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To justify its break from the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, Protestantism virtually wrote into its various creeds the doctrine that the Pope is the Anti-Christ. The purpose of this page, my little hobby, is to collect links to those groups who believe any of the following: The Pope/Papacy is the "Anti-Christ"; the Catholic Church is the "Whore" of Revelation; the Catholic Church is "not Christian"; Catholics are "not saved/need saving" and similar themes. The "proof links" initially deal with the historical beliefs beginning at the Reformation. Then various retractions will be listed. Finally, I will list those groups who still maintain the historical beliefs. The links below will take you to material for that particular Protestant group. Unless otherwise indicated, all links are outside links put up by that particular group. New links will be added on other Protestant groups as they are discovered. Links are not necessarily to "Home Pages"; I am mostly attempting to "proof link" to the correct page. Similar Sites The following sites deal specifically with anti-Catholicism & anti-Catholic propaganda Anti-Catholicism on the Net This site is very similar to my "Creeds" page; lists anti-Catholic sites on the web. However, unlike my "Creeds" page, this site also lists secular anti-Catholic sites. Contains links to anti-Catholic religious sites I haven't yet listed. Also, has other info on anti-Catholicism. By brother David Cruz-Uribe, SFO. [It is more efficient to right-click and open the following links in a new browser window.] Foreword Purpose of Lectures - From Newman Reader "I am going to inquire why it is, that, in this intelligent nation, and in this rational nineteenth century, we Catholics are so despised and hated by our own countrymen, with whom we have lived all our lives, that they are prompt to believe any story, however extravagant, that is told to our disadvantage; as if beyond a doubt we were, every one of us, either brutishly deluded or preternaturally hypocritical, and they themselves, on the contrary were in comparison of us absolute specimens of sagacity, wisdom, uprightness, manly virtue, and enlightened Christianity. I am not inquiring why they are not Catholics themselves, but why they are so angry with those who are. Protestants differ amongst themselves, without calling each other fools and knaves." John Henry Cardinal Newman Role of False Witness - From Newman Reader "I repeat, not everything which is said to our disadvantage is without foundation in fact; but it is not {129} the true that tells against us in the controversy, but the false. The Tradition requires bold painting; its prominent outline, its glaring colouring, needs to be a falsehood. So was it at the time of the Reformation; the multitude would never have been converted by exact reasoning and by facts which could be proved; so its upholders were clever enough to call the Pope Antichrist, and they let the startling accusation sink into men's minds. Nothing else would have succeeded; and they pursue the same tactics now. No inferior charge, I say, would have gained for them the battle; else, why should they have had recourse to it? Few persons tell atrocious falsehoods for the sake of telling them. If truth had been sufficient to put down Catholicism, the Reformers would not have had recourse to fiction. Errors indeed creep in by chance, whatever be the point of inquiry or dispute; but I am not accusing Protestants merely of incidental or of attendant error, but I mean that falsehood is the very staple of the views which they have been taught to entertain of us." John Henry Cardinal Newman The Beginning Lutheran Smalcald Articles, Article IV: Of the Papacy. "This teaching shows forcefully that the Pope is the very Antichrist, who has exalted himself above, and opposed himself against Christ because he will not permit Christians to be saved without his power, which, nevertheless, is nothing, and is neither ordained nor commanded by God. This is, properly speaking to exalt himself above all that is called God as Paul says, 2 Thess. 2, 4." Martin Luther (emphasis mine.) Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: "And all the marks [all the vices] of Antichrist plainly agree with the kingdom of the Pope and his adherents." See Treatise Calvinist/Reformed/Presbyterian see Chapter 25, Article 6, Westminster Confession (1646) and Chapter 26, Article 4, Savoy Declaration (1658) "There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof, but is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself, in the Church, against Christ and all that is called God." Westminster Confession, Chap. 25, Art. 6 (emphasis mine) See this version with citations to 2 Thess. 2:3,4,8,9; Rev. 13:6 "There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ, nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of Iperdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God, whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." Savoy Declaration, Chap. 26, Art. 4 (emphasis mine) [Check your news paper and phone book yellow pages for those Reformed and Presbyterian Churches that follow the Westminster Confession or the Savoy Declaration.] Baptist (Reformed) See Chapter 26, Article 4 of the Baptist Confession of Faith (London, 1689) "The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." Cites 2 Thessalonians 2:2-9 (emphasis mine.) _____________________________ Note that the above references to 2 Thessalonians 2:2-9 mean that the Pope/Papacy is not merely "an" antichrist but is THE ANTICHRIST! Today RETRACTIONS The following groups appear to have modified their historic stance Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) The foregoing link is their third and latest of which I am aware. I can't find the pertinent information on their new site. However, the Church at their former site made the following statement: "For many the Westminster Confession reflects too much the spirit of its age. Attempts have been made to frame a modern Confession, but so far without success. The Church, however, has dissociated herself from those statements in the Westminster Confession that are hostile to the Roman Catholic Church and to the Pope." As I recall from their even earlier site, their retraction was made in 1984 or 1986! Presbyterian Church in America. (PCA) Modified Chapter 25, Article 6 of the Westminster Confession to delete reference to the Pope being the Antichrist. Still maintains the other anti-Catholic provisions regarding "Popish monastical vows" (Chap. 22, Art. 7); forbidding marriage to "papists" (Chap. 24, Art. 3); and the "Popish Sacrifice of the Mass" as an abomination (Chap. 29, Art. 2.) Preface indicates "anti-Christ" provision was removed in 1973. Orthodox Presbyterian Church. (OPC) Modified Chapter 25, Article 6 of the Westminster Confession to delete reference to the Pope being the Antichrist. OPC's version here, apparently the 1936 version, leaves the implication that the Pope may still be the "antichrist" in Footnote 14 with the cites to 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 8-9; Rev. 3:6. These cites were apparently removed in 1978. Still maintains the other anti-Catholic provisions regarding "Popish monastical vows" (Chap. 22, Art. 7); forbidding marriage to "papists" (Chap. 24, Art. 3); and the "Popish Sacrifice of the Mass" as an abomination (Chap. 29, Art. 2.) Here's OPC's Home Page Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC) Modified Chapter 25, Article 6 of Westminster Confession to delete reference to the Pope being the Antichrist. Also modified Chap. 24, Art. 3 by deleting the forbidding of marriage to "papists." Still maintains the other anti-Catholic provisions regarding "Popish monastical vows" (Chap. 22, Art. 7) and the "Popish Sacrifice of the Mass" as an abomination (Chap. 29, Art. 2) Their latest modification of the Westminster Confession was in 1984! Presbyterian Church U.S.A (PCUSA) Tentative! Only because I cannot find their version of the Westminster Confession at their site. Extent of retractions/modifications unknown at present. Am assuming are similar to Presbyterian Churches above. Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Both appear to have replaced the Westminster Confession with their own confession. Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids. This Baptist Church, which put the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith on the web, has a disclaimer (scroll down) similar to that of the Presbyterians disassociating itself from the claim the Pope is the antichrist. It appears that the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) no longer believe that the Pope/Papacy is the Anti-Christ in light of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. This is confirmed by the rabid anti-Catholic Baptist group below, which goes berserk with such articles as Lutherans & Rome Together. Disclaimer I define anti-Catholicism here as anyone who believes any of the following: The Pope/Papacy is the anti-Christ; the Catholic Church is the "Whore of Babylon"; The Catholic Church is not Christian; Catholics are not saved. I do not here define anti-Catholicism as merely disagreeing with Church teachings. To the best of my knowledge and ability, the following groups meet my definition of anti-Catholicism. (Denominational groupings are also to best of my knowledge and ability) NOTE: All comments are only my opinions. |
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Lutheran Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Papacy is still the "Anti-Christ". It's official Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) Holds firm to historic Lutheran Confessions: Papacy is the Anti-Christ. Rejects notion it is an "open question"; makes historic belief a matter of faith for true Lutherans. Good overview confirming my Introduction at my Homepage; belief was the unquestioned historic view until fairly recently. The WELS isn't confused: Scroll down to section IV. Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) Papacy is still the Anti-Christ. Click on We Beieve Teach and Confess. Scroll down to item "13. THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS." Upholds the Smalcald Articles and specifically including the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope. (See above under "Lutheran".) Both declare the Papacy the Anti-Christ. ELS is in fellowship with WELS per ELS's Resources page (see last link.) Presbyterian/Reformed Reformed Presbyterian Church (Covenanted) CARM (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry). Just hot off the message board! March 10, 1999. Matt Slick, Calvinist minister and operator of CARM. Doesn't believe the Pope is the "antichrist" or the Catholic Church the "whore", although doesn't discount those possibilities. Does believe official Catholic doctrine is sufficiently apostate that those adhering to it cannot be saved unless they repent of it. Grace Presbyterian Church (Redding, Ca. - my home town area in Shasta County) Apparently accepts full Westminster Confession. See Chapter 25, Article 6...Pope is still the "Antichrist." Free Presbyterian Church Associated with Rev. Ian Paisley, Northern Ireland fame. Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (Unofficial) Maintains full Westminster Confession, Chap. 25, Art. 6, Pope is the Anti-Christ. Maintains anti-Catholic article, Roman Catholicism: A Biblical Analysis. By email dated 3/6/01 I was informed that this is a minority view on an unofficial site and does not reflect the view of the RPCNA as a whole (see Chalcedon Christian Church immediately following.) Here's the link to the official site: Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America Chalcedon Christian Church, Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States. See Roman Catholicism: A Biblical Analysis Advised by author (Rev. Brian Schwertley) in email 5/21/01 that is no longer associated with the RPCNA above. The Protestant Reformed Churches in America (Unofficial Homepage) See Promise Keepers: What Should Be Our Response? Scroll down to Promise Keepers Makes Serious Concessions to Roman Catholicism. It concludes with, "To a Reformed Christian the worship of Rome is an accursed idolatry and Rome is a false church." The Trinity Foundation (Looks Presbyterian/Reformed) Pumps out this & numerous articles. Catholic Church is the "whore" and the Pope is the "Antichrist". Claims Catholic Church is not a Christian Church. Also attacks Eastern Orthodox and various Protestants in various articles such as Dispensationalism and The Race Back to Rome. Free Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) Was originally under the "Retractions" section with a note stating might be an error. Now straightened out, still maintains full Westminster Confession of Faith - Pope is the "Anti-Christ." WCF, scroll down to Chapter 25, Art. 6. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Canada Part of the "Free Church of Scotland", see above Agape Chapel Ministries Much of the material is dated, but gives a good flavor of historic anti-Catholic Calvinist propaganda. The Historicism Research Foundation Devoted to reviving historic Protestant propaganda that the Pope is the antichirst. The Protestant Reformed Network Accepts historic Protestant view, Pope is the antichrist. See Westminster Confession of Faith (XXV:VI) and Baptist Confession of Faith (26:4). Tops it off by listing Catholic Church as a non-Christian cult. Seventh-Day Adventist Seventh-Day Adventist World Church Official Website. Note that in their statement on Roman Catholicism they hold to their prophecy theories. The Papacy is the anti-Christ, the Church is the Whore of Babylon, Sunday service is the Mark of the Beast. They don't explicitly say that - we know their beliefs from the sites below. Regardless of what they may say about some individual Catholics. The Great Controversy From the Official Ellen G. White Website. Amazing Facts Denomination not clear on its web site, Seventh Day Adventist (per e-mail 15 Mar 99.) Seventh Day Adventist A Catholic Answers article on the Seventh Day Adventists (SDA). 666, The Number of the Beast Michael Scheifler's Bible Light Homepage (here's his faster, reduced graphics homepage). Extensive anti-Catholic articles...some good graphics. ;) His Seventh-Day Adventist Links page includes several SDA groups including some listed here: The World General Conference, Amazing Facts & It Is Written. It Is Written Appears to be large media oriented SDA ministry. Sponsors Revelation of Hope. See No. 23, Revelation's Mark of the Beast Exposed. Standard SDA "proofs": Pope is the "Beast", Sunday Worship is the "Mark of the Beast". Mr. Finley is ex-Catholic. |
Baptist Baptist Way of Life Literature, Bible Baptist Church. Virtually each & every article on its "Roman Catholic Church" section is devoted to the proposition that the Catholic Church isn't Christian. (Note: Not all Baptists feel this way. See the article Bill Hybels and the Roman Catholic Church". And Billy Graham obviously doesn't feel this way, either. See how they attack Billy Graham for becoming too cozy with "Rome".) Roman Catholicism Exposed Title and graphic say it all. Independent Baptist...per ex-Catholic Jill/owner by e-mail 12 Mar 99. 4/28/00 Site out of order. :( Christians Evangelizing Catholics (aka Do/Done) Alpha & Omega Ministries Reformed Baptist (see 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith above). Home of anti-Catholic apologist James White. The Cutting Edge (Fundamental Independent Baptist) Pope isn't the anti-Christ; but will be the False Prophet. Catholics aren't saved/Christian. Make sure you look at the Articles on Rome linked at site's bottom (some may require registration), full spectrum of anti-Catholic propaganda. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals ("The Alliance is a broad coalition of evangelical Christian leaders from a number of different denominations, including Baptist, Independent, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Reformed.") Critique of the "Evangelicals & Catholics Together" agreement. Thesis number 6 - Only those Catholics who do not officially adhere to Catholic doctrine can be Christian/saved. Query: Is there such a thing as a Catholic who doesn't adhere to official Church doctrine? Cornerstone Community Baptist Church Pastor just posted this comment at PTG supporting it's ministry to Catholics; apparently doesn't think Catholic Church is Christian. Bayou DuLarge Baptist Mission Church Southern Baptist. Hardcore faction contending Catholic Church isn't Christian. Sovereign Grace Bible Church Upholds historic Baptist Confession of Faith (1689), no. 4 - Pope is the antichrist. Phil's Bookmarks (Reformed Baptist) Upholds unaltered WCF XXV:VI - Pope is the antichrist. Apologetics & Anti-Cult page endorses Christian Witness to Roman Catholicism and Proclaiming the Gospel - Catholic Church isn't Christian. Pentecostal Leaven of the Pharisees - Roman Catholicism (Pentecostal, per e-mail 10/23/99) This is what ex-Catholics become when "saved" into a fundamentalist sect. The mind on Protestantism; not a pretty sight. Apostolic Net. Various "Oneness" (non-Trinitarian) Apostolic Pentecostal Churches. Article Why So Many Churches And Which One Is Right? gives their view - Catholic Church is the "Whore" of Babylon - Trinitarian baptismal formula Protestants are the "Harlot" Daughters. Main site will link to many like-minded Pentecostal groups. Church of God Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association (Church of God) This is one page of several which deals with this group's hysterical and sensationalistic anti-Catholic propaganda and end times scenario. Catholic Church is the "whore"...most Protestants are the harlot daughters! Sunday observance is a major Mark of the Beast. This group isn't really even Protestant, as they reject the Trinity (in addition to the immortal soul). They pretty much believe they comprise the true church, apparently begging people to "come out of her" (Catholicism & Protestantism) and join their sect. United Church of God, an International Association Scroll down to Counterfeit Christianity Dominates. Clearly means the Catholic Church, which isn't Christian. Undetermined/Non-Denominational 2/5/03 Link changed. If anyone finds new link, please forward to me. Thanks. SPH White Horse Publications Apostasy Alert Check out the graphics...especially the guillotine. Classy! The Interactive Bible Claims to be "the church you can read about in the Bible". Bible Students.Com/antichrist/ Links to outside Bible Student sites, Papacy/Catholic Church is the anti-christ, Babylon. Here's sample from first link, Church Union and the Antichrist: "The man of sin is the papacy -- not the pope himself, but the papal arrangement, the arrangement by which a man claims to be head of Christ's Church." This appears to be from a series of writings by Charles Taze Russell, see Jehova's Witnesses & Bible Students on my Denominations page. Christian Witness Ministries (CWM) Possibly associated with Assembly of God. Also see their archived article, Babylon Rising. Bob Jones University Also, see their Official Statement (scroll down to Catholicism).Want us to leave that false system which enslaves our souls and accept Christ - meaning Catholic Church isn't Christian. Note that even practicing Catholics aren't Christian. Per return e-mail 4/17/00 BJU is non-denominational & says its Creed encompasses most fundamental Protestant denominations. Bombshell! President's Corner, 5th bullet calls Catholicsm a non-Christian cult! Thanks to Roger H. for donating this page. That's 3 pages with anti-Catholicism at BJU. |
Undetermined/Non-Denominational Proclaiming the Gospel Endorses view the Catholic Church is the "whore". Only reason for existence is to "save" Catholics and lead them out of the Church. Has a notorious anti-Catholic bulletin board where only Catholic bashing is allowed, the subject of my Contra PTG Forum. Berean Beacon Ministries Former Catholic Priest The Whore of Babylon David Gibson's & Aldina Pasquin's anti-Catholic site...one of the best! ;) Make sure you visit their Home Page No Denomination per David Gibson himself (e-mail 12 Mar 99) Mission to Catholics, International, Inc. SIM An Inter-Denominational missionary group who apparently specializes in turning Catholics into followers of their group. The Reformation Online Looks like a cross between Calvinist/Reformed and Baptist/Fundamentalist. Antipas Ministries - The End Times Network. Papacy isn't the Antichrist, but the Catholic Church is definitely the "Whore". Prognosis for the good old USA doesn't look good, either. See Home Page. Fundamental Evangelistic Association - Fundamental Bible Church. Self-proclaimed Fundamentalist [possibly Baptist?] Attacks not only the Catholic Church but also everyone who gets too cozy with "Rome", including Billy Graham. Please see my article on this site's list of Catholic beliefs at Catholic Inventions? A Christian Witness to Roman Catholicism Possibly Reformed or Presbyterian Name says it all. Catholics aren't Christian; apparently endorses the historic view that the Pope is the "anti-Christ". Sole purpose is to disseminate anti-Catholic propaganda. Drunken with the Blood of the Saints This site doesn't really even have a title. Nor a link back to its "home page". So I'll provide it: Home Page. The bloody graphic is nice, though. ;) Free Grace Click on "The Whore of Babylon". The page takes far too long to download...due to the graphics. Some nice graphics, though...if you have the time to wait. Belfast Berean Well, what did you expect? New Testament Research Ministries Uses frames. Roman Catholic Corner Q & A page contains several anti-Catholic articles. Protestant Reformation Publications [aka Iconbusters?] An attractive site whose sole purpose is to declare that the pope is the anti-Christ and disseminate anti-Catholic propaganda. Make sure you check out its Photo Album...a real masterpiece! Also, note the enhancement on the fish sign - a shark! By the way, we are familiar with alleged "Catholic inventions". Just when did the fish symbol come into use? Gospel Outreach Ministries Online Click on Articles: Catholic Church isn't Christian; is the "Whore of Babylon". Gives lip-service that some Catholics might be saved; the Protestant (i.e., Calvinist) ones. Appears to be cross between Fundamentalist & Calvinist. This attractive site is somewhat complicated, so here's the Homepage. Countryside Bible Church Click on its "Publications" link. The articles "The Redefining of a Christian" and "Evangelical Eroding of the Diety of Christ" clearly proclaim that Catholics are not Christian or "saved". Per tip on message board discovered this Church isn't Baptist but is a completely separate denomination. Bible Challenge for Catholics Links Index. Currently contains 148 anti-Catholic links. Metropolitan Tabernacle - Belfast, N. Ireland. Historicist.Com (The Protestant Interpretation of Bible Prophecy, the Historical Alternative) Added at request of webmaster. Although considers some Catholics to be Christian, definitely accepts historical Protestant propaganda that the Pope is the antichrist. Paw Creek Ministries Article NIV & Jesuit Priests, first sentence says it all: Catholic Church is "the Mother Harlot." |
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