Do catholics worship God or the pope?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
972
276
63
Pacific NW USA
#22
As the title says: do catholics worship God or the pope?

Do they allow the pope to come between them and God?
Perhaps I'm a little biased against Catholics, but I still accept that the RCC is one of the original major churches in history, and there are certainly genuine Christians in their membership and in their leadership. That being said, I think they seriously hurt themselves in the effort to defend themselves against the secular powers in the middle ages. They consolidated power under the pope and under the Holy Roman Emperor, and in effect made their own organization the exclusive one in Western Christianity.

Since that time, Catholics have treated Christians outside of their communion as "backslidden, ignorant brothers," who apparently oppose unity in the Church. They confuse the unity that comes with organization with the unity that comes through the Spirit of God. Spiritual unity does *not* require an all-encompassing organizational unity.

This kind of sectarianism has hurt the RCC. And as a result of their exclusivity, there has been less effort to work with other Christians outside of that communion, and less willingness to be corrected from outside of their organization. The net effect has been a cover up of all their failures, and a resistance to real criticisms.

The dogma of Catholicism tends to require all Catholics to submit to the Pope not just as the legitimate leader of the organization, but also spiritual leader in all matters. This is not Christian because Christ is our spiritual leader--not the Pope. You might say that this elevates the Pope too highly, but not to the extent any Catholic "deifies" him.

Both Catholics and Protestants have been concerned that with this great power, a future corrupt Pope may lead him to embrace some false Messiah, the Antichrist. This is certainly possible in the future, but it is certainly not yet.
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
113
#23
Perhaps I'm a little biased against Catholics, but I still accept that the RCC is one of the original major churches in history, and there are certainly genuine Christians in their membership and in their leadership. That being said, I think they seriously hurt themselves in the effort to defend themselves against the secular powers in the middle ages. They consolidated power under the pope and under the Holy Roman Emperor, and in effect made their own organization the exclusive one in Western Christianity.

Since that time, Catholics have treated Christians outside of their communion as "backslidden, ignorant brothers," who apparently oppose unity in the Church. They confuse the unity that comes with organization with the unity that comes through the Spirit of God. Spiritual unity does *not* require an all-encompassing organizational unity.

This kind of sectarianism has hurt the RCC. And as a result of their exclusivity, there has been less effort to work with other Christians outside of that communion, and less willingness to be corrected from outside of their organization. The net effect has been a cover up of all their failures, and a resistance to real criticisms.

The dogma of Catholicism tends to require all Catholics to submit to the Pope not just as the legitimate leader of the organization, but also spiritual leader in all matters. This is not Christian because Christ is our spiritual leader--not the Pope. You might say that this elevates the Pope too highly, but not to the extent any Catholic "deifies" him.

Both Catholics and Protestants have been concerned that with this great power, a future corrupt Pope may lead him to embrace some false Messiah, the Antichrist. This is certainly possible in the future, but it is certainly not yet.
I wish not happen, but base of her ccc841 I doubt

841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."
 

Unearthed

Active member
May 18, 2021
200
70
28
#24
I’m not surprised this is a serious question on this forum. None of you actually read what Catholics believe from the Catholic sources that spell it out clearly.
Perhaps you would like to enlighten us?
 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#25
My brother, catholic believe they God is Muslim God or Allah
I’ve read the Vatican II statement you are referring to. It doesn’t say what you think it does, you would need to read the rest of the commentary Vatican II provided.
All that is acknowledging is that the God of Abraham is our God and that Muslims also claim to worship the God of Abraham. That’s it, it is a common talking point Muslims and Christians can have if you ever want to try to convert a Muslim.
 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#27
I wish not happen, but base of her ccc841 I doubt

841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."
God did make it easier for a Muslim to become a Christian than say a Hindu or a Buddhist. The Abraham link is critical to use in attempts to convert Muslims. You have to start from a totally different place when trying to convince a Hindu of Christianity’s truth than you would a Muslim.
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
113
#28
God did make it easier for a Muslim to become a Christian than say a Hindu or a Buddhist. The Abraham link is critical to use in attempts to convert Muslims. You have to start from a totally different place when trying to convince a Hindu of Christianity’s truth than you would a Muslim.
My brother, I know you are honest, but religion is danger, some time it lie, why catholic say Muslim worship mankind' judge on the last day, Muslim not worship Jesus. To me, I will follow Jesus, not religion, a lot of manipulation in religions.

I believe, like some say, catholic want to create one world government, and need suppott from big religion /Muslim, than she make that formula.

That is evil intend, Brother
 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#29
My brother, I know you are honest, but religion is danger, some time it lie, why catholic say Muslim worship mankind' judge on the last day, Muslim not worship Jesus. To me, I will follow Jesus, not religion, a lot of manipulation in religions.

I believe, like some say, catholic want to create one world government, and need suppott from big religion /Muslim, than she make that formula.

That is evil intend, Brother
There has been a lot of bloodshed on account of religious hatred. Especially among Muslims and Catholics throughout history. Muslims still commit terrorism against Christians. I’m glad Christians have chosen to be better people than that.

As for a one world government, my Church most definitely wants Christians to be united in their faith...but I have seen no evidence of wanting to rule the world in the sense countries govern their territories. Every Catholic I know would agree that the Church is best when it focuses on the Church and not what Kings care about.
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
972
276
63
Pacific NW USA
#30
I wish not happen, but base of her ccc841 I doubt

841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."
Your language is a little difficult for me. It seems as if you're saying you think the RCC is already going rogue by claiming salvation belongs to Muslims? If so, I would agree. I didn't know they've already done this!
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
972
276
63
Pacific NW USA
#31
There has been a lot of bloodshed on account of religious hatred. Especially among Muslims and Catholics throughout history. Muslims still commit terrorism against Christians. I’m glad Christians have chosen to be better people than that.

As for a one world government, my Church most definitely wants Christians to be united in their faith...but I have seen no evidence of wanting to rule the world in the sense countries govern their territories. Every Catholic I know would agree that the Church is best when it focuses on the Church and not what Kings care about.
In the Middle Ages, the RCC tried to rule via the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope saw himself as the 1st Estate, ruling over secular powers in spiritual matters. When secular and religious powers came into conflict, the secular powers eventually won out, with their physical armies and with popular support. The Pope's rule was from afar, and without a complete sense and concern for local conditions. Secular kings rule politically, and religious rulers rule spiritually. These shouldn't be confused.

But the fact the Popes tried to rule by religious influence, setting up and taking down kings who disagreed with them, indicates there was a political component to the RCC. And it became a hammer to use on those who stood outside of their organization. Disagreement with them became to them like a State dealing with secessionists, like a political order dealing with rebels.

The RCC eventually had to concede to the secular powers, whether those powers agreed with Catholic doctrine or not. Henry 8 in England simply broke away. Protestant countries also broke away. Catholic countries had to separate secular and religious powers even though they remained officially Catholic.

To deny this political component to RCC beliefs is to deny this history. The Catholic beliefs remain in place, even if in reality the RCC is impotent in enforcing them. If the RCC is able to get a political power to represent its beliefs completely again, the Pope will indeed operate in a political way. And any human organization, secular or religious, with all-encompassing power, becomes a dangerous tyrant, robbing people of their freedom and forcing them to conform to human institutions that God never intended to be used to control them in this way.

God warned Israel about the tyrannical effects of having a monarchy. And a police State is much the same, and can get much worse, the more comprehensive the State control. If the RCC is able to bring its billion or so adherents into this web of control, the dangers of repression and control become much worse.
 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#32
In the Middle Ages, the RCC tried to rule via the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope saw himself as the 1st Estate, ruling over secular powers in spiritual matters. When secular and religious powers came into conflict, the secular powers eventually won out, with their physical armies and with popular support. The Pope's rule was from afar, and without a complete sense and concern for local conditions. Secular kings rule politically, and religious rulers rule spiritually. These shouldn't be confused.

But the fact the Popes tried to rule by religious influence, setting up and taking down kings who disagreed with them, indicates there was a political component to the RCC. And it became a hammer to use on those who stood outside of their organization. Disagreement with them became to them like a State dealing with secessionists, like a political order dealing with rebels.

The RCC eventually had to concede to the secular powers, whether those powers agreed with Catholic doctrine or not. Henry 8 in England simply broke away. Protestant countries also broke away. Catholic countries had to separate secular and religious powers even though they remained officially Catholic.

To deny this political component to RCC beliefs is to deny this history. The Catholic beliefs remain in place, even if in reality the RCC is impotent in enforcing them. If the RCC is able to get a political power to represent its beliefs completely again, the Pope will indeed operate in a political way. And any human organization, secular or religious, with all-encompassing power, becomes a dangerous tyrant, robbing people of their freedom and forcing them to conform to human institutions that God never intended to be used to control them in this way.

God warned Israel about the tyrannical effects of having a monarchy. And a police State is much the same, and can get much worse, the more comprehensive the State control. If the RCC is able to bring its billion or so adherents into this web of control, the dangers of repression and control become much worse.
I think history clearly shows that the Church functions better when it’s focused on the Church. When the Papal States reverted to Italian control, that marked the end of having real temporal power. I’m personally glad that happened. When a Church leader has to focus on being a temporal ruler as much as religious leader, that person is bound to be less effective.
 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#33
Your language is a little difficult for me. It seems as if you're saying you think the RCC is already going rogue by claiming salvation belongs to Muslims? If so, I would agree. I didn't know they've already done this!
Since you agree...If you can point me to the dogma that says you can reject Christianity, practice Islam, and be saved; I’d like to see it.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,465
6,722
113
#35
Those three were in abundance. From day one growing up
Do proclaiming believers believe the doctrines of their denominations or the Bible? I pray most do the latter for the doctrines derived by man are useless.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,277
1,110
113
#36
Since you agree...If you can point me to the dogma that says you can reject Christianity, practice Islam, and be saved; I’d like to see it.
The Popes of the RCC have been promoting both Ecumenism and Interfaithism for years. Ecumenism is the effort to unite all denominations of Christianity regardless of there lack of unity on biblical principles. And interfaithism is the effort to unify all world religions and encourages all to pray together to their preferred god. The bible clearly speaks against this practice.

The bible does prophecy that just prior to the second coming of Jesus a one world government and a one world religion will exist. These organizations will the led by the Antichrist and the False Prophet respectively. Christians are told to "come out of her" meaning the one world religion in order not to receive her judgement.


"When Pope John Paul II addressed 80,000 Muslims in a soccer stadium in Casablanca in 1985, he said much the same thing, according to Vatican records. "We believe in the same God, the one God, the living God, the God who created the world and brings his creatures to their perfection," he said." Dec 17, 2015

Consider Muslims do not believe Jesus is God or that He was crucified. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Jesus.

The Pope bowed and kissed the Koran. 1999

 

GodMyFortress

Active member
May 9, 2021
432
60
28
#37
The Popes of the RCC have been promoting both Ecumenism and Interfaithism for years. Ecumenism is the effort to unite all denominations of Christianity regardless of there lack of unity on biblical principles. And interfaithism is the effort to unify all world religions and encourages all to pray together to their preferred god. The bible clearly speaks against this practice.

The bible does prophecy that just prior to the second coming of Jesus a one world government and a one world religion will exist. These organizations will the led by the Antichrist and the False Prophet respectively. Christians are told to "come out of her" meaning the one world religion in order not to receive her judgement.


"When Pope John Paul II addressed 80,000 Muslims in a soccer stadium in Casablanca in 1985, he said much the same thing, according to Vatican records. "We believe in the same God, the one God, the living God, the God who created the world and brings his creatures to their perfection," he said." Dec 17, 2015

Consider Muslims do not believe Jesus is God or that He was crucified. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Jesus.

The Pope bowed and kissed the Koran. 1999

So there is no teaching of the Catholic Church that says you can reject Christianity, practice Islam, and be saved. Thanks.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#38
So there is no teaching of the Catholic Church that says you can reject Christianity, practice Islam, and be saved. Thanks.
Then why does Pope Francis call Muslims "brothers"? That in itself implies that Muslims are as "saved" as Catholics.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,277
1,110
113
#39
I wish not happen, but base of her ccc841 I doubt

841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."
The quote you provide is from a new RCC catechism introduced in 1994. And it confirms that RCC sees Muslims as fellow believers.

Very interesting insight of deception concerning both parties.

Muslims believe Jesus was only a prophet. And when Jesus returns it will not be as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, rather that He will assist them in the end time war.

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Me.
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
113
#40
There has been a lot of bloodshed on account of religious hatred. Especially among Muslims and Catholics throughout history. Muslims still commit terrorism against Christians. I’m glad Christians have chosen to be better people than that.

As for a one world government, my Church most definitely wants Christians to be united in their faith...but I have seen no evidence of wanting to rule the world in the sense countries govern their territories. Every Catholic I know would agree that the Church is best when it focuses on the Church and not what Kings care about.
I have been read some article about that, basically they believe pope represented Christ and Christ is the King of king, so they want to instal pope as the representative of King of king that rule the world.

They hide the real agenda to public. But the link below indicate the real agenda.

https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/news-and-prophecy/pope-calls-for-one-world-government