2025-05-01T12:58:07-04:00

Baby7weeksNine-week human embryo (or seven weeks post ovulation). Photograph by Ed Uthman, 1 December 1999 [Wikimedia CommonsCreative CommonsAttribution 2.0 Generic license]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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I. ABORTION AND INFANTICIDE: GENERAL 

II. THE BIBLE AND ABORTION
 
III. ABORTION: THE TERMINOLOGY DEBATE

IV. ABORTION AND AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

V. PRO-LIFERS WHO VOTE FOR PRO-ABORTIONISTS / “NEW [CENTER-LEFT] PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT”

VI. EUTHANASIA
 
VII. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
 
VIII. CONTRACEPTION AND NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP): ONAN

IX. CONTRACEPTION, PROCREATION, AND NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP): GENERAL

X. WAR AND PEACE (GENERAL)

XI. ISIS / IRAN / TERRORISM / MASSACRES / GUN CONTROL

XII. NUCLEAR ETHICS

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I. ABORTION AND INFANTICIDE: GENERAL 

Abortion and a “Progressive and Humane Nation” (Al Kresta) [11-28-00]

Dialogue: Does Personhood Begin at Conception? (Includes Extensive Discussion on the “Hard Case” of Pregnancy by Rape) (vs. Sogn Mill-Scout) [3-29-04]

Abortion Discussion, Part II, Including the “Rape Exception” (with Sogn Mill-Scout) [4-6-04, at Internet Archive]

Hang Your Head in Shame and Weep: Photographs of Fetal Development & the Butchery of Abortion [1-22-07, at Internet Archive]

How and When Does a Human Being Acquire a Soul? (Catholic Dogma) [9-16-08, at Internet Archive]

Showing Graphic Abortion Photos: Justifiable and Necessary (+ Facebook discussion) [12-17-10]

Debate on Abortion with an Atheist, with Use of Reductio ad Absurdum (vs. Tim Allen) [5-2-12]

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

The Inquisition, Abortion, & ISIS (Connections?) [10-19-15]

On Punishing Women if Abortion Were Illegal [10-23-15]

Civil Dialogue with a Humanist on Abortion [2-7-16]

Relative Value of Gorillas vs. Humans [6-5-16]

“Forced” Morality & Ubiquitous “Bigotry” [6-9-16]

Bathroom Insanity, “Gay Marriage”, Abortion, & Legal Coercion [6-10-16]

Planned Parenthood Kills 266 Black Babies Every Day (meme) [Facebook, 8-17-17]

Pope Francis: All Life: Preborn and Born, is “Equally Sacred” [4-9-18]

U2: We Choose Legal Abortion Over Christianity [5-4-18]

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II. THE BIBLE AND ABORTION
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III. ABORTION: THE TERMINOLOGY DEBATE
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“Pro-Choice” / “Anti-Abortion” & Inaccurate Definitions [11-23-00]

Debating the Silliness of the “Pro-Choice” Word Game (vs. Michael Powers) [Facebook, 1-24-17]

“Pro-Abortion”: “Bad Faith” Term or Fair Description? [8-4-17]

“Pro-Abortion”: Reply to an Objection to its Use [7-20-18]

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IV. ABORTION AND AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

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My Call-In Interview on the Radio Regarding My First Abortion Rescue [see #1] (11-14-88)

Abortion as a Deal-Breaker and Ethical Voting [9-10-08 and 2-22-14]

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

“How Can a Catholic Vote for Trump?!!?” [5-28-16]

Whoppers About Trump and Planned Parenthood [Facebook, 8-22-16]

The Supreme Court, Presidents, and Abortion, in 2016 [Facebook, 10-8-16]

GOP & Pro-Life Supreme Court Justices: Revisiting the Facts [10-11-16]

“Trump Ain’t Really Pro-Life” [1-24-17]

Debate: How Pro-Life is the Republican Party (Especially the Leadership)? [5-8-17]

Lies About Abortion Rates Going Up During GOP Presidencies and Down During Democrat Ones (as if the Latter Are More Pro-Life) [Facebook, 2-23-18]

Do Democratic Presidents Cause Fewer Abortions to Occur? [National Catholic Register, 2-28-18]

Debate: SCOTUS & GOP in Relation to Abortion Rates [11-15-18]

Discussion of the Supposedly “Racist” Behavior of Catholic Kids at the 2019 March for Life, and Big Liberal Media Lies About the Incident [Facebook, 1-21-19]

Explaining the Pro-Life, Christian Vote for Trump Yet Again [4-30-19]

Dialogue: Christian Witness, Trump, & Prudential Voting (vs. Deacon Steven D. Greydanus) [5-10-19]

Discussion on Political Rhetoric in Relation to Mass Shootings & Abortion (w Deacon Steven D. Greydanus) [Facebook, 8-6-19]

Dialogue w Never-Trumper: Is Trump Really Pro-Life? (vs. Scott Eric Alt) [1-24-17; expanded on 2-9-20]

Chief Justice Roberts is the New Justice Kennedy [Facebook, 6-29-20]

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

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]

I Was a Prophet in May 2016 (Trump & Pro-Life Justices) and Scott Eric Alt Was a False Prophet [Facebook, 5-14-22]

Thoughts on Roe Being Overturned [6-24-22]

56.6% of Ohio Voters Think Abortion Up to Birth is Fine and Dandy [Facebook, 11-8-23]

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V. PRO-LIFERS WHO VOTE FOR PRO-ABORTIONISTS / “NEW [CENTER-LEFT] PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT”

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Reply to “Left-Wing” Pro-Lifers (Crisis Pregnancy Centers, the Supreme Court, and “Old” Pro-Life Efforts to Help Struggling Pregnant Women) [10-24-16]

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Only Spiritual Revival Will Stop Abortion [1-23-07 and 1-16-09; revised with additions on 12-2-16]

Mark Shea vs. “Old Pro-Life” Texas Legislators (Medicaid) [12-6-16]

Pro-Life Killing (Yes, There is Such a Thing) [Facebook, 1-27-17]

Those Wicked Pseudo-“Pro-Life” Heretics! (Mark Shea’s Alt-Universe) (see also, Paul Hoffer’s excellent point-by-point rebuttal of Shea’s article, in the combox) [Facebook, 3-16-17]

“Lessen Evil” Votes for Hillary? [note: Mark Shea did not vote for Hillary, but he urged people in swing states to do so] (vs. Mark Shea) [4-7-17]
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Debate: Do Liberal Social Policies Lessen Abortion & Poverty? [4-12-17]

House Votes 230-188 to Allow Planned Parenthood Defunding in States (2 Dems Voting Yes); Senate Votes 51-50 (no Dems voting Yes) [Facebook, 4-13-17)

Pro-Life (oops: “prolife” heresy) Movement on its Death-Bed, So Sez Prophet Mark Shea / Shea’s Seeming Inability to Make the Slightest Qualifications or Essential Distinctions in His Incessant Broad-Brushing Rants [Facebook, 4-25-17]

Mark Shea and Sheriff David Clarke: Yet Another Bashing of Alleged Pro-Life Hypocrisy and Double Standards [Facebook, 4-28-17]

Thought-Experiment: What if Mark Shea Wrote About Bloodthirsty Liberal Childkillers in the Way He Writes About Conservatives and President Trump? [Facebook, 4-28-17]

Time to Cease Refuting Mark Shea’s Political Bilge or Not? Vote Today! (My readers voted 54-46% to stop refuting Mark) [Facebook, 4-29-17]

Debate: How Pro-Life is the Republican Party (Especially the Leadership)? [5-8-17]

Simcha Fisher’s “New” Pro-Life Critique of “Old” Pro-Lifers [Simcha did vote for Hillary Clinton] (+ vigorous Facebook discussion) [8-2-17]

Someone Thinks I was Too Harsh Against Simcha Fisher? Here’s What She Has Said About Conservative / Republican Pro-Lifers and the Pro-Life Issue in General [Facebook, 8-3-17]

Mark Shea Feels that if he Lived in a Swing State, he’d be “morally bound before God Almighty to vote for” Hillary Clinton [Facebook, 8-4-17]

Conspiracies, Paranoia, and the Quite Mundane Reasons I Write About Some Things (e.g., Simcha Fisher) / The Novelty of Public Critique and Dialogue [Facebook, 8-6-17]

Nothing Whatever Disqualified Hillary Clinton (Listing of 24 of her Scandals)? Reply to Liberal Pro-Life Activist John Cavanaugh-O’Keefe, Who Voted for Her [Facebook, 9-2-17]
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Did Women Vote Decisively Against Trump: Far More Than Usual in Presidential Elections? (vs. John Cavanaugh-O’Keefe) [Facebook, 9-2-17]

On Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Letting Go of English Professor Rebecca Bratten Weiss (Seeking the Facts vs. Demonizing Conspiracy Theories) [Facebook, 9-15-17]

What “Single-Issue” Pro-Life Activism Means & Doesn’t Mean [9-16-17]

Defending Rebecca Bratten Weiss at LifeSiteNews [9-16-17]

Pleasant and Irenic Exchange with “Whole Pro-Lifer” Kate Cousino [Facebook, 9-17-17]

New Info on Bratten Weiss Controversy (National Catholic Reporter) (+ Facebook discussion) [9-19-17]

Left-Wing “New Pro-Lifers” Are Also Pro-Life (DUH!) [9-20-17]

Conniving Dirt-Gatherers & Gossips vs. Rebecca Bratten Weiss [9-20-17]

Beyond the Liberal-Conservative Divide: Reconciliation with Left-of-Center “Whole” Pro-Lifer John Cavanaugh O’Keefe [Facebook, 9-20-17]

On Rep. Tim Murphy (the guy who talked and voted pro-life and agreed to an abortion for his mistress) [Facebook, 10-4-17]

On Being a So-Called “Single-Issue” Pro-Lifer [National Catholic Register, 1-25-18]

“Misrepresenting” the New Pro-Life Movement (I Don’t; I Simply Have Honest, Principled Disagreements) [Facebook, 2-11-18]

“New” & “Old” Pro-Lifers: Roundtable Discussion About Divisions [2-15-18]

Lies About Abortion Rates Going Up During GOP Presidencies and Down During Democrat Ones (as if the Latter Are More Pro-Life) [Facebook, 2-23-18]

Do Democratic Presidents Cause Fewer Abortions to Occur?[National Catholic Register, 2-28-18]

Pope Francis: All Life: Preborn and Born, is “Equally Sacred” [4-9-18]

This “Old” Pro-Lifer [Mostly] Agrees with “New” Ones [4-19-18]

Ratzinger’s “Proportionate Reasons” & a Pro-Abort Vote [11-6-18]

Debate: SCOTUS & GOP in Relation to Abortion Rates [11-15-18]

Premature New-Pro-Life “Nya Nya’s” Re Kavanaugh [12-10-18]

First Pro-Life Test for Justice Kavanaugh [Facebook, 2-7-19]

Dialogue on Conservative vs. Liberal Pro-Life Voting [2-9-19]

Two Very Different Approaches to Planned Parenthood from a Pro-Life Perspective [Facebook, 2-25-19]

Three Popes (One a Saint) Called Abortion “Murder” (But There is a Particular Time and Place for Such Language) [4-15-19]

Explaining the Pro-Life, Christian Vote for Trump Yet Again [4-30-19]

Dialogue: Christian Witness, Trump, & Prudential Voting (vs. Deacon Steven D. Greydanus) [5-10-19]

Dialogue: Pro-Life White Guys & Anti-Southern Prejudice (vs. Deacon Steven D. Greydanus) [5-15-19]

Dialogue: Racism, Republicans, Logic, and Liberals (vs. Deacon Steven D. Greydanus) [5-16-19]

Save the Babies Now vs. [?] the Importance of Pro-Life Image and Strategy, Furthering a Culture of Life, etc. [Facebook, 5-17-19]

Mark Shea Still Bashing the Pro-Life Movement & Republicans [Facebook, 7-8-19]

“What is ‘Pro-Life’? / Tragic Political Fracturing of the Pro-Life Movement (with Vicki Clark) [Facebook, 11-30-19]

Abortion Declines Under Trump (Surprise, New Pro-Lifers!) [1-10-20]

Liberal & Conservative Pro-Life Outlooks: A Dialogue [1-18-20]

The March for Life and the “Old” Pro-Life Movement are Dead / R.I.P. [Facebook, 1-25-20]

Reflections on Showing Graphic Abortion Photographs [1-3-17 and 6-7-20]

KKK / Slavery Analogies & [“New”] Pro-Life Democrats [9-28-20]

Why Pro-Lifers Vote for Pro-Abortionists: 9 Reasons [10-29-08; slightly revised & expanded on 1-22-21]

Leftist Pro-Lifers vs.[?] Abortion-Restricting Laws (+ Five Additional Pro-Life Articles: Formerly Only on Facebook) [1-26-21]

Reply to a Pro-Life Friend Who Stated That He Can’t Help “Liking” Biden and Harris (Which in Turn Decreases “Bipolarization and Hyperpartisanship”) [Facebook, 3-14-21]

Thoughts on Roe Being Overturned [6-24-22]

Mark Shea is Ecstatic That Roe Was Overturned [Facebook, 7-20-22]

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Do Democratic Presidencies Reduce Abortions? (James J. Heaney, De Civitate, 10-20-20)

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VI. EUTHANASIA
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VII. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 
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Romans 13:4 & Capital Punishment (Contra Ed Feser) [12-6-17]

Pro and Con Exchanges on Capital Punishment [12-6-17]

Inept Satire Case Study: Dr. Edward Feser’s “Lexicon” [2-2-18]

Dr. Fastiggi Replies to Dr. Feser on Capital Punishment [2-2-18]

Jesus, the Death Penalty, & the Adulterous Woman [8-2-18]

Burning Heretics, Frying Murderers, & Slavery (Analogies) [8-3-18]

John Paul II & Benedict XVI: Abolish Death Penalty [8-4-18]

Aquinas & Capital Punishment for Heresy: Arbitrary Recourse to His Authority (i .e., when we agree with him) [Facebook, 8-4-18]

Not Burning Heretics was a Far More “Controversial” Change (Pondering the Analogy of Not Burning “Murderers of Souls” to Recent Popes’ Opposition to All Capital Punishment) [8-6-18]

Debate w Lutheran: Church Infallibility & Death Penalty [11-10-18]

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

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

Proposed Analogy: Mary Mediatrix and “Inadmissible” Capital Punishment [Facebook, 10-10-20]

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

Pedro Gabriel’s Masterful Heresy Disguised As Tradition [12-18-23]

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Further Reflections on Capital Punishment (and on Edward Feser) [David Bentley Hart, 12-19-17]

Capital Punishment: Francis & the Tradition Before Him Are Both Right [Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, LC, 8-3-18]

The Death Penalty Is Wrong But Not Intrinsically Evil or Infallible [Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, LC, 8-6-18]

On Death Penalty, Roma Locuta Est [Scott Eric Alt, 8-2-18]

Kwasniewski, Fr. Murray, Death Site News Promote Falsehoods on Death Penalty [Scott Eric Alt, 8-4-18]

Pope Francis Derangement Syndrome Vol. XX: Death Penalty Edition [Scott Eric Alt, 8-5-18]

Dr. Robert Fastiggi Defends Pope Francis Regarding the Death Penalty (on Al Kresta’s Show) [Audio, 8-7-18]

Understanding the Catechism Revision on the Death Penalty [Jimmy Akin, 8-8-18]

Capital Punishment and Magisterial Authority (+ Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) [Robert Fastiggi, Where Peter Is, 8-17-23]

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VIII. CONTRACEPTION AND NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP): ONAN

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Why Did God Kill Onan? (Bible and Contraception) [2-9-04]

Dialogue: Why Did God Kill Onan? (Contraception) [2-13-04]

Onan, Contraception, & Two Protestant Bible Dictionaries [2-21-04]

Biblical Data Against Contraception: Onan’s Sin and Punishment: a Concise “Catholic” Argument  [3-7-14]

Bible vs. Contraception: Onan’s Sin and Punishment [National Catholic Register, 5-30-17]

Steve Hays, Onan, Bible Commentary, & Contraception [1-11-07, 2-28-14; revised & expanded on 12-14-21]

Is the Onan Story About Contraception? [7-8-24]

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IX. CONTRACEPTION, PROCREATION, AND NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP): GENERAL

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Dialogue w Several Non-Catholics on Contraception [1996 and 1998]

Contraception: Early Church Teaching (William Klimon) [1998]

Dialogue: Contraception vs. NFP: Crucial Ethical Distinctions [2-16-01]

Dialogue: Orthodox Compromises on Contraception [3-21-01]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Family Matters: Catholic Theology of the Family [Dec. 2002]

Luther and Calvin Opposed Contraception and “Fewer Children is Better” Thinking [2-21-04; published at National Catholic Register, 9-13-17]

Contraception: Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, & Teddy Roosevelt [2-21-04]

Masturbation: Thoughts on Why it is as Wrong as it Ever Was [3-14-04 and 9-7-05]

Dialogue: Contraception & Natural Family Planning (NFP) [5-16-06]

Masturbation Remains a Grave Sin (Debate w Steve Hays) [1-6-07; links added on 8-13-19]

Contraception and Biblical Teaching (Fer or Agin)? [2007]

Humanae Vitae: (1968): Infallible Teaching Against Contraception [12-31-07]

Q & A: Catholic Sexual Morality and Contraception [1-1-08]

Humanae Vitae: August 1968 & the “Progressive” Revolt (Cardinal James Francis Stafford) [7-29-08]

“Divine Family Planning” (Unlimited Children / Anti-NFP): Critique [9-20-08] 

Bible on the Blessing of [Many] Children [3-9-09]

Discussion Thread About NFP, Contraception, and Marriage [Facebook, 8-3-11]

Protestants, Contraception, the Pill, & NFP [8-12-11]

Birth Control Pills Often Cause Early Abortions (Links) [8-12-11]

Large Families, Demographics, & Spiritual Revival [3-24-12]

Natural Family Planning (NFP) & “Contraceptive Intent” [8-28-13]

Why Did Baker Books and Crossway Omit John Calvin’s Strong Remarks Against Contraception in His Commentaries (Genesis 38:10)? [9-14-13]

Dialogue: Has Pope Francis Changed the Constant Catholic Prohibition of Contraception? [1-2-14]

Pope Francis and Catholics Reproducing Like “Rabbits” (+ Facebook discussion[1-21-15]

“Irresponsible” Pope Francis? (Woman Who Had Seven C-Sections) [1-23-15]

Pope Francis: 7 C-Sections is “Irresponsible” (Group Discussion) [1-23-15]

Orthodoxy & Contraception: Continuity or Compromise? [2015]

Natural Family Planning: Anti-Sex & Anti-Pleasure? [1-23-17]

Women Have No Sexual Desire During Infertility? (+ Natural Family Planning [NFP] and Sexual Desire) [1-26-17]

Unlimited Children for Catholics? Reply to a Slanderer [2-3-18]

Contraception and “Anti-Procreation” vs. Scripture [National Catholic Register, 6-6-18]

Is Natural Family Planning a ‘Heresy’? [Catholic teaching as far back as 1853] (Fr. Brian W. Harrison, Roman Theological Forum, January 2003)

Contraception, Natural Law, & the Analogy to Nutrition [2-21-19]

Objections Re the Catholic Ban on Contraception [2-1-18, 6-7-18, and 2-21-19]

A Defense of Natural Family Planning [National Catholic Register, 5-25-19]

Roberto de Mattei Misrepresents Gaudium Et Spes on Procreation [6-19-19]

Masturbation: Gravely Disordered According to Catholicism [8-16-19]

Masturbation: C. S. Lewis Explains Why it is Wrong [10-28-19]

C. S. Lewis: Views on Procreation & Contraception [11-1-19]

Debate w Atheist on Contraception, Abortion, & Sex Ed [3-15-21]

“Major U.S. Study [from the Mayo Clinic] Shows Oral Contraceptives Increase Breast Cancer Risk 44%” (+ related links) [Facebook, 8-12-22]

Bible & Catholicism on Homosexuality & Procreation [6-5-23]

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X. WAR AND PEACE (GENERAL)

Pacifism vs. “Just War”: Biblical and Social Factors [April 1987]

Permissibility of Just War [10-3-13]

 

XI. ISIS / IRAN / TERRORISM / MASSACRES / GUN CONTROL

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech at AIPAC (+ discussion about the Iranian nuclear threat) [Facebook, 3-6-12]

Question to Doves: Do We Do Nothing About ISIS and the Genocide? [Facebook, 5-25-15]

The Inquisition, Abortion, & ISIS (Connections?) [10-19-15]

Gun Control & Deep-Rooted Societal Causes of Massacres [10-5-17]

A Distinct Pattern of Non-Terrorist Murderous Gunmen / Assaulters is Emerging [Facebook, 11-6-17]

 

XII. NUCLEAR ETHICS

Nuclear Bombing of Japan vs. Just War Ethics [8-25-05]

Nuclear Bombing of Japan vs. Just War Ethics (Part II) [9-5-05]

Nuclear Bombings of Japan: Justified by “Double Effect”? [8-28-05 and 9-5-05]

Declassified 1945 Documents Regarding Nuclear Strikes (President Harry Truman and Others Reveal Moral Qualms and Quandaries Concerning the Nuclear Bombing of Japan) [8-29-05]

Indiscriminate Nuclear Destruction: Condemned by the Magisterium [1-23-06]

Ethics of Hiroshima & Nagasaki: Catholic Reflections [1-28-06; rev. 10-23-06]

Analysis of Gaudium et spes Regarding Nuclear Strikes [2-1-06]

9000-9600 Catholics Killed at Nagasaki in August 1945 [8-28-06]

Japanese “Universal” Military Conscription & Nuclear Bombings [5-25-08]

Catholic Nuclear Ethics: Friendly Dialogue (vs. Deacon Jim Russell) [6-8-16]

Vigorous (but Civil) Facebook discussion of the issue [Facebook,  June 2016; many participants]

Nuclear Bombings vs. Catholic Social Teaching: A Collection [compiled on 6-6-16]

Rhetorical US Nuclear Threats Are Nothing New At All [8-9-17]

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Last updated on 8 July 2024

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2025-05-01T11:46:30-04:00

Hell5
 Gila National Forest, New Mexico (May 2012). Photo by Kari Greer [Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 license]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. Hell and Sheol (Hades) / Damnation & Reprobation / Heretical Annihilationism
II. Universalism / “Hoping All Will be Saved”
III. The Devil (Satan) and Demons
IV. Judgment / Second Coming
V. Last Things (Eschatology) / Prophecies 
VI. Heaven / Souls (Theological Anthropology) / “Soul Sleep” / Resurrection  
VII. Limbo
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  I. Hell and Sheol (Hades) / Damnation & Reprobation / Heretical Annihilationism
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Biblical Evidence for an Eternal Hell [1998]

Jewish and Old Testament Views of Hell and Eternal Punishment [4-14-04]

Dialogue w Agnostic on Basic Differences and Hell [5-17-05]

Replies to Some Skeptical Objections to the Christian Doctrine of Hell (“Religion Is Lies” website) [5-24-06]

Biblical Annihilationism or Universalism? (w Atheist Ted Drange) [9-30-06]

Dialogue w Atheists on Hell & Whether God is Just [12-5-06]

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

“The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail” Against the Church [11-11-08]

Hell: Dialogue with a Philosophy Graduate Student [12-26-08]

Dialogue: Hell & God’s Justice, Part II [1-2-09]

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]

Our Prayers and Souls Ending Up in Heaven or Hell [3-26-14]

Catholic Mystics & Contemplatives on Hell [2014]

Can Hell Actually be Defended? My Shot … [10-7-15]

Atheism & Atheology (Copious Resources, including on hell) [11-5-15]

A Defense of Hell: Philosophical Explanations of its Plausibility, Necessity, and Factuality [12-10-15]

Exchanges with an Atheist on Hell & Skepticism [12-17-15]

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

How to Annihilate Three Skeptical Fallacies Regarding Hell [National Catholic Register, 6-10-17]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #3: The Pope Annihilated Hell? [1-2-18]

Pope Francis, Hell, Phil Lawler, Lies, Damned Lies, . . . [3-30-18]

Hell as a Deterrent: Analogy to Our Legal Systems [10-3-18]

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

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

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

Vs. Atheist David Madison #41: God’s a Sadistic Tyrant (Hell)? [12-18-19]

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

The Bible Teaches that Hell is Eternal [National Catholic Register, 4-16-20]

Pope Francis’ Satanic, Demonic, & Hellish Views [6-7-21]

Christ’s Descent Into Hades (vs. Francois Turretin) (Biblical and Patristic Support Examined) [9-1-22]

Defense of Immortal, Conscious Souls (vs. Lucas Banzoli): #11 (“Second Death” = “Lake of Fire” = Eternal Torment in Hell. Jesus & Luke Believed in Both Hades and Hell) [11-25-22]

Eternal Hell: 125 Biblical Evidences [12-2-24]

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II. Universalism / “Hoping All Will be Saved”
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Dialogue on Hell & the “Possibility” of Universalism [May 2004]

Biblical Annihilationism or Universalism? (w Atheist Ted Drange) [9-30-06]

Did Pope St. John Paul II Teach Universalism? [4-26-11]

Did Julian of Norwich Teach Universalism & Deny Hell? [3-24-14]

Analysis of “Hoping All Will be Saved” / …Hell is Empty” [8-20-15]

Book of Revelation Annihilates Universalism [8-31-15]

Universalism is Annihilated by the Book of Revelation [National Catholic Register, 6-23-19]

Wishing & Desiring For All To Be Saved, Like God Does [1-29-24]

III. The Devil (Satan) and Demons

***

The Stupidity and Idiocy of the Devil (Dialogue) [2-23-97 and 4-10-97]

Unbiblical Antipathy to Miracles & Exorcism (vs. Calvin #53) [12-22-09]

Satan Tempting Jesus as a Proof of His Divinity [2015]

Demonic Possession or Epilepsy? (Bible & Science) [2015]

The Devil’s Stupidity & Vanity [3-4-16]

Screwtape on the Neutralization of Effective Apologetics and Divine Callings (National Catholic Register, 2-5-17) [see also, the original 20% longer Facebook version] [1-25-17]

“Withstand”! Satan Exploits Errors & Falsehood for His Nefarious Ends [3-4-17]

Satan is Highly Intelligent—and an Arrogant Idiot   [National Catholic Register, 11-27-17]

Are We Allowed to Rebuke and/or Mock the Devil? [11-30-17]

Satan Referenced 24 Times in Gaudete et Exsultate [4-9-18]

Christians & the Stupidity of Satan (vs. Insulting Humanist) [11-9-18]

7 Takes on Satan’s Persecutions and the Balanced Christian Life [National Catholic Register, 11-24-18]

Seidensticker Folly #36: Disease, Jesus, Paul, Miracles, & Demons [1-13-20]
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Pope Francis’ Satanic, Demonic, & Hellish Views [6-7-21]

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IV. Judgment / Second Coming

Judgment of Nations: A Collection of Biblical Passages [9-21-01]

Judgment of Nations: Biblical Commentary and Reflections [9-21-01]

Reflections on Judgment and Sufficient Knowledge for Salvation [6-7-02]

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V. Last Things (Eschatology) / Prophecies

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VI. Heaven / Souls (Theological Anthropology) / “Soul Sleep” / Resurrection  
 
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Defense of Immortal, Conscious Souls (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [17-Part Series]:
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VII. Limbo
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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 17 March 2025
*****
2025-06-24T12:56:40-04:00

BaptismJesus3
The Baptism of Christ, by Joachim Patinir (c. 1480-1524) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. BAPTISM
II. HOLY EUCHARIST  
III. RECONCILIATION / PENANCE / CONFESSION / ABSOLUTION 
IV. CONFIRMATION 
V. HOLY ORDERS / ORDINATION 
VI. MATRIMONY 
VII. ANOINTING / EXTREME UNCTION 
VIII. SACRAMENTS (GENERAL), SACRAMENTALISM, AND SACRAMENTALS
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I. BAPTISM
 
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Protestant Unity on “Central” Doctrines?: Baptism as Test Case (vs. Methodist Philosophy professor Jerry Walls) [1-9-17]
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What the Bible Reveals About Infant Baptism [National Catholic Register, 7-27-17]
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John 3:5: Baptism or No? [Facebook, 2-17-18]
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Baptismal Regeneration and Justification (vs. Jason Engwer) [6-4-20]
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14 Bible Verses That Show We’re Saved Through Baptism [National Catholic Register, 11-30-21] [see also my video commentary on the article, from 10-25-24]
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Debate: Is Baptism Necessary to Salvation? (vs. Jerome Smith) [1-15-22]
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Explicit Biblical Instruction on Saving Souls [National Catholic Register, 2-28-22]
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The Sacrament of Baptism (chapter seven of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [11-3-23]
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VIDEO: BAPTISM NOW SAVES YOU – Fridays With Dave!! [I appear on Catholic Bible Highlights with Kenny Burchard, in a 49-minute discussion, 10-25-24]
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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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II. HOLY EUCHARIST  

(see Eucharist, Sacrifice of the Mass, & Liturgy Index Page)


III. RECONCILIATION / PENANCE / CONFESSION / ABSOLUTION 

(see Saints, Purgatory, and Penance Index Page)

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The Sacrament of Confirmation (chapter eight of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [11-3-23]
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V. HOLY ORDERS / ORDINATION 
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(see Church and Papacy Index Pages) 
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VI. MATRIMONY 

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(see Sexuality, Gender, Feminism, and Divorce and Life Issues Pages)

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VII. ANOINTING / EXTREME UNCTION 
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Sacrament of Anointing / Extreme Unction: The Biblical Evidence [2009; Addendum added on 1-10-17]

Sacrament of Anointing: Yay or Nay? (vs. Calvin #52) [12-21-09]

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VIII. SACRAMENTS (GENERAL), SACRAMENTALISM, AND SACRAMENTALS

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Heartfelt Sacramentalism (Not Mere Charms) [1996]

Thief on the Cross (Are Sacraments Unnecessary?) [1996]

Why do Catholics Believe that Sacraments are Necessary? [2002]

“Man-Centered” Sacramentalism: The Remarkable Incoherence of James White: How Can Martin Luther and St. Augustine Be Christians According to His Definition? [11-26-03]

Sacraments & the Moral Responsibility of Their Recipients [8-26-06]

Are Relics & Sacraments Mere Magical Charms? [2007]

Luther on Crucifixes, Images, & Sign of the Cross [4-15-08]

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

Dialogue on Sacramentalism, Holy Objects, and Relics [2-26-09]

Bible on Physical Objects as Aids in Worship [4-7-09]

Unbiblical Antipathy to Holy Water (vs. Calvin #29) [8-25-09]

Sacraments: Bible & Church Fathers (vs. Calvin #34) [9-25-09]

Sacraments & the Church Fathers (vs. Calvin #36) [10-19-09]

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

Radically Anti-Traditional Sacramentalism (vs. Calvin #38) [10-27-09]

Crucifixes: Abominable Idols or Devotional Aids? [11-10-09]

Tonsure, Holy Oil, and “Judaizing”? (vs. Calvin #54) [12-22-09]

St. Augustine Accepted All Seven Catholic Sacraments [9-25-10]

Sacraments vs. Jesus?: Unbiblical False Dichotomies [3-20-17]

The Biblical Understanding of Holy Places and Things [National Catholic Register, 4-11-17]

Biblical Evidence for Sacramentalism [National Catholic Register, 8-29-17]

Did St. Augustine Accept All Seven Sacraments? [National Catholic Register, 11-15-17]

How Many Sacraments: According to Martin Luther? (+ Luther Expert James Swan’s and Luther’s Works Editors’ Confusion as to Luther’s Position) [11-17-18]

Madison vs. Jesus #8: Holy Eucharist as “Grotesque Magic”? [8-7-19]

Sacraments and Our Moral Responsibility [National Catholic Register, 1-7-20]

Is it Biblical to Say That We Are Saved & Redeemed by Jesus’ Blood? [Facebook, 6-6-23]

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]

Does the Catholic Church Claim Sole Possession of the Sacraments? [Catholic365, 11-28-23]

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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).
*
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 June 2025
*****
2025-06-25T09:44:49-04:00

ChurchSignAnti-Catholics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***

I. JIM ANDERSON

II. VICTOR ANDRADE

III. DR. JOHN ANKERBERG AND DR. JOHN WELDON (BAPTIST)
 
IV. DR. GREG BAHNSEN
 
V. TODD BAKER
 
VI. LUCAS BANZOLI
 
VII. CHRIS BAYACK

VIII. RICHARD BENNETT

IX. BIBLE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
 
X. GABRIEL BRASILEIRO
XI. BART BREWER
 
XII. JOHN BUGAY
 
XIII. KEVIN CAULEY (CHURCH OF CHRIST)
 
XIV. CHAT ROOM DEBATE CHALLENGE
 
XV. JACK CHICK
 
XVI. JASON ENGWER

XVII. “EXCATHOLIC4CHRIST” (TOM)

XVIII. FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS

XIX. DR. ROBERT GAGNON
 
XX. PEDRO FRANCA GAIAO 
 
XXI. STEVE HAYS (REFORMED)

XXII. MATT HEDGES

XXIII. TIMOTHY F. KAUFFMAN

XXIV. DAVID T. KING

XXV. BRUNO LIMA
XXVI. LEN LISENBEE 
XXVII. LUTHERANISM
XXVIII. DOUGLAS MABRY (aka “GOJIRA”)
XXIX. DR. JOHN MACARTHUR
XXX. YAGO MARTINS
XXXI. JAMES McCARTHY
XXXII. JUAN ROBERTO DE OLIVEIRA
XXXIII. ORTHODOX ANTI-CATHOLICISM
XXXIV. POPE AS “GOD” OR “ANTICHRIST” 
XXXV. AUSTIN REED
XXXVI. “SAINT AND SINNER”
XXXVII. GEORGE SALMON (19TH CENTURY ANGLICAN)
XXXVIII. MATT SLICK (PRESBYTERIAN; FOUNDER OF CARM)
XXXIX. DR. ERIC SVENDSEN
XL. JAMES SWAN (REFORMED)
XLI. KEN TEMPLE (REFORMED BAPTIST)
XLII. EDGAR TREVIÑO
XLIII. FRANK TURK (AKA “CENTURION”) (BAPTIST)

XLIV. FRANCOIS TURRETIN (1623-1687)

XLV. “TURRETINFAN” (AKA “THE ANONYMOUS ONE” OR “TAO”) (REFORMED)

XLVI. JERRY WALLS (+ KENNETH COLLINS)

XLVII. WILLIAM WEBSTER
XLVIII. WILLIAM WHITAKER

XLIX. BISHOP JAMES WHITE (REFORMED BAPTIST)

L. MIKE WINGER

LI. CATHOLIC INQUISITION

LII. MISCELLANEOUS REFUTATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

LIII. “ANTI-CATHOLIC” / “ROMANISM”: DEFINITIONAL AND TERMINOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES

LIV. IDOLATRY CHARGE (THE MASS, IMAGES, AND MISC.)

LV. IDOLATRY CHARGE (MARIAN VENERATION)
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I. JIM ANDERSON

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

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

II. VICTOR ANDRADE

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III. DR. JOHN ANKERBERG AND DR. JOHN WELDON (BAPTIST)
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IV. DR. GREG BAHNSEN
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V. TODD BAKER
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VI. LUCAS BANZOLI
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Defense of Immortal, Conscious Souls (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [17-Part Series]:
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VII. CHRIS BAYACK
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VIII. RICHARD BENNETT

IX. BIBLE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
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Did Luther Rescue the Bible in German from Utter Obscurity? [National Catholic Register, 10-30-17]

The Catholic Church Does Not Claim Superiority Over the Bible [National Catholic Register, 8-13-18]

Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Myths and Truths [National Catholic Register, 12-3-18]

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X. GABRIEL BRASILEIRO
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XI. BART BREWER
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XII. JOHN BUGAY
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Anti-Catholic “Humor”: St. Thérèse of Lisieux as Hitler (John Bugay Tries to Justify it Based on Historic Anti-Semitism) [11-24-11]

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XIII. KEVIN CAULEY (CHURCH OF CHRIST)
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XIV. CHAT ROOM DEBATE CHALLENGE
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XV. JACK CHICK
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Jack Chick’s Lies: The Real Alberto Rivera Exposed (including a letter from an Alberto supporter and counter-reply) [7-9-03]
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XVI. JASON ENGWER
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Dialogue on Development of Doctrine (Esp. the Papacy) [2000]

Dialogue on Doctrinal Development (Papacy & NT Canon) [2-26-02]

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Papias (c. 60-c. 130) & the Rule of Faith [1-18-10]

Papal Passages Lk 22:31-34 & Jn 21:15-17 [5-12-20]

My Four Ballyhooed Debates w Anti-Catholics (All Forfeited): My Opponent Split Before It Was Over, Every Time (!) [5-21-20]

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

Jesus’ “Brothers” Were “Unbelievers”? (Jason Engwer also claims that “Mary believed in Jesus,” but wavered, and had a “sort of inconsistent faith”) [5-27-20]

Dialogue: Galatians 3 & Justification [5-29-20]

Baptismal Regeneration and Justification [6-4-20]

Invocation of Saints: Jesus Allegedly “Calling on Elijah” [6-8-20]

Reply to Protestant Challenges Re Eternal Security [7-26-20]

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

Mary’s Assumption: Patristic Analogy to Protestant Distinctives [8-15-20]

St. Peter Listed First in Lists of Disciples: A Debate [10-12-20]

Anti-Catholic Hypocrisy Re the Term “Anti-Catholic” (Jason Engwer Sez Catholicism is Not Christian & Teaches a False Gospel) [10-14-20]

Jason Engwer, Origen, & the New Testament Canon [10-15-20]

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

Jason Engwer, Hippolytus, & Mary’s Perpetual Virginity [10-17-20]

Peter’s Primacy is Disproved By His Personality? (Protestant Apologist Jason Engwer Continues His All-Out War on St. Peter & the Papacy) [10-18-20]

Jason Engwer and a Supposedly Sinful Mary (Doubting Jesus’ Sanity? / Inconsiderate (?) Young Jesus in the Temple / “Woman” and the Wedding at Cana) [11-16-20]

Reply to Engwer’s Alleged “Absence of a Papacy” [8-25-21]

Jesus’ “Brothers” (Not Siblings) 0101: vs. Jason Engwer (The Actual Biblical Data Brought to Bear, Rather Than Late (Post-Luther and Post-Calvin) Protestant Traditions of Men) [9-23-21]

I Timothy 3:15 vs. Sola Scriptura & Jason Engwer [10-4-21]

Anti-Perpetual Virginity Arguments Debunked (vs. J. Engwer) [11-7-21]

Was Mary Sinless? (vs. 3 Church Fathers & Jason Engwer) [11-9-21]

Was Jesus Unclear in John 6 (Eucharist)? [11-16-21]

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]

Mary’s Assumption & Biblical Evidence (Analogies) [11-30-21]

James Listed Before Peter (Gal 2:9)? (vs. Jason Engwer) [12-3-21]

Anti-Catholic Argument (!) for Mary’s Assumption [3-11-22]

Is First Clement Non-Papal? (vs. Jason Engwer) [4-19-22]

Sinning Mary in the Bible? (vs. Jason Engwer) [6-21-22]

Jason Engwer, Trent Horn, & My 50 NT Petrine Proofs [7-28-22]

No Papacy in the NT? Think Again (vs. Jason Engwer). With Special Emphasis on the Protestant Exegesis of “The keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19) [8-1-22]

Jason Engwer’s Anti-Papalism Refutes Denominationalism [8-2-22]

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

Debate: Early Catholic Authority & Development of Ecclesiology [12-10-22]

Polycarp vs. “Faith Alone” (vs. Jason Engwer) [1-27-23]

Protestant Anti-Catholic Apologist Jason Engwer Denies Direct Biblical Proof of Sola Scriptura [Facebook, 2-18-23]

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]

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

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

Does Baptism Save or Only Sanctify (1 Pet 3:21)? [9-19-23]

St. John Chrysostom Rejected “Faith Alone” (Contra Jason Engwer) [Facebook, 9-22-23]

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

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

Vs. J. Engwer Re Church Authority, #1: Preliminaries (Including St. Augustine on the Visible Catholic Church; St. Irenaeus on Church Infallibility; Biblical Data Regarding Infallibility & Indefectibility; Peter & the “Keys”; Jesus’ Prayer for St. Peter) [10-12-23]

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XVII. “EXCATHOLIC4CHRIST” (TOM)

“Catholic Verses” #1: 1 Tim 3:15 (Church) (Also, the Biblical Definition of the Gospel) [10-24-23]

“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]

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

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

“Catholic Verses” #5: Denominationalism (Including “Straight Talk” on the Catholic and Protestant Inquisitions) [10-27-23]

“Catholic Verses” #6: Interpreting Scripture (Including: How Far Away Were the Cities that the Jerusalem Council Bound to its Decrees?) [10-30-23]

“Catholic Verses” #7: Tradition, Pt. 2 [11-1-23]

“Catholic Verses” #8: Tradition, Pt. 3 [11-1-23]

“Catholic Verses” #9: The Papacy [11-2-23]

XVIII. FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS

Inaccuracies of Anti-Catholic Foxe’s Book of Martyrs [2-10-11]

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XIX. DR. ROBERT GAGNON
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XX. PEDRO FRANCA GAIAO 
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XXI. STEVE HAYS (REFORMED)
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Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #3: Absalom’s Judgment [10-27-21]

Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #4: Judgment of Assyria [10-27-21]

Debate: Matthew 16:18-19 & the Papacy (vs. Steve Hays) [10-30-21]

Steve Hays, Onan, Bible Commentary, & Contraception [1-11-07, 2-28-14; revised & expanded on 12-14-21]

Sola Scriptura: Self-Refuting? (vs. Steve Hays) [12-14-21]

All in a Day’s Work: The Late Anti-Catholic Polemicist Steve Hay’s Amazing and Colorful Variety of Ultra-Slanderous, Lying Insults Sent My Way (+ “Dr.” James White’s & James Swan’s Childish, Ridiculous Insults) [Facebook, 12-10-22]

Reply to Steve Hays’ Caricatures of the Papacy [2-28-23]

Tackling Steve Hays’ 695-page Catholicism [Facebook, 5-11-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #1: 6-10,000-Year-Old Universe (?); “Myths” in Genesis; Straw Men; Protestant Scholarly “Authorities”; Exorcism; Symbolic Interpretation of Scripture [5-12-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #2: Asking Patron Saints to Intercede; Miracles Among Catholics & Protestants [5-14-23]

Anti-Catholic Steve Hays’ Remarkable Change of Mind Regarding Me as a Person and Apologist [Facebook, 5-14-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #3: Catholic Miracles Unfairly Criticized & Biblically Defended; St. Padre Pio; St. Joseph Cupertino [5-15-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #4: Miracle of the Sun at Fatima [5-15-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #5: Our Lady of Fatima [5-16-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #6: Purported Cures from Lourdes [5-17-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #7: Bogus Charges of Catholic Eisegesis; Biblical Types & Symbols; Mystical Church; “Full of Grace”; Protestant False Dichotomies [5-17-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #8: Tradition & Authority; Bankruptcy of Sola Scriptura [5-18-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #9: Rule of Faith; Catholic Mariology [5-18-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #10: Conversion Paradigms; Dispensers of Sacraments; Salvation Outside the Church; Catholicism: Bible Totally Inerrant [5-20-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #11: Visible Church; Eucharist in Acts 2:42; Ever-Changing Catholicism? [5-22-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #12: Church, Seven Sacraments, Papacy, Saints, Priesthood, & Mariology in the Gospels [5-22-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #13: Denominationalism; Salvation Outside the Church; Catholic & Protestant Baptism; Catholic Scholars; Doctrinal Development [5-23-23]

Reply to Hays’ “Catholicism” #14: Canonicity; God’s Guidance; Ancient Contraception; Relics; Intercession of Saints [5-24-23]

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Series: Reply to [Steve] Hays’ “Biblical Calvinism”: the many replies are posted on my Calvinism & General Protestantism web page in the first section at the top (starting on 6-12-23)
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XXII. MATT HEDGES

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

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

Pope St. Clement of Rome & Papal Authority [7-28-21]

St. Augustine, St. Basil the Great, & Veneration of Images (+ St. Augustine’s Enthusiastic Advocacy of Relics) [8-3-22]

Biblical Defense of Images and Icons (vs. Matt Hedges) [8-3-22]

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XXIII. TIMOTHY F. KAUFFMAN

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

Is All Bowing Before Images “Idolatry”? (vs. T.F. Kauffman) [7-14-23]

Catholics Think Mary is “Co-Creator”? (vs. T.F. Kauffman) (Refuting a Distortion of What St. Alphonsus de Liguori Actually Teaches in The Glories of Mary) [7-17-23]

Bible on Imitating Saints (vs. T.F. Kauffman) [7-17-23]

Sinless(?) Joseph, John the Baptist, Anne, & the Incarnation [7-18-23]

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]

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XXIV. PASTOR DAVID T. KING (REFORMED)

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“Romanists” Killed 100 Million? David T. King & Other Geniuses [6-29-00]

Was Cardinal Newman a Modernist? Pope St. Pius X vs. Anti-Catholic Polemicist David T. King (Development, not Evolution of Doctrine) [3-6-02]

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

Chrysostom & Irenaeus: Sola Scripturists?: Refutation of Anti-Catholic Polemicist and Reformed Protestant Pastor David T. King [4-20-07]

Mary’s Assumption vs. Material Sufficiency of Scripture? (Refutation of Anti-Catholic Polemicist & Reformed Protestant Pastor David T. King) [4-22-07]

“Podunk” & Self-Publishing Efforts of Leading Anti-Catholics: David T. King, William Webster, and Eric Svendsen [4-17-09]

Anti-Catholic Double Standards on Self-Published Books (James Swan and His Love of the Ridiculous Self-Published Books of David T. King and William Webster) [8-1-11]

John Henry Newman’s Alleged Disbelief  in Papal Infallibility Prior to 1870, and Supposed Intellectual Dishonesty Afterwards (Classic Anti-Catholic Lies: George Salmon, James White, David T. King et al) [8-11-11]

Answer to Sola Scriptura “Prooftexts” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & Romans 16:15-16 (vs. Reformed Pastor David T. King) [6-26-12]

David T. King and William Webster: Out-of-Context or Hyper-Selective Quotations from the Church Fathers on Christian Authority: Introduction to the Series [11-8-13]

David T. King and William Webster: Out-of-Context or Hyper-Selective Quotations from the Church Fathers on Christian Authority: Part I: St. Cyril of Jerusalem [11-9-13]

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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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XXV. BRUNO LIMA
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XXVI. LEN LISENBEE
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XXVII. LUTHERANISM
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XXVIII. DOUGLAS MABRY (aka “GOJIRA”)
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XXIX. DR. JOHN MACARTHUR
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XXX. YAGO MARTINS
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XXXI. JAMES McCARTHY
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XXXII. JUAN ROBERTO DE OLIVEIRA
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Next Brazilian Protestant to be Refuted: Juan Roberto de Oliveira [Facebook, 9-27-23]
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XXXIII. ORTHODOX ANTI-CATHOLICISM
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XXXIV. POPE AS “GOD” OR “ANTICHRIST”
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What Year Did Popes Become Antichrist? (vs. John Calvin) [3-11-10]
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XXXV. AUSTIN REED

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XXXVI. “SAINT AND SINNER”
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Six Anti-Catholics Challenged: “Is Catholicism Christian?” Wouldn’t a real debate be nice for a change? (All Declined) [in effect, S&S declined on 10-27-07 by saying “amen” to “Turretinfan’s” decline and giving no indication otherwise after five previous related comments (one / two / three / four / five) ] [10-8-07] 
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XXXVII. GEORGE SALMON (19TH CENTURY ANGLICAN)

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

John Henry Newman’s Alleged Disbelief  in Papal Infallibility Prior to 1870, and Supposed Intellectual Dishonesty Afterwards (Classic Anti-Catholic Lies: George Salmon, James White, David T. King et al) [8-11-11]

Next Big Project: Replies to Anglican Anti-Catholic Polemicist George Salmon (1819-1904) [Facebook, 3-10-23]

Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 1 [3-10-23]

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]
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Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 5: Private Judgment, the Rule of Faith, and Dr. Salmon’s Weak Fallible Protestant “Church”: Subject to the Whims of Individuals; Church Fathers Misquoted [3-15-23]
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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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XXXVIII. MATT SLICK (PRESBYTERIAN; FOUNDER OF CARM)
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XXXIX. DR. ERIC SVENDSEN
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Have Heterodox Catholics Overthrown Official Doctrine? (vs. Eric Svendsen, James White, Phillip Johnson, & Andrew Webb) [6-3-96]
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Apostolic [Quasi-] Protestantism?: Dialogue with Eric Svendsen [6-26-96]

Debate on the Nature of the Church and Catholicism [7-5-96]

Dialogue on “Tradition” in the New Testament [1996]

Dialogue with Protestants on Various Aspects of Development of Doctrine (Particularly Concerning the Canon of Scripture) [vs. Jason Engwer & Eric Svendsen] [3-19-02, at Internet Archive]

Eric Svendsen: Catholics Raise Mary to the Holy Trinity [4-2-04]

What is it With Anti-Catholics & Written Debate? (The Sad Case of Eric Svendsen as a Typical Example) [10-4-04, at Internet Archive] 

“It’s Greek to Me”: Illuminating Exchange w Eric Svendsen [6-5-03 and 1-10-05]

James White’s, Eric Svendsen’s, and Jason Engwer’s Glowing Tributes to Pope St. John Paul II [4-5-05, at Internet Archive]
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Eric Svendsen Sez Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, and Dr. James Dobson Betray the Gospel and R Lousy Evangelicals, in Distinct Danger of Damnation [4-28-05, at Internet Archive]

“Podunk” & Self-Publishing Efforts of Leading Anti-Catholics: David T. King, William Webster, and Eric Svendsen [4-17-09]

Follies of Anti-Catholic Former Apologist Eric Svendsen [4-25-10] 

Dave Armstrong Fan Club #2: Anti-Catholic Protestant Polemicist Eric “the Yellow” Svendsen [Facebook, 3-3-19]

Svendsen’s Dissertation on Mary: 1. Preliminaries (Including Explicit Biblical Indications or Analogies for Mary’s Universal Intercession and the Notion of “Fittingness”) [2-2-23]

XL. JAMES SWAN (REFORMED)

Martin Luther’s Mariology: Reply to James Swan: . . . Particularly the Immaculate Conception / Has Present-Day Protestantism Maintained the Classical “Reformational” Heritage of Mariology? [4-26-03; rev. 4-6-23]

Luther’s Mariology: the Protestant View [4-26-03]

Use of Primary Citations: James Swan’s Double Standards (and his particular animus against the Austrian Jesuit and biographer of Luther: Hartmann Grisar) [4-26-03; expanded on 7-15-20] 

Anti-Catholic Caricatures of Catholic Mariology [4-26-03]

Vs. James Swan #2 Re Luther’s Mariology (+ Part 2) [original full dialogue: 6-28-03; uploaded on 4-29-24]

2nd Reply to James Swan Re Luther’s Mariology [6-28-03; abridged on 7-19-20]

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) [3-15-04 and 9-7-05]

Biblical “Ass” (Donkey) & Holier Than Thou Anti-Catholics (subtitle: It Matters Not to Anti-Catholics Like James Swan Whether “Ass” is a Legitimate Term in the Bible, Shakespeare, & Even John Calvin) [2007; abridged & revised: 1-19-19]

Luther: Death Penalty for Anabaptists & 1525 Peasants’ Revolt (Critique of James Swan’s Misrepresentation on the Radio Show, Iron Sharpens Iron, with Chris Arnzen) [11-6-07] 

Anti-Catholic James Swan’s Goofy Anonymous “Reviews” of My Book [6-30-10]

How Anti-Catholic Apologists “Argue” and “Reason”: Documentation of James Swan’s Avalanche of Childish Personal Insults and Ridiculous Flat-Out Lies About Yours Truly [6-30-10]

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Calvin & Mary Ever Virgin (w Tim Staples vs. James Swan) [6-5-14]

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XLI. KEN TEMPLE (REFORMED BAPTIST)
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XLII. EDGAR TREVIÑO
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XLIII. FRANK TURK (AKA “CENTURION”) (BAPTIST)
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Salvation by Works in the Catholic Catechism? [5-8-02]

Proper Theological Application of the Term “Anti-Catholic” [9-24-05]

Frank Turk and Phil Johnson Reply to My Critique With Christlike Examples of Charity and Reason / James White’s January 2001 Resolution to Avoid All Interaction With Me (!!) [7-21-11, at Internet Archive]

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XLIV. FRANCOIS TURRETIN (1623-1687)

For many counter-replies, see the section, “Replies to Francois Turretin” on my Calvinism & General Protestantism: Catholic Critique web page.

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XLV. “TURRETINFAN” (AKA “THE ANONYMOUS ONE” OR “TAO”) (REFORMED)

Did Jesus Commission the New Testament (or the Disciples?) [5-31-18]

Armstrong Fan Club #5: Reformed Protestant Fanatic “Turretinfan” [Facebook, 3-5-19]

Rome, the Biblical Canon, & Tradition (vs. Turretinfan & James White) . . . Observed in the Views of John of Damascus (aka John Damascene: c. 676-749) [11-7-19]

Chalice or Host Only Contain the Body & Blood of Christ (Reply to Two Direct Challenges from the Calvinist Anti-Catholic Sophist and Polemicist, “Turretinfan”) [11-21-19]

Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) Decrees: Universally Binding? [11-21-19]

“Turretinfan” Calls a Statue of Jesus Christ an “Idol” (While His Buddy Bishop James White Praises the Statues of “Reformers” Calvin, Farel, Beza, and Knox) [6-8-10; rev. 6-24-20]

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

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A Discourse on The Discourse on the Holy Theotokos (Anti-Catholic Distortion of St. Athanasius) (Paul Hoffer) [4-10-09]

TAO’s Continued Use of the Pejorative Papist (+ Part Two) (Paul Hoffer) [6-23-09]

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]
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XLVI. JERRY WALLS (+ KENNETH COLLINS)
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Series of Critiques of Kenneth Collins’ and Jerry Walls’ BookRoman but Not Catholic: What Remains at Stake 500 Years after the Reformation (Oct. 2017):

My Amazon Review (good overview of #1-#10 below) [10-21-17]

Defense of My Amazon Review [10-23-17]

Odd Trio: Jerry Walls, Ken Collins, & Anti-Catholic John Bugay [10-24-17]

#1: Newman’s Mariology [10-17-17]

#2: Queen of Heaven [10-18-17]

#3: Necessity of Immaculate Mary? [10-18-17]

#4: Mary “Not a Genuine Human Being”? [10-19-17]

#5: The Church “Gave” the Bible? [10-19-17]

#6: Assumption, Queen Redux [10-19-17]

#7: Unbiblical / Non-Patristic Purgatory? [10-19-17]

#8: Heretical Tobit? (Alms & Salvation) [10-20-17]

#9: “Apocrypha” (Jerome, Athanasius, Etc.) [10-21-17]

#10: St. Peter & the Papacy [10-21-17]

#11: Good & Bad Monothelite Heretics [10-22-17]

#12: Salvation (Soteriology) [10-22-17]

#13: “Reformed” Censorship & Intolerance [10-26-17]

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XLVII. WILLIAM WEBSTER
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XLVIII. WILLIAM WHITAKER
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XLIX. BISHOP JAMES WHITE (REFORMED BAPTIST)

The material formerly listed here has been moved to a new page: Bishop “Dr.” [???] James White: Anti-Catholic Extraordinaire

L. MIKE WINGER

Reply to Mike Winger on Sola Scriptura [4-30-22]

Symbolic Adult Baptism? (vs. Mike Winger) [5-2-22]

Papal Authority In The NT And The Fathers (Vs. Mike Winger): Incl. “Papal” & Patristic Exegesis of Matthew 16 and John 21; Relationship of the Bible & the Church [3-9-24]

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LI. CATHOLIC INQUISITION

“Romanists” Killed 100 Million? David T. King & Other Geniuses [6-29-00]

The Inquisition Killed 4.9 Million? (John Bugay’s Whoppers) [6-4-10]

Catholic Inquisition Murdered “50-68 Million”? [April 2014]

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Were 50 Million People Really Killed in the Inquisition? [National Catholic Register, 5-30-18]
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The Inquisition, as Medieval Catholics Would View It [National Catholic Register, 7-31-19]
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LII. MISCELLANEOUS REFUTATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Classic Anti-Catholic Polemicists (Chick, Boettner, & Hislop) [1-25-91]

Anti-Catholicism: Classic Catholic Replies and Retorts [1-25-91]

Are Catholics Christians? (vs. James White) [May 1995]

Dialogue on Grace (vs. Anti-Catholic Phil Johnson) [1996]

“Xmas” & the Christian “Fish”: Etymology & History (vs. Matthew Bell) [12-22-98]

Sophistry: Reflections on “Debating” Anti-Catholic Polemicists [11-27-00]

Oral vs. Written Debates About Theology: Which is Better? [Jan. 2001; rev. 9-30-04]

Anti-Catholics Are Catholics’ Brothers in Christ [4-18-02; reposted on 4-22-24]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Twin Scourges: Thoughts on Anti-Catholicism and Theological Liberalism [June 2003]

Latest Anti-Catholic Theory on Catholic Converts: Filthy Lucre (Scott Hahn and Steve Ray Supposedly Were Motivated Primarily or Solely by Financial Gain, to Become Catholics?) [7-15-04; rev. 1-27-17]

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

“Moderate” Heinrich Bullinger: “Reformation” Anti-Catholicism [1-16-07]

Old website editions of the Anti-Catholicism Page preserved at the Internet Archive (much material later deleted or modified: choose from between the dates of 6-11-04 and 2-11-07)

Prayer For Our Non-Catholic Brothers and Sisters (Especially Those Who Do Not Regard Us As Their Brothers and Sisters in Christ) [6-2-07, at Internet Archive]

The “Adolescent Theory” of Pervasive Anti-Catholic Mindsets and Behavior [Facebook, 10-4-07]

Zwingli, Bucer, Oecolampadius: Luther & Lutherans Not Christians [1-10-08]

Anti-Catholics: Sincere & Ignorant or Malicious? [10-7-08]

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

“Podunk” & Self-Publishing Efforts of Leading Anti-Catholics: David T. King, William Webster, and Eric Svendsen [4-17-09]

Clarification of Why I No Longer Attempt Debate With Anti-Catholic Protestants [7-4-09, at Internet Archive]

Mary as a Guide & Model of Holiness: Mutual Monologues with Several Anti-Catholics + One Real Dialogue [10-14-09]

Is the Anti-Catholic Myth of Total Catholic Apostasy Analogous to the Jewish-Christian Split in the 1st Century? [12-8-09]

Judaizers: “Proto-Catholics”? (Alleged Works-Salvation) [12-14-09]

Amazing Grace: “Anti-Catholic” Hymn? [11-1-10]

How Anti-Catholics Often Argue (Massive Use of Ad Hominem, Personal Insult, Smear Tactics) / My Humorous, Satirical Retorts [2-24-10, at Internet Archive]

Young Earth Creationism of Notable Anti-Catholic Protestants [9-18-10]

High Praise from a Protestant Critic of Mine [sarcastic title: Facebook comment on an anonymous critic who claims that no Protestant apologist takes me “seriously” at all; 12-22-11]

C. S. Lewis’ Belfast Childhood & Contra-Catholicism [6-26-12]

Pitting Paul Against Peter (Pathetic, Pitiful Pedantry): Reply to Failed Anti-Catholic Protestant Attempts to Tear Down St. Peter and His Papal Authority [8-10-12]

Dialogue on Newman’s Kingsley / “Apologia” Controversy [11-27-12]

Multiple Meanings of “Paradise” in Scripture and Anti-Catholic Cluelessness About Literary Genre  [see also the accompanying Facebook discussion] [12-1-14]

Bizarre Anti-Catholic Junk Refuted (Series) [compiled on 4-7-16]

Debates with Anti-Catholic Polemicists [compiled 4-20-16]

Brief Exchange with an Anti-Catholic Regarding Whether Catholicism Teaches a False Gospel [Facebook, 3-18-17]

A Friend of 34 Years (Who is Anti-Catholic) Would Rather End Our Friendship Than Read and Discuss One of My Papers [Facebook, 8-11-17]

“Church Sign” Regarding Anti-Catholic Willful Ignorance [Facebook, 3-22-19]

St. Cardinal Newman on English Anti-Catholic Prejudice [2-17-20]

Defining “Church”: “Exchange” w Anti-Catholic Zealot [3-9-20]

More of that Profound Anti-Catholic Calvinist Love (Gene “Troll” Bridges) [Facebook, 8-15-20]

Is it Wrong to Celebrate and “Make Merry” About the Birth of Jesus and God Becoming Man? No! Clear Biblical Models [Facebook, 12-15-20]

Christmas: Theological (Reformed / Calvinist) Opposition . . . With My Biblical and Historical Refutations [12-16-20]

Discussion with Brazilian Catholics About the Leading Brazilian Anti-Catholic Protestant Apologists [Facebook, 5-24-22]

Does Lucas Banzoli Intend to Ignore My Critiques [So Far, Ten] of His Writing? [Facebook, 6-7-22]

Just a Coincidence (Five Influential Anti-Catholics Who — After Years of Debates With Me — Suddenly Pretended That I No Longer Existed) [Facebook, 9-19-23]

My 29-Year Experience with Anti-Catholic Protestant Debate Opponents: Notice Any Pattern Here? [Facebook, 4-3-24]

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LIII. “ANTI-CATHOLIC” / “ROMANISM”: DEFINITIONAL AND TERMINOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES

Dialogue on the Anti-Catholic Definition of “Christian” (vs. Matthew Bell) [1-11-99; new introduction added on 3-16-11]
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Dialogue: Definition of “Christian” (vs. Reformed Pastor) (+ Did Trent Anathematize all Protestants?) [6-5-10]

Debates on the Controversial Term, “Anti-Catholic[ism]” [compilation of old archived discussions, from 5-11-16]

Anti-Catholic Hypocrisy Re the Term “Anti-Catholic” (Jason Engwer Sez Catholicism is Not Christian & Teaches a False Gospel) [10-14-20]

Quick and Handy Definition of “Anti-Catholic” [Facebook, 7-29-24]

“Romanist”: Dialogue with a Protestant [12-3-24]

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LIV. IDOLATRY CHARGE (THE MASS, IMAGES, AND MISC.)

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The Absurdity of Claiming That the Mass is Idolatrous [National Catholic Register, 6-17-19]
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LV. IDOLATRY CHARGE (MARIAN VENERATION)
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 Last updated on 25 June 2025
  

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2025-06-10T22:53:12-04:00

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. CALVIN’S VIEW OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HEADED BY THE POPE (AND OF LUTHERANISM) / ECCLESIOLOGY
II. SECTARIANISM, CALVINISTS OF HIS DAY, TRADITION, RULE OF FAITH, AND SOLA SCRIPTURA
III. PREDESTINATION / SUPRALAPSARIANISM / SOVEREIGNTY / ELECT / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS / TOTAL DEPRAVITY
IV. SOTERIOLOGY / SALVATION /  GRACE / FAITH AND WORKS / SIN
V. SACRAMENTS (ESP. BAPTISM AND THE EUCHARIST) AND SACRAMENTALS
VI. MARIOLOGY
VII. CHRISTOLOGY
VIII. DEUTEROCANON
 IX. SCIENCE 
X. INTOLERANCE, PERSECUTION, AND DOUBLE STANDARDS
XI. CALVIN VS. THE CHURCH FATHERS

XII. CELIBACY

XIII. CONTRACEPTION

XIV. ICONOCLASM, ART, AND MUSIC

XV. COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS / INTERCESSION OF SAINTS / PENANCE / ABSTINENCE / LENT

XVI. PURGATORY AND PRAYER FOR THE DEAD

XVII. ORDINATION / PRIESTS / MONKS AND NUNS / MONASTICISM

XVIII. MIRACLES / EXORCISM

XIX. FALSE ACCUSATIONS 

XX. MISCELLANEOUS
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I. CALVIN’S VIEW OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HEADED BY THE POPE (AND OF LUTHERANISM) / ECCLESIOLOGY
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What Year Did Popes Become Antichrist? (vs. John Calvin) [3-11-10]
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John Calvin’s 15 Surprisingly Catholic Views [National Catholic Register, 10-10-17]
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John Calvin’s Ten Striking “Catholic” Views (the video immediately below is a commentary on this article) [2-11-25]
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VIDEO: Calvin’s Strikingly Catholic Views: Ten Catholic Truths John Calvin Embraced!!! [with Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights, 1 hr, 28 minutes, 2-13-25]
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II. SECTARIANISM, CALVINISTS OF HIS DAY, TRADITION, RULE OF FAITH, AND SOLA SCRIPTURA
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III. PREDESTINATION / SUPRALAPSARIANISM / SOVEREIGNTY / ELECT / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS / TOTAL DEPRAVITY
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Good Works and Men, God’s Grace, and Regeneration [National Catholic Register, 8-6-20]
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Is True Faith Always Permanent? (vs. Calvin #62) [3-7-23]
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IV. SOTERIOLOGY / SALVATION /  GRACE / FAITH AND WORKS / SIN
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Bible vs. “Faith Alone” vs. John Calvin Series
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V. SACRAMENTS (ESP. BAPTISM AND THE EUCHARIST) AND SACRAMENTALS

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VI. MARIOLOGY
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Calvin & Mary Ever Virgin (expanded version, with Tim Staples vs. James Swan) [6-5-14]
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VII. CHRISTOLOGY
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Calvin’s Fawning Over a 13-Year-Old Head of the Church of England [5-26-09; revised for a National Catholic Register article, 9-3-17]
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XII. CELIBACY 

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XIII. CONTRACEPTION
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Luther and Calvin Opposed Contraception and “Fewer Children is Better” Thinking [2-21-04; published at National Catholic Register, 9-13-17]

Publishers Omit Calvin’s Anti-Contraception View?! [9-14-13]

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XIV. ICONOCLASM, ART, AND MUSIC

Early Protestant Antipathy Towards Art (+ Iconoclasm) [1991]

John Calvin, Early Calvinism, & Violent Iconoclasm [7-4-04]

Calvin, Zwingli, & Bullinger vs. Statues of Christ, Crucifixes, & Crosses [9-19-09]

John Calvin: Worship Instruments = Idols & Superstition [3-14-10]

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

“Graven Images”: Unbiblical Iconoclasm (vs. John Calvin) [Oct. 2012]

Church Music & Hymns in the New Testament? [1-28-16]

John Calvin Didn’t Oppose All Religious Images [4-10-23]

*
XV. COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS / INTERCESSION OF SAINTS / PENANCE / ABSTINENCE / LENT
*
*

Veneration of Saints and Angels (vs. John Calvin) [Oct. 2012]

Intercession & Invocation of Saints & Angels (vs. Calvin) [Oct. 2012]

Temporal Punishment After Forgiveness: Catholicism vs. John Calvin [10-18-12]

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

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

John Calvin vs. the Bible and John the Baptist, with Regard to Abstinence from Wine [Facebook, 1-26-19]

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

XVI. PURGATORY AND PRAYER FOR THE DEAD

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

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

XVII. ORDINATION / PRIESTS / MONKS AND NUNS / MONASTICISM

Unbiblical Opposition to Priest’s Vows (vs. Calvin #32) [9-21-09]

Evangelical Counsels & Monasticism (vs. Calvin #33) [9-22-09]

Calvin’s Self-Contradictory Trashing of Monasticism [1-26-19]

*
XVIII. MIRACLES / EXORCISM

Unbiblical Antipathy to Miracles & Exorcism (vs. Calvin #53) [12-22-09]

XIX. FALSE ACCUSATIONS 

*
*
*
XX. MISCELLANEOUS
*
*

*
***
*

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: 19 June 2025

 

 

2025-05-01T12:55:46-04:00

Schleiermacher
Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher (1768-1834), the “Father of Modern Liberal Theology” [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]
* * * * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. General
II. Deconversions
III. Pope Francis: Liberal?
IV. Christological Heresy 
V. Trashing or Questioning the Bible / Theologically Liberal or Skeptical Exegesis / Torah / Documentary Hypothesis
VI. Sexual Issues
VII. Implications for Ecclesiology?
VIII. Modernist Skeptical Historiography 
***

***

I. General

*
Have Heterodox Catholics Overthrown Official Doctrine? (vs. Eric Svendsen, James White, Phillip Johnson, & Andrew Webb) [6-3-96]
*
*
Dialogue with a Skeptic of Christianity (vs. Charlie Kluepfel) [5-2-99]
*
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Conscience Must be Formed in Harmony with the Church (Proof from Scripture & the Catechism of the Catholic Church) [7-19-09] 
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*
*

Can a Pope be a Heretic or Authoritatively Declare Heresy? [2-3-17]

Modernism vs. History in Genesis & Biblical Inspiration [7-23-18]

Hallmarks of Catholic Theological Liberalism  (The “Dirty Dozen”) [1999; rev. 7-31-18]

St. Paul: Orthodox Catholic or Theological Pluralist? [12-28-18]

It Ain’t About Kumbaya, But About Mindless Naivete [3-21-19]

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

C. S. Lewis: Criticism of Theological & Political Liberalism [10-22-19]

Am I Too Soft on Modernists & Too Hard on Reactionaries? [11-6-19]

Apostolic Succession: Reply to Certain Misconceptions [7-1-20]

Do the OT & NT Teach Polytheism or Henotheism? [7-1-20]

Did the Blessed Virgin Mary Think Jesus Was Nuts? [7-2-20]

Dialogue on Biblical Views Re Following Jesus & Riches (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-21-20]

Dialogue w Christian “Outside of Orthodoxy” [12-21-20]

Criterion of Catholic Orthodoxy: Degree of “Pearcianism” [6-22-21]

Catholicism, Protestantism, and Theological Liberalism [Facebook, 7-28-22]

“The Catholic Monitor” Butchers My View of Papal Infallibility (. . . and Has the Impudent Audacity to Attack St. John Henry Cardinal Newman as a Modernist and Nominalist) [9-14-22]

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]

*

II. Deconversions

Audrey Assad’s Journey: Apology & Retraction [10-1-21]

Audrey Assad Has Graciously Accepted my Retraction and Apology, with Class, While Proud Mary et al Still Savage My Name and Character [Facebook, 10-4-21]

Why Do I (or How DARE I?!) Critique Deconversions? [10-5-21]

Pharisees on Mark Shea’s Page Trash My Apology to Audrey Assad, While She Herself Graciously Accepted It [Facebook, 10-5-21]

Two of the Most Ridiculous Things Ever Said About Me, Concerning Why People Leave the Faith, & Whether I Have Ever Had a Crisis of Faith (and Their Refutations) [Facebook, 10-7-21]

*

III. Pope Francis: Liberal?

*
*
*
Dialogue: “Bad” Bishops & “Confusing” Francis (vs. Dr. Peter Kwasniewski) [4-28-16]

Quasi-Defectibility and Phil Lawler vs. Pope Francis (see also more documentation of Lawler’s reactionary leanings, on the Facebook thread) [12-28-17]

Dialogues with Karl Keating & Phil Lawler on Pope Francis [12-29-17]

Dialogues with Karl Keating Regarding Pope Francis [12-29-17]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #1: Critique of Introduction [1-1-18]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #2: Homosexuality & “Judging” [1-2-18]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #3: The Pope Annihilated Hell? [1-2-18]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #4: Communion / Buenos Aires Letter [1-3-18]

Lawler vs. Pope Francis #5: Jerusalem Council vs. “Ideology” [1-3-18]

Pope Francis Defended: Resources for Confused or Troubled Folks [collection]

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

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

Pope Francis’ “Endorsement” of Fr. James Martin, SJ (Does it Entail a Denial of Church Teaching on Gravely Disordered Homosexual Sex?) [6-30-21]

*

IV. Christological Heresy 

*
*
*
*
*
V. Trashing or Questioning the Bible / Theologically Liberal or Skeptical Exegesis / Torah / Documentary Hypothesis
*
Silent Night: A “Progressive” and “Enlightened” Reinterpretation [12-10-04; additionally edited for publication at National Catholic Register: 12-21-17]
*
*
*
*
*
Defending the Historical Adam of Genesis (vs. Eric S. Giunta) [9-25-11]
*
*
Adam & Eve of Genesis: Historical & the Primal Human Pair? (vs. Bishop Robert Barron) [11-28-13]
*
New Testament Proofs of Noah’s Historical Existence (Seton Magazine article, 22 April 2014)
*
“Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?” (Dr. Dennis Bonnette, Crisis Magazine, 11-24-14)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
VII. Implications for Ecclesiology?
*
*
*

VIII. Modernist Skeptical Historiography 

* 
*

*
***
*

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 25 February 2024
 
***

2025-05-12T20:24:12-04:00

Front Cover (550 x 828)

[published in 2013]

[see full book and purchase information]

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

I. INDIVIDUAL CONVERSIONS

II. MY METHODIST AND PAGAN YEARS / EVANGELICAL CONVERSION (1977)

III. MY CATHOLIC CONVERSION (1990)

IV. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND INFORMATION

V. C. S LEWIS AND CATHOLICISM

VI. PROTESTANT ANALYSES OF CATHOLIC CONVERSION (AND MY COUNTER-REPLIES)

***

***

I. INDIVIDUAL CONVERSIONS

G. K. Chesterton’s Conversion to Catholicism (In Brief) [1991; published by The Coming Home Newsletter, Sep. / Oct. 1996]

Ronald Knox’s Conversion to Catholicism (In Brief) [1991; published by The Coming Home Newsletter Jan/ / Feb. 1997]

Malcolm Muggeridge & His Conversion to Catholicism [1991; published by The Coming Home Newsletter, March / April 1997]

Why I Returned to the Catholic Church; Including a Searching Examination of Various Flaws and Errors in the Protestant Worldview and Approach to Christian Living (Al Kresta) [transcript of his talk in my home, 26 April 1992]

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

On Irrational Hostility to Conversion Stories (Esp. Scott Hahn’s) [3-3-06]

James White’s Lies Re the Return of Francis Beckwith to the Church [5-6-07]

Fifteen Conversion Stories (in my book, Catholic Converts and Conversion: 2013)

Cardinal Newman’s Conversion Odyssey, in His Own Words (September 1839 to December 1845) [3-19-15] [see also the Spanish version (shorter version) ]

Cardinal Newman on Catholic Conversion & Converts (Especially His Own & that of Anglicans Who Become Catholics) [May 2015]

Malcolm Muggeridge: The Iconoclast (Old Links Page) [4-18-16]

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

G. K. Chesterton: The “Colossal Genius” (Old Links Page) [4-18-16]

Malcolm Muggeridge & Mother Teresa: A Blessed, Fruitful Meeting [9-6-16]

The Holy Collaboration of Mother Teresa and Malcom Muggeridge [National Catholic Register, 6-20-18]

Cardinal Newman’s Conversion Agonies: Jan. 1842 to Feb. 1844 [10-10-19]

My First Book, by God’s Grace, Helped Someone Come Into the Church (Coming Home Network Testimony) [Facebook, 9-14-20]

II. MY METHODIST AND PAGAN YEARS / EVANGELICAL CONVERSION (1977)

My “Romantic / Imaginative” Conversion to Christianity [1997; rev. 9-19-03 and 9-23-15]

Gratefulness for My Evangelical Protestant Background [3-18-08]

My Two Conversions: Interview with Spanish Journalist Itxu Díaz [3-31-11]

My Nature-Mystic, Occultic, Practical Atheist  Period (1967-1977) [7-27-11]

Dialogue with a Friendly Atheist #1: My Pagan / Occultic Period (+ Circumstances and Factors Regarding my Evangelical Conversion in 1977 at Age 18 and Catholic Conversion at Age 32) [8-3-17]

[see also the earlier portions of my ten-part conversion story in the next section below]

III. MY CATHOLIC CONVERSION (1990)

My Odyssey from Evangelicalism to Catholicism [9 December 1990 / revised: July 1992 / expanded: 1993. My draft of what was later somewhat edited and included in Patrick Madrid’s 1994 runaway bestseller book, Surprised by Truth] [see also the Spanish version]

150 Reasons Why I Became (and Remain) a Catholic [1992; revised 9-28-05] [see also the Spanish version (1992 original) and Portugese version]

How Newman Convinced Me to Become a Catholic [1996; published in Latin Mass Magazine and Coming Home Newsletter] [see also the Spanish version and Portugese version]

My Catholic Conversion (Radio Interview with Al Kresta): Transcript (listen to the audio file; see #3) [9-8-97]

Radio Interview: My Conversion Story, with Al Kresta, Kresta in the Afternoon [4-30-02; free audio file; see #6]

Radio Interview: My conversion story, with Steve Wood, of Faith and Family Live [7-10-03; free audio file; see #7]

Epistemology of My Catholic Conversion + My (Protestant) Letter to Karl Keating in 1990 / How I Became an Apologist [4-25-04]

White’s & Hays’ Anti-Catholic Analyses of My Catholic Conversion [Dec. 2004; added dialogue from 2-21-17; additional citations added on 2-24-18]

My Catholic Conversion in a Nutshell [5-1-06]

My Conversion: Not Due to Hostility to Evangelicalism [9-9-06]

My Supposed “Hybrid” Post-Conversion Faith [9-19-06]

Flawed Conversion Blurb & James White’s Personal Insults [9-7-07]

Am I a “Protestantizing” Catholic (Formerly “Catholicizing” Protestant)? [7-24-08]

My Earliest Catholic Apologetics (1990-1995) [1-5-11]

My Two Conversions: Interview with Spanish Journalist Itxu Díaz [3-31-11]

Radio Interview in My Conversion: Blessed John Paul the Great Leafeater’s Club, with hosts Terry Moran and John Lillis (audio file: see #13) [6-1-12]

My Conversion to Catholicism: “Five Minute Version” [1-17-13]

My Conversion: Apathy, Occult, Evangelicalism, & Catholicism (Ten Parts) [2013]:

Part One: Nominal Methodism, Occult, and the Seeds of a Serious Christian Commitment (1958 – early 1970s)

Part Two: Nature Mysticism, Romanticism, Bible Movies, and the “Great Depression” (1968-1977)

Part Three: Evangelical “Born-Again” (?) Experience, More Lukewarmness, and Personal Revival (1977-1982)

Part Four: Apologetics, Abundant Evangelical Blessings, and Protestant Evangelistic Campus Ministry (1983-1989)

Part Five: Collapse of My Protestant Ministry: Disillusionment and the End of One Chapter of My Life, But with Faith Intact (1985-1989)

Part Six: Pro-Life Rescue Movement, Letter to Karl Keating, My Ecumenical Gatherings, & the First “Domino”: Contraception (1988-1990)

Part Seven: Ecclesiology (the Church), the “Protestant Myth” of Church History, and My Vehement Opposition to Catholic Infallibility (1990)

Part Eight: Bombshell and Paradigm Shift: Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1990)

Part Nine: The Slow But Inevitable Paradigm Shift, Fr. John A. Hardon, and Another View of the “Reformation” (1990)

Part Ten: Thomas Howard & Liturgy, My New Catholic Apologetics Career, and the Long-Awaited Fulfillment of My Calling (1990-1991)

Radio Interview: My conversion story, with Al Kresta, Kresta in the Afternoon [4-14-14; free audio file: see #15]

Why This “Jesus Freak” Became a Catholic [published at Catholic365 on 22 March 2015]

Here’s What I Discovered That Made Me Become Catholic [National Catholic Register, 9-29-16]

Dialogue with a Friendly Atheist #1: My Pagan / Occultic Period (+ Circumstances and Factors Regarding my Evangelical Conversion in 1977 at Age 18 and Catholic Conversion at Age 32) [8-3-17]

Todd Baker’s Exodus from Rome (Attack on My Conversion) [4-24-18]

30-Year Anniversary of the Beginning of My Conversion Odyssey to Catholicism [Facebook, 2-8-20]
*

IV. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND INFORMATION

Catholic Conversion: Classic Analyses (Chesterton, Belloc, Pelikan) [1991]

Catholic Conversion: Random Thoughts & Reflections [5-13-03]

Catholic Converts’ Qualms: Mariology, Formal Worship, Etc. [2-11-04]

Conversion to Catholicism: Reflections on its Complexity [9-7-05]

Catholic Fundamentalism & “Insufficiently Converted Catholics” [2-21-06]

Potential Catholic Converts: My “Hands Off” Approach [7-1-06]

Christianity & Judaism, Messianic Jews, & Jewish Converts [12-4-07]

Vatican II on Effectively Sharing the Fullness of Catholic Faith [2-18-08]

Difficulty of Catholic-Protestant Marriage: Some Thoughts [5-7-08; rev. 4-25-18]

“Official” Catholic Use of “Convert” to Describe New Catholics [4-6-09]

Augustine’s Confessions: Model for Conversion Stories [6-10-09]

Dialogue: Do Vatican II & Ecumenism Discourage Converts? [Sep. 2009]

“Why Convince Protestants to Become Catholics?” [4-30-15]

Cardinal Newman on Catholic Conversion & Converts (Especially His Own & that of Anglicans Who Become Catholics) [May 2015]

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

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

Why Not Become a Protestant, Due to the Sex Scandals? [3-7-19]

Ironclad Rule #13 in Anti-Apologetics Rhetoric: “If such a screed goes on for more than ten seconds, the statistical probability of a disparaging remark about Scott Hahn approaches one.” / Cyclical History of Interest in Catholic Conversion Stories [Facebook, 7-1-19]

Fruit: 156 Reasons Why Catholic Apologetics is a Good Thing (Documented Conversions or Reversions in Part Due to My Work: Completely Caused by God’s Grace) [7-3-19]

“Jesus Revolution” Film & the Sacrament of Baptism [3-1-23]

*

V. C. S LEWIS AND CATHOLICISM

C. S. Lewis’ Views on Christian Unity & Ecumenism [6-16-03]

C. S. Lewis’ Childhood in Belfast & Contra-Catholicism (Biographers and/or Friends Kreeft, Pearce, Derrick, and Possibly Tolkien Think This is Why Lewis Never Became a Catholic) [6-26-12]

Why Didn’t C. S. Lewis Become a Catholic? [8-29-14]

Dialogue on Why C. S. Lewis Didn’t “Pope” [9-1-15]

C. S. Lewis vs. St. Paul on Future Binding Church Authority [National Catholic Register, 1-22-17]

Why C. S. Lewis Never Became a Catholic [National Catholic Register, 3-5-17]

C. S. Lewis on Catholicism (Correspondence: 1934-1947) [9-13-19]

DOCUMENTARY: C. S. Lewis On Why He Never Became a Catholic  [Lux Veritatis, 5-12-25]

*

VI. PROTESTANT ANALYSES OF CATHOLIC CONVERSION (AND MY COUNTER-REPLIES)

Latest Anti-Catholic Theory on Catholic Converts: Filthy Lucre (Scott Hahn and Steve Ray Supposedly Were Motivated Primarily or Solely by Financial Gain, to Become Catholics?) [7-15-04; rev. 1-27-17]

Is Conversion to Catholicism Mainly Emotional or “Doctrinal”? [9-11-04]

Catholic Conversion: Some Silly Protestant “Analyses” [3-6-04, 3-30-04, and 9-26-05]

My Conversion: Not Due to Hostility to Evangelicalism [9-9-06]

James White’s Top Ten Questions for “Romanist” Converts Answered [9-4-07]

Am I a “Protestantizing” Catholic (Formerly “Catholicizing” Protestant)? [7-24-08]

Todd Baker’s Exodus from Rome (Attack on My Conversion) [4-24-18]

Why Not Become a Protestant, Due to the Sex Scandals? [3-7-19]

James Swan Foolishly Attacks Catholic Conversion Stories [11-25-19]

Lucas Banzoli on Catholic Converts, and My Reply [Facebook, 9-26-22]

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

James White’s Blast at Catholic Converts Contrary to My Initial Radical Conversion to Christ in 1977 [Facebook, 5-16-24]

Lutheran Dr. Jordan Cooper on the “Many” Conversions to Catholicism [Facebook, 8-6-24]

Gavin Ortlund Affirms That Many Protestants Are Anxious and Considering Conversion to Catholicism: So Much So That He Felt Led to Write a Book to Counter It [Facebook, 8-23-24]

*

*
***
*

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 12 May 2025

2025-05-01T12:45:46-04:00

 Cover (555 x 838, 175K)

[see full book and purchase information]

***

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

I. GENERAL / MISCELLANEOUS

II. MYSTERY AND REASON

III. FILIOQUE / HOLY TRINITY

IV. THE PAPACY

V. DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT

VI. CONTRACEPTION

VII. ORIGINAL SIN

VIII. BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

IX. PRIESTLY CELIBACY

X. HOLY EUCHARIST

XI. ECUMENISM / ECCLESIOLOGY

XII. THEOSIS

XIII. PURGATORY AND LIMBO

***

***

 

I. GENERAL / MISCELLANEOUS

Roman See as Historic Standard-Bearer of Orthodoxy (+ the Ecclesiological Absurdity of Anti-Catholic-Type Eastern Orthodox Arguments Against Roman Primacy & Apostolicity) [1997]

Attempted “Dialogue” with an Anti-Catholic Orthodox [1997]

Sack of Constantinople (1204) & Unknown Byzantine Atrocities [1998]

Dialogue w Anti-Catholic Orthodox Christian (ROCOR) [1998]

Is Orthodoxy Immune from Modernism and Dissent? [11-7-98]

Anti-Catholic Orthodox Claims of Exclusive Apostolic Succession [Nov. 1998; revised in 2004]

Dialogue w Orthodox on Why Catholics Become Orthodox [3-20-99]

Schisms & Heresies in Eastern Christianity Before 1054 [2000]

Caesaropapism in Orthodoxy & the Byzantine Empire [2000]

Clarification on Heretical Eastern Patriarchs (260-715) [1-7-03]

Orthodoxy & Catholicism Read by Czech Bishops & Priests [6-16-11]

Exchange with an Anti-Catholic Orthodox: Originally on the Papacy (vs. Richard A. Shaward) [Facebook, 12-2-11]

Further Thoughts on Catholic-Orthodox Discussion [Facebook, 12-20-13] [+ earlier, humorous installment: about someone trashing me because I made a “patristic typo”: Facebook, 12-19-13]

Preface to 3rd Revised 2015 Edition of Orthodoxy and Catholicism: A Comparison[6-11-14]

Crusades Controversy & “Discussion” (?) w Orthodox [8-14-14]

Orthodoxy & Catholicism: A Comparison: Reply to Introduction (Fr. Daniel Dozier) [8-18-14]

Mike Frost Trashes Me Regarding St. Athanasius [6-6-20]

C. S. Lewis Liked Orthodox Services [Facebook, 9-1-20]

II. MYSTERY AND REASON

Is Catholicism Unbiblically “Rationalistic”? (Orthodox Criticisms) [July 2015]

Development of Doctrine in Orthodoxy & Catholicism: Is There an Essential Difference? (w Fr. Daniel Dozier) [2015]

Dialogue: Relation of Mystery & Reason in Christianity [3-12-20]

III. FILIOQUE / HOLY TRINITY

Filioque: Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue (William Klimon) [July 1997]

Dialogue: Original Sin, Jesus, & Mary’s Immaculate Conception [9-4-08]

Holy Spirit, Procession, & the Father’s & Son’s Love [7-3-09] 

“Western” View of the Holy Trinity, Monarchia, Procession, Etc. (vs. David Waltz and Drake Shelton) [3-5-12]

IV. THE PAPACY

Pope St. Leo the Great, the “Robber” Council of 449, and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman) [Facebook, 1993]

50 New Testament Proofs for Petrine Primacy & the Papacy [1994]

Roman See as Historic Standard-Bearer of Orthodoxy (+ the Ecclesiological Absurdity of Anti-Catholic-Type Eastern Orthodox Arguments Against Roman Primacy & Apostolicity) [1997]

Pope Silvester and the Council of Nicaea (vs. James White) [August 1997]

The Development of the Papacy (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman) [Facebook, 1997]

Bible on Papal & Church Infallibility [2007]

Council of Nicea: Reply to James White: Its Relationship to Pope Sylvester, Athanasius’ Views, & the Unique Preeminence of Catholic Authority [4-2-07]

Papal Participation in the First Seven Ecumenical Councils [4-22-09]

The Nature of Papal Leadership: “Servant of Servants” [from Karl Adam; Facebook, 2-2-12]

Quick, Highly Effective Argument for the Existence of the Papacy in the First 200 Years [Facebook, 3-13-13]

The Papacy & Conciliarity (or, Collegiality): How Popes Routinely Consult Bishops, Priests, and Laity Prior to Momentous Decrees [9-13-14]

Did Pope Gregory the Great Deny Papal Primacy & Supremacy? [9-16-17]

Pope St. Leo the Great (r. 440-461) and Papal Supremacy [9-19-17]

Shock! Former Catholic Rod Dreher Loves Lawler’s Pope-Bashing Book(Sin in the Church and Dreher’s Inadequately Explained Rejection of Catholic Doctrine) [2-22-18]

V. DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT

Divorce: Early Church Teaching [Oct. 1998]

Dialogue on Annulment & Divorce: Essentially Different? [1997-1999]

Biblical Evidence for Annulments [2002]

Biblical Evidence for Prohibiting Divorce [2004]

Orthodoxy & Divorce: Biblical & Apostolic Teaching? [2015]

Annulment is Not “Catholic Divorce” [11-17-15]

VI. CONTRACEPTION

Contraception: Early Church Teaching(William Klimon) [1998]

Dialogue: Contraception vs. NFP: Crucial Ethical Distinctions [2-16-01]

Dialogue: Orthodox Compromises on Contraception [3-21-01]

Biblical Evidence Against Contraception [5-3-06]

Dialogue: Contraception & Natural Family Planning (NFP) [5-16-06]

The Bible on the Blessing of [Many] Children [3-9-09]

Orthodoxy & Contraception: Continuity or Compromise? [2015]

VII. ORIGINAL SIN

Dialogue: Original Sin, Jesus, & Mary’s Immaculate Conception [9-4-08]

Group Discussion on Eastern vs. Western Conceptions of Original Sin (with Eastern Catholics and Orthodox)(+ discussion on a second continuing Facebook thread) [Facebook, 6-28-14 and 6-30-14; note: later portions of the long initial thread become a more general Catholic-Orthodox discussion, mostly between myself and John Fiscus] 

VIII. BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

X. HOLY EUCHARIST

Eucharist: Orthodox and Catholic Views [5-3-13 and 15 and 20 September 2016] 

XI. ECUMENISM / ECCLESIOLOGY

Eastern Orthodoxy, Councils, & Doctrinal Development [2000]

Orthodox & Catholic Ecclesiology: Possible Synthesis? [11-23-11]

XII. THEOSIS

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

St. Bonaventure on Deification / Theosis [Facebook, 3-11-14]

St. Teresa of Avila on Deification / Theosis [Facebook, 4-11-14]

Theosis / Deification / Divinization in Western Spirituality [2015]

XIII. PURGATORY AND LIMBO

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]

Jay Dyer: Intellectual Limbo Re Catholic Belief in Limbo (with Dr. Robert Fastiggi) [7-24-20]

EXTERNAL LINKS
*****

A Catholic View of Orthodoxy (Aidan Nichols)

Why I am Not Eastern Orthodox (Nick’s Catholic Blog

Why I am Catholic and Not Orthodox (Justin Geldart)

Why Catholic and Not Eastern Orthodox? (Joe Heschmeyer)

The Idea of Doctrinal Development in Eastern Orthodox Theology (from From Newman to Congar; by Aidan Nichols)

Eastern Monasticism (Adrian Fortescue)

Several In-Depth Articles on the Filioque Issue (Dr. Michael Liccione)

Is There a Byzantine Mariology? (John Samaha)

Filioque (Church Fathers; ed. Joe Gallegos)

***

*
***
*

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.
*
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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Updated on 1 September 2020.
2025-05-04T19:25:32-04:00

Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral (Alsace, France). At 466 feet, it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. It remains the highest extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. Photo by David Iliff (2-8-14) [Wikimedia CommonsCC-BY-SA 3.0 license]
***
This testimony of the universal holy Christian Church, even if we had nothing else, would be a sufficient warrant for holding this article [on the sacrament] and refusing to suffer or listen to a sectary, for it is dangerous and fearful to hear or believe anything against the unanimous testimony, belief, and teaching of the universal holy Christian churches, unanimously held in all the world from the beginning until now over fifteen hundred years.
 
(Martin Luther, in the year 1532; from Protestant Luther biographer Roland H. Bainton, Studies on the Reformation [Boston: Beacon Press, 1963], p. 26; primary source: WA [Werke, Weimar edition in German], XXX, 552)
***
TABLE OF CONTENTS
***
I. GENERAL ECCLESIOLOGY 
II. THE INDEFECTIBILITY OF THE CHURCH
III. APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
IV. CLERGY AND ORDINATION / HOLY ORDERS / BISHOPS
V. WOMEN’S ORDINATION / CATHOLIC VIEW OF WOMEN
VI. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY / HIERARCHICAL AND EPISCOPAL ECCLESIOLOGY
VII. RULE OF FAITH (BIBLE + CHURCH + TRADITION)
VIII. CONSCIENCE AND PRIVATE JUDGMENT / DISSENT
IX. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY: THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
X. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY: THE FIRST VATICAN COUNCIL
XI. ECCLESIAL INFALLIBILITY AND INFALLIBLE ECUMENICAL COUNCILS 
XII. HERETICAL CONCILIARISM
XIII. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL (ACTS 15)
XIV. REASONS WHY PEOPLE LEAVE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
XV. THE “INFALLIBILITY REGRESS” (PROTESTANT POLEMICAL ARGUMENT)
XVI. THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT
XVII. CLERICAL CELIBACY
XVIII. TITLE OF CATHOLIC
XIX. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
XX. ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA (MOTHER TERESA)
***
I. GENERAL ECCLESIOLOGY 
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Are Catholics Christians? (vs. James White) [May 1995]
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Is the One True Church a Visible or Invisible Entity? [National Catholic Register, 9-12-18]
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The Authority of the Catholic Church (+ Pt. 2): chapter two of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers [10-16-23]
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II. THE INDEFECTIBILITY OF THE CHURCH
*

“Could the Catholic Church Go Off the Rails?” (Indefectibility) [1997]

Anti-Catholic Orthodox Claims of Exclusive Apostolic Succession [Nov. 1998; revised in 2004]

Indefectibility: Does God Protect His Church from Doctrinal Error? [11-1-05; abridged and reformulated a bit on 2-14-17]

“The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail” Against the Church [11-11-08]

Indefectibility of the One True Church (vs. Calvin #9) [5-16-09]

Indefectibility & Apostolic Succession (vs. Calvin #10) [5-18-09]

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

Dialogue with a Lutheran on Ecclesiology & Old Testament Indefectibility Analogies [11-22-11]

St. Francis de Sales: Bible vs. Total Depravity (+ Biblical Evidence for the Indefectibility of the Church, from the Psalms)  [11-24-11]

The Bible on the Indefectibility of the Church [2013]

Michael Voris’ Ultra-Pessimistic Views Regarding the Church [7-3-13]

Critique of Three Michael Voris Statements Regarding the State of the Church [7-3-13]

Indefectibility, Fear, & the Synod on the Family [9-30-15]

Quasi-Defectibility and Phil Lawler vs. Pope Francis (see also more documentation of Lawler’s reactionary leanings, on the Facebook thread) [12-28-17]

Salesian Apologetics #1: Indefectibility of the Church [2-4-20]

Reply to a Despairing Catholic Seminarian (Indefectibility) [6-26-21]

The Indefectibility of the Church [Ch. 3 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in December 2023 for the free online version) ]
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III. APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
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Apostolic Succession as Seen in the Jerusalem Council [National Catholic Register, 1-15-17]
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Answers to Questions About Apostolic Succession [National Catholic Register, 7-25-20]
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A New Biblical Argument for Apostolic Succession [National Catholic Register, 4-23-21]
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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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IV. CLERGY AND ORDINATION / HOLY ORDERS / BISHOPS
*
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Bishops in the Apostolic Church [1-16-01; rev. 5-7-03]
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Bishops: NT, Early Church, & Baptists (vs. James White) [1-16-01] 
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Dialogue: “Bad” Bishops & “Confusing” Francis (vs. Dr. Peter Kwasniewski) [4-28-16]
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The Biblical Basis for the Priesthood [National Catholic Register, 11-2-18]
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Offices in the Early Church [Facebook, 10-16-23]
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YouTube VIDEO: Biblical Proof you should call Catholic Priests “Father” (Kenny Burchard, utilizing my research, 9-15-24)
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V. WOMEN’S ORDINATION / CATHOLIC VIEW OF WOMEN
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Dialogue with a Traditionalist Regarding Deaconesses (vs. Dr. Peter Kwasniewski) [5-13-16]
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VI. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY / HIERARCHICAL AND EPISCOPAL ECCLESIOLOGY

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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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Catholics Accept All of the Church’s Dogmatic Teaching [National Catholic Register, 9-18-18]
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Orthodoxy: The ‘Equilibrium’ That Sets Us Free [National Catholic Register, 3-29-19]
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Does Sola Scriptura Create Chaos? (vs. Steve Hays) [5-15-20]
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VII. RULE OF FAITH (BIBLE + CHURCH + TRADITION)

*
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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Orthodoxy: The ‘Equilibrium’ That Sets Us Free [National Catholic Register, 3-29-19]
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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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VIII. CONSCIENCE AND PRIVATE JUDGMENT / DISSENT
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Conscience Must be Formed in Harmony with the Church (Proof from Scripture & the Catechism of the Catholic Church) [7-19-09] 
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How Much Can Catholics Disagree with the Church? [4-7-01 and 3-13-09 and 9-23-10]
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Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 5: Private Judgment, the Rule of Faith, and Dr. Salmon’s Weak Fallible Protestant “Church”: Subject to the Whims of Individuals; Church Fathers Misquoted [3-15-23]
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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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IX. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY: THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
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Dialogue on Vatican II: Its Relative Worth, Interpretation, and Application (with Patti Sheffield vs. Traditionalist David Palm) [9-15-13]
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Series: Vs. Paolo Pasqualucci Re Vatican II
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Vatican II Upheld Biblical Inerrancy (vs. David Palm) [4-23-20]
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Bp. Schneider Evokes Luther’s Disdain for Councils [7-17-20]

Is Vatican II Analogous to “Failed” Lateran Council V? (Reply to Timothy Flanders) [8-11-20]

Viganò’s Outrageous Lie Re Pope Benedict XVI & Tradition (Unwillingness to Make Even Rudimentary Efforts to Consult Context or to Understand a Pope’s Overall Thinking) [8-21-20]

Vatican II: Documentation of Bishops’ Voting on its Documents (Ranked in Order from Most Dissenting Votes to Least Dissenting Votes) [9-17-21]

Defense of Vatican II vs. Oliveira Leonardo’s Attacks [10-13-22]

Is Vatican II a “Modernist” Council? [Ch. 11 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version)] [11-22-23]
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Are the Vatican II Documents “Ambiguous”? [Ch. 12 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version)] [11-24-23]
*

**

A Response to Archbishop Viganò’s Letter about Vatican II (Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM., Cap., The Catholic World Report, 8-13-20)

Vatican II and “weaponized ambiguity” (Dr. Pedro Gabriel, Where Peter Is, 10-1-20)

*
X. ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY: THE FIRST VATICAN COUNCIL
*
XI. ECCLESIAL INFALLIBILITY AND INFALLIBLE ECUMENICAL COUNCILS 
*

Pope Silvester and the Council of Nicaea (vs. James White) [August 1997]

Conciliar Infallibility: Summary from Church Documents [6-5-98] 

Infallibility, Councils, and Levels of Church Authority: Explanation of the Subtleties of Church Teaching and Debate with Several Radical Catholic Reactionaries [7-30-99; terminology updated, and a few minor changes made on 7-31-18] 

Eastern Orthodoxy, Councils, & Doctrinal Development [2000]

The Analogy of an Infallible Bible to an Infallible Church [11-6-05; rev. 7-25-15; published at National Catholic Register: 6-16-17]

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

The Bible on Papal & Church Infallibility [5-16-06]

Galileo Affair: No Disproof of Catholic Infallibility (vs. Ken Temple) [5-18-06]

Council of Nicea: Reply to James White: Its Relationship to Pope Sylvester, Athanasius’ Views, & the Unique Preeminence of Catholic Authority [4-2-07]

Protestant Historian Philip Schaff: The Church Fathers Believed in Conciliar Infallibility Based on the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) [Facebook, 10-8-07]

Infallibility: Dialogue with a Traditional Anglican [10-6-08] 

Papal Participation in the First Seven Ecumenical Councils [4-22-09]

Popes & Early Ecumenical Councils (vs. Calvin #16) [6-15-09]

Authority and Infallibility of Councils (vs. Calvin #26) [8-25-09]

Catholic Development of Doctrine: A Defense (vs. Jason Engwer; Emphasis on the Canon of the Bible & Church Infallibility) (+ Pt. II / Pt. III / Pt. IV) [1-15-10]

Dialogue with an Atheist on the Galileo Fiasco and its Relation to Catholic Infallibility (vs. Jon Curry) [8-11-10]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Biblical Proofs for an Infallible Church and Papacy [2012]

“Reply to Calvin” #2: Infallible Church Authority [3-3-17]

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1 Timothy 3:15 = Church Infallibility (vs. Steve Hays) [5-14-20]
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Ecumenical Councils: Catholic vs. Lutheran Perspective (vs. Pastor Ken Howes [LCMS]) [6-16-20]
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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]
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Irish Ecclesiastical Record vs. Anti-Catholic George Salmon, Pt. 5: Private Judgment, the Rule of Faith, and Dr. Salmon’s Weak Fallible Protestant “Church”: Subject to the Whims of Individuals; Church Fathers Misquoted [3-15-23]
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XII. HERETICAL CONCILIARISM
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Which Has More Authority: A Pope or an Ecumenical Council? [National Catholic Register, 5-19-21]
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XIII. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL (ACTS 15)
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Apostolic Succession as Seen in the Jerusalem Council [National Catholic Register, 1-15-17]
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Were the Jerusalem Council Decrees Universally Binding? [National Catholic Register, 12-4-19]
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Which Has More Authority: A Pope or an Ecumenical Council? [National Catholic Register, 5-19-21]
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XIV. REASONS WHY PEOPLE LEAVE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
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Leaving Catholicism (Not Primarily Due to Sex Scandals!) (reply to Michael Boyle & Melinda Selmys) [10-5-18]
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Why Do I Continue to Blog at Patheos Catholic: Which Also Hosts Many Heterodox and Leftist Writers? (+ discussion of Mindy Selmys’ departure) [Facebook, 3-16-19]
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Are Abuse Scandals a Reason to Leave the Church? [National Catholic Register, 3-31-19]
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XV. THE “INFALLIBILITY REGRESS” (PROTESTANT POLEMICAL ARGUMENT)
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XVI. THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT
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Catholic Charismatic Movement Defended [1998; abridged on 8-2-18] 
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The People of the Bible Were ‘People of Praise’ [National Catholic Register, 10-15-20]
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XVII. CLERICAL CELIBACY

Clerical Celibacy & the Principle of Asceticism in Catholicism (Louis Bouyer) [1997; Facebook]

Mandatory Celibacy of Priests & Religious (Dialogue) [1997-1998]

Why Peter’s Marriage Doesn’t Disprove Catholicism: A Dialogue [January 1999]

Clerical Celibacy: Hostile Protestant Commentary & Catholic Replies [2-21-04]

Martin Luther & Antipathy Towards Clerical Celibacy [2-21-04]

Dialogue w a Baptist on Required Clerical Celibacy [7-2-06] 

Objections to Clerical Celibacy: In-Depth Dialogue [7-12-06]

Unbiblical Rejection of Priestly Celibacy (vs. Calvin #31) [9-15-09]

Clerical Celibacy: Dialogue with John Calvin [9-17-09]

Mandatory Celibacy of Catholic Priests in the Western / Latin Rite: A New (?) Argument [11-16-12]

Further Reflections on Mandatory Priestly Celibacy [8-2-14]

The Fruitfulness of the Eunuch Devoted to God (Isaiah 56) (Paul Seberras) [Facebook, 2-7-17]

Consecrated Virginity & Catholic “Both / And” [9-13-17]

Priestly Celibacy: Ancient, Biblical and Pauline [National Catholic Register, 9-18-17]

Priestly Celibacy: Garden-Variety Objections Debunked [9-18-17]

Married Bishops (1 Tim 3) & Catholic Celibacy: Contradiction? [9-18-17; expanded on 6-20-18]

Q & A with a Critic of Priestly Celibacy [National Catholic Register, 2-4-19]

Thoughts on Fr. Jonathan Morris’ Laicization Request [5-21-19]

Madison vs. Jesus #5: Cultlike Forsaking of Family? [8-5-19]

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

Priestly Celibacy as a Discipline: Steve Skojec’s Ignorance [3-20-20]

St. Peter’s Marriage and Priestly Celibacy [National Catholic Register, 4-9-20]

Dialogue: Are More Married Catholic Priests Desirable? [1-13-22]

On Whether Required Celibacy is “Biblical” (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-24-22]

Objection to Mandatory Priestly Celibacy Based on Married Bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9) [Facebook, 9-24-22] 

Clergy Celibacy: Back-and-Forth with Lucas Banzoli [11-16-22]

Priestly Celibacy: Explicit and Undeniable Biblical Proof [Catholic365, 11-6-23]

Peter’s Wife, James Swan, Celibacy, & Catholicism (The Perfectly Sensible and Explicit Biblical Rationale for Priestly Celibacy) [3-15-24]

Celibate Clergy: Reply to a Methodist Polemic [5-20-24]

Is Celibacy “Superior” to Marriage in Some Sense? [7-24-24]

Consecrated Celibacy (vs. Lutheran von Hase) [3-28-25]

Priestly Celibacy: A Short Exchange [Facebook, 5-4-25]

*

XVIII. TITLE OF CATHOLIC

Catholic or Roman Catholic? (Proper Titles) (w J. Akin) [1996] 

Catholic Christian Implies a Non-Catholic Ecclesiology? [3-23-06] 

Objections to the Reactionary Epithet Neo-Catholic [3-9-07] 

In What Century Did the Title, “Catholic Church” Begin? [7-22-07]

On the Use of Traditionalist Preceding the Name of Catholic [7-3-13]

On the Use of the Titles Catholic & Roman Catholic [10-20-17]

Jame’s White: Hypocritical Use of “Roman Catholic Church” [11-11-19]

*

XIX. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

Is Catholicism Half-Pagan? [1999; revised in one section on 2-22-06]

Is Catholicism Half-Pagan, & a Blend of Gospel & Lies? [2007]

Biblical Evidence for Expensive Church Buildings [3-18-08]

Why Is the Catholic Church Singularly Despised & Hated? [7-7-08]

“Why are Catholics So Legalistic and Rationalistic?” (Response to Orthodox and Protestant Criticisms) [9-8-08]

Biblical Evidence Against Tithing [2-4-09]

Biblical Evidence for Holy Days [9-21-09]

Mandatory Tithing: Further Thoughts [11-1-09]

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

Reply to Robin Phillips’ “Why I’m Not a Catholic” [1-31-12]

Dialogue on the Renaissance: Good or Bad Thing? [3-20-13]

Discussion of the Met Gala, in Which Catholicism was Mocked in Some of the Costumes [Facebook, 5-8-18]

Take Heart: Notre Dame Will be Rebuilt: Better Than Ever! [4-16-19]

“Who is My Mother?”: Beginning of “Familial Church” [8-26-19]

*

XX. ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA (MOTHER TERESA)

Mother Teresa on Love & Theology [9-5-16]

Malcolm Muggeridge & Mother Teresa: A Blessed, Fruitful Meeting [9-6-16]

The Holy Collaboration of Mother Teresa and Malcom Muggeridge [National Catholic Register, 6-20-18]

*
***
*

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!
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Last updated on 4 May 2025

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