2025-05-01T12:37:04-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:37 pm   By
 Fathers6

Four doctors of the Church: left to right: St. Augustine, Pope St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, and St. Ambrose (1516), by Pier Francesco Sacchi (c. 1485–1528) [pubic domain / Wikimedia Commons]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. MY THREE BOOKS ON THE CHURCH FATHERS

II. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

III. PROTESTANTISM AND THE FATHERS 

IV. ST. ATHANASIUS

V. ST. AUGUSTINE

VI. BAPTISM AND BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

VII. BIBLE / TRADITION / SOLA SCRIPTURA / PERSPICUITY / RULE OF FAITH
VIII. CANON OF SCRIPTURE / DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS
IX. CHRISTMAS
X. CHRISTOLOGY / HOLY TRINITY / GOD THE FATHER
XI. CHURCH / ECCLESIOLOGY / APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
XII. CONTRACEPTION
XIII. DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTRINE
XIV. ESCHATOLOGY / LAST THINGS
XV. EUCHARIST / TRANSUBSTANTIATION / SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

XVI. IMAGES, RELIGIOUS: USE AND VENERATION OF

XVII. LITURGY

XVIII. MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND ANNULMENTS
XIX. MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN
XX. PAPACY AND INFALLIBILITY
XXI. PURGATORY
XXII. SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTALISM
XXIII. SAINTS AND ANGELS: INVOCATION, INTERCESSION, AND VENERATION OF
XXIV. SALVATION / JUSTIFICATION / “FAITH ALONE” /  SOTERIOLOGY
XXV. SCIENCE
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I. MY THREE BOOKS ON THE CHURCH FATHERS

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II. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
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Patristic Bible Commentary [verse-by verse references: great resource!]
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Is “Mother Earth” a Catholic Concept (Church Fathers)? (guest post by Rosemarie Scott) [12-17-19]
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The “Unanimous Consent” of the Church Fathers [Jimmy Akin, National Catholic Register, 8-18-18]
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III. PROTESTANTISM AND THE FATHERS 
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Dialogue w Lutheran Pastor on the Protestant Revolt (. . . with special emphasis on the beliefs of the Church Fathers: were they were more “Catholic” or “Protestant”?) [3-27-12; edited with links added on 1-8-20]

Reply to Ken Temple’s Extensive (Anti-Catholic) “Review” of Rod Bennett’s Book, Four Witnesses: Part I: The Amazon Review (+ Part II / Part III) [4-27-14]

Salesian Apologetics #5: Authority of Church Fathers [2-6-20]

Jerusalem Council & James, Bishop Of Jerusalem: The Ambivalence and Inconsistencies of Protestant Thought on the Earliest “Monarchical” Bishops [1-30-24]

Mary’s Sinlessness & the Fathers (vs. Javier Perdomo) . . . Including a Turn the Tables Argument Regarding Protestant Doctrines Virtually Nonexistent in the Fathers (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide) [2-5-25]

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IV. ST. ATHANASIUS

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14 Proofs That St. Athanasius Was 100% Catholic [National Catholic Register, 6-4-20]
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V. ST. AUGUSTINE
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Early Development of the Papacy: Random Reflections (includes St. Augustine’s views) [2-26-02]
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Purgatory: Refutation of James White (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)  (includes lengthy citations of St. Augustine) [3-3-07]
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Introduction to The Quotable Augustine (edited by Dave Armstrong) [8-9-12]
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Did St. Augustine Accept All Seven Sacraments? [National Catholic Register, 11-15-17]
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22 Reminders That St. Augustine Was 100% Catholic [National Catholic Register, 4-23-20]
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VI. BAPTISM AND BAPTISMAL REGENERATION
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13 Church Fathers Defend the Catholic Teaching on Baptism [National Catholic Register, 8-26-24]
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Born Again: Baptism in the Early Fathers (Evangelical Catholic Apologetics)
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Church Fathers on Baptism (Armchair Theologian; Lutheran site)
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The Church Fathers on Baptismal Regeneration (Bryan Cross, Called to Communion)
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VII. BIBLE / TRADITION / SOLA SCRIPTURA / PERSPICUITY / RULE OF FAITH
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Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
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Debate: Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-1-03]
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Chrysostom & Irenaeus: Sola Scripturists? (vs. David T. King) [4-20-07]
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Papias (c. 60-c. 130) & the Rule of Faith (vs. Jason Engwer) [1-18-10]
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Vs. James White #16: St. Basil Held to Sola Scriptura? [11-19-19]

Dialogue on St. John Chrysostom & Sola Scriptura (Includes a Discussion of the Proper Definition of Sola Scriptura) [2-23-21]

Gregory Nazianzen (d. 389) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [2-25-21]

Hilary of Poitiers (d. 367) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [2-26-21]

Gregory the Great vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [3-1-21]

Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [3-1-21]

Rufinus (d. 411) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [3-2-21]

John Cassian (d. 435) vs. Sola Scriptura [3-3-21]

Origen & the Rule of Faith (vs. “Turretinfan”) [12-2-21]

St. Ambrose (c. 340-397) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-18-21]

Papias (c. 60-c. 130) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-19-21]

Clement of Rome (d. 99) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-20-21]

Ignatius of Antioch (d. c. 117) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-21-21]

Polycarp (69-155) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-21-21]

Tertullian (c. 155-c. 220) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-23-21]

Cyprian (c. 210-258) vs. Sola Scriptura [12-23-21]

Church Fathers vs. Sola Scriptura (Compendium) [12-26-21]

Augustine & Sola Scriptura (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [4-28-22]

Augustine & Sola Scriptura, Pt. 2 (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [4-29-22]

Banzoli Sez Origen & Tertullian are Sola Scripturists [5-31-22]

Justin Martyr & Sola Scriptura (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [6-1-22]

A Lot of Patristic Problems with Sola Scriptura [Facebook, 8-17-22]

Self-Interpreting Bible & Protestant Chaos (vs. Turretin): Including Documentation that St. Basil the Great — Contrary to Turretin’s Claim — Did Not Believe in Sola Scriptura [8-29-22]

Did Athanasius Accept Sola Scriptura? (vs. Bruno Lima) [10-14-22]

St. Athanasius Was Catholic — He Knew Sola Scriptura Was False [National Catholic Register, 10-20-22]

St. Ignatius, Bishops, & the Rule of Faith (vs. T.F. Kauffman) [7-14-23]

“Catholic Verses” #3: Tradition, Pt. 1 (Including the Church Fathers’ Opinion Regarding Authoritative Apostolic Oral Tradition) [10-26-23]

Reply to a “Reformation Day” Lutheran Sermon [Vs. Nathan Rinne] (Including St. Augustine’s View on the Rule of Faith & the Perspicuity of Scripture; Luther & Lutherans’ Belief in Falling Away) [10-31-23]

Bible / Faith “Alone” Vs. The Fathers (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) [2-13-24]

Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura: Reply To James White Claims: Myths Regarding Cyprian, Augustine, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Athanasius [3-16-24]

Epistle to Diognetus (c. 130-180) vs. Sola Scriptura [4-12-24]

David T. King: No Father Believed in an Infallible Church [6-18-24]

Robert Gagnon: Fathers Accepted Sola Scriptura (?) (St. Thomas Aquinas Didn’t Believe in it, Either. Nice Try . . .) [9-16-24]

St. Augustine & Extrabiblical Infallibility [11-13-24]

Is Scripture Totally Clear? (vs. Anglican Stearns #2) + the Church Fathers (Especially St. Augustine) on the Question of the Perspicuity (Clearness in the Main) of Scripture [3-13-25]

VIII. CANON OF SCRIPTURE / DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

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Development of the Biblical Canon: Protestant Difficulties [2-26-02 and 3-19-02, abridged with slight revisions and additions on 7-19-18]
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IX. CHRISTMAS
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X. CHRISTOLOGY / HOLY TRINITY / GOD THE FATHER
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Filioque: Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue (William Klimon) [July 1997]
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XI. CHURCH / ECCLESIOLOGY / APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
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Bishops in the Apostolic Church [1-16-01; rev. 5-7-03]
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Dave Armstrong Responds to Gavin Ortlund on Jerome & the Monepiscopacy [30-minute audio presentation Suan Sonna’s YouTube channel, Intellectual Catholicism, on 2-4-24]
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XII. CONTRACEPTION
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Contraception: Early Church Teaching (William Klimon) [1998]
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XIII. DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTRINE
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XIV. ESCHATOLOGY / LAST THINGS
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XV. EUCHARIST / TRANSUBSTANTIATION / SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

St. Augustine’s Belief in the Substantial Real Presence [1996]

Patristic Eucharistic Doctrine: Nine Protestant Scholars [12-1-96]

John Calvin and St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Comparative Eucharistic Theology [6-14-04]

Dialogue on Calvin’s & Patristic Eucharistic Theology (Especially St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s Theology of the Eucharist) [6-19-04]

Transubstantiation & Church History: Dialogue w Lutheran [2-12-05; abridged on 10-23-18]

Eucharistic Sacrifice: The Witness of the Church Fathers [9-12-05]

Sacrifice of the Mass: Reflections on Theology & Patristics [9-22-05]

Development of Sacrifice of the Mass: Dialogue w Lutheran [9-22-05]

Sacrifice of the Mass / Cyprian’s Ecclesiology (vs. Calvin #11) [5-19-09]

Sacramentalism & Ex Opere Operato (vs. Calvin #37) [10-21-09]

Transubstantiation: Bible & the Fathers (vs. Calvin #42) [24-25 November 2009]

Eucharist: Rationalism, Nestorianism, & Docetism (vs. Calvin #44) [11-30-09]

Bizarre “Eucharistic Christology” vs. Tertullian (vs. Calvin #45) [12-1-09]

Church Fathers and the Sacrifice of the Mass (Thoroughly Catholic!) [12-11-09]

St. Augustine’s Eucharistic Doctrine and Protestant “Co-Opting” [9-25-10]

St. Augustine’s Eucharistic Doctrine: Simultaneous Assertion of Realism and Symbolism [2-17-11]

“Re-Presentation” vs. “Re-Sacrifice” in the Mass: Doctrinal History [4-4-18]

Did Pope Gelasius (r. 492-496) Deny Transubstantiation? [3-24-21]

St. Ignatius & Eucharistic Real Presence (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-12-22]

Justin Martyr, Real Presence, & Eucharistic Sacrifice (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-13-22]

Lucas Banzoli Misrepresents Chrysostom’s Eucharistic Theology (+ An Overview of St. John Chrysostom’s Catholic View of the Eucharistic Sacrifice) [9-14-22]

Tertullian’s Eucharistic Theology: Lucas Banzoli vs. J.N.D. Kelly [9-15-22]

Martin Luther Was Extraordinarily Ignorant Regarding the Church Fathers’ Espousal of Transubstantiation [Facebook, 8-20-24]

Response to a Lutheran Apologetic (Pr. Will Weedon) (Featuring Liturgy and the Sacrifice of the Mass in the Church Fathers) [11-11-24]

Reply to François Turretin #13: Transubstantiation, Pt. 2 (Language of “bread” & “wine” after consecration; transubstantiation and transformation: compendium from the Church fathers) [2-27-25]

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What Saint Augustine, Bishop, Saint and Doctor of the Catholic Church Actually Held Pertaining to Transubstantiation: A Response to Turretinfan (+ Part Two) [Paul Hoffer, 8-20-11]

XVI. IMAGES, RELIGIOUS: USE AND VENERATION OF

Church Fathers & Images: No Evidence? (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [3-18-24]

XVII. LITURGY

Apologia for the New (Pauline) Mass: With Massive Traditional Documentation, Over Against its Detractors / Summary of Vatican II on Liturgical Reform [6-18-08]

Holy Communion in the Hand (Norm till 500-900 AD) (+ vigorous Facebook discussion) [9-3-15; some additions on 3-13-20]

St. Augustine’s Communion (Standing, in the Hand) [10-4-15]

Communion in the Hand: Reactionaries vs. St. Cyril [3-15-20]

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XVIII. MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND ANNULMENTS
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XIX. MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN
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XX. PAPACY AND INFALLIBILITY
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The Development of the Papacy (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman) [Facebook, 1997]
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XXI. PURGATORY
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Purgatory: Refutation of James White (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)  (includes lengthy citations of St. Augustine) [3-3-07]
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XXII. SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTALISM
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XXIII. SAINTS AND ANGELS: INVOCATION, INTERCESSION, AND VENERATION OF
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Origen and the Intercession of Saints [National Catholic Register, 11-19-20]
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XXIV. SALVATION / JUSTIFICATION / “FAITH ALONE” /  SOTERIOLOGY
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16 Church Fathers vs. Faith Alone [National Catholic Register, 4-23-24]
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14 More Church Fathers vs. Faith Alone [National Catholic Register, 4-30-24]
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XXV. SCIENCE

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Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
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PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
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You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
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Last updated on 18 March 2025

 

2025-05-01T12:20:49-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:20 pm   By
(November 2024, 124 pages)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Communion of Saints
I. GENERAL
II. INVOCATION AND INTERCESSION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS 
III. VENERATION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS 
IV. VENERATION OF ICONS AND IMAGES (INCLUDING OF GOD) / STATUES / HOLY OBJECTS / HOLY DAYS
V. RELICS
Purgatory and Penance
VI. PURGATORY AND SHEOL (HADES)
VII. PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR THE DEAD
VIII. PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: ST. PAUL AND ONESIPHORUS
IX. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: CONTRITION, CONFESSION, ABSOLUTION, AND SATISFACTION
X. INDULGENCES
XI. MORTIFICATION, FASTING, ABSTINENCE, ASCETICISM, MONASTICISM, SUFFERING, & REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING
XII. LENT
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I. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: GENERAL
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Classic Reflections on the Communion of Saints [2-17-91; revised and expanded: 12-14-93]
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The Cloud of Witnesses [cartoon tract; art by Dan Grajek, early 90s]
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Communion of Saints: Biblical Introduction & Overview [1995; published in The Catholic Answer (Nov / Dec 1998)]
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The Communion of Saints: All Who Are In Christ [2-17-91; rev. Dec. 1993 and May 1996]
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Treatise on Communion of Saints (Anthony Zarrella) [6-9-16]
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II. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: INVOCATION AND INTERCESSION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS 
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Asking Saints to Intercede: Teaching of Jesus [2015]

Why Pray to Saints Rather than God? [9-4-15]

Reply to a Lutheran Pastor on Invocation of Saints [12-1-15]

John Calvin Did Not Pray to Philip Melanchthon [9-19-09; revised with retraction, 5-3-16]

Dialogue on Praying to Abraham (Luke 16) [5-22-16]

Prayer to Saints: “New” [?] Biblical Argument [5-23-16]

Treatise on Communion of Saints (Anthony Zarrella) [6-9-16]

Must Catholics Pray to Saints or be Excommunicated? [12-2-16]

Why Would Anyone Pray to Saints Rather Than to God? [National Catholic Register, 1-8-17]

Invocation & Intercession of Saints & Angels: Bible Proof [10-22-16 and 1-9-17]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #5: Prayer to Creatures [2-20-17]

Dialogue: Rich Man’s Prayer to Abraham (Luke 16) and the Invocation of Saints (vs. Lutheran Pastor Ken Howes) [5-3-17]

Dialogue on Samuel Appearing to Saul (Witch of Endor) [5-6-17]

Dialogue on Prayer to the Saints and Hades / Sheol [12-19-17]

Prayers to Saints & for the Dead: Six Biblical Proofs [6-8-18]

4 Biblical Proofs for Prayers to Saints and for the Dead [National Catholic Register, 6-16-18]

Angelic Intercession is Totally Biblical [National Catholic Register, 7-1-18]

Why the Bible Says the Prayers of Holy People Are More Powerful [National Catholic Register, 3-19-19]

C. S. Lewis & the Invocation & Communion of Saints [10-10-19]

Vs. James White #13: Jesus Taught Invocation of Saints (And by James White’s “Reasoning,” Jesus Couldn’t be God and was a Blaspheming False Teacher) [11-16-19]

The Saints in Heaven are Quite Aware of Events on Earth (featuring a defense of patron saints) [National Catholic Register, 3-21-20]

Invocation of Saints and Angels (Luke 16 [Lazarus & the Rich Man & Abraham] is One of the Most Unanswerable Arguments in Catholic Apologetics) (vs. Jason Engwer) [5-26-20]

Invocation of Saints: Jesus Allegedly “Calling on Elijah” (vs. Jason Engwer) [6-8-20]

Prayer to Abraham and Dead People in Scripture [National Catholic Register, 6-20-20]

What Christ’s Words on the Cross Tell Us About Elijah and the Saints [National Catholic Register, 8-2-20]

Can Mary Hear “Simultaneous” Prayers of Millions? (vs. Matt Slick) [9-30-20]

Prayer to Creatures Proven from Holy Scripture (vs. Matt Slick) [10-1-20]

How Can a Saint Hear the Prayers of Millions at Once? [National Catholic Register, 10-7-20]

Jason Engwer, Origen, & Intercession of Saints [10-16-20]

Origen and the Intercession of Saints [National Catholic Register, 11-19-20]

Dialogue: Prayer For & To the Dead (w Dr. Lydia McGrew) [2-17-21]

Dialogue on Prayers to Saints & for the Dead [5-29-21]

Prayer to an Angel: An Explicit Biblical Example [11-21-21]

Reply to Jordan Cooper: Invocation of Saints [4-27-22]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund on Praying to the Saints (Including a Reply Regarding the [Blasphemous?] “Excesses of Marian Prayers” from the Protestant Point of View) [5-15-22]

Why Do We Ask Mary to Pray for Us? [National Catholic Register, 5-24-22]

Seven Replies Re Interceding Saints (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [5-25-22]

Answer to Banzoli’s “Challenge” Re Intercession of Saints [9-20-22]

Nutshell Systematic Theology of the Efficacy & Biblical Nature of “Prayers of the Righteous” [Facebook, 9-20-22]

Bible on Praying Straight to God (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-21-22]

Reply to Banzoli’s “Analyzing the ‘evidence’ of saints’ intercession” [9-22-22]

Reply to Banzoli’s “Questions for Catholics About Prayer…” [9-23-22]

5 Replies to Questions About Catholic (and Biblical) Prayer [National Catholic Register, 11-30-22]

Dead Saints Interceding (vs. Lucas Banzoli): Including a Back-and-Forth Discussion on Banzoli’s Tragic Denial of the Deity of Christ [2-8-23]

Bible & the Intercession of Saints (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [2-8-23]

John Calvin in Effect Regards Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer to Abraham as “Novel and Impure” [Facebook, 3-8-23] 

Do Petitions to Departed Saints Offend God? [3-20-23]

Jason Engwer vs. the Biblical Case for Invoking Saints [4-22-23]

Invocation of Saints: Jason Engwer Still Out to Sea [7-19-23]

Jesus: Okay to Request Abraham’s Intercession [9-25-23]

Vs. J. Oliveira #3: Mediating Saints [9-28-23]

Vs. J. Oliveira #5: Talking to Dead Saints [10-3-23]

Defense of My NCR Article, “4 Biblical Proofs for Prayers to Saints and for the Dead” [Facebook, 10-7-23]

What Are Saints & Angels in Heaven Doing with Our “Prayers”? [Catholic365, 11-26-23]

Are Saints in Heaven Ignorant and Passive or Extremely Knowledgeable and Active in Charity and Prayer? [Facebook, 12-22-23]

Vs. Turretin #3: Communion Of Saints 3 (Intercession) [12-23-23]

Vs. Turretin #4: Communion Of Saints 4 (Invocation) [12-26-23]

Invoking Saints and Angels: A Nutshell Biblical Proof [Facebook, 12-26-23]

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III. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: VENERATION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS 
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The Veneration of Angels and Men is Biblical [National Catholic Register, 8-24-17]
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Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints and Images [National Catholic Register, 10-23-18]
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“Graven Images”: Unbiblical Iconoclasm (vs. John Calvin) [Oct. 2012]
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Worshiping God Through Images is Entirely Biblical [National Catholic Register, 12-23-16]
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The Biblical Understanding of Holy Places and Things [National Catholic Register, 4-11-17]
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How Protestant Nativity Scenes Proclaim Catholic Doctrine [12-15-13; expanded for publication at National Catholic Register: 12-17-17]
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Dialogue on Worship of God Via Natural Images (vs. Jim Drickamer) [1-16-17]
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Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints and Images [National Catholic Register, 10-23-18]
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Crucifixes: Devotional Aids or Wicked Idols? [National Catholic Register, 1-15-20]
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Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-23-20]
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V. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: RELICS
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My Wedding Ring: Third-Class Relic (+ Examination of Fine Distinctions of Relic Classes) [9-16-15] [+ Facebook discussion: 4 November 2014; my ring touched 100 holy items in the Holy Land]
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Biblical Proofs and Evidence for Relics [National Catholic Register, 3-13-20]
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Relics Are a Biblical Concept — Here Are Some Examples [National Catholic Register, 5-31-22]
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VI. PURGATORY AND SHEOL (HADES)
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Classic Catholic Reflections on Purgatory [1994]

Fictional Dialogue on Purgatory [1995]

25 Bible Passages on Purgatory [1996]

Purgatory: . . . Saved, But Only As Through Fire [4-21-94; rev. May 1996]

Purgatory: A Short Exposition [5-9-02]

A Biblical Argument for Purgatory (Matthew 5:25-26) [10-13-04]

“Catholicism Refuted” (?): “Father” / Purgatory / Statues / Confession (Pt. III) [12-11-04]

Is Purgatory a “Place” or a “Condition”?: Misconceptions From [Eastern Orthodox] Fr. Ambrose About My Opinion (and the Church’s View) / Also: Development and Alleged Historical Revisionism [7-24-05]

Dialogue with Lutherans on Jesus’ Descent Into “Hell” [2-1-07]

Purgatory: Refutation of James White (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) [3-3-07]

Has Limbo Been Relegated to Limbo? [12-28-07]

Luther Believed in Soul Sleep; Thus He Rejected Purgatory [2-9-08]

Dialogue on Sheol / Hades (Limbo of the Fathers) and Luke 16 (the Rich Man and Lazarus) with a Baptist (vs. “Grubb”) [2-28-08]

Luther: Purgatory “Quite Plain” in 2 Maccabees [3-5-09]

Purgatory is the Waiting Room for Heaven [4-25-09]

Luke 23:43 (Thief on the Cross): “Paradise” = Sheol, Not Heaven, According to Many Reputable Protestant Scholars [5-25-09]

50 Bible Passages on Purgatory & Analogous Processes [2009]

John Wesley’s Belief in an Intermediate State After Death [7-13-09]

Purgatory: My Biblical Defense of its Doctrinal Development [9-20-11]

John Wesley’s View of Purgatory and Analogous Processes [2013]

Dialogue with an Evangelical on Purgatory [10-7-13]

Multiple Meanings of “Paradise” in Scripture [1-2-14]

Purgatory in One Verse (1 Corinthians 3:15) [Facebook, 1-29-14]

Catholic Mystics & Contemplatives on Purgatory [2014]

Martin Luther’s Belief in Purgatory (1517-1522, 1528) [11-17-14]

Dialogue w Calvinists on Prayer for the Dead & Purgatory [3-18-15]

Dialogue: Raising of Tabitha from the Dead & Purgatory [March 2015]

50 Biblical Indications That Purgatory is Real [National Catholic Register, 10-24-16]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #1: Purgatory (Mt 12:32) [2-17-17]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #2: Purgatory (Lk 23:43) [2-17-17]

Does Matthew 12:32 Suggest or Disprove Purgatory? [National Catholic Register, 2-26-17]

Did Jesus Descend to Hell, Sheol, or Paradise After His Death? [National Catholic Register, 4-17-17]

11 Descriptive and Clear Bible Passages About Purgatory [National Catholic Register, 5-7-17]

Purgatory: Exchange with a Presbyterian (Calvinist) [5-11-17]

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #7: Unbiblical / Non-Patristic Purgatory? [10-19-17]

Dialogue on Prayer to the Saints and Hades / Sheol [12-19-17]

Reflections on Interceding for the Lost Souls [National Catholic Register, 6-26-18]

C. S. Lewis Believed in Purgatory & Prayer for the Dead [6-22-10; rev. 10-8-19]

Does Time & Place Apply to Purgatory? (vs. James White) [11-6-19]

Luke 16 Doesn’t Describe Hell or Purgatory, But Hades [1-16-20]

Dialogue: Purgatory & 2 Maccabees 12:39-45 [11-8-20]

Purgatory in the Bible (vs. Calvin #60) [1-15-21]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund on Purgatory [5-12-22]

Vs. J. Oliveira #6: Bible & Purgatory [10-3-23]

Purgatory: Biblical Indications (chapter five [“Purgatory”] — pp. 239-252 — of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [10-18-23]
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VIDEO: Purgatory is 100% BIBLICAL!! [Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights, utilizing my biblical research, 8-29-24]
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VIDEO: Does this Bible Verse DESTROY the doctrine of Purgatory (or does it teach it?) [Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights, utilizing my biblical research, 9-1-24]
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Purgatory: 110 Related Biblical Themes [10-31-24; revised 11-2-24]
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VIDEO: 9 Things to Say to Your Protestant Friends about Purgatory [with Kenny Burchard on Catholic Bible Highlights, 12-13-24] 
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Fire-Tested Faith: Exploring the Biblical Foundation for Purgatory (written version of the above video) [National Catholic Register, 12-27-24]
*
***

Jewish 1st Century Belief in Purgatory (Paul Hoffer) [9-20-11]

Raising of Tabitha: Proof of Purgatory (Tony Gerring) [3-20-15]

*

VII. PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR THE DEAD

Baptizing the Dead? (Odd Verse 1 Corinthians 15:29) [6-5-02]

Baptized for the Dead: The “UnProtestant” Verse (1 Cor 15:29) [2004]

New (?) Biblical Argument: Prayers for the Dead [2004]

“Catholicism Refuted” (?): “Father” / Purgatory / Statues / Confession (Pt. III) [12-11-04]

Prayer for the Dead & Retroactive Prayer (Luther & Protestants) [3-22-05]

Does God Forbid All Contact with the Dead? [6-23-07]

John Wesley Believed in Prayer for the Dead [7-13-09]

Prayer for the Dead (vs. Calvin #57) [2012]

Fasting for the Dead in the Old Testament (Not Unlike Praying) [11-4-12]

Dialogue on Prayer for the Dead & the Bible [11-5-12]

Dialogue: Jesus, Peter, Elijah & Elisha Prayed for the Dead (+ a discussion on apologetics methodology and effectiveness) [6-9-13] 

“Pray for the Dead Like Paul Did!” (mock Church billboard) [Facebook, 2-10-14]

Dialogue w Calvinists on Prayer for the Dead & Purgatory [3-18-15]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #4: Prayer for the Dead [2-20-17]

Prayers to Saints & for the Dead: Six Biblical Proofs [6-8-18]

4 Biblical Proofs for Prayers to Saints and for the Dead [National Catholic Register, 6-16-18]

Reflections on Interceding for the Lost Souls [National Catholic Register, 6-26-18]

Dialogue w Lutherans: “Proxy Baptism”? (1 Cor 15:29) [12-28-18]

C. S. Lewis Believed in Purgatory & Prayer for the Dead [6-22-10; rev. 10-8-19]

The Anglican Newman on Prayer for the Dead (1838): It was as well-attested in the early Church as the Canon of Scripture [10-11-19]

Jesus, Peter, Elijah and Elisha All Prayed for the Dead [National Catholic Register, 2-23-20]

Dialogue: Purgatory & 2 Maccabees 12:39-45 (vs. Luke Wayne) [11-8-20]

Dialogue: Acts 9:40 and Prayers for (not to) the Dead (vs. Luke Wayne) [11-11-20]

Dialogue: Prayer For & To the Dead (w Dr. Lydia McGrew) [2-17-21]

Dialogue on Prayers to Saints & for the Dead [5-29-21]

Prayer for the Dead: Brief Exchange with a Friendly Agnostic [Facebook, 3-9-23]

Prayers to and for the Dead (vs. Jason Engwer): Did Jesus & Peter Talk to Dead People Before They Rose from the Dead, and — Along with Elijah and Elisha — Pray for the Dead, or Only Ask Them to Move After They Were Raised? (+ Part 2) [3-13-23]

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VIII. PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: ST. PAUL AND ONESIPHORUS

Paul Prayed for Dead Onesiphorus (Protestant Commentaries) [7-14-09]

Cardinal Newman on Onesiphorus and Prayer for the Dead [Facebook, 3-18-15]

St. Paul Prayed for a Dead Man: Onesiphorus [8-19-15]

St. Paul Prayed for Onesiphorus, Who Was Dead [National Catholic Register, 3-19-17]

Was Onesiphorus Dead When Paul Prayed for Him?: Data from 16 Protestant Commentaries (1992-2016) [3-20-17]

Paul & Dead Onesiphorus (vs. Steve Hays) [10-10-23]

*

IX. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: CONTRITION, CONFESSION, ABSOLUTION, AND SATISFACTION

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Confession and Absolution Are Biblical [National Catholic Register, 7-31-17]
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John 20:22-23 & Formal Absolution (vs. Steve Hays) [5-12-20]
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Why Examination of Conscience Is Biblical [National Catholic Register, 11-25-24]
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X. INDULGENCES
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Myths and Facts Regarding Tetzel and Indulgences [11-25-16; published in Catholic Herald]
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The Biblical Roots and History of Indulgences [National Catholic Register, 5-25-18]
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XI. MORTIFICATION, FASTING, ABSTINENCE, ASCETICISM, MONASTICISM, SUFFERING, & REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING
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Suffering With Christ is a Biblical Teaching [National Catholic Register, 3-27-18]
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The Bible Says Your Suffering Can Help Save Others [National Catholic Register, 1-31-19]
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Bodily Mortification is Quite Scriptural [National Catholic Register, 2-28-19]
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More Biblical Support for Bodily Mortification [National Catholic Register, 3-5-19]
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Biblical Hope and Encouragement in Your Times of Suffering [National Catholic Register; abridged and edited from 1981 material: 4-22-19]
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Why God Loves Monasticism So Much [National Catholic Register, 3-5-20]
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XII. LENT
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Where are Lenten Practices in the Bible? [National Catholic Register, 2-23-19]
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John Calvin vs. Lent and the Bible [National Catholic Register, 2-20-21]
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[for lengthy philosophical analyses of suffering and the problem of evil, see my Philosophy, Science, and Christianity web page; second section]

***** 

*
***
*

Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*
Last updated on 24 April 2025

***
2025-05-01T12:35:10-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:35 pm   By

Development (552x828)

*****
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. General, Introductory, & Miscellaneous
II. Baptism
III. Bible and Tradition / Canon of the Bible
IV. Ecclesiology
V. Ecumenism
VI. Eschatology (Last Things and Afterlife) 
VII. Eucharist and Sacrifice of the Mass
VIII. God, Theology and Doctrine of
 IX. Inquisition, Capital Punishment, and Religious Liberty
X. Liturgy / The Mass
 XI. Mary: The Blessed Virgin
XII. St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
XIII. Orthodoxy, Eastern
 XIV. The Papacy
XV. Protestantism
XVI. Purgatory
XVII. Saints, Communion of
 XVIII. Soteriology (Theology of Salvation)
XIX. Usury
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I. General, Introductory, & Miscellaneous
 
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Development of Catholic Doctrine: A Primer [National Catholic Register, 1-5-18]
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Development of Doctrine vs. Evolution of Dogma [Ch. 5 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; slightly revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version). [11-17-23]
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II. Baptism
 
 
 
III. Bible and Tradition / Canon of the Bible
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Papias (c. 60-c. 130) & the Rule of Faith (vs. Jason Engwer) [1-18-10]
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The New Testament Canon is a “Late” Doctrine [National Catholic Register, 1-22-18]
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IV. Ecclesiology
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Dave Armstrong Responds to Gavin Ortlund on Jerome & the Monepiscopacy [30-minute audio presentation Suan Sonna’s YouTube channel, Intellectual Catholicism, on 2-4-24]
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V. Ecumenism 
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VI. Eschatology (Last Things and Afterlife) 
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Jewish and Old Testament Views of Hell and Eternal Punishment [4-14-04]

James Swan is Clueless Re Purgatory & Development [7-5-24]

 
VII. Eucharist and Sacrifice of the Mass
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VIII. God, Theology and Doctrine of
 
Dialogue w Mormon Apologist: God & Doctrinal Development (vs. Dr. Barry Bickmore) (+ Part Two) [12-22-01]
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IX. Inquisition, Capital Punishment, and Religious Liberty
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[see many papers on “Capital Punishment” under that category on my Life Issues web page]
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X. Liturgy / The Mass
 
 XI. Mary: The Blessed Virgin
 
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“Live Chat” Debate on Mary (vs. James White) [12-29-00]
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The “High”, Glorious Mariology of Cardinal Newman (Foreword to The Mariology of Cardinal Newman, by Rev. Francis J. Friedel) [4-11-19]
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XII. St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
 
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Vatican I on Papal Infallibility: “Ultramontanism”? [3-29-04]

Cardinal Newman’s Philosophical & Epistemological Commitments [10-19-04]

Absurd Anti-Newman Rhetoric in Anti-Catholic Polemics [3-19-02 and 9-27-05]

Cdl. Newman, Vatican I & II, & Papal Infallibility (Clarification) [12-10-05]

The Certitude of Faith According to Cardinal Newman [9-30-08]

Newman on Theological Liberalism (Tracts of the Times No. 73) [3-5-11]

Anglican Newman on the Falsity of Perspicuity (Clearness) of Scripture [3-7-11]

John Henry Newman on Papal Infallibility Prior to 1870 (Classic Anti-Catholic Lies: George Salmon, James White, David T. King et al) [8-11-11]

The Quotable Newman (Dave Armstrong): Foreword by Joseph Pearce [9-5-12]

Books by Dave Armstrong: The Quotable Newman (2012) [10-12-12]

Dialogue on Newman’s Kingsley / Apologia Controversy [11-30-12]

Books by Dave Armstrong: The Quotable Newman, Vol. II [8-20-13]

The Quotable Newman (Vol. I, II): Complete Index of Correspondents [8-20-13]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Cardinal Newman: Q & A in Theology, Church History, and Conversion [2-24-15]

Cardinal Newman’s Conversion Odyssey, in His Own Words (1839-1845) [3-19-15]

St. John Henry Newman on Catholic Mariology [May 2015]

Introduction to my book: Cardinal Newman: Q & A in Theology, Church History, & Conversion [5-23-15]

Blessed Cardinal Newman on Mary’s Immaculate Conception [2015]

Implicit (Extra-Empirical) Faith, According to JH Newman [12-18-15]

Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman: “Father” of Vatican II (Old Links Page) [4-18-16]

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #1: Newman’s Mariology [10-17-17]

The “High”, Glorious Mariology of Cardinal Newman (Foreword to The Mariology of Cardinal Newman, by Rev. Francis J. Friedel) [4-11-19]

Dr. Echeverria: Francis Wants Development, Not Revolution [5-28-19]

Kwasniewski vs. Cdl. Newman Re Pope- & Council-Bashing [12-3-20]

Cardinal Newman on Catholic Conversion & Converts [11-19-20]

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman on Apologetics [11-19-20]

Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 2 . . . In Which Dr. Salmon Accuses Cardinal Newman of Lying Through His Teeth in His Essay on Development, & Dr. Murphy Magnificently Defends Infallibility and Doctrinal Development Against Gross Caricature [3-12-23]

Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 3 . . . In Which Our Sophist-Critic Massively Misrepresents Cardinal Newman and Utterly Misunderstands the Distinction Between Implicit and Explicit Faith [3-12-23]

Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 4 . . . in which Dr. Salmon Sadly Reveals Himself to be a Hyper-Rationalistic Pelagian Heretic, and Engages in Yet More Misrepresentation of Development of Doctrine and Cardinal Newman’s Statements and Positions [3-15-23]

Bp. Butler’s Refutation of Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 1: Doctrinal Development; St. Cardinal Newman’s Views on Papal Infallibility & the Immaculate Conception; St. Irenaeus & Tradition [3-22-23]

Newman on Infallibility & Vatican I (vs. One Peter Five) [Catholic365, 11-24-23]

Newman & Early Church Papal Infallibility & Supremacy (Reply to Jordan Cooper’s Miscomprehensions of St. Cardinal Newman’s Views on the Development of the Papacy & the 1870 Dogma) [Part I] [1-2-25]

Reply to Jordan Cooper on Newman & Development [Part II] [1-2-25]

Patristic Development of a Sinless Mary (Cdl. Newman) [2-6-25]

Newman, Sinless Mary, & Development (vs. Javier Perdomo) . . . Concentrating on the New Eve Analogy in the Church Fathers and its Full Implication Regarding Mary’s Freedom from Actual and Original Sin [2-12-25]

***

Visiting G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and John Henry Newman: An England Pilgrimage (Photos) [extraordinary web page by Brandon Vogt]

National Institute for Newman Studies: Digital Collections Newman Reader (virtually all Cardinal Newman books for free in nice HTML format)

*

XIII. Orthodoxy, Eastern
 
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XIV. The Papacy
 
The Development of the Papacy (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman) [Facebook, 1997]
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St. Thomas Aquinas and the Origins of the Doctrine of Papal Infallibility (Emmett O’Regan, Nova et Vetera, Winter 2025, Vol. 23, No. 1)
*

XV. Protestantism

 
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XVI. Purgatory
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XVII. Saints, Communion of
 

Veneration of Saints and Its Doctrinal Development: Dialogue with an Inquiring Baptist [12-1-08]

 
XVIII. Soteriology (Theology of Salvation)
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XIX. Usury

*
Did the Church Change Its Doctrine on Usury? (Jay W. Richards, Crisis Magazine, 12-8-14) [see also related in-depth discussion on my Facebook page]
*
The Red Herring of Usury (David Palm, This Rock, Sep. 1997)
*

*
***
*

Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*
Last updated on 21 February 2025
2025-05-14T17:24:03-04:00

Last updated on: May 14, 2025 at 5:24 pm   By

Cover (551x832)

[published in February 2011, 222 pages]
***
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
The Holy Eucharist
I. GENERAL / TRANSUBSTANTIATION
II. JOHN, CHAPTER 6 IN PARTICULAR
III. WINE AND GRAPE JUICE
IV. DIALOGUES WITH PROTESTANTS
The Sacrifice of the Mass
V. CHURCH FATHERS AND PROTESTANT SCHOLARS
VI. GENERAL / EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
VII. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
VIII. PRIESTHOOD AND PRIESTS
IX. THE IDOLATRY CHARGE
Liturgical Issues
X. TRIDENTINE MASS / “NEW” / PAULINE MASS
XI. COMMUNION IN THE HAND / REVERENCE AND SOLEMNITY / POSTURE
XII. ABUSES OF THE RUBRICS / ORANS AND HAND-HOLDING DURING THE OUR FATHER
XIII. ALTAR GIRLS
XIV. EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
XV. “VAIN REPETITION” AND “DEAD” FORMAL WORSHIP CHARGES  / THE ROSARY 
XVI. MASS OBLIGATION, SUNDAY WORSHIP, AND HOLY DAYS
XVII. COMMUNION IN ONE KIND OR SPECIES
XVIII. CLOSED / RESTRICTED COMMUNION
XIX. MUSIC AT MASS
XX. MISCELLANEOUS
***
***
I. THE HOLY EUCHARIST: GENERAL / TRANSUBSTANTIATION
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Reflections on the Holy Eucharist & Transubstantiation [3-8-92; slightly revised on 2-26-94]
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The Eucharist: This is My Body [3-8-92; rev. May 1996]
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Eucharist: Orthodox and Catholic Views [5-3-13 and 15 and 20 September 2016] 
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The Biblical Understanding of Holy Places and Things [National Catholic Register, 4-11-17]
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Transubstantiation, John 6, Faith and Rebellion [National Catholic Register, 12-3-17]
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The Holy Eucharist and the Treachery of Judas [National Catholic Register, 4-6-18]
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Transubstantiation is No More Inscrutable Than Many Doctrines [National Catholic Register, 9-26-18]
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An undesigned coincidence involving John 6 (Dr. Lydia McGrew [Anglican]) [5-3-15]
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Transubstantiation, John 6, Faith and Rebellion [National Catholic Register, 12-3-17]
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Was Jesus Unclear in John 6 (Eucharist)? (vs. Jason Engwer) [11-16-21]
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Was Jesus Unclear in John Chapter 6? [National Catholic Register, 1-25-22]
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VIDEO: Why Catholics are 100% Right about John 6 [with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 58 minutes, 3-5-25]
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III. THE HOLY EUCHARIST: WINE AND GRAPE JUICE
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IV. THE HOLY EUCHARIST: DIALOGUES WITH PROTESTANTS
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Treatise on Transubstantiation in Reply to Protestants [2-4-05; abridged and very slightly edited on 12-7-17]
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John Calvin’s Erroneous Mystical View of the Eucharist [4-9-04, 9-7-05, abridged and re-edited on 11-30-17]
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Vs. James White #5: Real Eucharistic Presence or Symbolism? [9-20-19]

Catholic Transubstantiation vs. Lutheran Consubstantiation [4-2-20]

Refuting Jason Engwer’s “Real Absence” Argument (Including Biblical Evidence of Analogous Miracles of a Supernatural Change of a Substance Minus Outward Physical Evidence) [11-18-21]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #27: Historic Exodus; NT & Jesus’ Blood; Hays vs. Omnipresence; God & Matter; Hays’ Anti-Biblical Hyper-Rationalism; Holy Eucharist & Other Miracles; Luther & the Real Presence; Manna & the Eucharist [6-7-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #28: Nicodemus & Baptism; Symbolic Baptism?; Universal Atonement; Relics; Hay’s Disbelief & Jn 6; Biblical Analogies to Transubstantiation; God & the Supernatural Eucharist; Eucharist & Dark Matter [6-9-23]

François Turretin and the Debate Over the Lord’s Supper [Vs. Turretin #11: Eucharist, Pt. 1] (Does a traditional literal reading of “this is my body” entail “a thousand absurdities and contradictions”? The book of Job is instructive) [2-24-25]

Reply to François Turretin #12: Transubstantiation, Pt. 1 (Does Turretin think biblically in this regard or hyper-rationally and skeptically?) [2-26-25]

Reply to François Turretin #13: Transubstantiation, Pt. 2 (Language of “bread” & “wine” after consecration; transubstantiation and transformation: compendium from the Church fathers) [2-27-25]

Reply to François Turretin #14: Eucharist, Pt. 2 (False premises; unfounded, unbiblical divine “impossibilities”; cessationism; ten types of physical divine presence) [2-28-25]

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V. THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: CHURCH FATHERS AND PROTESTANT SCHOLARS  
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“New” / Ordinary Form / Pauline Mass: a Traditional Defense (with Massive Historical Documentation, + Summary of Vatican II on Liturgical Reform) [6-18-08]
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Holy Communion in the Hand (Norm till 500-900 AD) [9-3-15; some additions on 3-13-20]
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“Re-Presentation” vs. “Re-Sacrifice” in the Mass: Doctrinal History [4-4-18]

Vs. James White #5: Real Eucharistic Presence or Symbolism? [9-20-19]

Did Pope Gelasius (r. 492-496) Deny Transubstantiation? [3-24-21]

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VI. THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: GENERAL / EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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The Sacrifice of the Mass: A Lamb . . . Slain [3-8-92; rev. May 1996]
*
Sacrifice of the Mass & Hebrews 8 (vs. James White) [3-31-04]
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* 
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Is Jesus “Re-Sacrificed” at Every Mass? [National Catholic Register, 8-19-17]

Why is Melchizedek So Important? [National Catholic Register, 1-15-18]

“Re-Presentation” vs. “Re-Sacrifice” in the Mass: Doctrinal History [4-4-18]

Time-Transcending Mass and the Hebrew “Remember” [National Catholic Register, 8-3-18]

Vs. Pasqualucci Re Vatican II #11: Sacrosanctum Concilium & Sacrifice of the Mass [7-22-19]

Crucifixes & Worship Images: “New” (?) Biblical Arguments [1-18-20]

Hebrews 10:12, Vulgate, & the Mass (James White’s Lie) [9-3-21]

Holy Eucharist & Sacrifice of the Mass (chapter six [pp. 255-270] of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [10-19-23]

The Sacrifice of the Mass in Hebrews & Revelation [3-6-25]

Worthy Is the Lamb Who Was Slain [Biblical Evidences for the Sacrifice of the Mass] [National Catholic Register, 3-31-25]

*
VII. THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
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IX. THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: THE IDOLATRY CHARGE
*
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Catholic Mass as “Idolatry” Reductio ad Absurdum [12-7-17]
*
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The Absurdity of Claiming That the Mass is Idolatrous [National Catholic Register, 6-17-19]
*
X. LITURGICAL ISSUES: TRIDENTINE MASS / “NEW” / PAULINE MASS
*
“New” / Ordinary Form / Pauline Mass: a Traditional Defense (with Massive Historical Documentation, + Summary of Vatican II on Liturgical Reform) [6-18-08]
*
*

Books by Dave Armstrong: Mass Movements: Radical Catholic Reactionaries, the New Mass, and Ecumenism [12-20-12]

Peter Kwasniewski, Fr. Thomas Kocik and a Growing Chorus Disagree with Pope Benedict XVI Regarding the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite Mass (Or, Reports of the Death of the Reform of the Reform are Greatly Exaggerated)  [+ Part Two] [2-26-14]

Who’s Defending Pope Benedict’s  Summorum Pontificum Now? [2-26-14]

You Prefer the Tridentine / EF Mass? Great! You Prefer Novus Ordo / OF (like me)? Great! [8-14-15]

Two Forms of One Rite (Pope Benedict XVI) [11-4-15]

Critique of Criticisms of the New Mass [11-5-15]

Worshiping the TLM vs. Worshiping God Through It [12-16-15]

Ratzinger “Banal” Quote: Traditionalist & Reactionary Misuse [12-17-15]

Chris Ferrara vs. Pope Benedict XVI (New Mass) [12-18-15]

Superstition About the “Preserved” High Altar at Notre Dame (And Continued Cynical, Highly Selective, “Pick and Choose” Acceptance of the Teaching of Pope Benedict XVI) [4-17-19]

Vs. Pasqualucci Re Vatican II #12: Sacrosanctum Concilium & Liturgical “Creativity” [7-22-19]

Discussion on Extraordinary vs. Ordinary Form Mass (Matt Fradd’s Comment) [Facebook, 8-18-20]

We Attended an Extraordinary Form [Tridentine] Mass Today [Facebook, 8-30-20]

Pope Francis’ Traditionis Custodes is for the Sake of Unity [7-16-21]

Skojec Loathes Traditionis; Illustrates Why it is Necessary [7-19-21]

Catholics (?) Trash, Judge, & Mind-Read the Pope (In 1968, “all” the liberal Catholics rejected Humanae Vitae. Now in 2021, “all” the self-described “conservative” Catholics reject Traditionis Custodes — and none see the outright absurdity and irony of this) [7-20-21]

Traditionis Custodes Results: No Fallen Sky (I Called It) [9-6-21]

The Pauline (“New”) Mass [Ch. 14 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version) [11-27-23]

*

XI. LITURGICAL ISSUES: COMMUNION IN THE HAND / REVERENCE AND SOLEMNITY / POSTURE

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Holy Communion in the Hand (Norm till 500-900 AD) [9-3-15; some additions on 3-13-20]
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XII. LITURGICAL ISSUES: ABUSES OF THE RUBRICS / ORANS AND HAND-HOLDING DURING THE OUR FATHER /AD ORIENTEM
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XIII. LITURGICAL ISSUES: ALTAR GIRLS

Do Altar Girls Alter Intentions of Would-Be Altar Boys? [5-19-14]

Altar Girls: Consideration of Pro & Con Arguments [May 2014]

Dialogue on Altar Girls and Altar Boys [3-16-18]

*
XIV. LITURGICAL ISSUES: EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
* 
* 
* 
*
XV. LITURGICAL ISSUES: “VAIN REPETITION” AND “DEAD” FORMAL WORSHIP CHARGES  / THE ROSARY 
*
*
*
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Catholic Converts’ Qualms: Mariology, Formal Worship, Etc. [2-11-04; some new recommended links added on 5-2-17]
*
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Bible on Wholehearted Formal Worship [6-4-07; revised and expanded 1-22-16]
*
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XVI. LITURGICAL ISSUES: MASS OBLIGATION, SUNDAY WORSHIP, AND HOLY DAYS
*
*
Sunday Worship vs. Sabbatarianism (Links) [1-19-08; expanded 6-28-18]
*
*
Reasons for the Sunday Mass Obligation [National Catholic Register, 11-14-18]
*
XVII. LITURGICAL ISSUES: COMMUNION IN ONE KIND OR SPECIES
*
*
The Host and Chalice Both Contain Christ’s Body and Blood [National Catholic Register, 12-10-19]
*
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XVIII. LITURGICAL ISSUES: CLOSED / RESTRICTED COMMUNION

Exclusion of Non-Catholics from Communion: Why? [1-30-03]

Catholic Closed Communion: A Defense [10-30-08]

Divorced & Remarried (Etc.) & Holy Communion [10-19-15]

Catholic Closed Communion: Reply to a Foolish Objection [12-9-17;  extra note added on 3-23-18]

Why Are Non-Catholics Excluded from Holy Communion? [National Catholic Register, 7-3-19]

On Denying Communion to Pro-Abort Politicians and Other Notorious Figures: Not Quite as Clear-Cut in Catholic History as we Might Suppose [Facebook: Fr. Angel Sotelo, 11-1-19]

Cowardly (?) Bishops, Pro-Abort Biden, & Holy Communion [6-22-21]

Review: The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetitia (Pedro Gabriel) [5-10-22]

Would Jesus Agree with Catholic Closed Communion and Absolution Before Communion? [Facebook, 5-14-25]

*
XIX. LITURGICAL ISSUES: MUSIC AT MASS
*

Musical Instruments in Worship: Biblical Evidence [3-22-10]

Is Modern Catholic Church Music Aesthetically Mediocre? [6-10-15; with slight revisions and additions on 3-23-18]
*
*

XX. LITURGICAL ISSUES: MISCELLANEOUS

Communitarian Aspects of Catholic Worship at Mass [11-29-07]

Women’s Head Veils in Church [7-31-08]

Our Father (Lord’s Prayer): “Debts” or “Trespasses”? [11-7-08]

Bible on Candles, Incense, & Symbolism for Prayer [2-16-09]

Sunny Optimism Regarding God’s Guidance of His Church Now and Always (Including Liturgical Discussion) [7-22-11]

Biblical Evidence Regarding Calling Priests “Father” [2-24-16]

Pope Francis Foot-Washing Controversy Redux [3-26-16]

The Art and Science of Lectoring [Facebook, 7-16-18]

Bible on Sacramentals, Liturgy, & Devotions (Ch. 10 of my book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [12-10-23]

*
***
*

Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*
Last updated on 14 May 2025
***
2025-05-01T11:48:23-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 11:48 am   By
Cover (555 x 828)
(September 2010, 189 pages)
[see full book content and purchase info.]
Spanish Cover (165 x 246)
“La Virgen de los católicos”: ¿Muy al contrario de la Biblia?
(Spanish translation by Lizette Sellar Moon: June 2017, 220 pages)
***
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. GENERAL
II. SINLESSNESS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NEW EVE, AND THE ANNUNCIATION 
III. A SUPPOSED “SINFUL MARY” AND ALLEGED INSTANCES OF JESUS “REBUKING” OR “DISRESPECTING” HER
IV. BODILY ASSUMPTION 
V. MOTHER OF GOD (THEOTOKOS) / SPOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 
VI. PERPETUAL VIRGINITY / VIRGIN BIRTH
VII. EARLY PROTESTANTS’ BELIEF IN MARY’S PERPETUAL VIRGINITY
VIII. MARY’S IN PARTU VIRGINITY (MIRACULOUS, NON-NATURAL CHILDBIRTH)
IX. VENERATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY / [“EXCESSIVE”?] MARIAN DEVOTIONS 
X. THE ROSARY
XI. QUEEN OF HEAVEN / QUEEN MOTHER / REVELATION 12
XII. INTERCESSOR AND SPIRITUAL MOTHER
XIII. MARY MEDIATRIX 
XIV. MARIAN APPARITIONS
***
***
I. GENERAL
*
Mary: Do Catholics Have a Biblical View?  [cartoon tract; art by Dan Grajek; early 90s]
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“Live Chat” Debate on Mary (vs. James White) [12-29-00]
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Catholic Converts’ Qualms: Mariology, Formal Worship, Etc. [2-11-04; some new recommended links added on 5-2-17]
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Did Mary Know That Jesus Was God? [National Catholic Register, 4-29-18]
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The Exalted Blessed Virgin Mary and Theosis [National Catholic Register, 11-28-18]
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The “High”, Glorious Mariology of Cardinal Newman (Foreword to The Mariology of Cardinal Newman, by Rev. Francis J. Friedel) [4-11-19]
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St. John Henry Newman’s High Mariology [National Catholic Register, 10-18-19]
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II. SINLESSNESS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NEW EVE, AND THE ANNUNCIATION 
*
Blessed Virgin Mary & God’s Special Presence in Scripture [1994; from first draft of A Biblical Defense of Catholicism]
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“All Have Sinned” vs. a Sinless, Immaculate Mary? [1996; revised and posted at National Catholic Register on 12-11-17]
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Was Mary’s Immaculate Conception Absolutely Necessary? [1-5-05; published at National Catholic Register on 12-8-17]
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Sinless Mary: Dialogue w OT Professor (Dr. Jonathan Huddleston) [12-8-14]
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Martin Luther’s “Immaculate Purification” View of Mary [National Catholic Register, 12-31-16]
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Scripture, Through an Angel, Reveals That Mary Was Sinless [National Catholic Register, 4-30-17]
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Why Would a Sinless Mary Offer Sacrifices? (vs. Matt Slick) [10-29-20]
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St. Thomas Aquinas and Mary’s Immaculate Conception [National Catholic Register, 6-13-24]
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VIDEO: Was the Virgin Mary A Sinner? [The Bible has the answer!] (with Kenny Burchard on the Catholic Bible Highlights YouTube channel, 12-6-24)
*
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III. A SUPPOSED “SINFUL MARY” AND ALLEGED INSTANCES OF JESUS “REBUKING” OR “DISRESPECTING” HER
*
“All Have Sinned” vs. a Sinless, Immaculate Mary? [1996; revised and posted at National Catholic Register on 12-11-17]
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On Whether Jesus’ “Brothers” Were “Unbelievers” [National Catholic Register, 6-11-20]
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Why Would a Sinless Mary Offer Sacrifices? (vs. Matt Slick) [10-29-20]
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*

Immaculate Mary and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple [National Catholic Register, 8-31-22]

Did Mary Sin By Thinking Jesus was Crazy? (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-8-22]

Lucas Banzoli’s Mindless Denigration of an Imagined “Mary” (Including Extensive Biblical Analyses of Exceptionally “Righteous” and “Holy” People, and Merit) [9-11-22]

Was Our Lady Among Those Who Accused Our Lord of Being ‘Beside Himself?’ [National Catholic Register, 9-28-22]

Anti-Catholic Eric Svendsen Blasphemes Mary & Claims She (the Mother of God Whom an Angel Declared was “Full of Grace”!) Didn’t Have the “Light of Faith” During Jesus’ Ministry [Facebook, 2-3-23]

Mary and “Crazy” Jesus, Pt. II (vs. Lucas Banzoli): In Which Our Quixotic Anti-Catholic Warrior Desperately Savages Several Highly Reputable English Bible Translations in Order to “Prove” That Mary Thought Jesus was Out of His Mind [2-9-23]

Reply to Steve Christie on Catholic Mariology (Part I: Steve’s 15-Minute Opening Statement, Covering the Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, & Bodily Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) [+ Part II / Part III] [7-12-23]

Luther’s Odd Take On Mary & Jesus In The Temple At 12 (And James Swan’s Unwarranted Conclusion from Luther’s Sermon, That He Was Accusing Her of Sin) [6-14-24]

Immaculate Conception: Reply to Gavin Ortlund (Including Analysis of Catholic Anathemas in Dogmatic Statements / Development of Doctrine and Mary) [8-22-24]

Jesus Rebuked Mary at Cana? (vs. Dr. Robert Gagnon) [8-24-24]

Jesus Rebuked His Mother (Jn 2:4)? (Robert Gagnon) (“What have you to do with me?”) [9-16-24]

Jesus Disparaged Mary (“Woman”)? (vs. Robert Gagnon) [9-19-24]

Mary Wasn’t a “Believer”?: Robert Gagnon’s Ignorance [9-20-24]

Mary’s Spiritual Knowledge and Belief in Jesus [10-31-24]

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Jesus’ Use of the Term “Woman” [for Mary. Was it Disrespectful?] (by Jimmy Akin)

*

IV. BODILY ASSUMPTION 

Bodily Assumption of Mary (John Saward: Protestant) [edited in 1994; Facebook]

Cardinal Newman on the Bodily Assumption of Mary [edited in 1994]

Ven. Fulton Sheen on the Bodily Assumption of Mary [edited in 1994]

Assumption & Immaculate Conception: Part of Apostolic Tradition (vs. James White) [June 1996]

Mary’s Assumption: Dialogue w Evangelical Protestant [1-21-02]

Bodily Assumption of Mary: Harmonious with the Bible? [2002]

Mary’s Assumption: Brief Explanation, with a New (?) Biblical Parallel [3-1-07]

Mary’s Assumption vs. Material Sufficiency of Scripture? [4-22-07]

Mary’s Assumption & “Reformer” Heinrich Bullinger [4-6-08]

Mary’s Assumption & Historic Protestantism [6-30-08]

Immaculate Conception and Assumption: Why Defined So Late? [2-1-09]

Mary’s Bodily Assumption: Eleven Related Bible Passages [2009]

Defending Mary (Revelation 12 & Her Assumption) [5-28-12]

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*
Biblical Arguments in Support of Mary’s Assumption [National Catholic Register, 8-15-18]
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Debate on Mary’s Assumption & the Bible (vs. Matt Slick) [11-17-20]
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V. MOTHER OF GOD (THEOTOKOS) / SPOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 
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VI. PERPETUAL VIRGINITY / VIRGIN BIRTH
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Jesus’ “Brothers” Always “Hangin’ Around” Mary … (Doesn’t This Prove That They Are Actually His Siblings?) [8-31-09]
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Perpetual Virginity: Not “Intuitive” But Still True (see also the vigorous discussion with a deist in the combox underneath) [4-13-18]
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Biblical Evidence for the Perpetual Virginity of Mary [National Catholic Register, 4-13-18]
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More Biblical Evidence for Mary’s Perpetual Virginity [National Catholic Register, 4-25-18]
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Perpetual Virginity of Mary: “Holy Ground” [National Catholic Register, 5-8-18]
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Were Sts. Simon and Jude the Cousins of Jesus? [National Catholic Register, 12-24-21]
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Mary’s Perpetual Virginity and Biblical Language [National Catholic Register, 1-20-23]
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VIDEO: Did Mary REMAIN A Virgin? – Pt. 1 – The Perpetual Virginity of Mary [Kenny Burchard (Catholic Bible Highlights) with use of my biblical research, 10-19-24]
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VIDEO: Did Mary REMAIN A Virgin? – Pt. 2 – Consecrated Virgins?? [Kenny Burchard (Catholic Bible Highlights) with use of my biblical and historical research, 10-23-24]
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VIDEO: Undeniable Truth: Jesus had NO Siblings!! [20+ Verses Prove It] [Dave Armstrong & Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights), 11-1-24]
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VIDEO: The Surprising Truth About Mary & Jesus [Jesus on the cross asked John to take care of Mary] [Catholic Bible Highlights with Kenny Burchard, 11-6-24]
VII. EARLY PROTESTANTS’ BELIEF IN MARY’S PERPETUAL VIRGINITY
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Calvin & Mary Ever Virgin (expanded version, with Tim Staples vs. James Swan) [6-5-14]
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VIII. MARY’S IN PARTU VIRGINITY (MIRACULOUS, NON-NATURAL CHILDBIRTH)
*

Mary’s Perpetual Virginity “In Partu” (a Miraculous, Non-Natural Childbirth) is a Binding Catholic Dogma [9-24-08; expanded on 9-21-15]

Luther & Mary’s Virginity During Childbirth [10-12-11]

Rationalist Objection to the In Partu Virginity of Mary [Facebook, 1-9-13]

Mary Was a Virgin During Jesus’ Birth (In Partu) [9-19-14; slight modifications and additions on 4-18-18]

Martin Luther’s Belief in the Perpetual Virginity of Mary (+ Reformed Apologist James Swan’s Belittling Contempt of Luther) [9-23-14]

Mary’s Virginity During Childbirth: Ott’s Revision & Latin Analysis [9-29-15]

Dialogue: Mary’s “In Partu” Virginity (During Birth) (with Ryan Grant) [3-9-17]

Biblical and Patristic Evidence for Mary’s “In Partu” Virginity [National Catholic Register, 11-14-19]

Mary’s “In Partu” Virginity: Reply to False Charges [11-16-19]

Why Protestants Reject Mary’s Perpetual Virginity / “In Partu” [9-3-22]

Martin Luther: Mary Was a Perpetual Virgin [6-10-24]

Brief Reply to an Orthodox Priest Who Denies Mary’s In Partu Virginity [Facebook, 6-14-24]

Luther & Mary’s Perpetual Virginity: More Context (+ His Belief in Her Virginity During Christ’s Birth (In Partu) [12-17-24]

*****

The Virginitas in Partu Revisited (Msgr.  Arthur Calkins)

The Virgin Birth of Christ — What the Church Really Teaches (Fr. Ryan Erlenbush)

The Virginity of Our Lady In Partu: The Painless, Miraculous Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ (biblical, patristic, and magisterial proofs)

*

IX. VENERATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY / [“EXCESSIVE”?] MARIAN DEVOTIONS 

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The Blessed Virgin Mary is Our Role Model [National Catholic Register, 4-20-17]
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50 Biblical Reasons to Honor Jesus Through Mary [National Catholic Register, 7-24-19]
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Catholics Do Not Worship Mary Like God (vs. Matt Slick) [11-13-20]
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Catholics Don’t Worship Mary — We Love and Honor Her [National Catholic Register, 7-31-23]
*
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X. THE ROSARY
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The Rosary: ‘Vain Repetition’ or Biblical Prayer? [National Catholic Register, 3-16-18]
*
*
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XI. QUEEN OF HEAVEN / QUEEN MOTHER / REVELATION 12
*
Mary as the “Queen Mother” and “Queen of Heaven”: Is 1 Kings 2:17-25 a Fatal Counter-Example? (with Steve Ray) [9-5-08]
*
*
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Mary is Queen Mother and Queen of Heaven [National Catholic Register, 6-6-19]

Vs. James White #12: Mary the Woman of Revelation 12 [11-7-19]

Is Our Lady the Woman of Revelation 12? [National Catholic Register, 11-27-19]

The Queen Mother & the Bible (vs. James White) [10-8-21]

*

XII. INTERCESSOR AND SPIRITUAL MOTHER

Reflections on the Spiritual Motherhood & Mediation of Mary [1994]

Mary: Spiritual Motherhood & Rosary: Dialogue w Protestant [1-21-02]

Defense of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotion vs. Calvinists [7-16-07]

People Extend God’s Comfort & Peace (Communion of Saints) [Sep. 2010]

Martin Luther’s Belief in the Invocation and Intercession of Mary and the Saints, as Late as 1521 [10-4-11]

Does Invoking Mary at Death Ignore Jesus? [2013]

Dialogue with an Anglican on “Praying to Mary,” Patron Saints, Etc. [11-10-14]

Reply to Lutheran on Invocation of Saints [12-1-15]

Lutheran Pastor Bashes Prayer to Mary and the Rosary (“Vain Repetition”) [5-5-17]

Can Mary Hear “Simultaneous” Prayers of Millions? (vs. Matt Slick) [9-30-20]

How Can a Saint Hear the Prayers of Millions at Once? [National Catholic Register, 10-7-20]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund on Praying to the Saints (Including a Reply Regarding the [Blasphemous?] “Excesses of Marian Prayers” from the Protestant Point of View) [5-15-22]

Why Do We Ask Mary to Pray for Us? [National Catholic Register, 5-24-22]

5 Replies to Questions About Catholic (and Biblical) Prayer [National Catholic Register, 11-30-22]

“God as the Mediator of Mary”?: vs. Francisco Tourinho [1-18-23]

How Can a Human Like Mary Hear Millions of Prayers? The Answer Is in the Bible [National Catholic Register, 2-18-23]

Our Mother Mary & “Mother Earth” (Rosemarie Scott) [4-4-23]

Mary, Mother Of The Church (By Dr. Robert Fastiggi) [3-18-24]

Quick Refutation of James White Re Praying to Mary [Facebook, 5-10-24]

VIDEO: Praying To Mary?? [Catholic Bible Highlights, with Kenny Burchard, utilizing my biblical research, 10-9-24]

Quick Reply to a Lutheran Pastor About “Prayer” to Mary [Facebook, 11-11-24]

Reply to Anglican E. B. Pusey #2 (Mary’s Intercession Analogous to “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects”: James 5:16) [1-23-25]

*

XIII. MARY MEDIATRIX 

Reflections on the Spiritual Motherhood & Mediation of Mary [1994]

Mary Mediatrix (Fr. William G. Most) [originally compiled in 1994; Facebook]

Mary Mediatrix: Patristic, Medieval, & Early Orthodox Evidence [1998]

Dialogue on Mary Mediatrix & Spouse of the Holy Spirit [1998]

Mary Mediatrix: A Biblical Explanation [1999]

Mary Mediatrix: Dialogue w Evangelical Protestant [1-21-02]

Mary Mediatrix vs. Jesus Christ the Sole Mediator? [1-30-03]

Mary Mediatrix & the Bible (vs. Dr. Robert Bowman) [8-1-03]

Critique of Mary — Another Redeemer? by James White (Whitewashing History: By William Possidento and Dave Armstrong) [3-12-04; slight revisions and updated links: 6-12-20] 

Defense of Critique of Jame’s White’s Misinformed Mariology (particularly with regard to the differing views on early Mariology of Protestant Church historians J.N.D. Kelly and Philip Schaff) (vs. James Swan) [3-15-04 and 9-7-05]

Mary Mediatrix and the Church Fathers (+ Documentation That James White Accepts the Scholarship of the Protestant Church Historians I Cite [J. N. D. Kelly and Philip Schaff] ) [9-7-05]
*

Biblical Evidence for Mary Mediatrix [11-25-08]

Exchange on Catholic Mariology and Mary Mediatrix [12-3-16]

Mary Mediatrix: Close Biblical Analogies [National Catholic Register, 8-14-17]

Mary Mediatrix & Jesus (Mere Vessels vs. Sources) [8-15-17]

Todd Baker’s Exodus from Rome (Tradition, Mary, Sola Fide) [4-23-18]

Pope Francis vs. the Marian Title “Co-Redemptrix”? (+ Documentation of Pope Francis’ and Other Popes’ Use of the Mariological Title of Veneration: “Mother of All”) [12-16-19]

Pope Francis’ Deep Devotion to Mary (Esp. Mary Mediatrix) [12-23-19]

“God as the Mediator of Mary”?: vs. Francisco Tourinho [1-18-23]

Mary, Not Jesus, is the Catholic “Savior”? (Response to More Misrepresentation of St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s Book, The Glories of Mary) [7-21-23]

Mary Mediatrix: A Biblical and Theological Introduction (Including a Discussion of the Doctrine’s Dogmatic Status and Espousal of it by Nine Recent Popes and Vatican II) [9-15-15; revised and expanded on 1-18-25]

Reply to Anglican E. B. Pusey #2 (Mary’s Intercession Analogous to “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects”: James 5:16) [1-23-25]

VIDEO: MARY – Mediatrix of ALL Graces (THE BIBLICAL PROOF!) [my discussion with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 1-24-25]

Reply to Anglican E. B. Pusey #3 (Admirable Ecumenical Sentiments; Mary as Our “Hope” & “Refuge” & “Comfort”; Must We Always Know of Mary’s Co-Mediation?) [1-26-25]

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Seven Contemporary Fruits from a New Marian Dogma (Mark Miravalle) [1-15-19]

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XIV. MARIAN APPARITIONS
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Biblical Evidence for Marian Apparitions [National Catholic Register, 5-21-17]
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The Amsterdam Apparitions: Where Are We Now? (by Dr. Robert Fastiggi) [8-13-21]
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*****
Last updated on 1 April 2025
***

*
***
*

Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*
2025-05-10T17:03:39-04:00

Last updated on: May 10, 2025 at 5:03 pm   By
[published in March 2012, 150 pages]
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[Papal Encyclicals Online: fabulous resource: includes Kindle / Nook / ePub capability]
***

Pope Francis Defended: Resources for Confused Folks [342 articles or videos from others]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. PETRINE AND ROMAN PRIMACY / ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL
II. GENERAL PAPAL ECCLESIOLOGY
III. PAPAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSION
IV. PETER THE “ROCK” / “KEYS OF THE KINGDOM”
V. PAPAL INFALLIBILITY, SUPREMACY, AND ROMAN PRIMACY 
VI. PAPAL INDEFECTIBILITY
VII. POPES, COUNCILS, CONCILIARISM, AND COLLEGIALITY
VIII. DISAGREEING WITH OR TRYING TO PERSUADE POPES / HONOR AND RESPECT FOR POPES / POPE-BASHING
IX. PAPAL SCANDALS / “BAD POPES”
X. DID POPES CLAIM TO BE GOD? / POPES AS ANTICHRIST?
XI. VEN. POPE PIUS XII AND THE NAZI HOLOCAUST
XII. POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
XIII. POPE BENEDICT XVI
XIV. POPE FRANCIS
XV. POPE FRANCIS: PHIL LAWLER’S HIT-PIECE, LOST SHEPHERD 
XVI. POPE FRANCIS: ROSS DOUTHAT’S HIT-PIECE, TO CHANGE THE CHURCH
XVII. POPE FRANCIS: HENRY SIRE’S HIT-PIECE, THE DICTATOR POPE
XVIII. POPE FRANCIS: KARL KEATING’S TOME, THE FRANCIS FEUD
XIX. POPE FRANCIS: ARCHBISHOP VIGANO’S RANTINGS
XX. POPE LEO XIV
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*** 
I. PETRINE AND ROMAN PRIMACY / ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL
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50 Biblical Indications of Petrine Primacy and the Papacy [National Catholic Register, 11-20-16]
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Top 20 Biblical Evidences for the Primacy of St. Peter [National Catholic Register, 1-8-18; see also my video commentary on this article with Kenny Burchard on the Catholic Bible Highlights channel, 11-8-24]
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Papal Passages Lk 22:31-34 & Jn 21:15-17 (vs. Jason Engwer) [5-12-20]
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Is Peter’s Primacy Disproved by His Personality? [National Catholic Register, 11-30-20]
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Reply to Lucas Banzoli’s 205 Potshots at St. Peter, Part I [5-26-22]
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Lucas Banzoli’s 205 “Petrine Potshots”, Part II [5-27-22]
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The Authority of Popes (chapter three, pp. 139-158, of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [10-16-23]
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VIDEO: Was Peter REALLY the first Pope? [Dave Armstrong & Kenny Burchard on the Catholic Bible Highlights channel, 11-8-24]
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The Origins of the Denial of Peter’s Roman Sojourn (Nicholas Gulda, The Crossroads, 9-4-22)
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II. GENERAL PAPAL ECCLESIOLOGY
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III. PAPAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSION
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The Development of the Papacy (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman) [Facebook, 1997]
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Papal Succession: Biblical and Logical Arguments [National Catholic Register, 5-26-17]
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IV. PETER THE “ROCK” / “KEYS OF THE KINGDOM”
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Jesus Christ and St. Peter — Are Both Rocks? [National Catholic Register, 6-29-22]
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The Meaning of the Keys of St. Peter [National Catholic Register, 8-25-22]
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V. PAPAL INFALLIBILITY, SUPREMACY, AND ROMAN PRIMACY 
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A Brief History of Papal Infallibility [National Catholic Register, 5-21-18]
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Protestant Objections to Papal Infallibility [National Catholic Register, 2-29-20]
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Explicit Papal Infallibility in 96 AD (Pope St. Clement) [originally from 7-30-21; posted at Catholic365 on 11-20-23]
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The Supposed Fall of Honorius and His Condemnation (J. H. R., American Catholic Quarterly Review, vol. 7, 1882, pp. 162-168)
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The Condemnation of Pope Honorius (Dom John Chapman, O.S.B., London: Catholic Truth Society, 1907)
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Pope Honorius I (Catholic Encyclopedia [Dom John Chapman])
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The Truth about Pope Honorius (Robert Spencer, Catholic Answers, 9-1-94)
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Was Pope Honorius I a heretic? (Ron Conte, Jr., The Reproach of Christ, 9-17-16)
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The Alleged Fall of Pope Liberius (P. J. Harrold, American Catholic Quarterly Review, vol. 8, 1883, 529-549)
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Pope Liberius (Catholic Encyclopedia [Dom John Chapman])
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The Sixth Nicene Canon and the Papacy (James F. Loughlin, American Catholic Quarterly Review, vol. 5, 1880, 220-239)
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Was Pope Vigilius a Heretic? (Mark Hausam, Where Peter Is, 4-12-20)
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Papal Infallibility and the Case of Pope Vigilius (Lawrence McCready, Unam Sanctam Catholicam, 7-7-12)
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The Transformation of Pope Vigilius (Warren H. Carroll, Faith & Reason, Winter 1982)
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An In-Depth Examination of Pope Vigilius: Historical and Theological Insights [Video (2 1/2 hours) by William Albrecht and two guests, 9-6-24]
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St. Thomas Aquinas and the Origins of the Doctrine of Papal Infallibility (Emmett O’Regan, Nova et Vetera, Winter 2025, Vol. 23, No. 1)
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VI. PAPAL INDEFECTIBILITY
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VII. POPES, COUNCILS, CONCILIARISM, AND COLLEGIALITY
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Pope Silvester and the Council of Nicaea (vs. James White) [August 1997]
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Peter Kwasniewski: Gotta Exorcise Vatican I (1870) [12-4-20]

Which Has More Authority: A Pope or an Ecumenical Council? [National Catholic Register, 5-19-21]

Did Peter or James Preside at the Jerusalem Council? (And Was it the Prototype of Ecumenical Councils or Merely a Local Synod?) [5-21-21]

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VIII. DISAGREEING WITH OR TRYING TO PERSUADE POPES / HONOR AND RESPECT FOR POPES / POPE-BASHING

Denunciations of Incessant Bashing of Pope Francis [2-22-15]

Is Pope Francis Wrong? Thoughts on the “Filial Correction” [9-24-17]

Radical Reactionary Affinities in “Filial Correction” Signatories [9-28-17]

On Rebuking Popes & Catholic Obedience to Popes [12-27-17]

On Rebuking Popes & Obedience to Popes, Part II [12-28-17]

Fr. Angel Sotelo on the Scandal of the Current Pope-Bashing [Facebook, 1-4-18]

Negative Reactionary Views of Popes Since 1958 [3-18-18]

Honoring Popes / Scriptural Honor of Even Wicked Rulers [11-30-17; some additions on 3-26-18]

Pope-Criticism: Vigorous Exchanges w Karl Keating [3-27-18]

Do I Think Popes Can Never be Criticized for Any Reason? Nope. (I Respectfully Criticize the Prudence of Pope Francis’ Repeated Interviews with an Atheist Who Lies About Him [Eugenio Scalfari]) [3-31-18]

Olson’s Nitpicking, Persnickety Guide to Gaudete et Exsultate [4-10-18]

Honoring Popes (Even Alleged “Bad” Ones) as Persons [4-11-18]

Are Pope-Critics Evil? Reply to Karl Keating [4-13-18]

Why Have Popes At All if We Reject Papal Guidance? [8-4-18]

Protestant Champion Jerry Walls Notes the Obvious: Many Catholics Think Like Protestants, With Regard to the Authority of the Pope and the Rule of Faith [Facebook, 8-7-18]

Pope Francis Accusers Reject Magisterial Teaching on Popes (The pope’s teaching is indefectible and cannot be judged or “overruled” by any man: or even an ecumenical council) [7-23-20]

St. Paul’s Rebuke of St. Peter = Francis-Bashing? [8-19-20]

If We Have to Constantly Defend Holy Scripture, How Much More the Pope? [Facebook, 10-23-20]

Kwasniewski vs. Cdl. Newman Re Pope- & Council-Bashing [12-3-20]

Pope Francis: Popes Can be Respectfully Criticized [7-21-21]

Did Pope Francis Rebuke Pelosi Re Abortion? (And Why One Seeming Methodological Approach Towards the “Right” and a Very Different One Towards the “Left”?) [10-11-21]

Erasmus’ Criticism of Popes = Today’s Pope-Bashing? [11-10-21]

On the Last Three Popes’ Appointments of Cardinals: Traditionalists Have a Valid Point About Bad Appointments and the Disastrous Appeasement of Theological Liberals in the Church [7-18-22]

“Lying about the Holy Father is a mortal sin” [Facebook discussion thread, 8-22-22]

Pope St. Pius X on Obedience to the Pope + Great Group Discussion [Facebook, 5-19-23]

Ed Feser’s “Respectful and Reserved Criticism” of the Holy Father (?) [Catholic365, 11-29-23]

Bible on the Disgraceful Attitude & Behavior of So Many Pope-Bashers [Facebook, 12-24-23]

Bible on Deference to Popes & Leaders, & Disobedience [12-26-23]

Get it Right! Yours Truly on Papal Criticism (from the Year 2000) and on My Distinctions Among Papal Critics (2018) [Facebook, 1-13-24]

Pope-Criticism: Ultra-Rare, Private, & Saintly (Reply to Clueless Accusations That I Supposedly Think Popes Should Never be Criticized At All, & Make No Distinctions Whatsoever Concerning Papal Critics) [1-15-24]

St. Ignatius of Antioch [50-110 or 117] on Submission to the Bishop [Facebook, 1-25-24]

We Can’t Disagree with Mere Political Opinions of Popes? St. Cdl. Newman Disagrees [Facebook, 2-13-25]

In Case You’re Wondering What Steve Ray Really Thought About Pope Francis [Facebook, 5-4-25]

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IX. PAPAL SCANDALS / “BAD POPES”

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Papal Critics Concede: No Proof of Canonical Papal Heresy [5-10-19]

Reactionary Infiltration of Taylor Marshall’s Book, Infiltration [5-30-19]

Pope Francis Accusers Reject Magisterial Teaching on Popes (The pope’s teaching is indefectible and cannot be judged or “overruled” by any man: or even an ecumenical council) [7-23-20]

Pastor Aeternus (1870): Can a Pope Ever Make Heresy Binding? (Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Ron Conte; edited by Dave Armstrong, in Response to Timothy Flanders) [12-1-20]

Kwasniewski vs. Cdl. Newman Re Pope- & Council-Bashing [12-3-20]

Pope Francis: Most Theological Errors? (Ed Feser) [8-26-22]

Post-Vatican II “Liberal” Popes [Ch. 13 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version) ] [11-25-23]

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X. DID POPES CLAIM TO BE GOD? / POPES AS ANTICHRIST?
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XI. VEN. POPE PIUS XII AND THE NAZI HOLOCAUST
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[see the many links on my Jews, Judaism, & Old Testament page]
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XII. POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
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John Paul II Kissing the Koran: Dialogue with Traditionalists [2012; new Introduction added on 6-4-19] [6-4-19]
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Was Pope St. John Paul II a “Modernist”? [Ch. 15 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version)] [11-27-23]
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XIII. POPE BENEDICT XVI
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Benedict and Clergy Sexual Abuse: Decisive and Aggressive Action (Judy Roberts; National Catholic Register,  3-5-13)
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XIV. POPE FRANCIS
 
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Pope Francis, Foot-Washing, & Humility (Pete Vere & Dave Armstrong) [3-13-13 and 3-30-13]
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Exchange on Pope Francis and the Church (vs. Tony Jokin) [Facebook, 12-17-14]
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Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si: A Beautiful and Profoundly Wise Statement of Christian Environmentalism and Theology of Creation [9-11-15]

Forcing Pope Francis Into Our Own Image [9-18-15]

Reply to Dr. Phil Blosser’s Critique of My Book, Pope Francis Explained [9-24-15]

Must the Pope Explicitly Mention Abortion to Congress? [9-24-15]

Pope Francis’ Strongly Pro-Life Comments to the UN (“Both/And”!) [9-25-15]

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Dialogue: “Bad” Bishops & “Confusing” Francis (vs. Dr. Peter Kwasniewski) [4-28-16]
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I Hope the Pope Will Provide Some Much-Needed Clarity (Re: Answering the Dubia) [National Catholic Register, 9-30-17]
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Burning Heretics, Frying Murderers, & Slavery (Analogies) [8-3-18]

Yes, Virginia, the Pope Believes Mary is Immaculate [12-29-18]

Papal Ring-Kissing, Gossip, & Pharisaical Nitpicking [3-29-19]

Reactionary Signees of Easter “Heresy” Letter (13 of 19) [5-6-19]

Ecclesiological Errors of “Easter Letter” Reactionaries Summed Up (That is, Ones Not Specifically Related to Pope Francis: Especially Vatican II as the Big Bad Wolf) [5-9-19]

Papal Critics Concede: No Proof of Canonical Papal Heresy [5-10-19]

Dr. Echeverria: Francis Wants Development, Not Revolution [5-28-19]

Taylor Marshall’s Whopper: Pope Francis Denies Hellfire? [6-7-19]

Taylor Marshall Lies About Pope Francis & Divorce [6-8-19]

No, Pope Francis Did Not Deny Transubstantiation (Phenomenological Language in Holy Scripture and in the Addresses of Pope Francis) [6-25-19]

Brief Exchange with a Sedevacantist Regarding Pope Francis [Facebook, 6-25-19]

Does Pope Francis Deny the Catholic Doctrine of Merit? No [7-1-19]

Pope Francis & Transubstantiation (vs. Sedevacantists) [7-2-19]

Am I a “Pope Francis Defender”? (Statement of Intent & Purpose) [11-5-19]

Being Anti-Francis is Apparently Far and Away the Most Important Thing for Millions of Catholics These Days. God Help Us! [11-12-19]

Is Pope Francis Against Apologetics & Defending the Faith? [11-26-19]

“Confusing” Pope Francis & Ignorant, Lazy Lay Catholics [11-27-19]

Pope Benedict’s Enthusiastic Approval of Pope Francis [11-27-19]

Hysterical Reactionaries Opposed Pope Francis from Day One (The “inside story” — from Hilary White — of what happened among a cadre of well-known fanatical reactionaries on the very night Pope Francis was elected) [12-3-19]

“Ambiguity”: Classic Reactionary Talking Point & Mantra [12-5-19]

Pope St. John Paul II Respectfully Referred to Pachamama (+ Orthodox Catholic References to “Mother Earth” and Similar Biblical Motifs) [12-13-19]

Pope Francis vs. the Marian Title “Co-Redemptrix”? (+ Documentation of Pope Francis’ and Other Popes’ Use of the Mariological Title of Veneration: “Mother of All”) [12-16-19]

Debate: Pope Francis on Doctrine, Truth, & Evangelizing (vs. Dr. Eduardo Echeverria) [12-16-19]

Pope Francis’ Deep Devotion to Mary (Esp. Mary Mediatrix) [12-23-19]

Pope Francis’ Emphasis on Criticizing Reactionaries (A Theory) [12-30-19]

Pope Francis’ Slap & Loss of Temper (Close Examination) [1-2-20]

Dialogue: Pope Francis vs. Gospel Preaching & Converts? No! (vs. Eric Giunta) [1-3-20]

Reactionaries and Other Pope-Bashers Have a Ready “Answer” to Every Proof of Pope Francis’ Orthodoxy: He’s Simply Lying Through His Teeth! [Facebook, 1-3-20]

Pope Francis (and Others) and Analogies to Jesus (Explanation of a Widely Misunderstood Aspect of Analogical Arguments) [1-6-20]

Pope Francis: Strong Defender of Priestly Celibacy [1-14-20]

Striking Similarities of Pope Francis Derangement Syndrome and Donald Trump Derangement Syndrome / Near-Impossibility of Rational Discussion [Facebook, 1-16-20]

Pope’s Querida Amazonia: Reactionaries Step in it Again [2-13-20]

Dialogue w Timothy Flanders #2: State of Emergency? [2-25-20]

Dr. Fastiggi Defends Pope Francis Re “Pachamama Idolatry” [3-3-20]

Pope Francis vs. the Gospel? Outrageous & Absurd Lies! (Anti-Catholic Protestant James White and Catholic Reactionary Steve Skojec Echo Each Other’s Gigantic Whoppers) [5-26-20]

Legalism Re Pope Francis & Papal Attire (Mozzetta) [7-10-20]

Fratelli tutti: Love is Great; How to Best Apply It? [10-8-20]

Steve Skojec: Pope Sez Death Penalty is Intrinsically Evil (?) [10-8-20]

Death Penalty, Reactionaries, & a Devious Liar-Pope? [10-10-20]

Three Popes & Capital Punishment (vs. Ed Feser) (with Catholic Theologian Dr. Robert Fastiggi) [10-20-20]

Pope Francis, Same-Sex Unions, & Chicken Little Mass Hysteria [10-22-20]

Pope Francis & the Diversity of Religions (The Sedevacantist Outfit Novus Ordo Watch Lies Yet Again About Pope Francis) [11-29-20] 

Kwasniewski vs. Cdl. Newman Re Pope- & Council-Bashing [12-3-20]

Kwasniewski vs. Pope Francis Re “Fundamentalism” (Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI Fully Concur with Pope Francis) [12-9-20]

Pope Francis’ Proper Use of the Term “Fundamentalism” (. . . and the Similar Sociologically Proper Use of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope St. John Paul II) [12-28-20]

Dr. Fastiggi on Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis, & Aquinas [2-1-21]

Fr. Z Asks for Pro-Francis “Compendium”. I Provide It [3-9-21]

“Gay Unions”: Leftist & Reactionary Catholics vs. Pope & CDF [3-23-21]

Pope Francis vs. Same-Sex “Marriage”: The Record [3-25-21]

Fr. Peter Stravinskas & Irrational Pope Francis-Bashing: Sad Case Study in Taking the Holy Father’s Words Out of Context and Indefensibly Misrepresenting Them [4-15-21]
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Pope Francis: Indissoluble Marriage & No Divorce (+ Analysis of Ed Feser’s “Doctrinally Problematic” Criticisms) [6-1-21]
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XV. POPE FRANCIS: PHIL LAWLER’S HIT-PIECE, LOST SHEPHERD 
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Quasi-Defectibility and Phil Lawler vs. Pope Francis (see also more documentation of Lawler’s reactionary leanings, on the Facebook thread) [12-28-17]
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Protestant Takes Solace in Douthat’s Pope-Bashing Book (also discusses Phil Lawler) [3-24-18]
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Chris Ferrara & My Debates w Keating & Lawler Re Pope Francis [1-1-18 and 1-2-18; minor additions and changes: 9-25-20]
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XVI. POPE FRANCIS: ROSS DOUTHAT’S HIT-PIECE, TO CHANGE THE CHURCH
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XVII. POPE FRANCIS: HENRY SIRE’S HIT-PIECE, THE DICTATOR POPE
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XVIII. POPE FRANCIS: KARL KEATING’S TOME, THE FRANCIS FEUD
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XIX. POPE FRANCIS: ARCHBISHOP VIGANO’S RANTINGS
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XX. POPE LEO XIV
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Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*

Last updated on 10 May 2025

***

2025-05-01T12:53:59-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:53 pm   By
AssisiConference
4th World Day of Prayer for Peace, Assisi (Italy), October 27, 2011 (photograph by Stephan Kölliker) [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS
II. EASTERN CATHOLICISM
III. ANTI-PROTESTANTISM
IV. INTER-RELIGIOUS / INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE 
V. SALVATION “OUTSIDE” THE CHURCH / RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
VI. JEWS AND JUDAISM
VII. ISLAM
VIII. ATHEISM AND CHRISTIAN RELATIONS
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I. CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS
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Communion and Unity: Biblical Injunctions (Brock Fowler) [Facebook, 1998]
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How Catholics View Protestants [9-4-03; rev. 10-9-03 and 1-5-05; abridged on 11-14-16]
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Top Ten Remarkable “Catholic” Beliefs of Martin Luther [8-13-15]

Top 15 “Catholic” Beliefs of John Calvin [8-22-15]

Defending John Calvin’s “Top 15 ‘Catholic’ Beliefs” [9-2-15]

Should Catholics Try to Persuade Protestants? [5-25-16]

Ecumenism vs. No Salvation Outside of the Church? (vs. Dustin Buck Lattimore) [8-9-17]

Defending Ecumenism and Vatican II vs. Reactionary Catholics [8-10-17]

Baptismal Ecumenism: A New Evangelistic Paradigm (Rod Bennett) [8-11-17]

John Calvin’s 15 Surprisingly Catholic Views [National Catholic Register, 10-10-17]

Socratic Dialogue / Debate vs. Anti-Lutheran Catholic [3-20-07 and 10-24-17]

On Celebrating (Or Commemorating) the “Reformation Day” 500th Anniversary [Facebook, 11-1-17]

Catholic Ecumenism + Apologetics (James Swan’s Cluelessness) [11-18-17]

Dialogue on “Mere Christianity” and “The Church” [11-22-17]

Do Protestants Hate My Writings? / Catholic-Protestant Dialogue [Facebook, 12-27-18]

Reactionary Louie Verrecchio’s Three Lies About Vatican II [6-19-19]

Vs. Pasqualucci Re Vatican II #2: Unitatis Redintegratio (Salvation) [7-11-19]

Dialogue: Pope Francis vs. Gospel Preaching & Converts? No! (vs. Eric Giunta) [1-3-20]

Reply to Questions Concerning Attending Protestant Services [Facebook, 4-1-20]

Islam Expert Sam Shamoun Has Renounced Anti-Catholicism [Facebook, 2-22-21]

Nice Protestant Compliments of My Work [Facebook, 6-8-22]

Very Nice Compliment from Protestant You Tube Apologist Collin Brooks [Facebook, 7-16-22]

“Asbury Revival”: So Far So Good, But Be Watchful [2-20-23]

Why Protestants Become Catholics (w Gavin Ortlund) [2-22-24]

My Deep Respect for Gavin Ortlund as a Protestant Apologist [2-22-24]

“Are Catholics Christians? Why Protestants Can Say YES” (video by Gavin Ortlund) [+ my commentary and many related links] [Facebook, 12-22-24]

Reply to Anglican E. B. Pusey #1 (Agreement on Ecumenism and Various Doctrines; Sola Scriptura) [1-20-25]

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II. EASTERN CATHOLICISM
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Books by Dave Armstrong: Orthodoxy and Catholicism: A Comparison (Third Edition with co-author Fr. Deacon Daniel Dozier, July 2015)
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III. ANTI-PROTESTANTISM 
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IV. INTER-RELIGIOUS / INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE 
*

Ecumenical Gatherings at Assisi: A Defense: Ecumenism in St. Thomas Aquinas (Fr. Alfredo M. Morselli) [8-1-99]

Dialogue: Vatican II & Other Religions (Nostra Aetate) [8-1-99]

Defense of 2nd Ecumenical Gathering at Assisi (Mark Shea) [2-6-02]

Can a Christian Fund a Mosque? [3-25-07; abridged 8-8-16]

Does the Catholic Church Equate Allah and Yahweh (God)? [article for Seton Magazine, 18 June 2014; see additional important clarifications and vigorous discussion on my Facebook page]

Biblical Evidence for Ecumenism (“A Biblical Approach to Other Religions”) [National Catholic Register, 8-9-17]

Is VCII’s Nostra Aetate “Religiously Pluralistic” & Indifferentist? [6-7-19]

Reactionary Louie Verrecchio’s Three Lies About Vatican II [6-19-19]

David Madison vs. the Gospel of Mark #7: Ch. 7 (Gentiles) [8-19-19]

Dialogue: Pope Francis vs. Gospel Preaching & Converts? No! (vs. Eric Giunta) [1-3-20]

Pope St. Pius X: Muslims Worship “the one True God” [Facebook, 9-4-20]

Pope Francis & the Diversity of Religions (The Sedevacantist Outfit Novus Ordo Watch Lies Yet Again About Pope Francis) [11-29-20]

Ecumenism & Religious Liberty [Ch. 9 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023] [11-21-23]
*
V. SALVATION “OUTSIDE” THE CHURCH / RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
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The Catholic Church’s View of Non-Catholic Christians (Karl Adam) [Facebook, 1996; from 1924]
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On Salvation Outside the Catholic Church (Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J.) [Facebook, 6-15-98; written in 1975]
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Is There Salvation Outside the Church? (Fr. William G. Most) [Catholic Culture, 1988]
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Anathemas of Trent & Excommunication: An Explanation [5-20-03, incorporating portions from 1996 and 1998; abridged on 7-30-18]
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Is There Salvation Outside of the Church? And Other Questions. (Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery, 6-4-10)
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Salvation Outside the Church (Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery, 8-12-10)
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Why Mathison is Wrong on Salvation Outside the Church (Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery, 8-17-10)
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Ecumenism vs. No Salvation Outside of the Church? (vs. Dustin Buck Lattimore) [8-9-17]
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VI. JEWS AND JUDAISM
 
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VII. ISLAM

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Can a Christian Fund a Mosque? [3-25-07; abridged 8-8-16]

Does the Catholic Church Equate Allah and Yahweh (God)? [article for Seton Magazine, 18 June 2014; see additional important clarifications and vigorous discussion on my Facebook page]

John Paul II Kissing the Koran: Dialogue with Traditionalists [2012; new Introduction added on 6-4-19] [6-4-19]

Pope St. Pius X: Muslims Worship “the one True God” [Facebook, 9-4-20]

VIII. ATHEISM AND CHRISTIAN RELATIONS

Secular Humanism & Christianity: Seeking Common Ground (with Sue Strandberg) [5-25-01]

Can Atheists be Saved? Are They All “Evil”? [2-17-03]

Constructive, Enjoyable Atheist-Christian Discussion Perfectly Possible [1-4-07]

16 Atheists and Me: Further Adventures at an Atheist “Bible Study” Group [11-24-10]

My Enjoyable Dinner with Six Atheist Friends [6-9-15]

Clarifications Regarding Atheist “Reductio” Paper [8-20-15]

Legitimate Atheist Anger [10-7-15]

New Testament on God-Rejecters vs. Open-Minded Agnostics [10-9-15]

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***
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Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
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PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
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You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
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Last updated on 20 January 2025

*** 

2025-05-01T12:23:16-04:00

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:23 pm   By
Cover (552x832)
(October 2010, 187 pages)
***** 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. GENERAL (CATHOLIC SOTERIOLOGY) / INFUSED JUSTIFICATION 
II. “FAITH ALONE” / FAITH AND WORKS 
III. SANCTIFICATION
IV. THEOSIS / DIVINIZATION / DEIFICATION
V. PRAYER
VI. SIN / MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN
VII. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION / ETERNAL SECURITY / FALLING AWAY / APOSTASY / EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
VIII. PREDESTINATION / GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS 
IX. LIMITED VS. UNIVERSAL ATONEMENT  
X. ERROR OF UNIVERSALISM
XI. THE GOSPEL, DISCIPLESHIP, REVIVAL, “RELIGION”, “PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS” 
XII. GRACE, IRRESISTIBLE GRACE, CATHOLIC ANTI-PELAGIANISM, AND SYNERGISM
XIII. MERIT AND REWARDS / HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE 
XIV. ORIGINAL SIN AND TOTAL DEPRAVITY 
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I. GENERAL (CATHOLIC SOTERIOLOGY) / INFUSED JUSTIFICATION 
*

“Catholicism Refuted”? (Kevin Cauley): Pt. V: Salvation (+ Purgatory Again) [12-11-04]

Catholics’ Underemphasis on Justification by Faith [3-30-06]

Ecumenical Dialogue: Protestant & Catholic Soteriology [7-8-07]

Comparative Soteriology (Salvation): A Handy Chart [7-19-08]

The Theology of Salvation (+ Pt. 2): chapter four (pp. 161-235) of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers [10-17-23]

Salvation is a Process & Not Instantaneously Assured [2009]

Bible on the Nature of Saving Faith (Including Assent, Trust, Hope, Works, Obedience, and Sanctification) [380 passages] [1-21-10]

Biblical “Power”: Proof of Infused (Catholic) Justification [12 passages] [3-14-11]

Justification: Not by Faith Alone, & Ongoing (Romans 4, James 2, and Abraham’s Multiple Justifications) [10-15-11]

Various Thoughts on Salvation “Outside” the Church [2012]

St. Paul’s Use of the Term “Gift” & Infused Justification [19 passages] [2013]

Salvation: By Grace Alone, Not Faith Alone or Works [19 passages] [2013]

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Salvation, Eternal Security, & Grace: Dialogue w Bethany Kerr [4-13-15]

“Catholic Justification” in James & Romans [11-18-15]

Catholicism = “False Gospel”?: Exchange with Anti-Catholic [3-18-17]

Is God Alone Holy, According to Scripture? Or Can We Be Too? [5-3-17]

Why Desire Salvation?”: Reply to a Non-Christian Inquirer [National Catholic Register, 7-7-17]

“The Lord Helps Those Who Help Themselves” [National Catholic Register, 7-19-17]
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Biblical Evidence for Salvation as a Process [National Catholic Register, 8-4-17]

Biblical Evidence for Catholic Justification [National Catholic Register, 11-2-17]

Seidensticker Folly #29: Repentance: Part of Salvation [10-26-18]

Salvation and Eternal Afterlife in the Old Testament [26 passages] [8-31-19]

Salvation and Immortality Are Not Just New Testament Ideas [National Catholic Register, 9-23-19]

Weekly Mass Attenders Can Still End Up in Hell? Yes! (Attending Mass — Even for an Entire Lifetime — Doesn’t Excuse Us from the Moral Requirements of Christianity, Including Confession of Sin [1-24-20]

Dialogue: Galatians 3 & Justification (vs. Jason Engwer) [5-29-20]

Baptismal Regeneration and Justification (vs. Jason Engwer) [6-4-20]

The Bible Makes It Clear: Religion Means Relationship With God (and good works) [National Catholic Register, 6-18-21]

Ehrman Errors #3: Jesus vs. Paul on Salvation? [3-22-22]

Justification: A Catholic Perspective (vs. Francisco Tourinho) [6-22-22]

Reply to Francisco Tourinho on Justification: Round 2 (Pt. 1) [+ Part 2] [+ Part 3] [7-19-22]

Ongoing Justification and the Indwelling Holy Spirit [National Catholic Register, 8-1-22]

The Great Justification Debate [with Francisco Tourinho] (Waitin’ . . .) [Facebook, 8-22-22]

Biblical Justification: vs. Francisco Tourinho (Round 3, Pt. 1) [10-20-22]

Peter and Paul Distorts Peter’s Life & Paul’s Teaching [2-25-23]

Justification: vs. Francisco Tourinho (Round 3, Pt. 2) [8-23-23]

Justification: vs. Francisco Tourinho (Rd. 3, Pt. 3) [8-30-23]

Abraham: Justified Twice by Works & Once by Faith [8-30-23]

Justification in the Book of James (Different from Paul?) [8-30-23]

The Prophet Isaiah Explains How God Saves Us [National Catholic Register, 8-30-23]

Abraham and Ongoing Justification by Faith and Works [National Catholic Register, 9-19-23]

Rescuing Romans from Martin Foord [9-22-23]

Justification is Ongoing, By Analogy Like Salvation (As Ten NT Passages Assert) [Facebook, 9-22-23]

Reply to Jason Engwer on Justification [9-23-23]

Abraham’s Multiple Justifications by Works & Faith: Quick Summary of Biblical Proofs [Facebook, 10-4-23]

Last Day: What Jesus Says To The Elect (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) + Bible Passages On the Organic Relationship of Faith, Works, Grace, Obedience, & Salvation [2-16-24]

Justification: Reply to Jordan Cooper (Highlighting Love as the Fulfilling of the Law & Commandments, in Relation to Justification & Salvation) [4-23-24]

Augsburg Confession Dialogues: Justification [5-3-24]

Grace-Caused Faith is Catholic Teaching, Too! (Please, Someone Tell James Swan and Get Him Up to Speed) [6-12-24]

Millions of Christians Think Baptism Is Unrelated to Justification — Here’s Why They’re Wrong [National Catholic Register, 6-22-24]

Catholic Soteriology (Theology of Salvation) in a Nutshell [Facebook, 9-23-24]

Salvation as a Process: 75 NT Passages [11-16-24]

Catholic Salvation: 1871 Bible Passages [12-27-24]

Works & Sanctification Partly Cause Salvation: 34 Passages [1-30-25]

The “Three-Legged Stool” of Salvation (Catholic Soteriology Briefly Explained) [Facebook, 2-13-25]

Hold Fast to Hope: A Biblical Guide to Confidence in Salvation [National Catholic Register, 2-27-25]

VIDEO: NO! Jesus and Paul never taught “FAITH ALONE” [20+ Bible Verses] [with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 3-14-25]

VIDEO: What The Bible REALLY Says About Faith and Good Works [20+ Bible Verses; Part 2] [with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 3-27-25]

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II. “FAITH ALONE” / FAITH AND WORKS 

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Dialogue w Three Lutherans on Justification & Salvation [2-1-07]

Final Judgment & Works (Not Faith): 50 Passages [2-10-08] 

Catholic-Protestant Common Ground (Esp. Re Good Works) [4-8-08]

“Working Out” Salvation & Protestant Soteriology (vs. Ken Temple) [4-9-08] 

Martin Luther: Good Works Prove Authentic Faith [4-16-08] 

St. Paul on Grace, Faith, & Works (50 Passages) [8-6-08]

John Calvin: Good Works Manifest True Saving Faith [9-4-08] 

Original Sin, Imputation, & Baptism (vs. Calvin #40) [11-17-09] 

Bible on Faith, Works, and Judgment (vs. Jason Engwer) [12-16-09] 

Grace, Faith, Works, & Judgment: A Scriptural Exposition [12-16-09; reformulated & abridged on 3-15-17]

Bible on Participation in Our Own Salvation (Always Enabled by God’s Grace)[1-3-10]

Monergism in Initial Justification is Catholic Doctrine [1-7-10]

Martin Luther: Faith Alone is Not Lawless Antinomianism [2-28-10] 

Catholics & Justification by Faith Alone: Is There a Sense in Which Catholics Can Accept “Faith Alone” and/or Imputed Justification (with Proper Biblical Qualifications)? [9-28-10] 

Dialogue with a Lutheran: Salvation & Miscellany [10-14-11] 

“Leaven” of the Pharisees: Hypocrisy or False Doctrine? (vs. Lutheran Nathan Rinne) [11-3-11] 

The “Obedience of Faith” in Paul and its Soteriological Implications (Justification and Denial of “Faith Alone”) [from Ferdinand Prat, S. J.; Facebook, 2-1-12] 

Can Only Regenerate Men Perform Truly Good Works? (vs. John Calvin) [Oct. 2012] 

Catholic & Calvinist Agreement on Justification & Works [2012]

Scripture on Being Co-Workers with God for Salvation [72 passages] [2013]

New Testament Epistles on Bringing About Further Sanctification and Even Salvation By Our Own Actions [7-2-13]

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Final Judgment Always Has to Do with Works and Never with “Faith Alone” [9-5-14]

Jesus vs. “Faith Alone” (Rich Young Ruler) [10-12-15] 

Dialogue: Rich Young Ruler & Good Works [10-14-15] 

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Reply to a Calvinist on Faith Alone and Works [of God Only?] [4-4-17]

Debate with a Lutheran Pastor on Faith and Works [5-4-17]

Catholics and Protestants Agree on Grace Alone and the Necessity of the Presence of Good Works in Regenerate and Ultimately Saved Persons; Disagree on Faith Alone [5-4-17] 

How Are We Saved? Faith Alone? Or the Way Jesus Taught? [National Catholic Register, 5-11-17] 

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #8: Heretical Tobit? (Alms & Salvation) [10-20-17] 

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #12: Salvation (Soteriology) [10-22-17] 

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“Faith Alone”?: Quick & Decisive Biblical Refutation [1-8-19]

“Faith Alone” & Salvation: Dialogue w Lutheran Pastor (vs. Rev. Ken Howes) [2-18-19] 

Calvinist Origin of Luther’s (?) “Snow-Covered Dunghill”? [5-14-19] 

‘Doers of the Law’ Are Justified, Says St. Paul [National Catholic Register, 5-22-19]

Jesus on Salvation: Works, Merit and Sacrifice [National Catholic Register, 7-28-19]

Jesus: Faith + Works (Not Faith Alone) Leads to Salvation [8-1-19]

Old Testament Sacrifices: Killing Animals to be Saved? [8-17-19]

David Madison vs. Paul and Romans #3: Chapter 3 (Pauline / Biblical Soteriology: Faith and Works, Grace and Merit / Hyperbole [“No one is good”]) [8-27-19]

Good Works and Men, God’s Grace, and Regeneration (vs. John Calvin) [National Catholic Register, 8-6-20]

Defense of Bible Passages vs. Eternal Security & Faith Alone (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-12-20]

Banzoli’s 45 “Faith Alone” Passages; My 200 Biblical Disproofs [6-16-22]

What the Bible Says About Justification by Faith and Works [National Catholic Register, 7-27-22]

Luther’s Translation of “Faith Alone” in Romans 3:28 (Also: Did “Early Erasmus” Agree with Luther?) [12-7-22] 

Luther, James, Faith & Works: Additional Relevant Data [3-7-23] 

“All Our Righteousnesses Are As Filthy Rags” (Is 64:6, KJV): Does Isaiah 64:6 (“even our best actions are filthy through and through”: GNB) Prove That All Works Whatsoever, Done by Regenerated Persons in Faith and By Grace, Are Absolutely Worthless? [6-30-23] 

Dialogue on Meritorious Works & the Gospel [6-30-23]

Dialogue: Rich Young Ruler, Works, & Salvation [7-3-23] 

Jesus: Good Works are Meritorious & Salvific: Highlighting the Discourse at the Last Supper and Sermon on the Mount [9-4-23]

The Classic Catholic-Protestant Debate on “Faith Alone” (Sola Fide) in a Nutshell [Facebook, 9-23-23]

Why the Apostles Would Have Flunked Out of Protestant Seminary (original title: “Meritorious and Salvific Works According to Jesus”) [National Catholic Register, 9-28-23]
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“Catholic Verses” #2: Jerusalem Council (Also: the Ten Commandments in the New Covenant; Church Fathers On the Binding Nature of the Council of Nicaea) [10-25-23]

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) Nonexistent Before the Protestant Revolt in 1517 (Geisler & McGrath) [Catholic365, 10-31-23]

Abraham’s Justification By Faith & Works (vs. Jordan Cooper) + Catholic Exegesis Regarding St. Paul’s Specific Meaning of “Works” in Romans 4 [3-1-24]

Luther’s “Tower” Justification Idea & Catholicism + Early Catholic Church & St. Thomas Aquinas on Grace Alone (Contra Pelagianism) & Justification [5-28-24]

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Good Works [5-31-24]

Works & Salvation: Luther vs. Scripture [7-4-24]

Bible vs. Faith Alone: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 [7-15-24]

Bible vs. Faith Alone: Romans 6:22 [7-15-24]

Bible vs. Faith Alone: Acts 26:18 [7-18-24]

Bible vs. Faith Alone: Acts 15:9 [7-19-24]

Quick, Decisive Refutation of “Faith Alone” from Jesus, Paul, and James [Facebook, 8-15-24]

Meaning of “Live By Faith” (Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17, Etc.) [8-16-24]

Reply to Melanchthon: Justification #1 (Moral Assurance of Salvation / Examination of Conscience / Bible On Apostasy / Initial Justification & Faith Alone) [8-29-24]

Reply to Melanchthon: Justification #2: Good Works 1 (“Working Together” with God / Human Striving & Merit / Tridentine Soteriology / David’s & Paul’s Godly “Boasting” / Regenerate Sinners / Romans 7 & 8 & Sin / God is Pleased by Our Meritorious Acts / Colossians 1:28: Imputed Justification?) [8-31-24]

Reply to Melanchthon: Justification #3: Good Works 2 (Trent on “Faith” / Meritorious Works / “Trust” in God / How the Error of “Faith Alone” Originated / Mortal Sin / “Faith” in James) [9-3-24]

Philip Melanchthon in Effect Fights with Jesus Over Faith Alone (Rich Young Ruler Passage) [Facebook, 9-4-24]

Reply to Melanchthon: Justification #4: Good Works 3 (James Refutes Faith Alone / Faith Without Love is Dead, Too / Love & Justification / Jesus Denies Faith Alone: Rich Young Ruler) [9-5-24]

Reply to Melanchthon: Justification #5: Good Works 4 (Isaiah vs. Protestant Soteriology / Absolution, Love, & Remission of Sins / Was Mary Who Wiped Jesus’ Feet with Her Hair, a Believer When She Did So? / Good Works of the Regenerate Rewarded with Heaven) [9-6-24]

Jesus vs. “Faith Alone”: Quick Handy Summary [Facebook, 9-24-24]

Sanctification and Works Are Tied to Salvation [National Catholic Register, 9-26-24]

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VIDEO: Can I be saved by “Faith Alone”??? [30+ Verses to Highlight!!] [Kenny Burchard, utilizing my biblical research, 10-6-24]
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VIDEO: Sharing the Gospel with non-Catholics and non-Christians [Kenny Burchard, utilizing my biblical research, 10-16-24]
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Faith Alone? 80 Bible Verses Say Otherwise [National Catholic Register, 10-31-24]
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VIDEO: NO! Jesus and Paul never taught “FAITH ALONE” [20+ Bible Verses] [with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 3-14-25]
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VIDEO: What The Bible REALLY Says About Faith and Good Works [20+ Bible Verses; Part 2] [with Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 3-27-25]
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III. SANCTIFICATION

St. Paul on Justification, Sanctification, & Salvation [1996]

“All Have Sinned” vs. a Sinless, Immaculate Mary? [1996; revised and posted at National Catholic Register on 12-11-17]

Catholic Bible Verses on Sanctification and Merit [12-20-07]

Martin Luther: Strong Elements in His Thinking of Theosis & Sanctification Linked to Justification [11-23-09]

Jesus Associates Works, Merit, & Heroic Sacrifice w Salvation [11-10-18]

Absolution, Sanctification, & Forgiveness: Reply to Calvin #7 [12-19-18] 

Random Thoughts on Justification and Sanctification [Facebook, 6-20-22]

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Theosis and the Exalted Virgin Mary [7-11-04]

Martin Luther: Strong Elements in His Thinking of Theosis & Sanctification Linked to Justification [11-23-09]

“In Him” An Expression of the Oneness of Theosis? [3-13-14]

Theosis / Deification / Divinization in Western Spirituality [2015]

Vs. Pasqualucci Re Vatican II #1: Gaudium et Spes (Incarnation) [7-11-19]

Banzoli’s 45 “Faith Alone” Passages; My 200 Biblical Disproofs [6-16-22]

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V. PRAYER
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Biblical Prayer is Conditional, Not Solely Based on Faith [National Catholic Register, 10-9-18]
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Can the Prayers of Jesus Go Unanswered? [National Catholic Register, 6-10-19]
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VI. SIN / MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN
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Does God “Want” Men to Sin? Does He “Ordain” Sin? [2-17-10 and 3-16-17]

Martin Luther and Lutherans on Mortal & Venial Sins [10-30-17]

What the Bible Says on Degrees of Sin and Mortal Sin [National Catholic Register, 7-6-18]

“Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner”: Biblical & Christlike? [8-21-18]

Should We Pray for All People or Not (1 John 5:16)? [9-5-18]

Vs. James White #8: St. Basil on Mortal & Venial Sin [11-13-19]

“Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner” — Quite Biblical! [National Catholic Register, 1-29-20]

Mortal & Venial Sin: Proof from “Unwitting” Passages [10-26-21]

Question on Whether Ignorance of Mortal Sin is a Good Thing [Facebook, 7-8-23]

“Catholic Verses” #4: Sinners in the Church (Including the Biblical Conception of “Saints” and “Sinners”) [10-26-23]

Bible On Mortal & Venial Sin (vs. Anglican Stearns #5) [31 passages] [3-20-25]

VIDEO: Can some sins cause you to LOSE your salvation? (Mortal & Venial Sin) [Dave Armstrong & Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 4-5-25]

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VII. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION / ETERNAL SECURITY / FALLING AWAY / APOSTASY / EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
*
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Dialogue on Luther’s “Getting to a Gracious God” (vs. Lutheran historian “CPA”) [6-4-06]

St. Paul: Two-Faced Re Unbelief? (Romans 1 “vs.” Epistles) [7-5-10]

Novelist Anne Rice’s Deconversion: Straw Men & “Baby / Bathwater” (conversion to humanism but not atheism) [7-30-10 and 8-9-10]

Absolute Assurance of Salvation?: Debunking “Prooftexts” [Oct. 2010]

Salvation, Eternal Security, & Grace: Dialogue w Bethany Kerr [4-13-15]

“Once Saved, Always Saved”: Is it Biblical? Antinomian? [8-18-15]

My “Review” of Martin Scorsese’s Silence (+ Facebook Discussion #1 / Facebook Discussion #2) [1-13-17]

Some Nagging Questions About Scorsese’s Silence [National Catholic Register, 2-19-17]

Seidensticker Folly #3: Falsehoods About God & Free Will [8-14-18]

Should We Pray for All People or Not (1 John 5:16)? [9-5-18]

Madison vs. Jesus #7: God Prohibits Some Folks’ Repentance? [8-6-19]

Vs. James White #4: Eternal Security of Believers? [9-19-19]

Vs. James White #7: My Refutations of Calvinism & His Non-Replies [11-12-19]

Reply to Protestant Challenges Re Eternal Security (vs. Jason Engwer) [7-26-20]

Defense of Bible Passages vs. Eternal Security & Faith Alone (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-12-20]

The Bible is Clear: ‘Eternal Security’ is a Manmade Doctrine [National Catholic Register, 8-17-20]

Eternal Security vs. the Bible [National Catholic Register, 8-23-20]

Seidensticker Folly #64: A Saved Dahmer & Damned Anne Frank? [11-24-20]

Perseverance of the Saints: Reply to a Calvinist [5-17-21]

Westminster vs. Bible #1: Assurance of Salvation [5-19-21]

Is True Faith Always Permanent? (vs. Calvin #62) [3-7-23]

No “Eternal Security” in 1 and 2 Timothy (Contra Jason Engwer) [Facebook, 9-25-23]

Reply to Jason Engwer Re Eternal Security [9-26-23]

Reply to a “Reformation Day” Lutheran Sermon [Vs. Nathan Rinne] (Including St. Augustine’s View on the Rule of Faith & the Perspicuity of Scripture; Luther & Lutherans’ Belief in Falling Away) [10-31-23]

VIDEO: Can Catholics even know if they’re saved? [Kenny Burchard, utilizing my Bible research, 9-19-24]

Debate: Catholic Assurance of Salvation [10-1-24]

What the Bible Says About Moral Assurance of Salvation [National Catholic Register, 11-13-24]

Falling Away (Apostasy): 150 Biblical Passages (+ Catalogue of Sixty Traits That Apostates Formerly Possessed When They Were in God’s Good Graces) [11-19-24]

VIDEO: “Once Saved Always Saved” REFUTED! – [20+verses] [Dave Armstrong & Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, 11-22-24]

Why Examination of Conscience Is Biblical [National Catholic Register, 11-25-24]

Biblical “Hope” & Catholic Moral Assurance of Salvation [2-11-25]

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VIII. PREDESTINATION / GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS 
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IX. LIMITED VS. UNIVERSAL ATONEMENT  
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Limited Atonement: Refutation of James White [9-1-21]

Biblical Reasons Why Catholics Don’t Believe in ‘Limited Atonement’ [National Catholic Register, 10-27-21]

More Biblical Reasons Why Catholics Don’t Believe in ‘Limited Atonement’ [National Catholic Register, 10-30-21]

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X. ERROR OF UNIVERSALISM

XI. THE GOSPEL, DISCIPLESHIP, REVIVAL, “RELIGION”, “PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS” 
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“In You I Hope” (Poem of Mine from 1982) [about trusting God and waiting on Him with confidence]
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“The Harvest is Ready”: 14 Tips for Catholic Evangelism [National Catholic Register, 7-12-17]
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Swearing and Sharing the Faith Don’t Mix Very Well! [National Catholic Register, 7-16-18]
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Some Thoughts on Evangelism and Being “Hated by All” [National Catholic Register, 7-20-18]
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Biblical Evidence: Personal Relationship with Jesus [14 passages] [2013; expanded on 1-18-19]
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On Whether Jesus’ “Brothers” Were “Unbelievers” [National Catholic Register, 6-11-20]
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Dialogue on Biblical Views Re Following Jesus & Riches (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-21-20]
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Who Must Renounce All Possessions to Follow Jesus? [National Catholic Register, 1-21-21]
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Explicit Biblical Instruction on Saving Souls [National Catholic Register, 2-28-22]
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Which is Greater?: Love or Faith? [Facebook, 3-20-23]
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Biblical “Gospel” 0101 [Facebook, 10-24-23]
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VIDEO: How Catholics Get Saved [by Kenny Burchard at Catholic Bible Highlights, utilizing my biblical research, 10-12-24]
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XII. GRACE, IRRESISTIBLE GRACE, CATHOLIC ANTI-PELAGIANISM, AND SYNERGISM
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Is Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) Also Catholic Teaching? [National Catholic Register, 2-5-18]
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XIII. MERIT AND REWARDS / HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE 
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24 Biblical Passages on Meritorious Works [National Catholic Register, 9-30-24]
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Merit in a Nutshell [Facebook, 10-24-24]
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XIV. ORIGINAL SIN AND TOTAL DEPRAVITY 
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Historicity of Adam and Eve  [9-23-11; rev. 1-6-22]
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Total Depravity & the Evil of the Non-Elect (vs. John Calvin) [10-12-12]
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***
*
Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*

Last updated on 14 April 2025

***
2025-05-06T19:41:22-04:00

Last updated on: May 6, 2025 at 7:41 pm   By
BibleRosary
Photograph by Chris Sloan, 28 Nov. 2009 [Flickr / CC BY 2.0 license]
*****

Table of Contents

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I. Relationship of the Bible to the Church
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II. Tradition (Apostolic)
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III. Sola Scriptura (Scripture as the Only Infallible Authority)
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IV. Perspicuity (Clearness) of Scripture
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V. Material and Formal Sufficiency of Scripture / Rule of Faith
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VI. The Canon of Scripture
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VII. Deuterocanonical Books (So-Called “Apocrypha”)
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VIII. Biblical Accuracy / Alleged Biblical Contradictions and Difficulties
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I. RELATIONSHIP OF THE BIBLE TO THE CHURCH
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Why Do Christians Believe in Biblical Inspiration? (Archaeological, Prophetic, and Manuscript Evidences) [1987]

An Introduction to Bible Interpretation [1987]

Apologetics-Oriented Biblical Commentary on Philippians (RSV) [1998]

Apologetics-Oriented Biblical Commentary on Colossians (RSV) [1998]

Laymen’s Greek & Hebrew Bible Resources for Free [1-22-02; linked sources added on 11-28-16]

“Why Don’t Catholics Read the Bible?” [6-26-02]

Catholic “Three-Legged Stool”: Scripture, Tradition, & Church: Dialogue with an Anglican on the Catholic Rule of Faith (vs. Jon Jacobson) [10-31-02]

The Freedom of the Catholic Biblical Exegete / Interpreter + Bible Passages that the Church has Definitively Interpreted [9-14-03]

“Biblical Evidence” from the Catholic Point of View [2-1-08]

Bibles & Catholics, Sunday School?, Memorization, Etc. [9-25-08]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers [4-18-09]

Why Folks Like the New Catholic Answer Bible (+ Clueless Anti-Catholic Attacks On It) [4-5-09; slightly revised on 8-5-21]

How Do Catholics Approach & Interpret Holy Scripture? [6-17-09]

Catholic Interpretation of Scripture (Hermeneutics / Exegesis): Resource List (Links) [6-28-09]

Were Vernacular Bibles Unknown Before Luther? (Luther’s Dubious Claims About the Supposed Utter Obscurity of the Bible Before His Translation) [6-15-11]

Reply to a Lutheran on Tradition & the Patristic Rule of Faith [1-10-12; additions on 2-20-18]

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Dialogue on Authoritative Bible Interpretation in the New Testament (vs. Reformed Baptist Elder Jim Drickamer) [1-14-17]
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Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
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Catholics R More Biblical Than Protestants? (Dialogue) (vs. Dustin Buck Lattimore) [5-3-17]
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The Analogy of an Infallible Bible to an Infallible Church [11-6-05; rev. 7-25-15 and 6-7-17; published at National Catholic Register: 6-16-17]
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Why Are Catholics So Deficient in Bible-Reading? [National Catholic Register, 11-22-17]
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Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Myths and Truths [National Catholic Register, 12-3-18]
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Martin Luther on the Exact Nature of Being “Biblical” [11-10-14; revised and expanded on 1-5-20]
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Vatican II Upheld Biblical Inerrancy (vs. David Palm) [4-23-20]
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No, Pope Innocent III Did Not Prohibit the Bible in 1199 [National Catholic Register, 8-2-21]
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Catholic Church “Above” the Bible? (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [5-25-22]
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“Church vs. the Bible” (vs. Francisco Tourinho) (Examining the Presuppositions That Lie Behind Past Catholic Recommended Restrictions on Individual Bible Reading) [6-5-22]
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Tourinho Knows More About Catholicism Than I Do? (His Stubborn & Foolish Pride in Refusing to Accept Correction Re the Non-Infallible Status of  Unigenitus [1713]) [6-7-22]
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II. TRADITION (APOSTOLIC) 
 
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Dialogue on “Perspicuous Apostolic Teaching” (vs. James White) [May-June 1996]
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“Tradition” Isn’t a Dirty Word [late 90s; rev. 8-16-16]
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 “Tradition” Is Not Always a Bad Word! [written specifically for children: 12 or younger; 2-12-14]
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Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
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Tradition is Not a Dirty Word — It’s a Great Gift [National Catholic Register, 4-24-17]
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Martin Luther on the Exact Nature of Being “Biblical” [11-10-14; revised and expanded on 1-5-20]
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2 Thessalonians 2:15 & Tradition (vs. Steve Hays) [5-12-20]
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The Bible Alone? That’s Not What the Bible Says [National Catholic Register, 3-5-21]
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Extra-Biblical, Spirit-Led Prophecy After the Day of Pentecost [4-1-21; published at Catholic365, 11-7-23]
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How Did the Gospel Writers Know About ‘Hidden’ Events? [National Catholic Register, 3-31-22]
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Pharisees, “Moses’ Seat”, Tradition & Catholicism [Dec. 2003 and May 2005; a condensed, re-edited, and mildly revised version: 5-1-22]
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The Authority of Apostolic Tradition: chapter one of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers [10-9-23]
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VIDEO: No Tradition? Fine. NO CHRISTIANITY! [13 Verses To Highlight] [Kenny Burchard, utilizing my biblical research, 9-22-24]
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 III. SOLA SCRIPTURA
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Debate: Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-1-03]

Ten Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-1-03]

Sola Scriptura: Unbiblical!: Refutation of Dr. Richard Bennett [9-15-03]

Refutation of Dr. John MacArthur’s Sola Scriptura Defense: “The Sufficiency of the Written Word” [9-15-03]

Biblical Argumentation: Same as Sola Scriptura? [10-7-03]

Quick Ten-Step Refutation of Sola Scriptura [10-10-03]

55-Minute Interview on Catholic Answers Live: “Why we Need More than the Bible” (listen to audio file: see #8) (10-10-03)

“Moses’ Seat” & Jesus vs. Sola Scriptura (vs. James White) [12-27-03]

Sola Scriptura and Private Judgment Are Logically Circular [1-28-04; slight modifications and abridgment on 9-5-17]

Difficulties of Authority: Luther, Calvin, & Protestantism [4-11-04]

Sola Scriptura is Self-Defeating and False if Not in the Bible (vs. Kevin Johnson) [5-4-04]

Jerusalem Council vs. Sola Scriptura [9-2-04]

Analyzing Luther / Protestant Traditions of Men Inevitable [9-29-04]

Dialogue: Lutherans, Sola Scriptura, & the Church Fathers [5-29-05]

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Papal Infallibility Doctrine: History (Including Luther’s Dissent at the Leipzig Disputation in 1519) (Related also to the particular circumstances of the origins of sola Scriptura) [10-8-07]
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Sola Scriptura Debate (vs. C. Michael Patton) [10-19-08]
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10-Point Biblical Refutation of Sola Scriptura [National Catholic Register, 12-11-16]
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Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
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Catholics R More Biblical Than Protestants? (Dialogue) (vs. Dustin Buck Lattimore) [5-3-17]
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3 Effective Biblical Refutations of Sola Scriptura [National Catholic Register, 11-12-17]
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David T. King Ignores Sola Scriptura Biblical Disproofs (Incl. lengthy analysis of 2 Peter 1:20: “no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation”) [11-13-17]
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The New Testament Canon is a “Late” Doctrine [National Catholic Register, 1-22-18]
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Martin Luther on the Exact Nature of Being “Biblical” [11-10-14; revised and expanded on 1-5-20]
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1 Timothy 3:15 = Church Infallibility (vs. Steve Hays) [5-14-20]
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Does Sola Scriptura Create Chaos? (vs. Steve Hays) [5-15-20]
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Is Sola Scriptura Self-Refuting? (vs. Bruno Lima) [10-12-22]
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How Martin Luther Invented Sola Scriptura [National Catholic Register, 5-21-24]
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IV. PERSPICUITY (CLEARNESS) OF SCRIPTURE
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Baptismal Regeneration: Central Doctrine, According to Luther & Lutheranism [1996]

Dialogue: Clearness (Perspicuity) of Scripture and the Formal Sufficiency of Scripture (vs. Carmen Bryant) [6-8-00]

Dialogue: Church Fathers on Perspicuity & Sola Scriptura [6-11-00]

The Sufficiency & Perspicuity of Scripture & the Trinity [6-16-03; slightly revised on 1-20-04]

The Revised Fundamentalist Baptist Version (RFBV) [5-18-04]

Is the Bible in Fact Clear, or “Perspicuous” to Every Individual? [2007]

Luther: Scripture Easily Grasped by “Plowboys” [11-1-08]

Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Sola Scriptura and Perspicuity of Scripture [2-12-09]

25 Brief Arguments Regarding Biblical “Clearness” [2009]

The Perspicuity (Clearness) of Scripture: A Summary [1-22-10]

The Anglican Newman (1833-1838) on the Falsity of Perspicuity (Clearness) of Holy Scripture [3-7-11]

Bible: Completely Self-Authenticating, So that Anyone Could Come up with the Complete Canon without Formal Church Proclamations? (vs. Wm. Whitaker) [July 2012]

Perspicuity (Clearness) of Scripture (vs. Wm. Whitaker) [July 2012]

The Bible: “Clear” & “Self-Interpreting”? [February 2014]

Perspicuity (Clarity) of Holy Scripture [11-21-15]

Protestant Unity on “Central” Doctrines?: Baptism as Test Case (vs. Methodist Philosophy professor Jerry Walls) [1-9-17]

Dialogue on Authoritative Bible Interpretation in the New Testament (vs. Reformed Baptist Elder Jim Drickamer) [1-14-17]

The Clearness, or “Perspicuity,” of Sacred Scripture [National Catholic Register, 11-16-17]

Biblical Interpretation & Clarity: Dialogue w an Atheist [5-26-18]

Is Inspiration Immediately Evident in Every Biblical Book? [National Catholic Register, 7-28-18]

Bible “Difficulties” Are No Disproof of Biblical Inspiration [National Catholic Register, 6-29-19]

“Difficulty” in Understanding the Bible: Hebrew Cultural Factors [2-5-21]

An Omniscient God and a “Clear” Bible [National Catholic Register, 2-28-21]

Did Pope Innocent III Forbid the Bible in 1199? (+ Does the Bible Itself Teach That it Should be Read Without Need of Any Authoritative Interpretation?) [5-11-21]

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Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 6: The Innumerable Perils of Perspicuity of Scripture and Private Judgment [3-16-23]
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What the Bible Says About Misreading the Bible [National Catholic Register, 4-30-25]

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V. MATERIAL AND FORMAL SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE / RULE OF FAITH
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The Sufficiency & Perspicuity of Scripture & the Trinity [6-16-03; slightly revised on 1-20-04]
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Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
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Martin Luther on the Exact Nature of Being “Biblical” [11-10-14; revised and expanded on 1-5-20]
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1 Timothy 3:15 = Church Infallibility (vs. Steve Hays) [5-14-20]
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VIDEO: 100% Biblical Proof FOR Catholic Authority vs. Sola Scriptura [12+ Verses to highlight] [Catholic Bible Highlights with Kenny Burchard; utilizing my biblical research, 9-28-24]
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VI. THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE
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Development of the Biblical Canon: Protestant Difficulties [2-26-02 and 3-19-02, abridged with slight revisions and additions on 7-19-18]
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The Deuterocanon: 27-Point Catholic Summary [3-19-02; slightly modified and reposted on 5-27-24]
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The New Testament Canon is a “Late” Doctrine [National Catholic Register, 1-22-18]
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VII. DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS (SO-CALLED “APOCRYPHA”)
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The Deuterocanon: 27-Point Catholic Summary [3-19-02; slightly modified and reposted on 5-27-24]
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How to Defend the Deuterocanon (or ‘Apocrypha’) [National Catholic Register, 3-12-17]
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VIII. BIBLICAL ACCURACY AND INSPIRATION / ALLEGED BIBLICAL CONTRADICTIONS AND DIFFICULTIES   
[see also related papers in the Atheist and Agnostic section]
 
FEATURED: Inspired!: 198 Supposed Biblical Contradictions Resolved (free online book) [6-3-23]
Master Lists and  Resources 
 
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General 
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Refutation of 194 Biblical “Contradictions” (#26-50) [4-6-22] [links to the entire eight-part series included]
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See also:
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How Ancient Authors Wrote (Jimmy Akin, 3-19-22)
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Jesus 
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The Resurrection: Hoax or History? [cartoon tract with art by Dan Grajek: 1985]
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Atheist “Refutes” Sermon on the Mount (Or Does He?) [National Catholic Register, 7-23-17]
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What Does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean? [National Catholic Register, 7-20-19]
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The Signs Of His Coming (David Palm, 1993) [Master’s Thesis on whether Jesus thought the end times were coming during the lifetime of His hearers] 
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Gerasenes, Gadarenes, Pigs and “Contradictions” [National Catholic Register, 1-29-21]
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Miscellaneous
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Dialogue with a Skeptic of Christianity (vs. Charlie Kluepfel) [5-2-99]
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Vatican II Upheld Biblical Inerrancy (vs. David Palm) [4-23-20]
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Who Caused Job to Suffer — God or Satan? [National Catholic Register, 6-28-20]
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God in Heaven & in His Temple: Contradiction? (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-23-20]
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Genesis, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, & Other Early Figures
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Historicity of Adam and Eve [9-23-11; rev. 1-6-22]
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Defending the Historical Adam of Genesis (vs. Eric S. Giunta) [9-25-11]
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“Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?” (Dr. Dennis Bonnette, Crisis Magazine, 11-24-14)
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The Genesis Creation Accounts and Hebrew Time [National Catholic Register, 7-2-17]
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New Testament Evidence for Noah’s Existence [National Catholic Register, 3-11-18]
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Orthodox Interpretation of Genesis and the Serpent [National Catholic Register, 11-19-18]
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Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-23-20]
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A Bible Puzzle About the Staff of Moses and Aaron [National Catholic Register, 1-14-21]
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Bible and Science
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Scripture, Science, Genesis, & Evolutionary Theory: Mini-Dialogue with an Atheist [8-14-18; rev. 2-18-19]

The Bible and Mythical Animals[National Catholic Register, 10-9-19]

The Bible is Not “Anti-Scientific,” as Skeptics Claim[National Catholic Register, 10-23-19]

Herod Agrippa I “Eaten By Worms”: Myth or Plausible? [6-20-23]

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Massacres and Wars of Annihilation / God’s Judgment
***
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Last updated on 5 May 2025
*****

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*

Practical Matters:  I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).
*
PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: [email protected]. Here’s also a second page to get to PayPal. You’ll see the term “Catholic Used Book Service”, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing (including Zelle and 100% tax-deductible donations if desired), see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information.
*
You can support my work a great deal in non-financial ways, if you prefer; by subscribing to, commenting on, liking, and sharing videos from my two YouTube channels, Catholic Bible Highlights and Lux Veritatis (featuring documentaries), where I partner with Kenny Burchard (see my own videos), and/or by signing up to receive notice for new articles on this blog. Just type your email address on the sidebar to the right (scroll down quite a bit), where you see, “Sign Me Up!” Thanks a million!
*
***
*
2025-03-06T20:25:37-04:00

Last updated on: March 6, 2025 at 8:25 pm   By
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Photo credit: Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, detail of the Ghent Altarpiece, c. 1432, by Jan van Eyck (c. 1390-1441) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

I’m inspired by the fabulous performance of Catholic Answers apologist Joe Heschmeyer vs. Bishop “Dr.” [???] James White in the recent debate, “Is the Mass A Propitiatory Sacrifice?” Joe pointed out how Protestants look the death of the Jesus on the cross as a one-time event (as indeed it was), but in a way that precludes a revisiting of it in the Mass. But then he noted how there was a difference in the Old Testament sacrificial system between the sacrifice itself and the offering of the sacrifice to God (all of it being part of the same overall process of worship). On the Day of Atonement, known by Jews as Yom Kippur, we see the procedure of the sacrifice, according to Mosaic Law:

Leviticus 16:11-16 (RSV) “Aaron shall present the bull as a sin offering for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house; he shall kill the bull as a sin offering for himself. [12] And he shall take a censer full of coals of fire from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small; and he shall bring it within the veil [13] and put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat which is upon the testimony, lest he die; [14] and he shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle the blood with his finger seven times. [15] “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering which is for the people, and bring its blood within the veil, and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat; [16] thus he shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel, and because of their transgressions, all their sins;

First, the sacrifice was made by the high priest, and then blood was taken from it (both from a bull and a goat) into the Holy of Holies (the holiest part — the inner sanctum — of the temple, and the tabernacle, prior to the temple) and sprinkled onto the mercy seat between the two cherubim, which was above the ark of the covenant, where God was specially present (Ex 30:6: “. . . the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you”). Hence, the second “offering” to God was separate and distinct from the sacrifice of the animals. Before God gave Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai, in Egypt, before the exodus, the feast of Passover was a simpler form of the same sort of sacrifice:

Exodus 12:5-8, 13-14 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old; you shall take it from the sheep or from the goats; [6] and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs in the evening. [7] Then they shall take some of the blood, and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat them. [8] They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. . . . [13] The blood shall be a sign for you, upon the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. [14] “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as an ordinance for ever.

The New Testament then picks up this theme and applies it to the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf:

John 1:29, 36 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! . . . [36] and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

Acts 8:32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this: “As a sheep led to the slaughter or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth. [this was from the Old Testament passage below]

Isaiah 53:4-7 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

1 Corinthians 5:7 . . . Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Peter 1:19 . . . the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Let’s now look at relevant passages in the book of Hebrews, which discuss Jesus being the high priest of the new covenant:
Hebrews 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.
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Hebrews 5:5-6 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; [6] as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz’edek.” (cf. 6:20)
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Hebrews 7:26-28 For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. [27] He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. [28] Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.
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Hebrews 9:11-14 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) [12] he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. [13] For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, [14] how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. [15] Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.
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Hebrews 9:24-26 For Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. [25] Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not his own; [26] for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
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Hebrews 10:10 . . . we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
The word “offer[ing]” appears 32 times in Hebrews; first regarding the Old Testament priests:
Hebrews 5:1, 3 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. . . . [3] . . .  he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people.
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Hebrews 8:3 . . . every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices . . .
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Hebrews 9:6-7 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; [7] but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people
But then the text moves to the climactic scene in heaven of Jesus offering His sacrifice to the Father:
Hebrews 10:11-14 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. [12] But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet. [14] For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. (cf. 8:1: “we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne”)
This brings me to my central argument, that was brought to mind by Joe Heschmeyer’s brilliant debate performance. One of the best arguments he made in the debate had to do with what the book of Hebrews presents with regard to Christ’s sacrifice and offering of Himself as the “paschal lamb” to the Father in heaven (Heb 10:11-14). This occurred at least 43 days after His crucifixion, because He spent time on the earth after His resurrection before He ascended to heaven (in order to sit down at the right hand of God once and for all).
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In other words, there was an offering to the Father of the one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for all time, that took place some six weeks after His death on the cross. Not everything was done at the time of the crucifixion (“it is finished”: Jn 19:30, therefore, could not have referred to this presentation in heaven) and there is a sense in which an ongoing sacrifice can be made present to us. The Catholic Mass is a re-presentation of the one sacrifice on the cross. It’s supernaturally made present to us, as I have written about:
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What I’d like to now explore is perhaps a further instance of this argumentation regarding some sense of an ongoing sacrifice after the crucifixion. If we examine the book of Revelation, we find that the word “lamb” appears no less than 30 times, referring to Jesus 28 of those times. Dr. Scott Hahn wrote in his Catholic Answers article, “The Apocalyptic Mass” (9-1-00):

My most vivid memory of the first Mass I attended was that powerful moment in the Communion Rite where the people say, “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.” “Lamb of God.” “Lamb of God.” Then they knelt, and the priest held up the host and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”—that was “Lamb of God” four times in less than a minute.

I was sitting in the back pew as simply an observer. But suddenly I knew where I was: I was back in the Book of Revelation where Jesus is called the Lamb of God no less than 28 times in 22 chapters. He’s only called “Lamb” in one other book in the entire New Testament: the Gospel of John, and there just twice. But in the Apocalypse, that’s his main title, more than all the other titles: Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Alpha and Omega, and all the rest. He’s the Lamb of God.

I went back to Mass the next day. I had my pad and pencil, and I had my Bible. This time I had it open to Revelation and I saw things I’d never seen before. I saw a connection in these liturgical actions. Not just one or two. Not even just eight or ten. I made a list of 30 elements: white-robed priests, an altar, a congregation chanting “Holy, holy, holy,” the alleluias, the amen, the golden chalices, the book, the invocation of angels and saints. I hardly knew which way to turn—toward the actions on the pages of the Apocalypse, or the action up at the altar. After about 15 or 20 minutes of the second Mass, suddenly I realized they were one and the same action. What I was reading on the page was exactly what I was watching up there at the altar.

We know what this is alluding to, if we are at all familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system and the use of “lamb” and “high priest” in reference to Jesus: even going back to the famous messianic passage Isaiah 53. But what is striking is what Dr. Hahn noted: the constant use of “lamb” in the book of Revelation. And not only that, but specifically to a “lamb slain”:
Revelation 5:6-12 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth; [7] and he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. [8] And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints; [9] and they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy art thou to take the scroll and to open its seals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, [10] and hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth.” [11] Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, [12] saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (cf. 13:8: “the Lamb that was slain”; 7:14 and 12:11: “the blood of the Lamb”; 22:3: “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him”)
Note that the worship in heaven is specifically directed towards Jesus, but not as the triumphant King Jesus; rather, it’s to the “Lamb” Who was “standing, as though it had been slain.” Again, there is an extraordinary connection to what we believe happens at Mass, where Jesus’ one sacrifice on the cross is supernaturally made present again and the priest and congregation take part in offering Jesus up (in the one sacrifice of the cross; not an additional sacrifice). And we partake of His Body and Blood, which was part of the OT sacrificial rituals as well.
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What I would like to know from my Protestant brothers and sisters is: how does all this harmonize with the common Protestant disdain of Catholic crucifixes? Protestants generally have crosses, but minus the body of Jesus. They will point out that all of that is done and over with; that Jesus is now triumphant in heaven (“so why keep going back to the cross?”). Yet when we see what actually occurs in heaven — what the inspired Bible reveals to us –, we don’t find that state of affairs at all. We see the Lamb “slain” and worshiped as the slain lamb. There is no de-emphasis at all of the death of Christ. It is still present and very much front and center. Indeed, it’s like a “live crucifix.” So what becomes of all that rather common and annoying Protestant rhetoric against this crucial aspect of Christianity?
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The most striking aspect of all of this — relevant to our doctrine of the Sacrifice of the Mass — is that it’s not merely occurring 43 days after the crucifixion (when Jesus offered Himself to God and sat down at His right hand). The evidence for the dating of the book of Revelation suggests a time at the end of the Roman emperor Domitian’s reign. He died in 96 AD. So if we follow that date, it’s about 66 years after the crucifixion of Christ. Yet even then St. John saw Jesus as a slain lamb, and witnessed Him being worshiped in heaven as such, too.
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But he goes beyond that, still referring to Jesus as the “Lamb” during the time of the last days, the Second Coming and heaven after the end of the age, and even into eternity, that God allowed him to foresee:
Revelation 6:15-17 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the generals and the rich and the strong, and every one, slave and free, hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, [16] calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; [17] for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand before it?”
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Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
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Revelation 14:9-11 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If any one worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, [10] he also shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. [11] And the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever; and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
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Revelation 17:14 they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, . . .
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Revelation 19:9 . . . “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” . . .
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Revelation 22:1-3 Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him;
In light of all of this biblical data, I submit that the Sacrifice of the Mass is not merely an arbitrary (and so we are accused, blasphemous and sacrilegious) ceremony; it’s quite biblical, since the Bible is still referring to a “Lamb slain” in heaven shortly after Jesus’ Ascension and St. John chooses to refer to Jesus 28 times as the “Lamb” in the book of Revelation, including visions of the end times and the end of the age and heaven itself.
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If Jesus as a “slain lamb” (obviously referring to His sacrificial and redemptive crucifixion) is still a present factor in the last-written book of the Bible, describing events far into the future, then by the same token, it appears plausible and likely that Jesus is indeed present as a slain Lamb at every Mass. We merely imitate the worship that is clearly described in  Revelation 5:6-12 and 22:3 (as Scott Hahn so accurately noted).
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Because this is so clear in Scripture, the Church fathers followed suit. Renowned Protestant historian Philip Schaff, who edited 38 volumes of the fathers’ writings, freely admits this:
In general, this period, . . . was already very strongly inclined toward the doctrine of transubstantiation, and toward the Greek and Roman sacrifice of the mass, which are inseparable in so far as a real sacrifice requires the real presence of the victim…… (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. 3, A. D. 311-600, revised 5th edition, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, reprinted 1974, originally 1910, p. 500)

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Photo credit: Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, detail of the Ghent Altarpiece, c. 1432, by Jan van Eyck (c. 1390-1441) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

Summary: I highlight many remarkable corroborating passages in the books of Hebrews and Revelation, related to the miraculous timeless & sacrificial aspect of the Catholic Mass.

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