Is there a difference between Roman Catholicism and biblical Christianity? Isn't it just a different way to practice your Christian beliefs? Not quite, contests Dr. Casey Smith. Approaching this centuries-long debate between Protestants and Catholics straightforwardly, The Great Gulf Between Catholicism and Christianity addresses this time-sensitive issue once and for all of truth of religious tradition. Dr. Casey Smith takes a sola scritpura approach to compare the key doctrines of the Catholic faith, like Mariology, confession, penance, and the Eucharist, to the historically verified text of the Scriptures. By supplementing his opinion with testimony of current and ex-Catholic priests, he reveals the peace in a personal relationship with the Savior instead of the anxiety found in penance-earning forgiveness. The Great Gulf Between Catholicism and Christianity challenges readers of all religious traditions to reevaluate all you've been taught in order to ultimately arrive at the light at the end of the tunnel.
Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may still have connection with heaven. God has communicated with men by His Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world by revelations to His chosen servants. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21. During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there was no written revelation. Those who had been taught of God, communicated their knowledge to others, and it was handed down from father to son, through successive generations. The preparation of the written word began in the time of Moses. Inspired revelations were then embodied in an inspired book. This work continued during the long period of sixteen hundred years,—from Moses, the historian of creation and the law, to John, the recorder of the most sublime truths of the gospel. The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all “given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16); yet they are expressed in the words of men. The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, symbols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed, have themselves embodied the thought in human language. The ten commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14. Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony. As presented through different individuals, the truth is brought out in its varied aspects. One writer is more strongly impressed with one phase of the subject; he grasps those points that harmonize with his experience or with his power of perception and appreciation; another seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind—a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life. God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the imperfect expression of human language, yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth.
Jesus described a divine separation from sinners in Luke 16 as the "great gulf fixed". Man's "free will" created it. This book examines God's repeated enforcement of the "great gulf" separation upon sinful mankind through history. It is demonstrated through the accounts of: The closed gate of Eden. The closed door of Noah's Ark. The closed communications by the confusion of languages. The closed direct fellowship with God through Abraham. The closed path of salvation to men through the Law. And finally, as revealed by the Scriptures, The closed access to salvation by mankind's, now, fallen will through self-generated "faith".
In 'The Essential Writings of Philip Schaff', readers are taken on a journey through the profound theological reflections and historical insights of esteemed author Philip Schaff. This collection showcases Schaff's eloquent literary style, which effortlessly combines scholarly rigor with spiritual depth. Delving into various aspects of Christianity and church history, Schaff's writings offer a unique perspective that is both informative and engaging. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in theological studies and the evolution of Christian thought. It provides a comprehensive overview of Schaff's most influential works, making it an essential addition to any scholar's library. Philip Schaff, a renowned 19th-century theologian and church historian, wrote these essential writings over the course of his illustrious career. His dedication to academic excellence and his passion for theology shine through in every page, demonstrating his profound understanding of the subject matter. Schaff's extensive knowledge and thoughtful analysis make him a trusted authority in the field of Christian studies. I highly recommend 'The Essential Writings of Philip Schaff' to readers seeking a deeper understanding of Christian theology and church history. Schaff's insightful perspectives and scholarly expertise make this collection a must-read for theologians, historians, and anyone interested in the intellectual foundations of Christianity.
The book you are about to read is a compilation from many sources. It is not an indictment of Catholics as individuals but on the role of the papacy down through the ages as she (mis)guided the faithful deliberately or unknowingly in the path of (un)righteousness. As one living in a predominantly Catholic country, most of my friends and acquaintances are Catholics and many of them are ignorant of the unbiblical practices being taught by the magisterium. The fear imposed upon the faithful regarding conversation with other groups of Christians and the reading of books written by them makes it almost impossible reach them. Behind the many traditional practices are untold stories of lies and deceits whose only purpose was to lead the faithful astray. Salvation is given to those who trust in the saving grace of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior when He died on the cross to save us from our sins. It is not by joining a church as Roman Catholic Church and other churches have taught. Many Catholics are not aware that they are being fed with beliefs and practices unsanctioned by God. Some of them are just plain heresy that could easily sway the undiscerning faithful as they follow unquestionably the teachings imposed on them. Many Catholics given an opportunity to hear the gospel preached by orthodox Protestants find new understanding and often turn away from the Catholic faith. The Bible contains everything necessary to save souls without going through rituals as imposed by the Church. The Church even goes on to add new doctrines that are contrary to the Bible. The faithful are taught other elaborate ways which they need to do to gain salvation contrary to the simple truth taught by Jesus. Most Catholics have no idea of how their religion has slowly developed from true orthodox Christianity based on the Bible into a religion that has some resemblance to the Bible teachings yet on closer study turns out to be quite different. This is because the Bible, especially the New Testament, had been deliberately distorted, extended, omitted, perverted, twisted and/or misinterpreted to make them mean whatever the Pope wants them to mean. She also refuses to accept and mend her ways in the light of a better understanding of the Bible. By proclaiming herself infallible, she puts herself into a bind that she cannot get out of. Now she is forced to continue the charade unmindful of the effects on the souls of the faithful. In all regions where she predominates, as she did during the Middle Ages, she is able to impose her will not only on her own faithful, but also on all others that refuse to adhere to her teachings. The Church is intolerant of anyone writing about her history and wrongdoings. History has shown that she will through great lengths to suppress anything that remotely resembles anything written against her. Even in tbis age of openness and free information, she finds it difficult to be enlightened to allow all views especially on the very important matter of individual salvation.
Jay compares and contrasts the Catholic Catechism and the Bible, pointing out the many inconsistencies between the two. Deceptive tactics of the Catholic Church are expounded on as the author conveys the message that the Catholic Church has every right to exist but can no longer fall under the guise of Christianity. (Christian)
