its full of people going to extremes to convince themselves and each other that they are right.”

Got an email from Thaddeus all the way from Ireland. It says this: Hi Shawn, Thanks for a great ministry. God bless, Thaddeus (Ireland) Love it. Thanks Thaddeus.

Got an email from Steave C. out in Florida. In it he makes a prophecy. Ready? He says: “POLYGAMY WILL BE TOTALLY LEGAL WITHIN TEN YEARS. AFTER ALL, IF A MAN CAN MARRY ANOTHER MAN AND A WOMAN CAN MARRY ANOTHER WOMAN, WHY CAN'T A MAN HAVE MORE THAN ONE WIFE OR A WOMAN MORE THAN ONE HUSBAND?”

Thoughts on Marriage and Society

I do not see any reason why Steave would be wrong. In fact, there may come a day when a man might be able to marry a sheep, or a carrot, or rock. Why not? If he finds true ha-penis with such items, who can say this is wrong? Right?

Couple of thoughts: First, the model is there – Adam and Eve. One man one woman. All other aberrations or deviations will only lead to problems. Second, there is NOTHING ANYONE can do to stop this downward spiral. Human-kind, like water, will always seek the lowest possible.

The Solution to Modern Moral Challenges

Location to land morally. So why fight it? Stop cursing the darkness and start lighting fires of hope. His name is Jesus. He is the solution. Not more legislation. Not finger pointing. Him. When Christians and Christianity get this, we will have more peace, more love, and more hope to deal with this situation… and all the other stuff coming down the pike.

Searching for Truth

I’m going to call this next little segment: “The Time and Trouble in Searching for Truth.”

Got this email from Ryan B:

Shawn, I discovered your show on YouTube, and have learned much about the bible because of how you compare it to the book of Mormon. Thank you for your teaching. “I was watching one of your new episodes and you were talking about the creation debate and it sounded like you didn’t think that the Bible account was true (or at least the science of it).”

Okay, I’ve gotta stop right here. I ABSOLUTELY RECEIVE THE BIBLE ACCOUNT AS TRUE! I just think our interpretation of some of “these things” can be seen (contextually speaking) in a number of various ways. Got that? It is not fair to say I don’t hold the Bible up as truth because I have opinions that differ from the status quo.

Ryan goes on:

“This really blew me away and now I’m disillusioned and lost, not really, but seriously though. There is absolutely wonderful scientific evidence of a literal six-day creation and flood and to say it isn’t true just amazed me.”

Okay… (sigh)… hear my heart, which I cannot change IF I am going to consider myself a Son of God. I love the living God. I am a sold out believer in His Son. He is my King. I serve Him with all I can. Part of my duty as His Son is to pursue Him, to seek Him in scripture, and to take EVERYTHING – EVERYTHING (without exception) – and examine it.

Understanding Scripture

I am NOT saying that the kosmos was not created in six literal days – I am saying that the argument to say it HAD to be six literal days needs examination. See, faith is established on facts. We don’t have ALL the facts, but what information we do have we examine carefully because our faith is related to the facts embraced.

When people possess what William James called “bad faith” it’s because they have a foundation of “bad information” supporting it. Our faith is only as “good and strong and as saving” as it is based on the true and factual. Can’t be saved putting faith in Santa Clause, right?

Dogma is a fortress for people weak in their faith, not strong. It is a refuge for those who don’t want to think and dig their heels in to avoid uncertainty… it is for people who somehow think that they are morally superior in God’s eyes because they ardently cling to opinions fed to them.

Examining Beliefs

I want to understand God by and through His Word AS A WHOLE… six-day creation included. If someone can show me that day in scripture always and only means 24 hours, I’m all yours and six days it is. But if the word “day” has been used to depict or describe a period of time that is longer OR shorter in scripture, I am stepping back from certainty – and just trusting the King with that which remains unknown.

We’ll get to the six-day creation in the months to come.

And with that, let’s pray.

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

Man have I been taking heat of late. Everyone seems to be getting irritated by the stuff I’m saying. I DO NOT say or teach things just to be different or a rebel. I wish – WISH – I could just march with the band. It is so much easier, and so much more peaceful.

But I want to exit this world with integrity. I want to be able to say to my King that I gave my all to worship Him in Spirit and in TRUTH – not.

Music and Worship in Christianity

Myths, not MANipulations, not bull shitake theories we use to keep people in line. TRUTH.

I hope, if you are a viewer or supporter of our programs, you share in this passion. Last week I mentioned that our topic of exploration was “incendiary.” The reason for this is music (and what Christians today call “worship”) is highly, highly, highly subjective. Where “Jim likes this, Mike likes that,” and when it comes to spiritual experience through music Jim and Mike will make their opinions known.

As Christianity has over the centuries grown numerically it has simultaneously embraced an attitude summarized by the line, “Well, God can use it!” I agree. Terrible house fire taking lots of life? God CAN use it to His good . . . and will if people let Him. An addiction to heroin? God CAN use it . . .

The "God Can Use It" Attitude

I would suggest, however, that this attitude allows for a number of things I believe are detrimental to biblical Christianity as a whole and in the long run. First, the “God can use it” attitude has allowed for all kinds of things MEN have created and justified in His name. In the end, everything becomes accepted and excusable because . . . “God can use it.”

Is there a “better way to approach things or are all things, since Christ, acceptable, free, and of Him? I know the passage that says all things are lawful but that passage is followed up with, “But not all things are expedient.” It becomes extremely difficult to measure or examine or criticize activities in the church when people categorize them as the “work or moving of the Holy Spirit.”

In my opinion, often what men call “the moving of the Holy Spirit,” is nothing but emotionally driven activities men and women mistake for the Holy Spirit – but maybe I just don’t understand. I had a good brother sort of confront me at church over last week’s program, telling me, in more words or less, that I had no right to pass judgment on any expressions in the church. He asked me point blank: “Who do you think you are?”

That is a hard question to hear. I don’t want to be someone who has appointed himself Sheriff over all things Christian. Quite frankly, I don’t like the Sheriffs I’ve met in the body and I don’t want to be one of them. But aren’t there principles – ultimately biblical principles – that believers can use as guidelines for what are God’s best practices?

If there is not, and if “the God can use anything attitude” is an attitude we ought to all live by then why would we challenge ANYTHING at all, ever?

“Wanna put “wigs on pigs” and have them runtin and rooting through the church as a sign that dietary laws are done away with? Have at it. Gawd can use it? Handle snakes? Gawd can use it?

Look. I could not be a bigger proponent of “freedom in Christ.” I am all about freedom of personal expressions – ISN’T THIS OBVIOUS? I get various music and it’s benefits and KNOW first hand how wonderful worship in reasonable settings can be.

Best Practices in Church Worship

Nevertheless, we are talking about how to do church “best” here. This is what started this whole thing – our wanting to find the best places for the LDS to flow into. “What does the worship look like in a “good church?” What does a best practices in church worship look like? Are we quenching the Holy Spirit if we say some things ought to be avoided? Is it ever right to condemn a practice or should everything be mindlessly categorized as “a work of the Holy Spirit?”

And if anything and everything is NOT permissible who or what draws the lines to decide when things have gone too far? The brother who confronted me was adamant that God can use anything and that I have no right to say otherwise. He went on to explain that he was saved by and through his involvement with a group known as the Toronto Blessing movement, a hyper neo-charismatic movement that started at the Toronto Vineyard Airport church.

This church became known for what they called “ecstatic worship.” This includes what they called as falling or resting in the Spirit, holy laughter, shaking, and outbursts of crying. "Holy laughter" was a hallmark manifestation of the group.

Let’s take a look:

(Video clip of Holy Laughter here)

Once Holy Laughter got rolling it wasn’t enough. More emotional expressions were needed to stoke the “fire!” Before they knew it

Worship Practices and Church Principles

Some believers were “moved by the Spirit” to “bark like dogs, meow like cats, or to roar like lions.”

Take a look:

(Video clip of barking)

Paul was clear in 1st Corinthians 14 when he wrote: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1st Corinthians 14:40

And

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1st Corinthians 14:33

I dunno, maybe I am missing something but another "manifestation of the spirit" at the Toronto Blessing was called "crunching."

Crunching consists of a vomit-like heaving to "cleanse" and "release" negative experiences from within the person. Leaders and participants from the Toronto Blessing claim that these types of things are physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit's presence and power.

Are these things expedient? Are they profitable? Decent and done in order? How do we determine what is acceptable and what it not.

Someone asked me this the other day and all I could do was respond like Justice Potter Stewart who said (when asked to define hard-core pornography), “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.” Can we say the same thing about worship practices, music, animal handling – we know something is off when we see it?

I am of the opinion that we CAN make some observations that hold water with God.

Understanding Appropriate Church Practices

First, I would suggest that God works DESPITE what men do, not BY or THROUGH what they do. There’s a big difference. To suggest He works by and through crazy assed practices is wholly illogical when we consider the biblical descriptions we have of His character. So while the Holy Spirit can (and has) regenerated men while sitting drunk at bars in the company of harlots, God works despite the situation and churches ought to avoid promoting bar drinking and harlotry in their Sunday services.

So let me present some other principles I believe ought to be employed when trying to understand and define how to “do church or worship best.” You will note the presence of some secular references in these principles. I do not apologize for tapping this fountain of information as truth is truth no matter from whom it flows.

Let's begin with a principle I learned years ago from a book by Dr. Norman Geisler. I think I made mention of this principle last week. If you are a Christian ask yourself, do you do what will produce the best results or do you do what is right? Best results motivations are known as teleological motivations. Doing what is right (regardless of the results) is known as deontological motivation.

When churches embrace religious practices they often mix the two. Music and worship is an example of this. Where the Bible talks about things being done “decently and in order,” and that the fruit of the spirit is “love and peace, etc.” teleologically driven pastors will rationalize such biblical “laws” if you will (that’s a root word for Deontological – like Deuteronomy, it means law) and they will embrace a teleological methods because in the end “it works” in filling their pews.

So, “let’s embrace the things of this world when we worship God,” they seem to say, “bigger sound, bigger lights, bigger shows” BECAUSE it brings more people in. That’s a good end result, right?” Forget about the effects of the world or whether God is truly worshipped and honored (and I realize, in many cases He is by individuals present) but nevertheless, are these shows deontologically based (on the Word) or are they teleologically driven.

Hard as it might be for some people in the Body to believe, Christians never approach life through teleological methods – but always by what God says and desires. History proves that when men and governments operate for what they call the greatest good ENORMOUS evil can occur.

Approaching Best Practices in Worship

The third point I want to suggest is we ask ourselves what is the best way to approach a best practice when it concerns the things of God? I mean, we are talking about human beings taking time on a Sunday (or whenever) to seek, and focus on, and pursue, and worship the ETERNAL LIVING GOD right? I think it makes sense to suggest there are things that truly honor Him and things that don’t.

In her book the FountainHead author Ayn Rand, promoting her all together selfish philosophy she called Objectivism has her protagonist give a speech about art. She essentially asks if it makes any sense, if someone is doing their very best to create a work of art to mar it with something that depicts failure. For example, if someone stood

True Worship Practices

Overlooking a vista for months on end trying to capture its most beautiful essence, would they want to add a little yellow smiley-face in the middle of it – something that does not make the work “the best” it could be? Or, we might ask why Michelangelo didn’t take his sculpture of David and mar it up with giant blemishes all over his back? No, even the atheist Rand could see the value in presenting the “best possible” in artistic representation. But step into some of these churches and we don’t see best practices . . . we see some of the worst.

So what is “the best possible,” or what are “the best practices” when it comes to worshipping God? What worship is deontologically based, what best fits the biblical model? Let’s first look at the Biblical definition of worship.

Essentially, worship is giving homage and honor to God that cannot and should not be given to any other item or being because to worship any other item or being in the manner which ought to be reserved ONLY for God is idolatry. Therefore, we have a bit of a conundrum when looking at many modern Christian worship services. If you go to church and cheer God, and clap your hands to God, and weep in your expressions for God, and sing to God, and honor God with your mouth, or bow down to the floor before Him such actions should NEVER shared or used toward another item or being.

Idolatry Concerns in Modern Worship

So if you leave church and go to a great piano recital or moving play or stadium concert and find yourself giving the same expressions of gratitude to performing human beings that you have given the living God we have a problem. In the strictest biblical sense, that would be practicing idolatry. Here’s the deal – I’m not suggesting clapping at a concerts or giving a standing ovation at the theater to a great theatrical performance is idolatry – I’m suggesting that such responses ought not be shared in our worship of God. Get it?

This is how the world has made its way into the church. The hippie Jesus movement churches, feeling freedom in Christ, introduced idolatrous behaviors into worshipping the true and living God! And few people take the time to see it for what it is – they are too caught up in the emotional experience to even consider they react the same way to a great film, a beautifully rendered song or standing before starry starry night in a museum. Worship – and all of its manifestations – are reserved for God and God alone, and is done in Spirit and in truth.

Biblical Definition of Worship

So what are some elements the Bible presents as part of worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth? The Hebrew word for worship is shaw kaw. In the Greek, proskueneo. Both mean exactly the same thing – to bow down, to fall to the earth, to fawn over God, to kneel, to lay out PROSTRATE before a thing. Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 14:25 “And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.”

A HUGE part of the true definition of worship is humility. Utter humility. To bow down before a thing is a sign of great humility. That is worship. How Christians have come to refer to singing and swaying their arms while standing as worship is beyond me. In fact, when you think about it, what we find going on in most Christian churches is physically the opposite of true biblical worship – it always has to do with standing and expressing the self (ECHOE “the self, the self, the self, the self) before God, not humbling the self before Him.

I’m gonna stop it here and open up the phone lines. Next week we will wrap up this segment on worship in the church today.

While the operators are clearing your calls, please consider the following message.

(RUN SHORT SPOT HERE)

SHOW VIDEO CLIP HERE

VIDEO IF WE HAVE ONE

GRAPHIC POINT NUMBER ONE: “God works despite what Man does.”

GRAPHIC POINT NUMBER TWO “Teleological or Deontological Motivations”

GRAPHIC POINT THREE “How to define a best practice?”

PHONE GRAPHIC HERE PLEASE

RUN SPOT HERE PLEASE

CONCLUSION?

Hey, please pray for us. We are standing on the precipice of some big decisions in the ministry and your prayers mean so much in terms of how we are able to stand.

Gratitude and Reflections

I am SO eternally grateful to know the Lord Jesus Christ. While the condition of modern day Evangelicalism confuses me and terrifies me, I am grateful to have brothers and sisters in this world who are sold out to Him, our King. Like Paul, I consider myself of sinners chief. And those pastors who are guilty of stuff I point out are assuredly as men far better Christians than I will ever be. This is not an appeal to feigned humility – I really mean it.

So my critiques are not by any means coming from a source of piety or pride…I just refuse to let the fact that I am more of a failure in my walk disqualify me from stating what seems pretty obvious. Hey…check out our websites and join us here, next week, on Heart of the Matter.

Concerns with Modern Praise Music

Shawn, I totally agree with your analysis of the new praise music which has permeated the Christian churches. I very much dislike it – in fact, at the church I attend, I go in 30 minutes after the service has started to avoid the praise music. I loved your illustration of how it started with the subtle introduction of a guitar, then adding praise words to the melody of a popular song/artist and then going to a full blown rock song with the ever 7/11 repetitive chorus ad nauseam. And your conclusion, secular music and secular art are ok in the world, but should not be used in the church in an attempt to mimic the world. You said, "How Jesus would live his life is what we should do."

Now I want to suggest that secular "words" should stay in the world also, and not brought into the church. You told me that when you go into the streets and talk with the street guys you use their language. You want them to be able to identify with you. You said they watch your show and like it. The last seven years on TV20 you didn't have the liberty to use their language on the show. They are not watching the show because you are talking their language. They watch the show because they like the content of the show.

Impact of Candid Language on Viewers

The preaching at the beginning of the show is great, but let me suggest, the street guys and many, many others look forward to the call-in question/comment/answer portion of the show. The street guys are not stupid; you are not holding their interest because of talking on their level. Everyone likes the calls that come in and we admire how you can field the calls and have a comeback and answer for every one of them. We are cheering for you when you get a harassing call and you are able to put them in their place. And we are amused and understand when there is the occasional hang-up on the caller that totally frustrates you. We understand and we are right there with you. We are amused and educated both at the same time.

Controversial Expressions on NRB

Then along came NRB. No restrictions, no holds barred, no censorship. On your second live show on NRB, out came the "f***'in religion" and the "f***'in culture" and "it's f***'in sick". You said, "I can say that on this channel, there are no restrictions like on TV20."

I called the next day and asked, "Did I hear what I thought I heard on the program last night?" and without any questions the answer was "yes". The person knew exactly what I was referring to. He explained "the word Shawn said was efin, e-f-i-n". I replied there is no such word; you know exactly what he meant. And later you yourself, Shawn, told me the word you said was "effin, e-f-f-i-n". Please don't insult my intelligence by trying to justify and suggest "effin" is a real word. Apparently everyone but you knows it stands for the F word.

And since then, we have heard "jackasses on fire", "can I say 'abreast'?", "they follow those 'frickers'.", "bang a chick", "if you are having relations with —your dog!" "maybe you want to say 'screw it, God'." I've stopped keeping track. All of these statements have been highly offensive to me. You

The Impact of Sensationalism in Humor

Are using sensationalism and shock value as a means of eliciting humor, shock or anger. Off-color humor – also known as dirty jokes – are considered to be in poor taste and vulgar by the prevailing morality of a culture. Also known as "toilet humor" they are generally considered impolite or indecent and are used to startle and offend. And that's what you do.

Do you realize the images and imaginations you are putting in peoples minds, especially men's, when you talk about "banging a chick", "can I say 'abreast'?" or "having relations with your dog"? Do you realize once an image is in the mind it can never be erased, except, maybe by electric shock treatments. Do you realize you are feeding men's sexual appetite when you make suggestive comments. Shame on you!!

You are leading your followers through the muck and mire of sexual perversion. I had no idea how insecure you are that you have repeatedly resorted to salacious examples to get your point across. You are polluting our minds with your perverted thoughts.

You should be building your people up instead of dragging them down. There are hundreds of examples you could use, but you choose ones that are sexual and titillating. You had the rug pulled out from under you and now you are struggling to be the big man on campus again. You have a need to prove your masculinity and rebuild your following. Too bad you are going back into the world to do it.

Questioning the Appropriateness of Content

Is this "How Jesus would live his life is what we should do."?

And now to the Jun 25th show with your perception of praise songs suggesting Christian masturbation, (here we go again, another sexual illustration). I know you know better, but let me address this like I would to someone who really doesn't know what they are talking about – someone who isn't trying to sensationalize praise music. Let me get into my apologetic, defending the faith, dealing with unbelievers who think they know what the Bible says, frame of mind. — OK — You have committed the quintessential, typical error of taking something out of context.

According to Strong's Concordance, In the King James Version of the Bible, the word "come" appears 1971 times, the word "comest" appears 29 times and the word "cometh" appears 282 times. In not one of these appearances is there even the slightest sexual suggestion of masturbation. You have put a disgusting, sleazy meaning into the words of a chorus that is not suggested either in the verses before or the verses after. You have stooped to put it into the category of dirty old men in an XXX rated movie. We all have sinful minds and no one is above reproach. But, as the saying goes, it is better to remain silent and be thought (depraved), than to speak out and remove all doubt. It really is pathetic that you would stoop so low to make that comparison.

Next time you want to startle and offend your viewers, and in this case, with your perception of Christian praise song masturbation, instead of looking around your Heart of the Matter set to see if there are any minor children present in your room, you might consider the potential 3 million viewers that might be watching your show and who might be present in their room. I'm sure glad my 15-year-old grandson wasn't watching.

Biblical Guidance on Speech

Matt 5:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communications proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Sandra Stewart

Dr. James A. Beverley – Author Of Mormon Crisis: Anatomy of a Failing Religion Mitt Romney’s run for President of the United States created enormous interest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In spite of massive media focus during the so-called Mormon Moment, coverage was often shallow and misleading, with few reporters digging in deep enough to deal with evidence that the Mormon Church is in a deep crisis. Significant membership decline is occurring as evidence mounts about lies,

Mormon Crisis

Fraud, criminality, and deception through the entire history of Mormonism. In Mormon Crisis, Jim Beverley deals with major issues about Joseph Smith, the first LDS prophet. He provides a sustained critique of Mormon Scripture, examines flaws in the LDS understanding of Church leadership, and probes unique doctrines and practices, including the secret temple ceremonies. The book offers a serious indictment of the LDS belief system but also presents a way out of the current crisis facing one of America’s most famous and controversial religions.

Heart of the Matter

Hey Shawn,

I've been watching quite a few of the episodes of 'Heart of the Matter'. I'm really enjoying it. I'm getting a lot of apologetical data I can use to witness to people of the Mormon faith. I also feel your testimony is powerful, and I love it. Amen! I love hearing about your strong relationship with Christ, how he changed your life. You and I share something in common. We love Jesus. I'm Catholic Christian which you consider at least in terms of its official teachings to not be a Christian Church.

As a fellow person who loves Christ and loves the scriptures I would like to issue a friendly challenge by posing some theological questions to you. I don't expect you to provide any answers to 'me', but rather I would like you to consider and search the scriptures for answers to these questions. I would like to in charity challenge you to search the scriptures and really discern what the Word tells us about the following that I am about to pose to you.

Fulton J Sheen Quote

Firstly, I would like to share with you one of my favourite quotes, which comes from Fulton J Sheen:

"There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing. These millions can hardly be blamed for hating Catholics because Catholics "adore statues"; because they "put the Blessed Mother on the same level with God"; because they say [an] "indulgence is a permission to commit sin"; because the Pope "is a Fascist"; because the "Church is the defender of Capitalism." If the Church taught or believed any one of these things it should be hated, but the fact is that the Church does not believe nor teach any one of them. It follows then that the hatred of the millions is directed against error and not against truth. As a matter of fact, if we Catholics believed all of the untruths and lies which were said against the Church, we probably would hate the Church a thousand times more than they do." – Foreword to Radio Replies Vol. 1, (1938) page ix

Theological Questions

Here are some questions I would like you to consider which I honestly feel give credence and strength to Catholic theology and highlight fallacies in Protestant theology – especially those of the evangelicals and fundamentalists:

1. If the authors of the New Testament believed in sola Scriptura, why did they sometimes draw on oral Tradition as authoritative and as God’s Word (Matt 2:23; 23:2; 1 Cor 10:4; 1 Pet 3:19; Jude 9, 14 15)?

2. Where in the Bible do we find an inspired and infallible list of books that should belong in the Bible? (e.g., Is the Bible’s Table of Contents inspired?)

3. How do we know, from the Bible alone, that the individual books of the New Testament are inspired, even when they make no claim to be inspired?

4. How do we know, from the Bible alone, that the letters of St. Paul, who wrote to first-century congregations and individuals, are meant to be read by us as Scripture 2000 years later?

5. If the books of the New Testament are “self-authenticating” through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to each individual, then why was there confusion in the early Church over which books were inspired, with some books being rejected by the majority?

6. If the meaning of the Bible is so clear—so easily interpreted—and if the Holy Spirit leads every Christian to interpret it for themselves, then why are there over 33,000 Protestant denominations, and millions of individual Protestants, all interpreting the Bible differently?

7. Who may authoritatively arbitrate between Christians who claim to be led by the Holy Spirit into mutually contradictory interpretations of the Bible?

8. Since each Protestant must admit that his or her interpretation is fallible, how can any Protestant in good conscience call anything heresy or bind another Christian?

Questioning Scriptural Authority

(9) Protestants usually claim that they all agree “on the important things.” Who is able to decide authoritatively what is important in the Christian faith and what is not?

(10) Who in the Church had the authority to determine which books belonged in the New Testament canon and to make this decision binding on all Christians? If nobody has this authority, then can I remove or add books to the canon on my own authority?

(11) Why do Protestant scholars recognize the early Church Catholic councils at Hippo and Carthage as the first instances in which the New Testament canon was officially ratified? Can the New Testament Canon have been officially determined by an apostate Church?

(12) How were the bishops at Hippo and Carthage able to determine the correct canon of Scripture, in spite of the fact that they believed all the distinctively Catholic doctrines such as the apostolic succession of bishops, the sacrifice of the Mass, Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, baptismal regeneration, etc?

(13) If Christianity is a “book religion,” how did it flourish during the first 1500 years of Church history when the vast majority of people were illiterate?

(14) If Jesus intended for Christianity to be exclusively a “religion of the book,” why did He wait 1400 years before showing somebody how to build a printing press?

(15) If the Bible is as clear as Martin Luther claimed, why was he the first one to interpret it the way he did and why was he frustrated at the end of his life that “there are now as many doctrines as there are heads”?

(16) Jesus said that the unity of Christians would be objective evidence to the world that He had been sent by God (John 17:20-23). How can the world see an invisible "unity" that exists only in the hearts of believers?

SOURCE:

Please consider these questions, study the scriptures and take these issues to prayer. As a Catholic, scripture, theology and history gives straight and easy answers to the above questions. The Protestant on the other hand will have difficulty in addressing these issues.

God Bless, Pax in Cristo.

Jeremy M Pinto

Personal Reflection and Faith Journey

Hi Shawn,

My name is Jessica. I was born and raised in the church, and I recently sent in my resignation letter, and today in the mail I received a letter basically stating they are going to send me on a wild goose chase, as well as an invitation to come back.

And as I looked at it I couldn’t help but think, "how on earth could I EVER go back? I would feel like I would be turning my back on Jesus?" And let me tell you it felt good to know that, to know that I know Jesus. I have you to thank for helping to open my eyes (as well as mrm.org and your favorite utlm.org). My prayer now is that all of the LDS people realize that no church, no book, no amount of work they do, none of their prophets or apostles, can save them. And if I am condemned to hell for believing in God, the Jesus of the bible then so be it, because nothing else could save my soul. Thank you again and God bless.

Jessica

Navigating Religious Differences

From: Josh

Subject: What to tell my fiancé

Message Body:

My fiancé is Mormon and I’m a Christian. She has been in the church since she was born, and gets extremely defensive when we have discussions about theology. Recently, LDS missionaries have been coming to our house and she is trying to get me to convert. How do I go about helping her (and them) see the falsehoods that Mormonism teaches? Any help on where to start would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Josh