[From the 1994 early manuscript (750 page) version of my first book, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism] **** 1. Peter as the “Rock” (Matthew 16:18) Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” A. New Bible Dictionary “. . . That the rock is Peter himself . . . is found almost as early as the other [interpretation], for... Read more
David T. King Anti-Catholic author Pastor David T. King has tried to cast aspersions on Cardinal Newman, by citing his former anti-Catholic opinions and suggesting (ever so subtly) that he “should have known better” (wink, wink) than to convert. He does this in a paper called “A Discussion on Newman’s Pre- and Post-Conversion Positions on the Historical Legitimacy of Roman Catholic Patristic Work” — originally from a discussion on Eric Svendsen’s NTRMin Areopagus Discussion Board. Here’s a sampling: Newman came... Read more
I. DEFINITION OF SACRIFICE OF THE MASS The re-presentation, re-enactment, and effective application of the merits gained by Jesus by His one sacrifice at Calvary on the Cross. Jesus’ death in past history is present to God (e.g., Rev 5:6; 13:8). In each Mass, His sacrifice is made real and present to us, transcending space and time. Jesus Himself offers each Mass by means of human priests, who act in His stead. As in the Last Supper, Jesus is both... Read more
Should Catholics ever add anything to the title “Catholic” in our self-identifications? *** Deacon Raymond Moon Sr.: Actually, it should only read Catholic [rather than “Traditional Catholic” from the meme]. In Church speak, there is no Traditional, Liberal, Conservative, Neo, Geo, Leo….there only is. I agree; however, in an age where “Catholic” oftentimes means little at all, sometimes it is necessary to use descriptors, so people know you actually believe the doctrines. True enough, Dave. We have applied political terms... Read more
Sarah Babbs is a fellow writer at Patheos. She wrote an article entitled, “Pro-Life: Have You Earned It?”, which is largely a critique of what is called the “old” pro-life movement. As a proud member of that group since 1982, I thought I would highlight that our agreements are far greater and significant than any differences. I can only speak for myself, but I don’t regard myself as an atypical “old” pro-lifer. What I will express is what I understand to be... Read more
[Agnostic Ed Babinski’s words will be in blue] *** In an earlier paper I made note of my post and portion of a book of mine (about 100 passages): “The Bible’s Teaching on Abortion.” [ME, in the last dialogue] Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. [What was conceived was David (“me”). As soon as he began to exist, he had iniquity (original sin)] The “I” and “me” of a blastula that is... Read more
[for the necessary background, see my paper, Mary’s Perpetual Virginity “In Partu” (a Miraculous, Non-Natural Childbirth) is a Binding Catholic Dogma. The comments below were my related thoughts in a vigorous Facebook thread] *** 1. An intact hymen was how virginity was historically defined; not as simply the absence of intercourse. 2. An intact hymen means that birth was miraculous. The whole point is to preserve the utterly miraculous nature of the virgin birth: in conception and in the process of... Read more
[this started on a thread under an article of mine on the perpetual virginity of Mary. I paraphrase the words of my Protestant critic (first two exchanges). Then I had further public exchanges (below)] *** Protestant: It bothers me that perpetual virginity indicates an opinion that sex is sinful. I see. So you are equally concerned, I imagine, when Paul (in 1 Corinthians 7) praises those who are voluntarily celibate for the sake of undistracted devotion to the kingdom (i.e.,... Read more
Eric Svendsen is a prominent anti-Catholic polemicist. This discussion took place on Bishop “Dr.” [???] James White’s sola Scriptura discussion list, on 1 and 4 June 1996. Eric’s words will be in green; my older cited words in blue. *** I believe in inerrancy (always have). Is this your idea of an answer? Yes, Eric. Sorry if the honesty of it disappoints you. But your charge was that no one had answered it at all, as I recall. That is a different proposition than critiquing... Read more
[see the related paper, Anthropopathism and Anthropomorphism: Biblical Data] *** St. Ignatius of Antioch (50 – c. 110) * Look for Him who is . . . impalpable and impassible, yet who became passible on our account; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes . . . (Epistle to Polycarp, 3, 2; ANF, vol. 1; cf. Epistle to the Ephesians, 7, 2) Aristides of Athens (fl. c. 140) . . . God . . is without beginning and eternal, immortal and lacking... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In