Roman Catholicism is in Opposition to the Bible

Hello everyone! I hope this to be a fruitful debate for both parties as well as being beneficial for those who will be voting on this debate. While Con felt the need to provide a definition, the debate's goal was clearly expressed in rule #2 to which I encourage Con to read again as his need for a definition of opposition is non-existence. This debate is centered around one question; Are the Roman Catholic Church’s traditions biblical? The Roman Catholic religion has three authorities that are said to be equal: (1) Scripture, (2) Sacred Tradition, and (3) The Magisterium. We will not be discussing whether or not these three authorities are valid, but rather whether or not the sacred tradition matches up with scripture. For if the Roman Catholic Church’s traditions do not match up with scripture, then they are unbiblical and an illegitimate church. This debate’s goal is to strip away presupposed authority of Roman Catholic Tradition and compare it with the teachings of the Bible. My sources will primarily include the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Let’s begin: Tradition of the Eucharist: Also known as the Lord’s Supper, where believers take part in eating of bread and wine, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, states, “The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: The victim is one and the same. In this divine sacrifice, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner” (1367) and further, “the work of redemption is carried on” (1405). Additionally, Jesus allegedly returns to the earth every day and in the Eucharist, “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained” (CCC, 1374). This proclamation teaches that the sacrifice of Christ continues and the work of redemption is being carried on. The Bible teaches: (1) There are no more offerings necessary for sin so long as one has forgiveness in Christ, “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:18). (2) Jesus finished his redeeming work on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). (3) There is an eternal redemption already secured, “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12). (4) Jesus offered himself once to bear sins and his offering is not to be repeated because it made perfect those who are sanctified, Hebrews 10:14, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” This Eucharistic practice takes place 200,000 times each day around the world on Catholic Altars as priests everywhere lift up the bread and wine to be worshipped as the “body of Christ”. Traditions of Mediators: Catholic tradition elevates the virgin Mary as another sinless mediator. “Without a single sin to restrain her…she became the cause of salvation for herself and the whole human race” (CCC, 494). She “did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (CCC, 969). What the bible teaches: (1) Jesus is the only one who is qualified to be the mediator between God and men. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). (2) Additionally, only in Christ can those who were formerly far off be brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). (3) The biggest problem with the Catholic tradition is that it is baseless in its exaltation of Mary. The gifts of eternal salvation are through Christ and his work on the cross, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm” (Ephesians 1:2). (4) There is no need for Mary to provide gifts nor intercessory work as Christ is perfect in his intercession and the book of Hebrews makes this clear in comparing Christ to earthly high priests, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:23-25). (5) In addition, there is no co-redeemer with Christ, and Mary was not the “cause” of salvation for the human race. Referring to Christ Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” A simple list of Charges: (1) The Roman Catholic Church teaches a distinction between clergy and “lay people”, while the New Testament teaches a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5-9). (2) The Catholic Church teaches that forgiveness of sins is by confessing them to a priest, however, the bible teaches that the confession of sins is to be made to God (1 John 1:9) (3) In Prayer, the Catholic church teaches to use Mary, and saints for intercessory prayers, while Scripture teaches us to pray to God (Matthew 6:9; Luke 18:1-7). (4) On the subject of Assurance of Salvation, the Catholic Church teaches that that salvation cannot be guaranteed or assured, however, 1 John 5:13 makes it clear that all of 1 John was written for assuring believers of certainty for their salvation. (5) Last for this segment, the Catholic Church teaches that salvation is through the Catholic Church, “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help towards salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained” (CCC, 215). However, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus Christ himself is the ONLY means of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12). Conclusion: In this debate, I would challenge Con to provide any biblical support for these traditions. What we see before us are contradictions, and teachings brought about by an institution. This would not be the first time that men created an establishment, claimed authority, contradicted scripture, and led people astray. It was an issue within Jesus’ day as he noted that that Pharisees’ loved their man-made traditions, while correcting them with Scripture by saying things such as, “have you not read?” I look forward to seeing any biblical support for these traditions. Any church that contradicts scripture, regardless of their appeal to authority, cannot be a biblical church let alone a legitimate church. God bless you all. -S.C.