Is the Editor Anti-Catholic?
by Henry Velez; Editor

I would like to clarify a distinction here which may provide insight as to my heart and motivations in this site's contents.

"I am not Anti-Catholic. I am, however, opposed to any doctrine that contradicts what is stated in the Bible." 
That being said, some explanation is necessary. In any religion or belief there are two separate elements: the fundamental doctrines and the people who believe the doctrines. Most people, when approached with an opposing view to their own beliefs, will take a personal offense to such since they identify themselves as "one" with their particular church's beliefs. This is understandable. In other cases, those who make up a religion are grossly unaware of the unique doctrines held by their church, but not by them personally.

However, to set one's self against the doctrines of any particular church or belief is not the same as setting one's self against the people who hold those doctrines. There is a difference between ' Catholics ' and ' Roman Catholicism '. I have a desire for good towards all people, irregardless of their beliefs, race, sexuality, religion or lack thereof. People from all walks of life and faiths are my friends to whom I withhold nothing I extend to my fellow Christian 'family in the faith'.

Yet this does not mean that I accept as truth every faith or creed that each of my friends hold to. It is in fact impossible to do so. I cannot support and agree in truth with one friend, who states; "There is no God, only death and nothingness." and then simultaneously agree with another friend who states, "There exist a multitude of Gods, God is in all things." I cannot, as a Christian, believe in truth that Jesus Christ is the sole Savior from sin and simultaneously agree with those who would say, "I will clean off my sins with my own good deeds, with no need for Jesus religion.".

And so the distinction above is made. Every person must choose a Standard by which they have their faith and live by. Some hold to the standard set by Joseph Smith. Others to a standard set by Buddha or the Pope. Others create their own subjective standard based on their feelings, current science, their own desires, popular belief-ism, a belief in no belief at all or even a blatant belief in a standard set by the devil himself. Whether of our own design or upon the 'holy books' of some religion.. we all make a choice in what we believe in regards to faith.

I have examined many faiths and found only one I will hold to in my life as the Standard. I have chosen the Bible, which lays claim to being the inspired and direct word of God Himself to all Mankind. I do not do this blindly, I have many reasons for my faith which even if listed here may not sway you to be as convinced as I in it's authenticity. But this leads us back to whether or not I am ' Anti-Catholic '. In response, I am not against Catholics as people.. however I find myself opposed to the doctrines which the Roman Catholic religion holds out in contradiction to the Bible.

Let us suppose for a moment that I were Anti-Catholic.. against the very people. According to the Bible all those who reject the Deity of Jesus Christ and His sole redemption for sin to follow a false-gospel are destined to be eternally punished for their sins. To achieve this end against Catholic people I would need only do one thing.. leave them comfortable and unawares in catechism of the Roman Vatican which the Bible declares to be in error. A Roman Catholic belief which accepts the Virgin Mary as both a "Co-Sufferant of the Cross" as well as a "Co-Mediatrix" is heresy. A belief system which takes one's works into account for justification is heresy. A doctrine which encourages prayer to dead saints is against the teaching of the Word. It would be the most unloving, unkind act I could incur if I were to remain silent on such matters.  For neither idolotry nor salvation by works has any place in the Gospel.  Or worse yet, if I really did not love Catholic people.. I would encourage them to remain in these practices.

Now, contrast this with what I present in this site. Nowhere do I hold out animosity for Catholic people, but rather a clear comparison of what is Roman Catholic doctrine and that which is Bible doctrine on such same topics. I show where Roman Catholic doctrine and the Bible do not agree. My stance is set firmly against erroneous doctrine from the perspective of the Bible.. nothing else. It is my hope that some will see this difference and re-think the standard they have chosen. But that is up to them and God. I myself will hold no animosity against those who choose to remain in whatever religion they have laid claim to. Each man or woman is responsible for themselves.

For those who still stand at this point as yet unconvinced of my reasoning, perhaps an analogy or two would help clarify the point. I love my son. I care deeply for my friends. As a Christian I read clearly in the Bible that homosexuality and thievery are sins against both God and man. If my son were to tell me he was a homosexual.. my love for him remains constant. However my love for him does not mean I must support his Biblical immorality. I would stand firmly opposed to what he was doing, yet my love would remain for him always as my son, even if he never turned away from what the Bible declares as sinful behavior.

In regards to my friend. Though I care for him or her deeply.. if they came to me in private and admitted they were making a good living stealing from others.. I would not stand in support of their behavior. Because they are my friend does not make their act of stealing a good thing. Stealing is wrong, irregardless of whether my friend does it, my son does it or I do it. Love or friendship does not mean an unconditional approval of anything done by family, friend or stranger. 

And so in regards to error in doctrine from the perspective of the Holy Bible I cannot wash it into a 'good thing' simply to please a family member, friend or stranger. If the sky is blue I cannot agree with someone who insists it is green. Even if I did so, and convinced myself it was green.. it would in truth remain blue. That is what a Standard is all about.. One Truth, not many contradictory 'truths' existing simultaneously.

Am I hateful or 'against' Catholic people? The answer is, "No". 
Am I against Roman Catholic doctrine? In all areas where it differs from the Bible, the resounding answer is, "Yes".