“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #9: Images & Relics

Last updated on: March 2, 2017 at 1:06 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: What is conspicuously absent in all of the alleged biblical “precedents” that Catholic apologists use is the... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #8: Veneration; Bowing to Creatures

Last updated on: March 2, 2017 at 12:54 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: Scripture forbids us to bow down in veneration before any creature, even angels (cf. Col. 2:18;... Read more

Bible on Suffering & Hope in the Midst of It

Last updated on: March 1, 2017 at 2:42 pm By Dave Armstrong

Job Speaks with His Friends (Job 2:1-13) [1866], by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1981) *** [all verses: RSV] *** I’ve been inevitably encouraged and spiritually elevated and blessed by reading these passages during times of suffering, for over 35 years now . . . * * * * * Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive,... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #7: Mary’s Assumption

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:07 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: [M]ost Catholic authorities admit that Mary died. According to Paul (Rom. 5:12), however, death is a punishment... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #6: Sinless Mary

Last updated on: March 1, 2017 at 11:27 am By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: Indeed, she [Mary] even presented an offering to the Jewish priest arising out of her sinful condition... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #5: Prayer to Creatures

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:08 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: In fact, there is no real biblical support for this assumption, since prayer is always to God... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #4: Prayer for the Dead

Last updated on: April 18, 2017 at 6:09 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman Geisler wrote: There is no indication in the Bible that anyone ever prayed for another after the person... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #3: Merit & Penitential Suffering

Last updated on: February 18, 2017 at 12:37 pm By Dave Armstrong

Norman Geisler vs. St. Paul Regarding the Treasury of Merit and Redemptive Suffering for the Sake of Others’ Salvation Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Norman... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #2: Purgatory (Lk 23:43)

Last updated on: February 17, 2017 at 1:49 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is an installment of an extensive series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Luke 23:39-43 (RSV) One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ?... Read more

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #1: Purgatory (Mt 12:32)

Last updated on: February 17, 2017 at 5:24 pm By Dave Armstrong

Photograph by “jclk8888” (7-7-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** [This is the first installment of a new series of mine, in which I interact with the book that I believe is the best Protestant critique of Catholicism in our times: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences, by Norman L. Geisler and Ralph E. Mackenzie (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1995).] ***** Geisler lists Matthew 12:32 as one of four primary biblical proofs that Catholics offer for purgatory... Read more