## Who Is Prayer for?

Only God can answer prayers. Many Catholics agree, but they believe that Mary has a special relationship with Jesus, so it is worth praying to her so that she can intercede for us. It is also worth noting that it is common to believe Mary herself can supernaturally act in the world and answer prayers, as proven below. The reasoning for praying to Catholic saints and angels is the same as it is for Mary.

## Worship in Prayer

Catholics bow to and kiss images and statues of Mary, saints, and angels while praying to them, or _through them_, as they might put it. How common this is depends on the place, but it is not difficult to find unashamed Catholics doing these things on X. It is also very common for the pope to do so.



> “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.”
>
> Exodus 20:4–5

It is admitted that this is paying respect to the image or statue in the form of "veneration" or lesser worship, but it is not admitted that this is the worship due to God alone. Judge for yourself how God would view these acts.

Moreover, prayers to Mary and others feature blatant blasphemy, attributing to her powers that belong to God only. Take the [Our Lady of Perpetual Help](http://catholictradition.org/Mary/olph5a.htm) prayer, where Mary is _entrusted with the salvation and eternal soul of the prayer_, said to have great power, and is implied to be more compassionate than Jesus.

It is written, “You shall have no other gods before me,” yet who do many Catholics, including popes, ask for help? Mary. For example, here is a headline from Vatican News: Pope Francis: "May Mary guide the destiny of Europe and the world."

## Communicating With the Dead

Since the saints and Mary have died, praying to them is attempting to communicate with the dead. Catholics object, saying that they are living in Heaven, but this is senseless, as for the good and bad, the spirit lives on after death, so what would God be prohibiting if not speaking to all those who have died on Earth? Further, there would be no speaking to the dead if they were not still at least thought to be alive on the other side!

Jesus showed that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are living, but Saul was clearly committing the sin of attempting to communicate with the dead when he contacted the prophet Samuel, who was presumably just as alive as they were. Therefore, God prohibits trying to communicate to those who have died on Earth, regardless of their condition after death.

## Vain Repetition

Catholics have very long, repetitive prayers as part of their regular routine. For example, take the rosary, which contains ten repetitions of a prayer to Mary in a row, multiple repetitions of the Lord's Prayer, and more.

> “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
>
> Matthew 6:7






Catholic Prayer

## Myth: The Church Fathers Were All Explicitly Catholic

Catholics call important figures who were around relatively early in Christian history "Church Fathers." Note, however, that these people lived mostly hundreds of years after Christ (even 700 years later). Regardless, many of these people did use the term "catholic" in regard to the church, but this word means universal, as in the universal church, not the Roman Catholic Church (see [here](https://www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-meaning-definition.html)).

Tertullian thought an edit from from the Bishop of Rome was evil and should not be paid any attention. He also seems to have sarcastically given the bishop a title which the pope now claims, since he was attempting to command other churches: _Pontifex Maximus_, which was the term for the chief pagan priest.

> “The Pontifex Maximus—that is, the bishop of bishops—issues an edict: "I remit, to such as have discharged (the requirements of) repentance, the sins both of adultery and of fornication." O edict, on which cannot be inscribed, "Good deed!" And where shall this liberality be posted up? On the very spot, I suppose, on the very gates of the sensual appetites, beneath the very titles of the sensual appetites.”
>
> On Modesty, Chapter 1, by Tertullian

## Myth: The Popes Can Be Traced Back to Simon Peter

There is evidence that the early Roman church was in fact ruled by multiple elders, rather than a head bishop like the pope. Take this passage from the Shepherd of Hermas, a book written in Rome in the second century, as an example:

> "Therefore, you will write two little books and send one to Clement and one to Grapte. Clement shall then send it to the foreign cities, because that is his duty. Grapte shall instruct the widows and orphans. But you shall read it to this city along with the elders who preside over the Church."
>
> Shepherd of Hermas, Chapter 8, by Hermas

Clement is meant to have been a pope, yet not he alone, but elders reside over the church. Again, later that century or in the third century, Hippolytus wrote that there was a bishop of the church named Victor, rather than Victor, the bishop.

> "But after a time, there being in that place other martyrs, Marcia, a concubine of Commodus, who was a God-loving female, and desirous of performing some good work, invited into her presence the blessed Victor, who was at that time a bishop of the Church.”
>
> Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter 7, by Hippolytus

It is also the case that some of the earlier Church Fathers did not acknowledge or rejected the idea of the primacy of one bishop over all. In fact, one of the decrees of the Council of Nicaea is that certain bishops will rule over their own areas:

> "The Bishop of Alexandria shall have jurisdiction over Egypt, Libya, and Pentapolis. As also the Roman bishop over those subject to Rome. So, too, the Bishop of Antioch and the rest over those who are under them. If any be a bishop contrary to the judgment of the Metropolitan, let him be no bishop."
>
> The First Council of Nicaea

## Myth: All Christians Were Catholic Until 500 Years Ago

Without debate, Catholics with any knowledge of history will admit that there was a great schism in 1054 where the Eastern Church split from the West, and the resulting Eastern Orthodox churches have continued ever since. Therefore, this talking point is silliness.

It is also unquestionable that there were Coptic Christians, Ethiopian Christians, Syriac Christians, etc., very early on. Proving that these were all in obedience to Rome cannot be done with historical evidence, and there is strong evidence that Rome was neither in control, nor treated as superior by other churches near it early on. See the quote from the Council of Nicaea above.

## Myth: The Roman Catholic Church Has Had Perfect Doctrinal Consistency

Catholics maintain that doctrine can be presented differently to meet the challenges of the day, but that it does not change. Though still a popular idea among Catholics, doctrine has been debated and changed many times through the years, and it is impossible to honestly hold this position is the face of the evidence.

One example of changing doctrine is that charging interest on loans (usury) was officially banned by the Third Lateran Council, and if anyone was known to practice this, he was not to be allowed communion at the alter or a Christian burial.

This view is reaffirmed in

, where all interest on loans is forbidden, not only excessive interest:

> "One cannot condone the sin of usury by arguing that the gain is not great or excessive, but rather moderate or small; neither can it be condoned by arguing that the borrower is rich; nor even by arguing that the money borrowed is not left idle, but is spent usefully..."
>
> Vix pervenit, Pope Benedict XIV

It is not very long, so feel free to read it, and keep in mind that the ruling of the council is meant to be absolutely unchangeable, as such councils are "infallible." Even so, the Catholic Church itself now invests and receives interest, and the practice receives nearly universal acceptance.

Read [here](https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/rcc7-dogma.htm) and [here](https://foreignpolicy.com/2008/11/01/the-list-the-catholic-churchs-biggest-reversals/) for more on Catholic doctrinal changes.


Common Myths about Church History


The following doctrines are considered suspect or dangerous and evil by many non-Catholics. Please investigate them to help you determine the legitimacy of the Catholic faith.

## Christ's Sacrifice Was Not Enough

### Catholic Doctrine Says...

There is a **Treasury of Merit**, and from it, the good works of Christ, Mary, and the saints can be given out to those in need of grace to cover their sins.

> “This treasury includes as well the prayers and good works of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are truly immense, unfathomable, and even pristine in their value before God. In the treasury, too, are the prayers and good works of all the saints, all those who have followed in the footsteps of Christ the Lord and by his grace have made their lives holy and carried out the mission in the unity of the Mystical Body.”
>
> _Catechism of the Catholic Church 1477_

Most people also have to go through **purgatory** to be punished before they are fit for Heaven.

### Why It's Wrong...

It is Christ alone who died for the sins of the whole world. His sacrifice was all that was needed, once and for all. The good works of sinners cannot earn their own salvation, nor the salvation of others. While Christians must be careful to maintain good works as they abide in Christ, they are still completely dependent on him for salvation.

> “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
>
> _Hebrews 10:12-14_

## Grace Can Be Earned by Good Works

### Catholic Doctrine Says...

We can earn the grace we need for salvation, and we can be given the works of other saints to help earn this grace.

> "Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life."
>
> _Catechism of the Catholic Church 2010_

### The Bible Says...

Eternal life was purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are saved by the grace of God, and if it is by grace, we cannot earn it.

> "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work."
>
> _Romans 11:6_

Any sin disqualifies a person before a holy God, so how could we make up for our sins by good works? It would be like trying to make up for a missed mortgage payment by just continuing your regular payments and insisting you "earned" the missed one back and don't have to make up for that week. Therefore, we could do nothing by ourselves, but God gives us grace and mercy, which by definition cannot be earned.

## Infant Baptism

### Catholic Doctrine Says...

Those who say infants should not be baptized are condemned (Canon 110, Council of Carthage in 418).

Baptism is necessary to cleanse babies of inherited "original sin" ([see here](https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19801020_pastoralis_actio_en.html)).

### The Bible Says...

Only believers should be baptized ([Acts 8:36–37](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+8%3A36-37&version=NKJV)).

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). Do infants believe?

## We Can Literally Eat Jesus's Flesh and Drink His Blood

Catholics believe that the Priest has special authority to make wine turn into Jesus' blood and bread into his body with an incantation. Said bread and wine are then worshipped and presented to God as a “re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice.” John 6 is heavily leaned on.

### Why It's Wrong...

- Jesus shared his “body” and “blood” with His disciples before he was crucified (Matthew 26:26–28).
- Jesus also said that he is the gate. Is he actually a gate?
- Drinking blood is wrong, as is cannibalism.
- Christ died once and only once (Romans 6:9). (The Catholic way around this is to claim that Christ is eternally dying because God is outside of time, so God reaches into the time where Jesus is dying and transfers some of his body and blood to the people having Mass. The Bible, on the other hand, makes it clear that Christ is at the right hand of the Father, and does _not_ say that change is all fictional, and that all things in the past are still happening. Instead, he suffered _once for all_.)

## Mary Was Always a Virgin

### Catholic Doctrine Says...

Mary is forever a virgin ([see here](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55036/perpetual-virginity-catechism-of-the-catholic-church)). Therefore, Jesus' brothers and sisters mentioned in the Bible were not actual brothers and sisters. (There are also three other official doctrines about Mary which are unbiblical.)

### The Bible Says...

> "But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
>
> _Matthew 1:25_

Jesus also had at least six siblings. There are quite a few references to them in the New Testament (read [Did Jesus Have Siblings? by Got Questions](https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-siblings.html)).

## The Magisterium Alone Have Been Entrusted to Interpret Scripture

### Catholic Doctrine Says...

Ordinary people cannot decide for themselves what scripture means, as that is a task entrusted to church leadership.

> "The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him."
>
> _Catechism of the Catholic Church 100_

### Why It's Wrong...

- Paul said that even if he or an angel preached a gospel different than the one that was first preached, he is accursed (Galatians 1:8).
- The Bereans were commended for searching the scriptures to confirm what they were told by Paul (Acts 17:11).
- The Corinthians were scolded for believing people who claimed to be apostles 2 Corinthians 11-12).

These and other passages show that no matter how much authority someone seems to have, you must not obey him if you can see that he is teaching against what God has made known. _You are responsible for what you believe_. Therefore, we ought not believe that a group of men has supreme authority over doctrine.

## Resources

### Articles

[A list of false teachings in the Roman Catholic Church](https://carm.org/roman-catholicism/a-list-of-false-teachings-in-the-roman-catholic-church/) by Matt Slick

### 🎞️ Video

[Unbiblical stuff the Catholic Church teaches: Mary, Indulgences, Eucharist, Priests, 7 Sacraments](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1xZTPY98Oc)


False Doctrines

When the apostles and their right-hand men were appointing bishops (also known as overseers and elders), there were strict guidelines set down for their conduct, among which was that they should not be greedy. It was also made clear that if an elder is sinning, he should be rebuked before everyone.

> "Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money."
>
> *1 Timothy 3:2–3*

> "But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning."
>
> *1 Timothy 5:20*

Now certainly, non-Catholic churches have had many problems, but we are talking about the one true church here! Surely, the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church would rarely have moral failings, since they are the true successors of the apostles. Of all places, surely leaving your child with a priest is one of the safest, is it not?

Joking aside, it is well known that Catholic leadership has hidden and protected pedophiles in their ranks, rather than exposing them, as they are commanded to.[^1] For example, Cardinal Bernard Law relocated dozens of priests who were repeatedly accused of sexual abuse and did not inform police.[^2] Rather than being held accountable before all Catholics in his large sphere of influence, he was given a position in Italy by Pope John Paul II.

Even knowledgeable conservative Catholics will admit that there have been plainly evil popes before, and that the current pope advocates for evil things, contrary to the gospel. He makes statements that at best give a terrible impression and at worst are plainly Satanic. Pope Francis is also accused of protecting clerics who are engaging in homosexual behavior by an Archbishop and others.[^3]

Even many ordinary Catholics can acknowledge the moral failings of their church and their popes, but what does this mean? If the pope really has the authority of a chief apostle, and the priests of apostles, how could an ordinary person challenge them?

I think that it is very clear that no matter how important someone is or claims to be, they are to be rejected and disobeyed if they are wicked and command wickedness. After all, even those who claim to be prophets, angels, and actual apostles can be justly rejected by believers, as the scriptures show.

> "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person."
>
> *1 Corinthians 5:11*

> "And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars."
>
> *Revelation 2:2*

> "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."
>
> *Matthew 7:15–16*

> "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."
>
> *Galatians 1:8*

This is clear support in the scriptures of questioning the doctrines of those who claim to be apostles directly appointed by Christ, as Paul was, and the Roman Church claims their authority. Therefore, because of their conduct, you should consider the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church highly suspect, but when you realize that these same people decree that no matter the moral failings of Catholic leadership, ordinary people cannot determine true doctrine for themselves, you may begin to see how you have been duped.

Yes, Catholic policy does not allow any normal people to think for themselves and reject false teachers, thereby opposing the instructions in the Bible. What kind of church could so blatantly seek control? The one true church?

## Resources

### 📜 Articles

* [The Catholic Church's grim history of ignoring priestly pedophilia – and silencing would-be whistleblowers](https://theconversation.com/the-catholic-churchs-grim-history-of-ignoring-priestly-pedophilia-and-silencing-would-be-whistleblowers-102387) by Brian J Clites
* [22 Pope Francis Statements Proving He's a Leftist](https://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/pope-francis-statements-leftist/2015/08/28/id/672389/) by Newsmax
* A Catholic view of Pope Francis: [... But Pope Francis Has Spread Confusion and Division](https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/pope-francis-has-spread-confusion-and-division) By Dr. Robert Stackpole
* [A disappointing 10 years of Pope Francis on abuse](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/disappointing-10-years-pope-francis-abuse) by David Clohessy

[^1]: [Vatican says Pope John Paul II ignored sex abuse allegations to promote ex-Cardinal McCarrick](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vatican-pope-john-paul-ii-ignored-sex-abuse-allegations-promote-ex-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick/) by CBS News. 

[^2]: Details start several paragraphs in: [](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42421423)[Controversial Cardinal Bernard Law, the Boston archbishop, dies at age 86](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/controversial-cardinal-bernard-law-the-boston-archbishop-dies-at-age-86/2FYJOF5WNTW5XIJJTQY5OVDYMI/) by Emily Langer.

[^3]: [Catholic Archbishop accuses Pope Francis of heresy, corruption and turning a blind eye to homosexuality](https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/catholic-archbishop-accuses-pope-francis-of-heresy-corruption-and-turning-a-blind-eye-to-homosexuality) by Premier Journalist.


The Moral Failings of the Catholic Church

If you are deliberately not part of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), official Catholic teaching is that you will go to hell. Christians who reject the pope believe that many Catholic practices are extremely dangerous and will send you to hell. Therefore, whether you submit to Rome could change your eternal destination. For important quotes and more details, read the [full article](/articles/rome-and-the-pope).

## Apostolic Succession

The authority of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is based on the idea of apostolic succession—that is, the pope and the RCC in general claim to have originally been handed authority by the apostles, and that authority has been passed down. Every priest is considered to have the authority of an apostle.

## Scriptural Evidence

It is Catholic doctrine that in Matthew 16:18, Peter was given his title of pope and authority over all believers, which went into effect _immediately_. Also, Rome’s authority hangs on Peter’s preeminence.

> "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
>
> Matthew 16:18

Now if Peter were really made pope immediately, why did the apostles dispute about who would be the greatest _after_ Christ had made the proclamation to Peter? On top of that, Christ did not settle the discussion by saying, “Peter,” but said that “whoever is least among you will be greatest.” Further, why did Christ literally call him Satan immediately after saying “on this rock I will build my church”?

The second scripture that is often used in support of the pope is John 21:15-17, where Jesus tells Peter to "feed my sheep" after his resurrection. This makes Peter the chief shepherd, according to Catholics. It must then be asked: why did Peter call Christ the chief shepherd, and not himself? He also referred to elders as his fellow shepherds (2 Peter 1:1–5). This does not prove that Peter did not have a leading role as a shepherd, but the Catholic case has been shown to be empty.

There is more to debate, but here are two more scriptures that dispute Peter’s authority:

- In Acts 15:1–23, it is James who appears to be in charge, not Peter.
- In Galatians 2:9, Paul says that James, Cephas, and John _seemed_ to be pillars. Peter is not given special distinction.

Peter was certainly a favored apostle, but so was John ("the disciple whom Jesus loved"). He was given special authority and special roles (such as delivering the gospel to the Jews), but there is no evidence he was given anything like the papacy.

## Historical Evidence

Where is the evidence that the great authority of Peter mentioned above was passed down? According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the official view is that the apostles "[must have known](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12260a.htm)” about the fact that this authority could be handed on. How inconvenient that they never wrote it down.

There is evidence that the early Roman church was in fact ruled by multiple elders, rather than a head bishop like the pope. It is also the case that some of the earlier Church Fathers did not acknowledge or rejected the idea of the primacy of one bishop over all. In fact, one of the decrees of the Council of Nicaea is that certain bishops will rule over their own areas, including the Bishop of Rome over his area.

You or I could spend years reading all the source material, but sufficient to say that the evidence Catholics present as incredible proof all comes from hundreds of years after the apostles, and often does not support their statements anywhere near as well as they act. I have found that historical accounts that are not specifically focused on the Catholic Church are very telling and present the Cardinals and popes as they often were—greedy power-grabbers with very human agendas.

## Suggestions

Submission to the pope means agreement with many traditions and beliefs that cannot be found in the Bible by a plain reading. If we non-Catholics are correct, you could be committing idolatry and other sins which Jesus himself said will keep a person from the Kingdom of Heaven. It would be wise to require extraordinary evidence to prove that Rome's authority exists then, and upon looking at the evidence, it is weak. Ask yourself, do you really want to cast your lot in for eternity with this group, putting your total trust in where you will end up on _their interpretations_ rather than in Jesus directly?

## Resources

### 📜 Articles

- [The Myth of Papal Primacy](https://sylvesterreport.medium.com/the-myth-of-papal-primacy-5db7acef1e7a), by Jason Sylvester
- [Was Saint Peter the First Pope?](https://www.gotquestions.org/Peter-first-pope.html) by Got Questions






Rome and the Pope

In Catholicism, traditions are officially equal to the Bible, and they are used to interpret the Bible. A number of doctrines the Roman Catholics hold to have no Biblical support—that is, if you were not in contact with a Roman Catholic interpreter when you read the Bible, they would never occur to you. The "Church Fathers" and oral traditions are said to plug these holes.

## Why Should We Believe the Traditions?

Simple: [apostolic succession](#rome_and_the_pope). In other words, Catholics believe that their priests are the successors to the apostles and have kept their traditions. The proof of them, it is always said, is in the writings of the Church Fathers. The average person will not read volume after volume of ancient writing, so this is an easy sell., but the reality is that many of these so-called Church Fathers would have been branded as heretics by later Catholics.

If you know why you believe in the Bible for reasons other than allegiance to the Catholic Church, as I do, then if the Bible refutes any tradition, it can be rejected. (E.g., the Bible can be believed because [Jesus rose from the dead](articles/the-evidence-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus) and He endorsed the Old Testament. He then appointed the apostles, and Peter called Paul's writings scripture, etc.)

The apostle Paul said that even if him or an angel from heaven preached another gospel, to reject it. This is a serious problem for Catholics, since even Catholic teachings on salvation are at odds with the Bible, as you can see in the [False Doctrines](#false_doctrines) summary.

> “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
>
> _2 Corinthians 11:13–15_

## Jesus vs. Traditions of Man

Jesus made it clear that the Bible overrules tradition:

> Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 'Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!' Jesus replied, 'And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, "Honour your father and mother" and "Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death." But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is "devoted to God," they are not to "honor their father or mother" with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you.
>
> _Matthew 15:1-9_

## Anti-Biblical Catholic Traditions

These are just a few examples.

- **The Marian dogmas**: It is claimed that Mary was sinless, is the Queen of Heaven, etc. [Catholic source](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55423/the-four-marian-dogmas); [non-Catholic infographic](/images/Catholicism/maryan-dogmas-infographic.pdf).
- **The Eucharist**: Many false teachings rolled up into one, including having Christ repeatedly sacrificed and worship of bread and wine. Read [EUCHARIST ADORATION: WORSHIP OR IDOLATRY?](https://jashow.org/articles/eucharist-adoration-worship-or-idolatry/)

- **The Magesterium**: Only church authorities can properly interpret scripture according to Roman Catholicism. [Non-Catholic source](https://www.gotquestions.org/magisterium.html); [Catholic source](https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/magisterium-biblical-and-pastoral-aspects-3773).






Tradition and Scripture


Catholics believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that all Christians are under the authority of Rome and the Pope. They believe that membership to the Roman Catholic Church, attendance of Mass, confession with a priest, living a holy life, and other commands are essential, but that eternal salvation awaits.
