Justification: A Catholic Perspective (vs. Francisco Tourinho)

Last updated on: July 19, 2022 at 6:26 pm By Dave Armstrong

Francisco Tourinho is a Brazilian Calvinist apologist. He described his theological credentials on my Facebook page:

I have the respect of the academic community for my articles published in peer review magazines, translation of unpublished classical works into Portuguese and also the production of a book in the year 2019 with more than 2000 copies sold (with no marketing). In addition I have higher education in physical education from Piauí State University and theology from the Assemblies of God Biblical Institute, am currently working towards a Masters from Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, and did post-graduate work at Dom Bosco Catholic University. Also, I am a professor in the Reformed Scholasticism discipline at the Jonathan Edwards Seminary in the postgraduate course in Philosophical Theology. [edited slightly for more flowing English]

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This is my first reply to Francisco’s first installment of what we hope will be a series of cordial theological debates. I am responding to his article, A Justificação pela Fé na Perspectiva Protestante [Justification by Faith from a Protestant Perspective] (6-21-22]. I use Google Translate to render his Portugese text into English. Francisco’s words will be in blue. We agreed in private discussions to both abide by the following terms for this series of debates (I wrote them; he agreed):

1) Stick solely to biblical arguments; exegesis, commentaries, systematic theology. Citing others is fine as long as it is on the biblical text or the doctrine being discussed.

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2) Don’t mention Church history on either side, internal affairs and real or supposed scandals of the Catholic Church, denominations, etc.

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3) Both of us should try to actually interact point-by-point rather than picking and choosing; a serious debate where all the opponent’s arguments are grappled with.

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4) If the personal attacks start, the dialogue is immediately over. I can’t control what goes on on your Facebook page and network of buddies and fan club (and my Brazilian friends are pretty outspoken too!), but we can both control what goes into our written responses.

I’m happy to report that Francisco in his first article has not violated any of these terms or rules. I hope to do the same. Good start! Counter-replies are much more challenging, because then one must directly deal with the opponent’s argument (#3): which I relish as the “heart” and “fun challenge” of debates: somewhat like the cross-examination in a court trial. And that is what I will proceed to do now.

This is the first article in a debate between myself and American apologist Dave Armstrong on Justification by Faith.

I emphasize that this debate is primarily biblical-exegetic, and may have resources from Systematic Theology.

#1 in the terms above . . .

Establishment of the Question

Fides Justificat Sola (faith alone justifies), this was the cry of the reformers against the doctrine of Rome which teaches that faith and works justify. Sola (only) is not for reason of existence i.e. lonely, dull and love, but with respect to function or efficiency. So while faith alone justifies, we cannot say that faith can exist without grace, without love, and without works. Faith is inseparable from grace and works, but they are not the same things, just like the lung that alone is responsible for the strength of breathing, but would never function disconnected from other organs such as the liver and heart. Light and heat in the sun are so closely related that they are inseparable, however, only light illuminates and only heat warms. Therefore, although the other virtues do not justify together with faith, there is no justification in their absence, much less the opposite vices being present.

My general (almost philosophical and not technically theological) initial reaction to this is to observe two things:

1) It strikes me as a distinction without a difference. Why go to the “trouble” of asserting that “only x justifies” while at the same time asserting, “y must always be with this x that alone justifies, lest x cease to truly be x“? I understand the fine distinctions drawn above: standard Protestant soteriology with which I am very familiar, but it still seems to me to be straining at gnats. If y (works) is always — and should always be — there with x (faith), then is there not a sense in which y has some connection with justification, too? And that relationship between the two things is what Catholics think James 2 is dealing with.

I shall argue that the Bible teaches an organic connection between faith and works: not merely an abstract “partnership” where “never the twain shall meet” in some respects. Two sides of a coin are also distinguishable from each other, but they both have to be there for the coin to be what it is, don’t they? We don’t say that “only one half of the coin bought the bubblegum in the machine.” We say that the coin (which contains two distinct sides by nature) bought the bubblegum. [sorry for the two idiomatic expressions. I hope they translate well into Portugese!]

2) My second general initial reaction to a presentation like the above is to say that there is no practical difference whatsoever, or difference in the day-to-day lives of Christians, between what Francisco wrote above and how an observant Catholic lives his or her life. I often make this observation. Catholics and Protestants are in absolute agreement on two points:

A) Grace is the ultimate enabling cause of faith and justification and salvation (sola gratia);

and

B) Good works are absolutely necessary and non-optional in the Christian life as the proof or inevitable fruit of the authenticity of a genuine faith.

This being the case, I submit that there is a strong sense in which it seems futile and unnecessary to even dispute the fine points of whether justification and sanctification are together (Catholicism) or separate categories, with only justification directly tied to salvation (Protestantism). Why bother? The response and the result are the same: the faithful Christian who believed and appropriated God’s grace and justification proceeds to do good works: which, if absent, cast into serious doubt his or her position in relation to God, and faith.

We can still do the debates on the fine points, and I love them, but I’m also very happy (as an ecumenist) that there is very substantial agreement on these matters. Protestant soteriology (theology of salvation) is not antinomian (the frequent Catholic stereotype of Protestantism) and Catholic soteriology is neither Pelagian nor semi-Pelagian (the frequent Protestant caricature of our view). I rejoice in this common ground, even while I defend the Catholic view and think it is more true to the Bible than the Protestant one. It’s an honestly held, good faith difference.

The bottom-line question is whether Holy Scripture draws the rather sharp distinction between justification and sanctification that Protestant soteriology asserts. Francisco first laid out the view without Scripture, so I answered accordingly. When he argues from Scripture, I will do that, too. But the two competing “visions” above of faith and justification will serve as a good “philosophical” introduction.

The question is not whether a person who has faith can be admitted without works or without love, but whether these works are causes of justification, that we deny. It is not because we demand works concomitantly with faith, that both have the same ends.

The point is not whether works cannot be seen as justifying in some way, but that only through faith is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us.

In initial justification, as we call it, this is true. This is more common ground. It can’t be brought about by any work, because it is grace-originated, and God-originated (monergistic at this stage: to use a favorite Reformed term). But this is only the first stage.

The dispute also arises in relation to the mode of justification, whether it is by imputation or by infusion of justice. We claim it is by imputation, and we deny that it is by infusion of righteousness.

Well, we’ll be examining what Holy Scripture has to say about that.

Justification can be seen from a double angle: the angle of the law and the angle of the gospel. From the point of view of the law we are guilty before God for violating it, therefore we must be free from that guilt, which is only done through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us through faith alone. From the angle of the gospel we are accused by Satan of unbelief and hypocrisy if we do not show that we have faith through good works. The first is justified by faith alone, the second is justified by faith and works.

I thank Francisco for articulately explaining this interesting distinction. I will want to see how he backs it up with the Bible, and in the event that he can’t do so: why he would hold to it in the first place.

Scriptural Basis that Confirms Justification by Faith Alone

Based on Romans 3:28:

“We therefore conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”

The text is clear that we are justified by faith alone. However, only one of the three ways is possible:

1 – Being is justified by faith alone;

2 – To be justified by works alone, or,

3 – To be justified by faith and works.

As the verse states that we are justified without works, so it is left to us that we are justified by faith alone and not by works.

No antithesis would be created between faith and works if the two contributed to justification. The same is true of Galatians 2:16: “Knowing, however, that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus.”

The key that unlocks the meaning of these two passages is the word “law.” Paul is placing in opposition or antithesis, faith and the Mosaic law, not faith and works. Protestants habitually use these passages (and others that mention “works of the law”: Rom 3:20; Gal 3:2, 5, 10) to contend that works are antithetical to faith and grace. But “works of the law” has a particular meaning beyond simply “good works” or “all works”. This understanding has been affirmed by a Protestant movement of Pauline studies called the “New Perspective on Paul.” Anglican Bishop and professor of theology N. T. Wright (born 1948) is the most well-known proponent of it. The Wikipedia article explains:

Paul’s letters contain a substantial amount of criticism regarding the “works of the Law“. The radical difference in these two interpretations of what Paul meant by “works of the Law” is the most consistent distinguishing feature between the two perspectives. The historic Protestant perspectives interpret this phrase as referring to human effort to do good works in order to meet God’s standards (Works Righteousness). In this view, Paul is arguing against the idea that humans can merit salvation from God by their good works alone (note that the “new” perspective agrees that we cannot merit salvation; the issue is what exactly Paul is addressing).

By contrast, new-perspective scholars see Paul as talking about “badges of covenant membership” or criticizing Gentile believers who had begun to rely on the Torah to reckon Jewish kinship. It is argued that in Paul’s time, Israelites were being faced with a choice of whether to continue to follow their ancestral customs, the Torah, or to follow the Roman Empire’s trend to adopt Greek customs (Hellenization, see also Antinomianism, Hellenistic Judaism, and Circumcision controversy in early Christianity). The new-perspective view is that Paul’s writings discuss the comparative merits of following ancient Israelite or ancient Greek customs. Paul is interpreted as being critical of a common Jewish view that following traditional Israelite customs makes a person better off before God, pointing out that Abraham was righteous before the Torah was given. Paul identifies customs he is concerned about as circumcision, dietary laws, and observance of special days.

Due to their interpretation of the phrase “works of the law,” theologians of the historic Protestant perspectives see Paul’s rhetoric as being against human effort to earn righteousness. This is often cited by Protestant and Reformed theologians as a central feature of the Christian religion, and the concepts of grace alone and faith alone are of great importance within the creeds of these denominations.

“New-perspective” interpretations of Paul tend to result in Paul having nothing negative to say about the idea of human effort or good works, and saying many positive things about both. New-perspective scholars point to the many statements in Paul’s writings that specify the criteria of final judgment as being the works of the individual.

Use of these passages to imply that the Apostle Paul was against all human works whatever, is misguided. Many other passages (some of which I will cite in due course) prove that he wasn’t against them at all, and indeed commanded them and attached them to sanctification, justification, and salvation alike.

Francisco stated: “No antithesis would be created between faith and works if the two contributed to justification.” But “works of the law” has a different meaning from just “works” or “good works.” Therefore, the antithesis of Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:16 is different from what Francisco thinks it is, and therefore, doesn’t support at all the viewpoint (classic Protestant sola fide soteriology) that he wishes to set forth.

If we want to discuss biblical indications for or against the Protestant belief in “faith alone” I have several to bring forth in favor of the Catholic point of view. Let the reader judge which position is more biblical and plausible!

Matthew 19:16-22 (RSV) And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” [17] And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, [19] Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [20] The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” [21] Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [22] When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

This is probably the most compelling, unarguable sustained refutation of “faith alone” in the New Testament (though the James 2 passages come very close), because the rich young ruler asks Jesus the very question that is at the heart of the Catholic-Protestant dispute on faith and works: “what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” If “faith alone” were a true biblical doctrine, and good deeds have nothing directly to do with salvation, then this was the golden opportunity for Jesus to clear that up, knowing it would be in the Bible for hundreds of millions to read and learn from (and knowing in His omniscience the sustained disputes Christians would have about these issues).

But He never mentions belief in him or faith (even in a sense that isn’t “alone”). All He does is talk about works: asking if he kept the Ten Commandments, and then telling him to sell all he had and to give it to the poor.

Romans 2:6-8 For he will render to every man according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; [8] but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. (cf. 2:13: “the doers of the law who will be justified”)

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Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

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1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.

Hebrews 5:9 and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 12:14 . . . Strive . . . for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

In all six of these passages we are informed that “well-doing” and “works” and “do[ing] good” / “good deeds” and “obey[ing]” and “holiness” are what will “reap eternal life” and “eternal salvation” or lay the “foundation” for same; not faith alone. The truth, the gospel, and God, all have to be “obeyed”: not merely believed in.

This is contrary to Protestant doctrine, which holds that works fall under the category of sanctification, which in turn supposedly has nothing directly to do with either justification or salvation. In Protestantism, such “deeds” are done in gratefulness for a justification and salvation already received and assured. In Catholicism (and I say, in the Bible, which is precisely why we believe this) they are organically connected to faith and justification and salvation; never alone; always with faith.

James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

The phrase “faith alone” appears exactly once in the RSV: in this verse. Justification by “faith alone” is expressly denied! This is one of three times (along with James 2:21 and 2:25 further below) that the Bible also expresses the notion of “justified by works” (in context, along with faith). Four other passages in James directly, expressly contradict “faith alone” but with different words:

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?

James 2:17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you shallow man, that faith apart from works is barren?

James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

From these five passages in James 2, we learn that:

1) Faith alone doesn’t justify.

2) Faith alone is “dead”.

3) Faith alone is “barren”.

4) Faith alone cannot save.

And these are only the best and clearest Bible passages, in my estimation, that refute “faith alone.” I have many more that also do so. I compiled 200 such passages in a recent paper.

Based on Galatians 2:21:

The righteousness of Christ can only be apprehended by faith, it cannot be by love, hope, or any other means than faith: “I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness comes from the law, then Christ died in vain” (Gal 2:21).

Righteousness does not come from the law, therefore it cannot come from the fulfillment of the law, but only from faith in Christ Jesus.

No one disagrees with this. It’s merely a variation of the notion of depending on “the works of the [Mosaic] law” for righteousness or salvation, that was discussed above. Paul expressed this more succinctly later in the same epistle:

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.

Based on Gen 15:6:

“And he [Abraham] believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness”

In the New Testament this fact is recalled several times (Rom 4:3; Rom 4:22; Gal 3:6; Jas 2:23) and is used by the apostle Paul as an example that justification in both the Old and New Testaments is one. This truth, as well as the exegesis of other texts, demonstrate that when Saint Paul speaks of works of the Law, he is not speaking only of the Jews, but of all men, since Abraham lived before the Law, moreover, all sinned, not only Jews, and all need justification. Thus, what happened to Abraham happens to all people, by faith alone has righteousness imputed to him, not an infused righteousness as the papists think, but an imputed righteousness as the reformers defended. There is not here a language of infusion of justice or of virtues, but of an imputation of justice. Justification is forensic: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:5).

Based on Romans 4:6:

David says the same thing, when he speaks of the happiness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

St. Paul refers back to Genesis 15:6 (see 4:1-4 for context):

Romans 4:5 And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.

Here is what the Navarre Commentary (Catholic) states about Romans 4:5 and by extension, Genesis 15:6:

The act of faith is the first step towards obtaining justification (= salvation). . . . This first act of faith moves the person to recognize and repent of his sins; to put his trust in God’s mercy and to love him above all things; and to desire the sacraments and resolve to live a holy life . . . God reckons this faith “as righteousness,” that is to say, as something which deserves to be rewarded. It is not, therefore, good works that lead to justification; rather, justification renders works good and meritorious of eternal life. Faith opens up for us new perspectives. [bolding my own]

Paul uses the example of Abraham in Romans 4, in emphasizing faith, over against the Jewish works of circumcision as a supposed means of faith and justification (hence, he mentions circumcision in 4:9-12, and salvation to the Gentiles as well as Jews in 4:13-18). But this passage, too, goes back to the issue of “the works of the law.” A regular commenter on my blog who goes by “Adomnan” explained:

When Paul says that Abraham “does not work,” he isn’t saying that Abraham has not done good works. In fact, Abraham had been justified since he responded to God’s self-revelation in Ur and had done many good works worthy of being reckoned as righteous. Romans 4:5 is describing but one instance of a good work (an act of faith) that was reckoned as righteous.

In context, “does not work” means “is not doing the works of the Law:” that is, Abraham has not yet been circumcised and is still a Gentile. He does not do works of Jewish Law, works of Torah.

In Greek the phrase “the one who does not work” could be translated — clumsily — as “the non-working one,” non-working not in the sense of not doing good works but in the sense of not doing works of Torah. Paul’s use of the definite pronoun suggests he has a definite person in mind (Abraham). . . .

Or, to paraphrase all of Romans 4:5: “And to Abraham before he had done any works of Torah but still believed in Him who regards the Gentile as righteous, his belief was credited as an act of righteousness.”

[note added on 7-19-22: the above portion is in red because, upon reflection, during the course of continuing back-and-forth dialogue with Calvinist Francisco Tourinho on this topic, I have retracted this section. “Adomnan” was merely an anonymous visitor to my blog in past years. I knew and know nothing about him, including his credentials for commenting in such a way. He was always articulate and thoughtful, but I think he was in error here. I grapple with these complex issues in much more depth in Part 3 my article, Reply to Francisco Tourinho on Justification: Round 2. The above paragraphs needed to be retained, to avoid any further confusion, since Francisco refers to them in his replies. But I no longer hold to this particular interpretation. One of the many reasons I love dialogue is because it challenges one to deeper reflection, and sometimes brings about a decision to reconsider some aspects of an argument, up to and including retraction, as in this instance]

James 2:20-26 also refers back to Genesis 15:6, and gives an explicit interpretation of the Old Testament passage, by stating, “and the scripture was fulfilled which says, . . .” (2:23). The previous three verses were all about justification, faith, and works, all tied in together, and this is what James says “fulfilled” Genesis 15:6. The next verse then condemns Protestant soteriology by disagreeing the notion of “faith alone” in the clearest way imaginable.

James 2 is usually applied by Protestants to sanctification, but that is not what the passage says. It mentions “justified” (dikaioo: Strong’s word #1344) three times (2:21, 24-25): the same Greek word used in Romans 4:2, as well as 2:13; 3:20, 24, 28; 5:1, 9; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 2:16-17; 3:11, 24; 5:4; and Titus 3:7. If James actually meant sanctification, on the other hand, he could have used one of two Greek words (hagiazo / hagiasmos: Strong’s #37-38) that appear (together) 38 times in the New Testament (the majority of times by Paul himself).

See how much we can learn by cross-referencing and systematic theology? Catholic apologist Jimmy Akin also offers some great commentary about Abraham, and the multiple instances of his justification, as seen in these passages and others in Genesis:

Genesis 15:6 . . . states that when God gave the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as the stars of the sky (Gen. 15:5, cf. Rom. 4:18-22) Abraham “believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). This passage clearly teaches us that Abraham was justified at the time he believed the promise concerning the number of his descendants.

Now, if justification is a once-for-all event, rather than a process, then that means that Abraham could not receive justification either before or after Genesis 15:6. However, Scripture indicates that he did both. First, the book of Hebrews tells us that “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8) Every Protestant will passionately agree that the subject of Hebrews 11 is saving faith—the kind that pleases God and wins his approval (Heb. 11:2, 6)—so we know that Abraham had saving faith according to Hebrews 11.

But when did he have this faith? The passage tells us: Abraham had it “when he was called to go out to the place he would afterward receive.” The problem for the once-for-all view of justification is that the call of Abraham to leave Haran is recorded in Genesis 12:1-4—three chapters before he is justified in 15:6. We therefore know that Abraham was justified well before (in fact, years before) he was justified in Gen. 15:6. . . .

But just as Abraham received justification before Genesis 15:6, he also received it afterwards, for the book of James tells us, “Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar [see Gen. 22:1-18]? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God.” (James 2:21-23) . . .

As a result, justification must be seen, not as a once-for-all event, but as a process which continues throughout the believer’s life. (“Salvation Past, Present, and Future”; a somewhat expanded printed version of this argument occurs in his book, The Salvation Controversy [San Diego: Catholic Answers, 2001], 19-21)

If the imputation of righteousness is independent of works, then it is by faith alone that righteousness is imputed to man.

Based on Romans 5:9:

“So much more now, having been justified by his blood”

Christ’s merits are perfect, his sacrifice is perfect, and satisfies all divine justice. No work can complement such justice satisfied on the cross, for the Lord Jesus said, “It is finished” (tetelestai) is complete, nothing else is lacking, the price has been paid. If works do not make us deserve the merits of Christ, it remains that it is only by faith that we receive the blood and merits of Christ that justifies us.

At first, yes (initial justification). But then we must “work out” our salvation and complete our faith. Many verses expressly teach that:

Acts 2:40 And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

Romans 8:13 for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.

1 Corinthians 9:27 but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Galatians 5:1 . . . stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery . . .

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 3:11-14 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:22-23 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, [23] provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, . . .

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching: hold to that, for by so doing you will save . . . yourself . . .

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Hebrews 3:14 For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. . . .

Hebrews 10:39 But we are . . . of those who have faith and keep their souls.

1 John 3:3 And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. . . .

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall;

As St. Paul says: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies them” (Rom 8:33). Christ himself is our righteousness: therefore you are of him in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written: , glory in the Lord.” Preaching in the power of the Spirit. (1 Cor 1.30-31). Christ is the perfect righteousness that is apprehended by faith alone, we must glory in Him, in His works, and in His merits.

This was all good, except when it got to faith alone, which is unbiblical, as already abundantly shown. We must conform our views to the Bible, not vice versa.

Based on Philippians 3:9:

“And be found in him, not having my righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, even the righteousness which is from God by faith”

Once again the apostle makes an antithesis between works of the law and faith, they do not have the same purpose of justifying before God.

Yes; no Christian disagrees with the notion that the Mosaic Law is not what saves anyone.

Coram Hominibus vs. Coram Deo

We will now deal with the double angle of justification: the angle of the law (Coram Deo) and the angle of the gospel (Coram hominibus). Some passages in Scripture imply that a man cannot be justified by faith alone, but also by works. Does the text of James 2:21-26 teach that Abraham (as well as Rahab and men in general) was justified by works? Let’s see:

“Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith co-operated with his works, and that by works faith was made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled, which says, And Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. And in like manner was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she gathered up the emissaries, and sent them away by another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” James 2:21-26

The text is not contradictory to Paul’s texts. Note that the text itself deals with works, not only of the Law, but works. St. James is fighting libertines, while St. Paul was fighting legalists. If, on the one hand, Saint Paul had to prove that works do not justify, but that the works of Christ justify us through faith, Saint James had to prove that it was not enough to say he had faith and not have works. So the same cites the example of men who were justified before men showing the life of their faith through works. Here I emphasize that St. James at no time teaches that such men had faith, but that they said they had faith, but did not demonstrate that faith with good works, they were like demons who have a dead faith.

The text is not dealing with a Coram Deo, with a justification under the divine gaze, but under the human gaze.

The problem is Francisco’s contention that James was dealing with “libertines”: ones who “were like demons who have a dead faith.” That would seem to me to be non-Christians, who they don’t have an authentic, living faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and God’s grace, rather than a dead belief akin to that of the demons. But the actual text (in its overall context) doesn’t assert these things.

James refers in 2:1 to his readers as “My brethren” who “hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Then he calls them “my beloved brethren” (2:5) and “my brethren” again in 2:14. This is in line with the epistle before and after chapter 2. James refers to them as “brethren” (4:11; 5:7, 9-10, 12), “my brethren” (1:2; 3:1, 10, 12; 5:19), and “my beloved brethren” (1:16, 19). St. Paul also massively used the title of “brethren” to all the Christian in the congregations that he loved and wrote to and shepherded.

So this is Francisco’s problem: the text doesn’t support this particular argument of his. When James refers in 2:19 to “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder” he is referring to the same people that he called “my brethren” five verses earlier. It’s no doubt a rhetorical flourish, but it seems to me that it still relates to what was before.

It’s much like Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He calls the Galatian Christians “brethren” ten times. And he writes: “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:26-27) and “because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir” (4:6-7) and “Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise” (4:28) and “For freedom Christ has set us free” (5:1).

But then, writing to the very same people, he also states: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel” (1:6) and “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? . . . Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?” (3:1, 3) and “but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits, whose slaves you want to be once more? . . . I am afraid I have labored over you in vain” (4:9, 11) and “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (5:7)

These are undeniably fellow Christians in the book of James as well; therefore, the argument that James is writing to libertines or some form of antinomians is not supported. Thus, when faith and works are written about, it’s related to fellow Christians, just as Paul does in, for example, Romans 2:5-13, which is all about the necessity of good works, or in Galatians. There is no reason that I can see, for James to write his entire letter to “libertines”; he’s writing to Christians. And so what he says to them won’t be substantially different from what Paul writes to those in his charge. He’s not going to write about faith only in terms of what other people think of them, but of authentic faith in God.

The Navarre Commentary observed about James 2:23:

“It was reckoned to him as righteousness”: St. Paul (cf. Gal 3:6 and note) uses these words of Genesis 15:6 to explain that righteousness is attained not just by Abraham’s descendants but by all who believe the word of God, whether they be Jews or not; St. James, from another perspective, quotes this text to show that Abraham’s faith made him righteous, that is, holy. Both teachings are complementary. Abraham believed in the divine promise that he would be the father of a great people despite his age and his wife’s sterility; but that faith was reinforced and manifested when it met the test God set — that of sacrificing his only son, while still believing in the earlier promise. The same thing happens in the case of the Christian: his initial faith is strengthened by obedience to the commandments, and he thereby attains holiness.

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, writing when he was still an Anglican in 1838 (Lectures on the Doctrine of Justification: rev. 1874; London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 3^rd edition, 1908), has several insightful things (as always) to say about this general issue and James in particular:

St. Paul says, we are justified without works; what works? “works of,” or done under, “the Law,” the Law of Moses, through which the Law of Nature spoke in the ears of the Jews. But St. James speaks of works done under what he calls “the royal Law,” “the Law of liberty,” which we learn from St. Paul is “the Law of the Spirit of Life,” for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;” in other words, the Law of God, as written on the heart by the Holy Ghost. St. Paul speaks of works done under the letter, St. James of works done under the Spirit. This is surely an important difference in the works respectively mentioned. Or, to state the same thing differently: St. James speaks, not of mere works, but of works of faith, of good and acceptable works. I do not suppose that any one will dispute this, and therefore shall take it for granted. St. James then says, we are justified, not by faith only, but by good works. Now St. Paul is not speaking at all of good works, but of works done in the flesh and of themselves “deserving God’s wrath and damnation.” He says, “without works;” he does not say without good works; whereas St. James is speaking of good works solely. St. Paul speaks of “works done before the grace of Christ and the inspiration of His Spirit;” St. James of “good works which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification.” (ch. 12)

St. Paul never calls those works which he says do not justify “good works,” but simply “works,”—”works of the Law,”—”deeds of the Law,”—”works not in righteousness,”—”dead works;” what have these to do with works or fruits of the Spirit? Of these latter also St. Paul elsewhere speaks, and by a remarkable contrast he calls them again and again “good works.” For instance, “By grace are ye saved through faith, … not of works, lest any man should boast; for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” This surely is a most pointed intimation that the works which do not justify are not good, or, in other words, are works before justification. As to works after, which are good, whether they justify or not, he does not decide so expressly as St. James, the error which he had to resist leading him another way. He only says, against the Judaizing teachers, that our works must begin, continue, and end in faith. But to proceed; he speaks elsewhere of “abounding in every good work,” of being “fruitful in every good work,” of being “adorned with good works,” of being “well reported of for good works,” “diligently following every good work,” of “the good works of some being open beforehand,” of being “rich in good works,” of being “prepared unto every good work,” of being “throughly furnished unto all good works,” of being “unto every good work reprobate,” of being “a pattern of good works,” of being “zealous of good works,” of being “ready to every good work,” of being “careful to maintain good works,” of “provoking unto love and to good works,” and of being “made perfect in every good work.” [2 Cor. ix. 8. Eph. ii. 10. Col. i. 10. 2 Thess. ii. 17. 1 Tim. ii. 10; v. 10, 25; vi. 18. 2 Tim. ii. 21; iii. 17. Tit. i. 16; ii. 7, 14; iii. 8, 14. Heb. x. 24; xiii. 21.] Now surely this is very remarkable. St. James, though he means good works, drops the epithet, and only says works. Why does not St. Paul the same? why is he always careful to add the word good, except that he had also to do with a sort of works with which St. James had not to do,—that the word works was already appropriated by him to those of the Law, and therefore that the epithet good was necessary, lest deeds done in the Spirit should be confused with them? St. Paul, then, by speaking of faith as justifying without works, means without corrupt and counterfeit works, not without good works. (ch. 12)

“By works,” says St. James, “a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Now, let me ask, what texts do their opponents shrink from as they from this? do they even attempt to explain it? or if so, is it not by some harsh and unnatural interpretation? Next, do they not proceed, as if distrusting their own interpretation, to pronounce the text difficult, and so to dispose of it? yet who can honestly say that it is in itself difficult? rather, can words be plainer, were it not that they are forced into connection with a theory of the sixteenth century; . . . (ch. 12)

Similarly, he wrote again on 26 January 1840: still over five-and-a-half years before becoming a Catholic:

The way of salvation is by works, as under the Law, but it is by “works which spring out of faith,” and which come of “the inspiration of the Spirit.” It is because works are living and spiritual, from the heart, and by faith, that the Gospel is a new covenant. Hence in the passages above quoted we are told again and again of “the law in our inward parts;” “a new heart;” “a new spirit;” the Holy “Spirit within us;” “newness of life,” and “circumcision of the heart in the Spirit.” And hence St. Paul says, that though we have not been “saved by works,” yet we are “created unto good works;” and that “the blood of Christ purges the conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Salvation then is not by dead works, but by living works. . . . And thus there is no opposition between St. Paul and St. James. St. James says, that justification is by works, and St. Paul that it is by faith: but, observe, St. James does not say that it is by dead or Jewish works; he mentions expressly both faith and works; he only says, “not faith only but works also:”—and St. Paul is far from denying it is by works, he only says that it is by faith and denies that it is by dead works. And what proves this, among other circumstances, is, that he never calls those works, which he condemns and puts aside, good works, but simply works: whenever he speaks of good works in his Epistles, he speaks of Christian works; not of Jewish. On the whole, then, salvation is both by faith and by works. St. James says, not dead faith, and St. Paul, not dead works. St. James, “not by faith only,” for that would be dead faith: St Paul, “not by works only,” for such would be dead works. Faith alone can make works living; works alone can make faith living. Take away either, and you take away both;—he alone has faith who has works,—he alone has works who has faith. (Parochial and Plain Sermons, vol. 5, Sermon 12: “The New Works of the Gospel”)

CONCLUSION

In order not to be exhaustive, I believe that these texts are sufficient and can be expanded as necessary.

It serves as a good introduction to the topic. There are many more relevant Bible verses (about 150 more, I think!) that can be unpacked in due course. I don’t want to force readers at this early stage to “drink Lake Superior” either (to use a local Michigan metaphor). There is so much to draw from that I had to be highly selective.

Now Francisco’s task will be to counter-exegete, one-by-one, all the texts I have provided (just as I have done with his). I wish him all God’s blessings in that endeavor. Again, I highly commend and respect him for being willing — and having the guts — to go down this road, and to engage the biblical texts that we Catholics bring forth to support our views. And that’s where the debate becomes very serious and challenging indeed, and also (for those of us like myself and Francisco who love debate), fun, too.

All Protestants are welcome to come discuss this paper under its link on my Facebook page, or in the combox underneath the blog paper. You’ll be treated with respect and cordiality, and I make sure (as moderator of my forums) that other Catholics besides myself act that way, too, or else their posts will be deleted, and in incorrigible cases, they will be blocked and banned. We’re all Christians, so we ought to be able to discuss these important matters with mutual respect and without rancor and hostility. I’ll block an obnoxious, judgmental, trolling Catholic just as soon as anyone else. In fact, I blocked three last night in an unrelated incident. I don’t suffer fools easily, and I am a firm but very fair and impartial moderator. I don’t tolerate incivility on my sites.

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Summary: Brazilian Protestant apologist Francisco Tourinho presents a summary of Protestant justification & faith alone. I reply with numerous contrary biblical passages.

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Tourinho Knows More About Catholicism Than I Do?

Last updated on: June 8, 2022 at 10:28 am By Dave Armstrong

His Stubborn & Foolish Pride in Refusing to Accept Correction Re the Non-Infallible Status of Unigenitus (1713)

Francisco Tourinho is a Brazilian Calvinist apologist. He described his theological credentials on my Facebook page:

I have the respect of the academic community for my articles published in peer review magazines, translation of unpublished classical works into Portuguese and also the production of a book in the year 2019 with more than 2000 copies sold (with no marketing). In addition I have higher education in physical education from Piauí State University and theology from the Assemblies of God Biblical Institute, am currently working towards a Masters from Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, and did post-graduate work at Dom Bosco Catholic University. Also, I am a professor in the Reformed Scholasticism discipline at the Jonathan Edwards Seminary in the postgraduate course in Philosophical Theology. [edited slightly for more flowing English]

*****

This is in response to his article, “ ‘Unigenitus’ (1713) vs Estudo pessoal das Escrituras: resposta a Dave Armstrong (parte 2)” [“Unigenitus” (1713) vs Personal Study of the Scriptures: Reply to Dave Armstrong (Part 2)] (6-7-22]. His words will be in blue. I utilize Google Translate or Facebook to render the Portugese into English.

Technically, I am not replying directly to the article above. Rather, I explain exactly why I refuse to answer it on principle. All of this was blown off with immediate and thoughtless mockery and condescension by Francisco and his followers, on my Facebook page and his own, this very day that I write (6-7-22). As I predicted, I was inevitably to be accused of being a coward; afraid to reply; and Francisco brought back the insults he sent my way, which he did the very first time we interacted online. This includes (remarkably) judging the very state of my allegedly “misfit” soul.

Christian ethics and charity? Forget it! Anything goes when the anti-Catholic Protestant insults the Catholic. “All’s fair in love and war!” For them, it’s “war.” They’re the good guys and we’re the bad ones (lying scoundrels). For us Catholics, it is an attempted civil, edifying, mutually respectful discussion on honest disagreements between brothers and sisters in Christ: trying to (hopefully) understand each other better, learn, and to rectify the rampant misunderstandings on both sides (Lord, please!!!).

That’s why Francisco’s insulting behavior is so vastly different from mine. I don’t despise him or Protestants as a class, like he obviously despises us. What I do despise, however, is his unworthy and unChristian tactics and insults. That’s not him; it’s what he is doing that is unconscionable.

I will first post what I originally published on Facebook (my explanation of non-reply), followed by his reply-comments and insults on my Facebook page and on his (on three different threads: one / two / three), in chronological order, with the actual times (Eastern Standard US time) included, links (to the times), and my response to each, where I did make them (I had other things to do today, too, including solving a lawn mower problem). If my initial comment doesn’t adequately explain why I refused to continue this particular debate with him, his asinine replies certainly will make it clear why I did so: to any fair-minded reader who appreciates civil, constructive debate, as I do.

It’s extremely disappointing but not in the least bit surprising. I’ve seen all this and much more in 31 years of debating the tiny faction of anti-Catholic Protestants. What Francisco is now dishing out is utterly predictable “playbook” / “textbook” anti-Catholic method and tactics. Despite this mad, witless onslaught, I still nevertheless proposed to Francisco a mutually agreeable scenario that would allow us to continue debating: sticking to the Bible only and arguing doctrines using it alone, without reference to churches, etc. (in other words, a method that we can both enthusiastically agree with, while agreeing to disagree on this present fiasco of a “discussion”). So far he has refused (with mockery). And I predict that he will continue to, barring a major change of heart and realization that he is acting as stubbornly as the donkey in the photo above.

If he changes his mind, I’m here, ready to debate absolutely anything related to the Bible and Christian theology.

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Comment / Explanation Regarding Francisco Tourinho’s Second Reply to Me Regarding “Unigenitus” (1713) and Related Issues

One could already see my increasing frustration with Francisco’s lack of knowledge of the Catholic system near the end of my first reply back to him.

*
He also tried to make out in his first reply that I disagreed with fellow apologist and friend Jimmy Akin, whom I cited in complete agreement. This was perhaps the most ridiculous portion of his reply. Francisco noted that Jimmy was “very honest intellectually” while implying I am not. Well, if I totally agree with Jimmy on this issue (precisely why I cited him! DUH!), then I, too, must be “very honest intellectually” just as Francisco says Jimmy is. If A believes exactly in X and B believes exactly in X, then A agrees with B with regard to X, too! Simple logic . . .
*

That was annoying enough. But I wrote at the end:

*
It’s okay not to know. We all have to learn lots of things. What matters now is whether Francisco accepts my clarifications of what we actually teach. If he doesn’t and claims that I don’t know what I’m talking about (as a professional, published Catholic apologist for 21 years), then our dialogue will be over, because it would go nowhere after that. If he wants to do a book with me, he’s going to have to do a much better job than this, because I would never agree to being in a book with a Protestant, where the Protestant misrepresents what we actually teach and believe.

*
After this, he keeps repeating the same falsehoods over and over: that supposedly the Catholic Church “forbade the reading of Scripture to everyone [besides clergy] without exception” / “the question is whether reading must be forbidden to all, that we deny”, etc. Repeating an untrue statement over and over doesn’t make it any less false or more true. If he doesn’t modify his misunderstanding on this, our dialogue is definitely over. I wouldn’t have anywhere near the patience to continue. Rule #1 in any debate / dialogue is understanding and accurately conveying the opponent’s views.

Francisco had the chance to accept clarification and correction as to what the Catholic Church teaches, from a professional apologist, and move on from there to constructive, fruitful discussions. But he chose not to accept that, and to dig in and contend that he knows the Catholic system better than I do, myself. This is as outrageous as it is presumptuous, and kills dialogue.

Francisco simply doesn’t understand (as one example) how the Catholic system of infallibility works. I did my best to explain it to him in my reply, but he has chosen not to accept that. I say he is fighting straw men. He implies that I am so ignorant about my own theological system that I’ve been defending these past 31 years, that I need him to explain it to me. That is simply unacceptable.

I warned him not to go that condescending route (for the sake of continuing discussion and a possible joint book that we discussed and were enthused about), but he ignored it and condescended even more so. So the idea of a joint book (i.e., including our existing discussion) is already dead, per my statement above. One has to correctly understand an opponent’s view in order to effectively, sensibly debate against it. Francisco doesn’t fully understand the Catholic system, and moreover, he is hostile to it from the start, which also works against his ever accurately understanding it. Strong bias is the enemy of accuracy. It’s sadly very common in Protestant anti-Catholic apologetics.

Furthermore, he assumes that I am ignorant about Protestant thinking when I am not. His explanations of sola Scriptura in his second reply (which I consider off-topic) were filled from beginning to end with lectures sent my way, presupposing that I don’t understand sola Scriptura, when in fact, I agree with virtually everything he has written about Protestant belief and application of sola Scriptura.

I’ve written more about sola Scriptura than any other topic, including three books (the most important of which was recently published in Portugese), half of a fourth book, and significant parts of several others. I’ve debated it times without number and have a huge web page devoted to it and related issues. I fully understand it (used to passionately believe in it myself); I disagree with it. That’s two different things.

Therefore, I conclude that debate with Francisco at this point in time, about complex matters of the Catholic system and exactly what we teach and have taught in the past, is simply not possible. He’s fighting against straw men and anti-Catholic caricatures of what we believe rather than our actual views.

Many times in both his first and second reply, it was clear that he had no idea what my argument even was. He also totally ignored very important portions of my reply which discussed premises and presuppositions as to why the Catholic Church proclaimed what it did in the past. That is central to the whole discussion and he absolutely ignored it.

When I write about Protestantism, it comes from a premise of a great deal of respect towards fellow Christian believers, in many many areas, while having the usual honest disagreements, coming from a Catholic perspective. I was a passionately committed Protestant from 1977-1990, and was an apologist and campus missionary during almost half that time. I understand the outlook because I lived it and defended it, and read a lot about other sectors of the Protestant community that were different from my own. This is why my Catholic friends at the time I converted were shocked to death.

However, I do think there are many things Francisco and I can fruitfully debate. One can draw a strong distinction between:

1) What the Catholic Church teaches and has taught in the past about Christian / Biblical Doctrine X, documented, with speculations as to why it does / did so, etc. [this involves and entails much historical, ecclesiastical, and sociological understanding]

*

and:

*

2) What the Bible teaches about Christian / Biblical Doctrine X [involving exegesis, systematic theology, hermeneutics, linguistic aids, commentaries, etc.]

That’s two very different things. I included #2 in my reply to Francisco, as a very important part of my argument, but he mostly blew it off. I think Francisco is not able to do #1 at this time, due to his misunderstanding and insufficient knowledge about Catholicism. I could explain why at great length by replying to his second reply, but I simply don’t have the patience to do that, per my reasoning above. I feel that I already sufficiently did so in my first reply; but he chose not to heed that instruction. That killed the dialogue, as I warned that it would in my first reply.

But Francisco, as an educated Calvinist (with much more formal theological education than I have), is quite capable of doing #2. We can engage in competing exegesis and systematic theology from the Bible Alone: the inspired revelation that we both revere and accept as fully true and authoritative. That doesn’t involve analyses of ecclesiological systems other than our own. It’s just Bible. I love that; so does he, and we can do those debates till Kingdom Come.

Francisco is the only Brazilian Protestant so far out of three, who has been willing to respond at all, which I respect. Lucas Banzoli has ignored ten critiques, over 13 days, whereas at first he said he would reply as soon as he could, in responding to me a mere 77 minutes after I announced my first critique to him. He may yet respond, but that is his “record” so far. It’s not wrong to wonder whether he has decided to make no replies.

But Francisco and I can debate all he likes, if it is restricted to biblical discussions.

His choice! He can gladly agree to participate in what is mutually agreeable between us, or he can say “I want to do both things or neither.”

I know that I will be accused in his circles (mark my words!) of being scared to defend aspects of my Church, as if this is a big “victory” for Francisco because I refuse to respond to one article. His followers will always think he is right, and “victorious” — just as mine will think that about me. That’s how partisan group behavior works.

It’s not true at all, of course. I refuse to defend caricatures of my Church or to deal with a non-Catholic who claims that he knows more about my Church than I do, as a professional, published apologist. I have less than no patience with that.

So I am making it clear that I can and will engage in biblical discussions on any topic. We can do that. There should be no objection on either side. I hope Francisco will be willing to do so. We can both gain a lot by that, since we are both confident that we are right. Perhaps even the joint book project might still be possible if it is restricted to biblical discussions. But I will not participate in a book that blatantly misrepresents what my Church teaches. Having my name attached to such a project would associate me with inaccurate, anti-factual views that I absolutely oppose, and of course I can’t do that; nor would any honest thinking person be able to do so.

Protestants very often assume that they “own” the Bible and can make short work of any Catholic who attempts to argue exegesis regarding various doctrines with them. Great! I respect confidence. Bring on the biblical arguments! I’m here. I’ve done that for 31 years and will continue doing so, probably till I drop. I’ve shown not the slightest sign of slowing down (at the ripe old age now of almost 64).

SUMMARY

A) Debate and discuss the Catholic Church with anti-Catholic Protestants who start out with a marked hostility towards it?:

Not a chance. After 27 years of doing that, starting with James White, I know that it is a perfect waste of time.

B) Debate and discuss doctrines believed by the Catholic Church, in terms of the biblical basis and rationale for them?

******* ANYTIME! BRING IT ON! *******

So far, after 13 of my replies to Brazilian Protestants, this has not yet been done at all, from their end. [posted at 1:28 PM on 6-7-22]

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Sir is dropping the debate? [1:32 PM]

What should I answer? [These] are just undue accusations against my person, . . . I don’t have time to talk; the point is that he was properly refuted, my article is there and Mr. Dave Armstrong doesn’t want to answer. Maybe he wants to debate with Banzoli, or someone else. For my part, I am pleased. I have the knowledge that I have not offended him at any point. [1:43 PM]

If you want another debate, we can work on Calvinism in the bible and history, what do you think? [1:47 PM]

I’ll debate the Bible and biblical rationales for doctrines (not history), as I carefully explained. I’ve written much refuting all five points of TULIP from the Bible (and books about Calvin and Calvinism). No problem. No Calvinist has ever taken me up on any of those, unless I have forgotten one. I don’t recall anyone doing so. If that is a correct memory, you would be the first. [1:49 PM]

Note that absolutely no replies so far actually deal with what I wrote in the post above. [2:16 PM]

It wasn’t me who [refused to answer]. The accusations are baseless. [2:25 PM]

Facebook friend Lucas Mafra Chagas made an excellent comment, replying to Francisco:

*
What Mr. Armstrong is saying is that there is no way to debate you if you don’t possess the knowledge of how the Catholic Church works (knowing the difference between what is infallible teaching and what is fallible teaching). Until you understand this difference and assume that Mr. Armstrong is lying, there can be no debate on this topic.
*

You are not responding to what Mr. Armstrong is saying but to what you think is the teaching of the Catholic Church. You are insisting something that is not in line with reality; something already explained by Mr. Armstrong. As long as you don’t understand where you’re going wrong, there won’t be a debate on this subject, because you don’t have the knowledge to talk about it.

*

I believe you’re a man with good intentions, [who] really seeks the truth. I ask that you put yourself in prayer, before our Lord and reflect on Mr. Armstrong’s response and also on yours and see that there is no debate because you have no knowledge of what is being debated. Mr. Armstrong’s proposal is pretty good. Y’all better debate the content of the Scriptures, because it’s something you actually possess knowledge and intimacy for a debate. [I replied: “Exactly right. Thanks so much. I agree 100%”]

***

Damn. I think it’s strange that you’ve been offended. . . . You said that I don’t know about the internal mechanisms of [the Catholic Church] and I wasn’t offended. Now if I say that [you have] approached sola Scriptura in a wrong way, [you are] offended. What’s wrong with you? [2:31 PM]

Now the personal attacks are commencing, among Francisco’s followers and himself (as predicted and fully expected). Francisco wrote:

On our first contact I called you a crybaby and a misfit soul. Well, you are indeed offended very easily, even when people are not the slightest interested in offending you, you pretend to be pitiful. Your soul is truly misfit. I wasn’t wrong with my diagnosis.

*
Of course it has nothing to do with “personal offense.” This is another tired anti-Catholic tactic. I am talking about a matter of principle. It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with personal feelings or emotions or anything of the sort. It’s an intellectual matter having to do with the nature of a fruitful debate and good or bad research.

Also, as I expected, but figured would be the case, he refuses to stick to the Bible in debates, as I recommended:

*
If you want a debate on exegesis or any other topic, please go to the end and face the consequences of asking for a response. And I’m not going to accept you simply saying that I’m ignorant without being able to answer my arguments.

I showed that he was incorrect several times in my first reply. I don’t have the patience to do it again, since he has “dug in” now and is determined to pretend that he knows more about Catholicism than Catholic apologists do. I’ve been through this at least ten times, which is why I have no patience for it.

If he wants to debate the Bible, I’m here. But it looks like he won’t. He wants to “die on the hill” of his second reply. He started out with personal insults, and now he’s right back to the same thing. It’s silly and foolish. I am interested in serious debates, not kindergarten mud pie fights. [my replies were given at 2:57 PM]

***

Folks, the debate between me and apologist Dave Armstrong from the USA is closed. Mr. Armstrong said he will not respond to my latest article against him.

Dave Armstrong accuses me of having offended him, but in my view I have not offended him one single time. The evidence is there, the articles are there, who can show me where I offended you, tell me.

He said I offended him by saying he didn’t know what Sola Scriptura was, but he said I don’t know about the internal mechanisms of [the Catholic Church] and I’m not offended . . . on the contrary, I expected him to tell me where I went wrong. He says I refuse to listen to him, yet now proposes another debate, but this one only exegetical biblical.

Dave Armstrong, if you want a debate based on biblical exegesis on a topic, please go to the end and face the consequences of asking for an answer. I will not accept you simply saying that I am ignorant without being able to answer my arguments, without showing why. [2:40 PM]

***

[Dave] also doesn’t know anything about Protestantism and that’s not why I stopped confronting him. He should answer my arguments. If I don’t know, it would be even easier for him. What Mr. Armstrong wants is me to agree with him on a whole, and this is not so. I am not an inhuman person to the point of not understanding something explained to me. If he cant even handle my arguments then I don’t have anything to do with it. [3:47 PM]

[replying to another Catholic] I just quoted a Catholic Dogmatic and I have four other Dogmatics that say the same thing. I’ve [connected] all my arguments to Catholic authors; how do I not know? It was his role in the debate to show how I misused the sources. By the way, my argument has already been used in the past by other Catholics, including cardinals in disputes about papal infallibility, and you come to say that I don’t know? You’re making me think that Armstrong is the one who doesn’t know or is really running away from the argument, because the cardinal who used the same argument as me (I only made a slight adaptation) undoubtedly came out ahead in the debate.

Have some honor, boy! Stop this nerd spirit of wanting to [defend] a person who ran out of arguments, just because he is North American. So ugly, man. [3:52 PM]

I wrote to my friend Dr. Robert Fastiggi, professor of systematic theology and editor and translator of the latest edition of Denzinger (2012) and of Ludwig Ott (both of which sources Francisco has himself cited).
*

He has exactly the right credentials to give a scholarly opinion as to whether Unigenitus is infallible or not. He says it is not: precisely as I argued and the opposite of what Francisco argued.

So that is an example of a non-Catholic (Francisco) being ignorant of how our system works, yet not being willing to be corrected by a Catholic apologist, so that the discussion can continue on rational grounds, and not based on caricatures (which is why I refused to continue).

He only had time for a brief reply right now, but will write more later. So far, he has made it clear that he agrees with what my opinion was:

I agree with you and Jimmy Akin. If Unigenitus were infallible, all of the censures listed in D-H, 2502 [Denzinger] would qualify the errors of P. Quesnel as heretical. This, though, is not the case.

I will post his more extensive reply in this article when I receive it. So there we have it. Francisco can continue as he has been doing, if he wants to keep dying foolishly on this hill, and claim that he knows more about Catholicism and Unigenitus than Dr. Fastiggi does, too. That would simply prove my point all the more: that in this particular area (that he chose to debate), he is wrong on the basic issue in play: whether Unigenitus was infallible according to Catholic criteria: thus making it contradictory to Vatican II, etc., and creating a huge internal problem for Catholic authority.

But it wasn’t, and so the supposed serious “problem” vanishes. What that means is that the Catholic Church simply changed its mind on an issue that wasn’t infallibly proclaimed in Unigenitus in the first place. If it were infallible, the Church couldn’t have “changed its mind” since by nature that would be a notion that could no longer be changed or denied. [4:09 PM]

Appeal to the authority [fallacy]. Have you consulted with a specialist[?] Did you need help answering me and you still have the courage to say that I’m not an opponent yet? I expected more from you. And it’s not a matter of knowing more or less. I can show you five more sources that confirm what I said, but you decided to give up the serious debate to keep running your mouth in Facebook comments. Lamentable. [5:13 PM]

Dave Armstrong let it slip that he consulted with a specialist to answer me about the source I used (Ludwig Ott) on papal infallibility. The man needs expert help and still has the nerve to say I’m not an opponent at all. Now he’s decided to keep talking and giving answers to the article, which he refused to answer, in Facebook comments, after asking for help from a specialist, of course, but refuses to write answering me officially.

Ask for help [if] you want, make all the excuses you want, but the truth is, you messed with the wrong person. [5:19 PM]

[Dave] asked Ott and Dezinger’s translator in the US for help to handle my argument. Now he says that the guy doesn’t agree with me, but he doesn’t say [why] I [am] wrong. The worst is that he doesn’t even know what was waiting for him. [5:26 PM]

What I said was that he gave a short answer (because he’s a busy professor), will write more later, and then that will be the “why”. But he already gave some of the explanation. [5:39 PM]

[replying to someone else] I did expose his ignorance: he was wrong about Unigenitus being infallible, and that is at the very heart of the debate. It’s why he chose that topic as our first exchange. A serious, self-consistent Christian can and will admit when he is wrong, rather than continue to stubbornly defend error. [5:31 PM]

[I] could give you several answers. The first is that I don’t need to know more than you to be right, because Dogmatic is not about Unigenitus, only the method, and I have the right to know why I am wrong in certain thinking. Secondly, you found it time to refute Whitaker, the unnamed man, whom even Cardinal Bellarmine gave the highest praise. Can I say that sir is arrogant too? That you know more about the Bible or Dogmatic, original languages, Scholastic or Philosophy than Whitaker? The question is that it doesn’t matter if you know more or less, the question is that you have the right to express yourself and to stand with an idea and to believe that is right. As you might say I ain’t in that game. [5:48 PM]

If you want to resume the debate, I kindly ask you to reply to me officially on your blog, and I guarantee you I will reply back. Suppose I’m wrong in my accusation of magisterial contradiction; you should know that this was only one of my accusations and one of my theses, several left to be knocked down. If the idea was to produce a book, nothing better than to produce knowledge clarifying all these [unclear] points. [5:43 PM]

Not a chance. You didn’t know what you were talking about at several points, didn’t understand my arguments on several occasions, and/or utterly ignored them. You’re over your head in *this* area. I tried to inform you nicely of that, so we could move ahead, but you wouldn’t accept it, so now I am being more blunt about it, and you are resuming your boorish personal attacks (YAWN). They won’t stop me doing anything I have resolved to do. They never do. I expose them and move on. You also went massively off-topic, and I had no interest in that, either. One thing at a time.

I went to Dr. Fastiggi precisely because he specializes in exactly what we were talking about (whether Unigenitus is infallible). This is utterly relevant to the debate. You didn’t believe my report as an apologist, so I thought you might accept that of an actual theologian, who worked on Denzinger itself (that you would understand how his view is ultra-relevant and should settle that issue). If he had told me that I was wrong, I would have been man enough to admit it publicly (I told him in my letter that I would do that). But as it turned out, I was right and you were wrong.
*

But thus far, you have been too prideful to admit that you were wrong on a key point. You may even start attacking Dr. Fastiggi (who will shortly have much more to add) now, too, as an ignoramus who doesn’t know his own faith as well as you supposedly know it. Foolish pride knows no bounds.

The book is dead in terms of our past supposed “debate” [choke]. There is still a remote chance for a book if you agree to my proposal of debating only the Bible, on theological doctrines. But you would have to reform your behavior very quickly or else I would sour on that idea, too. Frankly, I don’t trust you with such a book after this pathetic performance today.
*

Mature adults understand that there is a time to agree to disagree and to find an area of common agreement, so the discussion can move forward and not descend to the asinine and childish foolishness where it now is. You need to be childlike, as Jesus taught, rather than childish [I hope that last sentence translates well into Portugese]. [8:20 PM]

My nobleman, I don’t know if you noticed, I never claimed that the Church has Unigenitus as Infallible, that’s just to advance you the answer I would give you if you continued the debate formally instead of just being “damage controlling”.
*

It is one thing to claim that the Church argues that Unigenitus is Infallible, it is another to claim that according to the infallibility criteria defended by Roman Catholic Theology itself, Unigenitus can be considered Infallible.
*

My aim was actually to promote an argument about the relativity of infallibility criteria. I wanted to show that the method is bad and falls into arbitrary, something I would conclude 3 or 4 plays ago (articles). It was indifferent to me whether the Church thinks about Unigenitus, my focus was the method and what you would say about it.
*

Just as I attacked Unigenitus even knowing of the change in Vatican II, but not with the intention to demoralize Unigenitus, but to make you assume the change and give me the necessary arguments to assert that the reform was right, something that and I achieved it with total success.
*

In debates, things are like this, you attack one thing but targeting another totally different, this is because Roman Catholics are first-of-the-line sophists, so to avoid sophisticated statements first make a false attack with the aim of scooping the most information and then you use it information in the goal that you wanted from the beginning.
*

You even caught my strategy, so easily I put you in a situation to prove the Reformers were correct about reading the bible. That is, according to my strategy, you would either agree that the Reformers were right since the Rome Church assumes the same position, or you would go back and have to defend Unigenitus against Vatican II. Either way or another you gotta give in at some point. Note that it all started with an unpretentious attack on Unigenitus, something you yourself didn’t understand and left wondering why I attacked an outdated document. Revealed my motives at second play. Truth sir Dave Armstrong, I had our whole debate by about the tenth move. Predicting exactly what I’d do, distracting your attention where I wanted it, while I gathered the information I needed.
*

Sorry mate, but I guarantee you, you had no chance, and you won’t come again. [8:35 PM]

I don’t approach debate as a chess game and opportunity to engage in “gotcha” tactics, so as to embarrass the opponent as an idiot. I seek the best opponents I can find (I was wrong about you, unfortunately), and then do debate to seek truth (first and foremost), learn, perhaps teach the other a bit, too, to try to persuade, to be persuaded and to retract where necessary, and to reach more mutual understanding than was present before.

You came into this obviously thinking that all Catholics are “first-of-the-line sophists”. That doomed it from the beginning. This is what I’m trying to get through to you: debate is not possible in any helpful sense of the term, when there is such hostility, bias, and outright bigotry going in (not to mention presumptuous ignorance, as you have demonstrated). Nothing good can be accomplished, except for observers who can learn more about the views and tactics of one side or the other. [8:52 PM]

I see a problem [consulting Dr. Fastiggi] when the individual says their opponent is not a [properly informed] opponent. If he’s so good and I’m so bad, why did he need help answering me? [7:38 PM]

I have no problem consulting people who know more than I do in a certain area. How else can we learn? But I guess we’re at the point in this farce, where everything I do is suspect. If I consult an expert, it’s the logical fallacy, or it means I am stupid and incompetent or it must be some other nefarious, suspicious motive. It couldn’t be that it was RIGHT ON THE TOPIC. How utterly disappointing and pathetic . . . [8:35 PM]

[after I posted this blog paper, he replied] Now you’re playing the victim, changing focus so no one realizes you got a beating in the debate. [9:10 PM]

Dave is writing texts on his blog playing the victim. [9:43 PM]

I know it’s easier to create a cover story than to move on with a lost debate. At least I admit you’re doing pretty well in damage control. This is my last post. Don’t worry, now I will refute your articles one by one, let’s see how long [till] you will run away. [9:45]

Once again, as I said, if you want to argue the Bible man to man, I’m your guy. But I won’t go through this silly nonsense with you again: where you pretend to understand my Church better than I do myself. If you claim to know the Bible better, that’s standard Protestant fare and no problem. [11:11 PM]

Dr. Robert Fastiggi has sent me a second personal letter regarding Unigenitus, that goes into more detail. It arrived at 10:25 PM, my local time:

Dear Dave,

Thank you again for sharing your exchange with Francisco Tourinho. I think the responses you and Jimmy Akin have supplied are excellent. I agree that Unigenitus is not infallible and irreformable. As you note, much of it is disciplinary. Also, I don’t see where Ludwig Ott supports the position of Mr. Tourinho.

*

You might wish to look at A 3bd in the Systematic Index of the 2012 Ignatius Press Denzinger (p. 1194). There you’ll see that “the reading of the Sacred Scriptures is broadly recommended, 770f; it is not, however, useful for all.” D-H 770 refers to a July 12, 1199 letter of Pope Innocent III to the inhabitants of Metz. This letter responds to the report of the bishop of Metz that groups of lay men and women have been reading the Scriptures in French translations and presume to understand the Scriptures better than simple priests.

*

The letter explicitly states that “the desire to understand the divine Scriptures and the eagerness to exhort in accordance with them should not be criticized but rather commended.” Here we see a medieval Pope commending the laity for their desire to understand the divine Scriptures. The warnings in the letter are directed to those who lack discernment in the understanding of Scripture. In D-H, 771, we also see concern about those who indiscriminately arrogate to themselves “the office of preaching.” This was one of the concerns of the medieval Church about the Waldensians.

*

The Systematic Index points to D-H, 1854 from the Council of Trent. Here we see that it was left to bishops, in consultation with the parish priest or confessor, to decide whether allowing the Bible to be read in vernacular translation would lead to “an increase in faith and piety rather than harm.” Bishops were to exercise caution and oversight with regard to the reading of the Bible in vernacular translations. This, of course, is not the same as forbidding the reading of the Bible.

*

More could be said, but I think the matter is clear enough. The Catholic Church has commended the faithful for their desire to understand the Sacred Scriptures. The Church, though, exercises due caution with regard to those who believe they can understand the meaning of the Scriptures apart from the Church’s Magisterium. Vatican II allows for full access to the Bible, but it still recognizes that the interpretation of Scripture “is subject finally to the judgment of the Church” (Dei Verbum, 12).

*

I hope these brief comments are of some help.

***

On 6-8-22, Francisco ally Vitor Abm wrote an analysis of the farcical “debate” on his hero’s page, that Francisco endorsed (posted at 8:36 AM EST). I responded there (9:32 AM):

And once again the tactic (from Vitor, with Francisco’s endorsement: “Better analysis would be impossible”) is to do a quack, ultra-biased psycho-social analysis supposedly ABOUT what I wrote (in actuality, a gross caricature), and about my supposed intentions and emotions and personality (all strictly cardboard caricatures) as opposed to actually interacting WITH my REASONING. This sort of thing is endemic on social media, and reflects the subjective postmodernism that has infected nearly everything today.
*

In order to break this impasse, and endless flatulence coming from the Protestant side, I proposed that we debate the Bible and ignore all these “Church” and ecclesiastical matters, where I think Francisco is woefully undereducated and too biased to conduct a fruitful dialogue.
*

That’s my sincere opinion (sorry!). I can’t help it if that offends Francisco’s fan club, who think their big champion and hero can do no wrong, has unlimited understanding of Everything Catholic (more than I do, myself), and can’t possibly be bested in a debate with a Catholic. All of this has already been shown to be false and self-delusion on his part. It didn’t take long for his ignorance of the Catholic system and flat-out hostility to surface. It always does with anti-Catholics.

*
Late yesterday, he claimed (soothing his wounded ego): “now I will refute your articles one by one, let’s see how long [till] you will run away.” If he selects (as part of this massive “campaign” to put me in my place) my articles that are strictly biblical defenses of Catholicism, then that’s the same as my proposal and we can get back to the debate and away from all this melodramatic psychoanalyzing nonsense that he has brought about by refusing to admit that he was wrong about the key element in his first chosen debate: the dogmatic status of Unigenitus (1713).

*
It’s fallible, folks, not infallible. I hate to break the news to you. But that basically cut the heart out of his entire meticulously constructed argument (as he described his method in detail last night). He knows this (because he’s not stupid), but he can’t admit it. A Catholic could never know more than he does about anything: including specifically Catholic matters. This is the standard anti-Catholic mindset.
*

When one is wrong, the mature Christian response is to admit it, retract whatever is necessary, and move on. People respect that. It’s the very opposite of what the proud person fears: admitting wrong gains respect from both the opponent in debate and followers. That’s how God designed it. Instead, he has chosen to continue and encourage in his followers the massive ad hominem attack against me.

It’s pathetic and pitiful, but also highly amusing. I say we should debate the Bible, as opposed to the Protestants doing a ridiculous combination of relentlessly wrong quack psychoanalysis and deluded superiority and triumphalism.

***

Photo credit: Sarah Macmillan, “stubborn ass” [Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license]

***

Summary: The ongoing debate with Brazilian Protestant apologist Francisco Tourinho got bogged down when he started claiming that he knows more about Catholicism than I do.

Calvinism & General Protestantism: Catholic Critique

Last updated on: July 25, 2025 at 1:41 pm By Dave Armstrong

[book and purchase information]

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

Calvinism

I. REPLIES TO REFORMED BAPTIST GAVIN ORTLUND

II. REPLIES TO STEVE HAYS

III. CALVINISM AND ST. AUGUSTINE

IV. SACRAMENTS: ESPECIALLY BAPTISM AND THE EUCHARIST

V. PREDESTINATION, SUPRALAPSARIANISM, SOVEREIGNTY, JUDGMENT, UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

VI. “TULIP”: TOTAL DEPRAVITY / LIMITED ATONEMENT / IRRESISTIBLE GRACE / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

VII. REPLIES TO FRANCOIS TURRETIN (1623-1687)

VIII. ZWINGLI AND OTHER CALVINISTIC “REFORMERS” / MARIOLOGY IN PARTICULAR

IX. ECUMENISM

*
X. ICONOCLASM AND INTOLERANCE

XI. APOLOGETIC METHOD (PRESUPPOSITIONALISM)

XII. GENERAL / MISCELLANEOUS

Protestantism (General)

XIII. THE PROTESTANT WORLDVIEW AND THE SO-CALLED “PROTESTANT REFORMATION” SCRUTINIZED

XIV. THE PROTESTANT “QUEST FOR UNCERTAINTY” / THE SO-CALLED CATHOLIC “PROBLEM” OF THE “INFALLIBILITY REGRESS”

XV. PROTESTANTISM: LOGICALLY SELF-DEFEATING / REDUCTION TO SELF-CONTRADICTION

XVI. DENOMINATIONALISM AND SECTARIANISM

XVII. CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS

XVIII. ANGLICANISM

***

CALVINISM

I. REPLIES TO REFORMED BAPTIST GAVIN ORTLUND

Reply to Gavin Ortlund’s “Sola Scriptura Defended” [4-27-22]

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

Reply to Gavin Ortlund’s “Relics: A Protestant Critique” [5-12-22]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund on Purgatory (+ Part 2) [5-14-22]

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

Reply to Baptist Gavin Ortlund’s Critique of Icons [5-19-22]

Reply to Baptist Gavin Ortlund on Baptism [5-20-22]

St. Jerome, Papacy, & Succession (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [1-20-24]

Reply to a Gavin Ortlund Argument Against Infant Baptism [1-26-24]

Reply To Gavin Ortlund’s 6-Minute Sola Scriptura Defense (Including the Biblical Case for Prophets as Inspired and Infallible Authorities Besides Holy Scripture) [1-26-24]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund: St. Ignatius & Bishops (+ St. Polycarp and St. Clement of Rome On Early Church Ecclesiology) [2-1-24]

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]

Jerome & Succession, Vs. Gavin Ortlund: Audio Transcript [2-5-24]
*

Reply To Gavin Ortlund: Albigensian Crusade [2-6-24]

Reply To Gavin Ortlund: Catholic Inquisitions; Hus [2-7-24]

Catholicism & Non-Catholic Salvation (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) + How Early Protestants Widely Damned Other Protestants Who Held Different Theological Views [2-9-24]

Gavin Ortlund’s Sola Scriptura Proofs Prove Tradition: Including an In-Depth Analysis of the Term “Oracles of God” (Gk., Logion, Romans 3:2) [2-12-24]

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

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

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

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

Deuterocanon: Reply To Protestant Apologist Gavin Ortlund [2-26-24]

Denominationalism & The Bible: Reply To Gavin Ortlund (+ Does the New Testament Present an Ecclesiology of “The Church”?) [2-27-24]

Biblical Arguments for the Papacy: Reply to Gavin Ortlund [Including Gavin’s Exceptionally Ecumenical & Irenic Statements About the Catholic Church & Catholics] [3-12-24]

Origen & Interceding Saints & Angels (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [3-13-24]

Papacy & OT Infallible Prophets Analogy (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [3-14-24]

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

Reply to Gavin Ortlund: Confession & Authority [4-11-24]
*

The Scarcity of Serious, Constructive Theological Dialogue Today (Ortlund and Cooper) [Facebook, 4-17-24]

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

Mary’s Assumption: Reply to Gavin Ortlund (Its “Late” Development / Two 4th Century Witnesses / Protestant Commentators on Revelation 12 / Biblical Arguments) [8-23-24]

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]
*

II. REPLIES TO STEVE HAYS

Series: Replies to [Steve] Hays’ “Biblical Calvinism”:

Reply #1: Preliminaries; God “Hardens” Hearts?; Few or Many Saved? [6-12-23]

Reply #2: Sin & God’s Providence; Does God Cause Infirmities & Send “Evil Spirits”?; Examples of God’s Immediate Judgment, Including Absalom; “A Lying Spirit” [6-13-23]

Reply #3: Does God “Micromanage” Every Intent?; God Judges Assyria; Israel Judged in Isaiah 6; Predestined Crucifixion; Acts 13:48: “Ordained to Eternal Life”; Catholic Church & God’s Providence [6-14-23]

Reply #4: Catholicism: The Elect Are Predestined; Reprobate in 1 Peter 2:8; God’s Providence (We Agree!); False Prophet as God’s “Tool”; Good Ol’ Romans 9 [6-15-23]

III. CALVINISM AND ST. AUGUSTINE

Early Protestants & St. Augustine: Ambiguity [1-28-04]

St. Augustine Was Catholic, Not Proto-Protestant! [9-25-10]

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

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

St. Augustine: Thoroughly Catholic: 135 Proofs [8-30-12]

St. Augustine, Calvin, and Calvinists Regarding Total Depravity [1-7-14]

IV. SACRAMENTS: ESPECIALLY BAPTISM AND THE EUCHARIST

Sacramentarian Controversies (Calvin vs. Luther vs. Zwingli) [3-29-04]

Eucharistic Real Presence: Luther’s Magnificent Defense [Over Against Zwingli] [6-21-04]

John Calvin’s Erroneous Mystical View of the Eucharist [4-9-04, rev. 9-7-05]
*

Quiz on Early Protestant / “Reformation” Eucharistic Harmony [8-23-09]

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

Salvation Through the Eucharist According to Francois Turretin (1623-1687) [Facebook, 2-23-25]

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: How Can That Be Jesus? (Turretin & the Eucharist): Calvinist Hyper-Rationalism vs. the Biblical Teaching of Twenty Kinds of God’s Presence [Catholic Bible Highlights, 5-23-25]

Dialogue on Reformed Eucharistic Theology [5-25-25]

Zwingli’s Watered-Down Original Sin and Rejection of Baptismal Regeneration as its Antidote [6-24-25]

V. PREDESTINATION, SUPRALAPSARIANISM, SOVEREIGNTY, JUDGMENT, UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

Catholic Teaching: Predestination of the Elect (Ludwig Ott) [1996]

Dialogue on God’s Middle Knowledge & Foreknowledge (vs. Dr. Alexander Pruss) [1997]
*

Assurance of Instant Salvation? / Apostasy / Falling Away (Bible passages) [c. 2000]

John Calvin: Only God Knows Who is Numbered Among the Elect [1-5-06]

Dialogue on Molinism and on How God Predestines (+ Part II) [4-15-06 and 4-24-06]

Predestination & the Ingenious “Solution” of Fr. Most [4-22-06]

Dialogue: Molinism & How God Predestines (Pt. III) (+ Pt. IV) [5-2-06 and 5-14-06]
*

Do Catholics Believe in Predestination? Yes! But . . . [8-29-06]

Reply to a Calvinist: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart (vs. Colin Smith) [10-14-06]

Catholic Predestination, Molinism, & Thomism in a Nutshell [3-27-08]

Luther: God Predestines Reprobation of the Damned [2-27-10]

Dialogue: Double Predestination, Total Depravity, & Limited Atonement [4-14-10]

Bible vs. Double Predestination (No Reprobate Parallels) [4-22-10]

Romans 9: Plausible Non-Calvinist Interpretation [4-22-10]

Is God the Author of Evil? (vs. John Calvin) [Oct. 2012]

Reply to James White’s Exegesis of James 2 in Chapter 20 of His Book, The God Who Justifies [10-9-13]

God “Hardening Hearts”: How Do We Interpret That? [12-18-08; expanded on 1-4-17]

Does God “Want” Men to Sin? Does He “Ordain” Sin? [2-17-10 and 3-16-17]

Luther (Unlike Lutheranism) Taught Double Predestination [1-11-18]

Atheist Ignorance of Christianity: Typical Example (Calvinists make up only some 5% of all Christians, so why do atheists so often think that Calvinist double predestination is the only accepted view in Christian theology?) [12-12-20]

Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #1: “Hardening Hearts” [10-23-21]

Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #2: Eli’s Sons (1 Sam 2:25) [10-25-21]

The Lord “Bringing Evil” Means Righteous Judgment [10-25-21]

Hays’ Calvinist Prooftexts #3: Absalom’s Judgment [10-27-21]

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

VI. “TULIP”: TOTAL DEPRAVITY / LIMITED ATONEMENT / IRRESISTIBLE GRACE / PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

Luther and the Origin & Nature of “Instant” Salvation [1991]

Calvinist Total Depravity vs. Catholic Concupiscence [1996]

Assurance of Instant Salvation? / Apostasy / Falling Away (Bible passages) [c. 2000]

“Certainty” of Eternal Life? (1 John 5:13 and John 5:24) [5-8-02]

Total Depravity: Reply to James White: Calvinism and Romans 3:10-11 (“None is Righteous . . . No One Seeks For God”) [4-15-07]

Calvinist Total Depravity: Does Romans 1 Apply to All Men? [4-10-08]

2nd Council of Orange: Sola Gratia vs. Total Depravity [1-5-09]

Dialogue with a Calvinist Regarding Falling Away from Grace or Salvation [7-28-09]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Biblical Catholic Answers for John Calvin [3-11-10]

Gospel = Total Depravity, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace? [4-6-10]

Dialogue: Double Predestination, Total Depravity, & Limited Atonement [4-14-10]

Bible vs. the Reformed Doctrine of Total Depravity [October 2010]

Bible vs. the Reformed Doctrine of Limited Atonement [October 2010]

Calvinist Irresistible Grace vs. the Bible [October 2010]

Calvinist Dialogues with Ghost of Plato [10-31-11]

Should We Pray for “All Men” (1 Tim 2:1) or Not? (Bible and Calvin Say Yes; Anti-Catholic Calvinist Ron Van Brenk Sez No) [11-16-11]

St. Francis de Sales: Bible vs. Total Depravity [11-24-11]

A Biblical Critique of Calvinism (Dave Armstrong): Introduction [10-1-12]

Total Depravity and the Evil of the Non-Elect (vs. John Calvin) [10-12-12]

Refutation of Calvinist Total Depravity [10-12-12]

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

Books by Dave Armstrong: A Biblical Critique of Calvinism [10-23-12]

Calvinist Irresistible Grace: Biblical? [2013]

Exchange on My Humorous Meme About Calvinism (vs. Dr. Glenn Peoples and William Tanksley, Jr.) / How Satirical Humor Works [1-6-14]

St. Augustine, Calvin, and Calvinists Regarding Total Depravity [1-7-14]

Limited Atonement, Free Will, & Failed Prayers of Jesus [7-18-14]

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

Limited Atonement Refuted? (John 12:32) [10-19-15]

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

Total Depravity and Salvation Outside the Church (vs. a Calvinist) [4-4-17]

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

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

Dialogue: Does the Bible Teach Limited Atonement? [2-23-19]
*

Calvinist Hems and Haws with Regard to Answering My Biblical Refutation of Limited Atonement, Then Flatly Refuses [Facebook, 2-26-19]

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

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

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

Good Works and Men, God’s Grace, and Regeneration [National Catholic Register, 8-6-20]

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

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

There Never Will Be a Single Human Being for Whom Christ Did Not Suffer [National Catholic Register, 4-28-21]

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

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

Limited Atonement: Refutation of James White [9-1-21]

Jesus vs. James White on Who Can be Saved [10-12-21]

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

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

Limited Atonement Biblical Arguments Refuted (33 NT Passages Against Limited Atonement and in Favor of Universal Atonement) [11-21-24]

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

VII. REPLIES TO FRANCOIS TURRETIN (1623-1687)

*
Turretin Lied About the Catholic View of Scripture [8-24-22]

Turretin, 1 Timothy 3:15, Infallibility, & Eisegesis [8-24-22]

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

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

Francis Turretin: the 2nd Greatest Calvinist Theologian After John Calvin, Endorses “Mother of God” Terminology [Facebook, 3-10-23]

Francis Turretin: the 2nd Greatest Calvinist Theologian After John Calvin, Believed in the Perpetual Virginity of Mary [Facebook, 3-10-23]

Vs. Turretin #1: Communion Of Saints 1 (Preliminaries) [12-21-23]

Vs. Turretin #2: Communion Of Saints 2 (Veneration) [12-22-23]

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

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

Vs. Turretin #5: Communion Of Saints 5 (Relics) [12-27-23]

Vs. Turretin #6: Communion Of Saints 6 (Images) [12-27-23]

Vs. Turretin #7: Intercession & Veneration Of Angels [12-29-23]

Vs. Turretin #8: Church #1 (Infallibility 1) [1-4-24]

Vs. Turretin #9: Church #2 (Indefectibility) [1-9-24]

Vs. Turretin #10: Sanctification [5-7-24]

Salvation Through the Eucharist According to Francois Turretin (1623-1687) [Facebook, 2-23-25]

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

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

VIDEO: How Can That Be Jesus? (Turretin & the Eucharist): Calvinist Hyper-Rationalism vs. the Biblical Teaching of Twenty Kinds of God’s Presence [Catholic Bible Highlights, 5-23-25]

VIDEO: Eucharist = Jesus? Protestant Doubts vs. Biblical Faith [Catholic Bible Highlights, 5-29-25]

VIII. ZWINGLI AND OTHER CALVINISTIC “REFORMERS” / MARIOLOGY IN PARTICULAR

Perpetual Virginity of Mary: Held by All Protestant Reformers [1-27-02]

Luther’s Mariology: Have Catholic Apologists Exaggerated It? (And Has Present-Day Protestantism Maintained the Classical “Reformation” Protestant Mariology?) [4-26-03; rev. 7-15-20]

Protestant “Reformer” Zwingli Denied Original Sin [5-27-06]

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

Zwingli: Protestant “Reformer”, Fornicator, & Vow-Breaker [12-20-07]

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

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

Mary Mother of God: Protestant Founders Agree (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Bullinger) [10-10-08]

Protestant “Reformer” Martin Bucer: Death for Adulterers! [9-18-09]

Turretin & Bullinger Accepted Mary’s Perpetual Virginity [1-5-10 and 6-1-10]

Zwingli’s Belief in Mary’s Sinlessness [9-30-10]

Mariology of “Reformers” Zwingli & Bullinger [4-28-16]

Zwingli vs. Scripture: Worshiping God Through an Image [6-22-25]

Zwingli vs. John the Baptist & Baptism Re Salvation [6-23-25]

Zwingli’s Watered-Down Original Sin and Rejection of Baptismal Regeneration as its Antidote [6-24-25]

Zwingli Believed in Mary’s Perpetual Virginity [Facebook, 6-24-25]

Zwingli’s Anti-Biblical Silliness Regarding Absolution of Sins [Facebook, 6-24-25]

Intercession of the Saints: Zwingli vs. Scripture (Are We Never to Seek Intercessory Aid from Departed Saints or Even from Righteous People on the Earth?) [6-26-25]

Zwingli’s Blindness Regarding Biblical Merit / The Ten Clearest Biblical Passages on Merit [Facebook, 6-26-25]

Zwingli’s Childish Trashing of the Character of Catholic Theologian and Apologist Johann Eck [Facebook, 6-26-25]

IX. ECUMENISM

My Respect for Protestants / Catholic Ecumenical Principles [2001; addendum: 1-8-03]

The Real Diet of Augsburg (1530) vs. the Protestant Myth [3-3-04]

Regensburg (1541) & Poissy (1561): Protestant “Ecumenism”? [4-27-04]

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

John Calvin: Authoritative Council Needed to Unite Protestants [1-18-08]

What I Like About Calvinism and Calvinists [June 2009]

John Calvin Rebukes Lutheran “Beasts” and “Evil”, Calls Luther an Idolater [Facebook, 3-23-10]

Total Depravity and Salvation Outside the Church (vs. a Calvinist) [4-4-17]

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X. ICONOCLASM AND INTOLERANCE
*

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

Protestant Inquisitions: “Reformation” Intolerance & Persecution [June 1991; rev. 10-31-03, 3-7-07, 9-14-17]

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

Dialogue w Lutheran Historian on 16th-Century Intolerance [2-15-06]

16th Century Theft of Church Properties (vs. Lutheran Historian) [2-22-06]

16th c. Calvinists vs. Lutherans: Who Suppressed Catholics [3-21-07]

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

“Reformation” Theft of Thousands of Catholic Churches [4-12-08]

Unbridled Sectarianism, Sola Scriptura, Luther, & Calvin [6-24-09]

Protestant “Reformer” Martin Bucer: Death for Adulterers! [9-18-09]

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

John Calvin Rebukes Lutheran “Beasts” and “Evil”, Calls Luther an Idolater [Facebook, 3-23-10]
*

Christmas Trees as Idols?: Silly “Biblical” “Arguments” [12-12-10]

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

Dialogue on Jihadist and 16th Century Calvinist Iconoclasm (vs. David Scott) [9-27-13]

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]

Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) on the Execution of Heretics [Facebook, 6-11-25]

Calvin’s Successor Theodore Beza & Execution of Heretics [6-16-25]
*

XI. APOLOGETIC METHOD (PRESUPPOSITIONALISM)

Critique of Van Til’s Presuppositionalism [10-23-04]

Critique of Presuppositionalism & Greg Bahnsen [4-14-07]

Dialogue on Presuppositionalism with a Baptist [6-10-07]

XII. GENERAL / MISCELLANEOUS

Calvinism: Tiny Minority Historically & Demographically [2-10-22]

PROTESTANTISM (General)

XIII. THE PROTESTANT WORLDVIEW AND THE SO-CALLED “PROTESTANT REFORMATION” SCRUTINIZED

Protestant Revolt Was Largely Politically Motivated [6-11-91]

The Dichotomous Nature of Protestant Thought [Facebook, 6-20-91]
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Protestantism as the Root Cause of Secularization [Facebook, 6-20-91]
*

Protestantism: Compromising & Liberalizing Tendency [6-20-91]
*

Pragmatism: Protestant Self-Critique Number One [6-20-91]
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Worldliness & Compromise: Protestant Self-Critique #2 [6-20-91]

Materialism & Narcissism: Protestant Self-Critique #3 [6-20-91]
*

Catholicism is the Ultimate Fulfillment of Protestantism (Bouyer and Chesterton) [Facebook, 6-20-91]
*

Astonishing Hostility to Higher Education in Early Protestantism [1991]

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, 4-26-92]

Protestantism is Too Man-Centered (Extreme Over-Emphasis on the Pastor) [Facebook, 1997]

My Respect for Protestants / Catholic Ecumenical Principles [2001; addendum: 1-8-03]

Catholic Critique of Anglicanism and the Via Media [11-12-01]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Protestantism: Critical Reflections of an Ecumenical Catholic [May 2003]

Protestantism Was Not a Revolt? [6-2-03]

Clerical Celibacy: Hostile Protestant Commentary & Catholic Replies [2-21-04]

The Revised Fundamentalist Baptist Version (RFBV) [5-18-04]

Early Protestant Hostility Towards Science [7-9-04]

Word “Protestant” Stemmed from Intolerance of Catholic Worship [2-8-06]

Why Write “Bad” Stuff About Protestant “Reformers”? [5-22-06]

James White Deacons-Elders-Bishops Controversy (Original title: “Dumbbells and Deacons: Does No Protestant Denomination Whatsoever Regard Deacons as the Equivalent of Pastors and Elders — or Even Bishops?) [6-16-07]

Catholic “Both/And” vs. Protestant “Either/Or” Dichotomies [2-4-08]

George Washington’s Religious Views [5-23-08]

Erasmus vs. Luther Disputes Documented [Feb. 2009]

Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Philip Melanchthon Wax Astronomical and Geocentric, Oppose Copernicus [2-5-09]

Calling of St. Paul & Church Authority: Dialogue w Calvinist [10-24-11]

Books by Dave Armstrong: The Quotable Wesley [5-2-12]

Dialogue on the Term, “Protestant Reformation” and Proposed Alternatives Like “Era of Reformations” and “Protestant Revolt” (vs. Anglican historian Dr. Edwin W. Tait) [1-7-14]

Protestant & Catholic Holiness, Miracles, & Reform [9-23-14]

Comments on the Question: “Are Protestants Heretics?” [vigorous Facebook discussion on this topic and about anti-trinitarianism, 10-10-14]

“Who Cares About Early Protestant Mariology?” [10-16-14]

Broad Exchange with a Former Catholic, Bible-Only Protestant (vs. John Hallman) [4-13-15]

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

Debunking the Mythical Invisible Church [9-14-15]

Arbitrary Bias in the NIV Against “Tradition” [9-18-15]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” (Series of Ten Mini-Debates) [Facebook, 3-2-17]

Why Do Atheists Almost Always Prefer Protestantism to Catholicism? [Facebook, 10-25-17]

Critique of Ten Exaggerated Claims of the “Reformation” [10-31-17; its 500th anniversary date]

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

Reply to “Why Remain Protestant?” (Steven Nemes) [4-22-22]

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

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

Reply to Gavin Ortlund: Cameron Bertuzzi’s Conversion, Pt. I (Sacramental Confession, Christian Authority, & Protestant Private Judgment) [4-11-24]

Various Protestant Errors (vs. Steve Gregg) [8-14-24]
*

Reply to a Protestant: Misc. Protestant Errors (Includes Biblical Arguments for the Catholic Priesthood) [8-17-24]
*

XIV. THE PROTESTANT “QUEST FOR UNCERTAINTY” / THE SO-CALLED CATHOLIC “PROBLEM” OF THE “INFALLIBILITY REGRESS”

Dialogue on the Logic of Catholic Infallible Authority [6-4-96]

Church Authority & Certainty (The “Infallibility Regress”) [July 2000; some revisions on 12-8-11]

The Protestant “Non-Quest” for Certainty [3-15-06; abridged and links added on 7-12-20]

Ecclesiological Certainty (?) & the “Infallibility Regress” [5-22-03 and 10-7-08]

Glorying in Uncertainty in Modern Protestantism (Dialogue with a Calvinist) [11-11-09]

Does Church Infallibility Require Infallible Catholics? [6-8-10]

Radically Unbiblical Protestant “Quest for Uncertainty” [2-12-14]

XV. PROTESTANTISM: LOGICALLY SELF-DEFEATING / REDUCTION TO SELF-CONTRADICTION

Protestantism: Is it Logically Self-Defeating? [9-15-03]

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

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

Protestant Principles of Authority are Self-Defeating [9-25-08]

XVI. DENOMINATIONALISM AND SECTARIANISM

Denominationalism and Sectarianism: An Anti-Biblical Scandal [1996]

Reply to Two Confessions: On the Church & Private Judgment (Reformed Belgic Confession [1561] and Second Helvetic Confession [1566]) [June 2002]

Sacramentarian Controversies (Calvin vs. Luther vs. Zwingli) [3-29-04]

33,000 Protestant Denominations? No! [9-4-04]

“Absurd” Protestant Divisions: Calvin’s Revealing Lament to Melanchthon [2-6-06]

Philip Melanchthon’s Agony Over Protestant Sectarianism [2-8-06]

Bible vs. Denominationalism and Against “Primary / Secondary” Doctrines [8-18-06]

Melanchthon in 1530 Longed for Return of Catholic Bishops [11-30-07]

John Calvin: Authoritative Council Needed to Unite Protestants [1-18-08]

Unbridled Sectarianism, Sola Scriptura, Luther, & Calvin [6-24-09]

Short Dialogue with a Presbyterian and a Baptist on the Definition of “Fundamentalist” [Facebook, 1-7-10]

John Calvin Rebukes Lutheran “Beasts” and “Evil”, Calls Luther an Idolater [Facebook, 3-23-10]

Melanchthon’s Agonized Tears Over Early Protestant Divisions [6-15-11; additions on 10-11-17]

Bible on Submission to Church & Apostolic Tradition / Biblical Condemnation of the Rebellious & Schismatic Aspects of the Protestant Revolt [8-27-11]

Early Protestant “Unity”: Calvin vs. Westphal vs. Luther [11-6-11]

Bishop Bossuet on the Schismatic Nature and Internal Difficulties of Protestantism [Facebook, 1-4-12]

33,000 [?] Denominations & “Thankful” James White [2-20-16]

Church Authority vs. Rampant Sectarianism [9-22-16]

Orthodoxy and Heresy: Biblical Notions? [9-23-16]

“Reply to Calvin” #4: “Primary” & “Secondary” Doctrines [4-3-17]

Catholicism is True and Denominationalism is Anti-Biblical [National Catholic Register, 6-27-17]

Sectarianism & Denominationalism: Reply to Calvin #6 [12-19-18]

Does Sola Scriptura Create Chaos? (vs. Steve Hays) [5-15-20]

Unbiblical Denominations (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [6-9-22]

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

Has Lutheranism Avoided Denominationalism? (Widespread Lutheran Compromise & Caving on Abortion & Same-Sex “Marriage”) [8-10-22]

Martin Luther vs. Sectarianism and Fanaticism [10-26-22]

How Steve Hays Squared Jesus’ Prayer for Unity in John 17 with Denominationalism [Facebook, 6-2-23]

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

Catholicism & Non-Catholic Salvation (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) + How Early Protestants Widely Damned Other Protestants Who Held Different Theological Views [2-9-24]

Early Protestant Idyllic Unity & Catholicity (1525-1563): One Big Happy and Tolerant Family [Facebook, 2-10-24]

Denominationalism & The Bible: Reply To Gavin Ortlund (+ Does the New Testament Present an Ecclesiology of “The Church”?) [2-27-24]

“Ecclesialism” vs. Sola Scriptura (vs. “The Other Paul”) [3-25-24]

Calvin & Cranmer: Councils Necessary For Doctrinal Unity [5-8-24]

Luther: “As Many Sects And Creeds As Heads” (James Swan Misses the Forest for the Trees / Calvin & Melanchthon Embarrassed & Scandalized by Protestant Sectarianism) [6-17-24]

Martin Luther Classified Zwingli, Karlstadt, & Oecolampadius as “Heathen” Non-Christians with “hyper-bedeviled heart[s]” etc. [Facebook, 7-11-24]

Reply to Lucas Banzoli’s 30 “Common” (?) Protestant Views [4-24-25]

DOCUMENTARY: Civil War Chaos: Luther vs. Other Protestant Leaders, Etc. [Lux Veritatis, 5-4-25]

XVII. CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS

TV Interview: On Catholicism, Over Against Protestantism (Transcript) (also, listen to the audio; see #5) [5-1-99]

My Respect for Protestants / Catholic Ecumenical Principles [2001; addendum: 1-8-03]

Word “Protestant” Stemmed from Intolerance of Catholic Worship [2-8-06]

The Catholic “Both/And” vs. the Protestant “Either/Or” Dichotomous Mindset [2-4-08]

On the Definition of “Evangelical” [3-20-08]

Are All Protestants “Saved”? (“TurretinFan” Insanity) [8-4-09; abridged with new intro. on 7-25-25]

Dialogue: Definition of “Christian” (vs. Reformed Pastor) (+ Did Trent Anathematize all Protestants?) [6-5-10]

Reply to Robin Phillips’ Why I’m Not a Catholic [1-31-12]

Michael Voris’ Anti-Protestant Rhetoric [8-8-13]

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

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” (Series of Ten Mini-Debates) [Facebook, 3-2-17]

Critique of Ten Exaggerated Claims of the “Reformation” [10-31-17; its 500th anniversary date]

Response to All-Over-the-Ballpark Criticisms of my National Catholic Register Article, “Here’s Proof That Not Every Protestant Doctrine is Biblical” [Facebook, 3-9-18]

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

Series of Replies to Theologian and Apologist Norman Geisler

#1: “Apocrypha” 1: Propheticity [7-3-25]

#2: “Apocrypha” 2: NT Citations (Including Related Discussion on Confused, Baffled Protestant Exegesis of Matthew 2:23: “He shall be called a Nazarene”) [7-7-25]

#3: “Apocrypha” 3: Septuagint [7-7-25]

#4: “Apocrypha” 4: Early Church [7-8-25]

#5: “Apocrypha” 5: Fathers (Also Including Analysis of Josephus’ and Philo’s Views, Jewish Scholars at Jamnia [c. AD 90], and the Qumran Community) [7-9-25]

#6: Sola Scriptura 1 (Including Inscripturation; 2 Timothy 3:16; Is Only the Bible Inspired?; Oral Torah) [7-11-25]

#7: Sola Scriptura 2 (Fathers) [7-15-25]

#8: Papal Infallibility (Includes Anti-Infallibilist George Salmon; “Vicar of Christ”; “Holy Father”; “Supreme Pontiff”; Is Galileo a Catholic Difficulty?) [7-16-25]

#9: “Faith Alone” 1 (Including Luther’s Qualified “Faith Alone”; Catholic Soteriology Accurately Presented; Meritorious Works; Bible vs. “Faith Alone”) [7-17-25]

#10: “Faith Alone” 2 (Including Sacraments, Grace, & Salvation; Protestants & Salvation Through Baptism & the Eucharist) [7-18-25]

#11: Seven Sacraments [7-19-25]

#12: Baptismal Regeneration (Including: Did Paul Refuse to Baptize Because it Was Contrary to the Gospel?; Meaning of Baptism in Acts 2) [7-21-25]

#13: Church & Ecclesiology (Including Authority in the Church; Paul the “Lone Ranger”?; Apostolic Succession: Five Biblical Proofs) [7-22-25]

#14: Mary’s Perpetual Virginity (Including Protestant Reformers & Aquinas On In Partu Virginity; Biblical Data on Jesus’ “Brothers”) [7-23-25]

#15: Immaculate Conception (Including: Early Protestant Proponents; The Surprisingly Multi-Faceted Biblical Case) [7-24-25]

#16: Mary’s Assumption (Including: Espousal by Earliest Protestants; Scriptural Arguments; St. John Henry Cardinal Newman’s Reflections) [7-24-25]

#17: Mary Mediatrix [7-25-25]

XVIII. ANGLICANISM

Replies to Anglican E. B. Pusey

#1: Agreement on Ecumenism and Various Doctrines; Sola Scriptura [1-20-25]

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

#3: Admirable Ecumenical Sentiments; Mary as Our “Hope” & “Refuge” & “Comfort”; Must We Always Know of Mary’s Co-Mediation? [1-26-25]

#4: Infallible Ecumenical Councils; Nature of Saints’ Intercession [1-29-25]

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Apostolic Tradition: 28 Passages in Paul’s Epistles (Including Incisive Commentary from the Anglican Tractarian John Keble: 1792-1866) [1-29-25]

DOCUMENTARY: 15 “Roman Catholic” Views of C. S. Lewis [Lux Veritatis, 5-20-25]

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Practical Matters: I run the most comprehensive “one-stop” Catholic apologetics site: rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT — endorsed by popular Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Perhaps some of my 5,000+ free online articles or fifty-six books have helped you (by God’s grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. If you believe my full-time apostolate is worth supporting, please seriously consider a much-needed monthly or one-time financial contribution. “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV).

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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 25 July 2025

Fathers of the Church (Index Page)

Last updated on: July 19, 2025 at 10:30 am By Dave Armstrong

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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I. MY THREE BOOKS ON THE CHURCH FATHERS

II. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

III. PROTESTANTISM AND THE FATHERS

IV. ST. ATHANASIUS

V. ST. AUGUSTINE

VI. BAPTISM AND BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

VII. BIBLE / TRADITION / SOLA SCRIPTURA / PERSPICUITY / RULE OF FAITH

VIII. CANON OF SCRIPTURE / DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

IX. CHRISTMAS

X. CHRISTOLOGY / HOLY TRINITY / GOD THE FATHER

XI. CHURCH / ECCLESIOLOGY / APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION

XII. CONTRACEPTION

XIII. DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTRINE

XIV. ESCHATOLOGY / LAST THINGS

XV. EUCHARIST / TRANSUBSTANTIATION / SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

XVI. IMAGES, RELIGIOUS: USE AND VENERATION OF

XVII. LITURGY

XVIII. MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND ANNULMENTS

XIX. MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN

XX. PAPACY AND INFALLIBILITY

XXI. PURGATORY

XXII. SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTALISM

XXIII. SAINTS AND ANGELS: INVOCATION, INTERCESSION, AND VENERATION OF

XXIV. SALVATION / JUSTIFICATION / “FAITH ALONE” / SOTERIOLOGY

XXV. SCIENCE

***

I. MY THREE BOOKS ON THE CHURCH FATHERS

Catholic Church Fathers: Patristic and Scholarly Proofs [Nov. 2007]

The Quotable Augustine: Distinctively Catholic Elements in His Theology [9-1-12]

The Quotable Eastern Church Fathers: Distinctively Catholic Elements in Their Theology [7-8-13]

II. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

“Unanimous Consent” of the Church Fathers (Steve Ray) [1996]
*

Introduction to Dave Armstrong’s Book, Catholic Church Fathers: Patristic and Scholarly Proofs [10-7-07]

Anti-Semitism in the Church Fathers and Catholic History: Resources and Recent Catholic Repentance [7-7-08]

“Unanimous Consent” of Church Fathers: Not Literally All (Does the Phrase “Unanimous Consent of the Fathers” Allow Any Exceptions?) [4-29-08; revised on 10-22-18]
*

Patristic Bible Commentary [verse-by verse references: great resource!]

Is “Mother Earth” a Catholic Concept (Church Fathers)? (guest post by Rosemarie Scott) [12-17-19]

Church Fathers (Individually or Few in Number) Are Sometimes Wrong; This Doesn’t Disprove Catholic Tradition [Facebook, 1-1-23]

Brief Explanation of “Unanimous Consent” of the Church Fathers, with Biblical Parallels [Facebook, 2-18-25]
*

The James White St. Ignatius of Antioch Controversy (“Yes, Virginia, There Was a St. Ignatius of Antioch”) [3-6-25]

*
***

The “Unanimous Consent” of the Church Fathers [Jimmy Akin, National Catholic Register, 8-18-18]
*

Early Church Fathers – Additional Texts (edited by Roger Pearse)

III. PROTESTANTISM AND THE FATHERS

Apostolic [Quasi-] Protestantism?: Dialogue with Eric Svendsen [6-26-96]

Dialogue on “Perspicuous Apostolic Teaching” (vs. James White) [May-June 1996]

“Perspicuous Apostolic Message”? (vs. Eric Svendsen) [May-June 1996]
*

Early Protestants & St. Augustine: Ambiguity [1-28-04]

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

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

Dialogue: Is Lutheranism or Catholicism Closer to the Fathers? (vs. Kristo Miettinen) [6-3-05]

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

Church Fathers: Closer to Protestantism? [2007]

*
Lutheran Chemnitz Wrong Re Fathers & Sola Scriptura (mostly dealing with St. Irenaeus and Tertullian) [8-29-07]

Lutheran Chemnitz: Errors Re Fathers & Sola Scriptura (including analysis of Jerome, Augustine, Origen, Epiphanius, Ambrose, Lactantius, Athanasius, and Cyprian) [8-31-07]
*

Church Fathers & Justification: Martin Chemnitz vs. Catholicism [9-9-07]
*

John Calvin: Ignatian Epistles (c. 110) Not Authentic [6-7-09]

Luther’s Views of Augustine & the Church Fathers [8-2-09]
*

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

Dialogue w Lutheran Pastor on the Protestant Revolt (. . . with special emphasis on the beliefs of the Church Fathers: were they were more “Catholic” or “Protestant”?) [3-27-12; edited with links added on 1-8-20]

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

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

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

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

IV. ST. ATHANASIUS

St. Athanasius’ Rule of Faith (NOT Sola Scriptura) [6-16-03]

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

St. Athanasius: Catholic, Not Proto-Protestant [12-26-07]

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

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #9: “Apocrypha” (Jerome, Athanasius, Etc.) [10-21-17]

14 Proofs That St. Athanasius Was 100% Catholic [National Catholic Register, 6-4-20]

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

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

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

Comment: James White vs. Tim Staples on the Rule Of Faith (Including St. Athanasius’ Rule of Faith & the Indefectibility of the OT “Proto-Church”) [5-9-24]

V. ST. AUGUSTINE

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

Faith Alone: Development of Church Fathers & St. Augustine? [11-24-00]

Early Development of the Papacy: Random Reflections (includes St. Augustine’s views) [2-26-02]

St. Augustine (d. 430) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]

Early Protestants & St. Augustine: Ambiguity [1-28-04]

Bible and Tradition Issues: Reply to a “Bible Christian” Inquirer (Particularly Regarding St. Augustine’s Position) [3-1-07]

Purgatory: Refutation of James White (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) (includes lengthy citations of St. Augustine) [3-3-07]

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

Luther’s Views of Augustine & the Church Fathers [8-2-09]

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

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

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

Eucharistic Adoration: Idolatry or Biblical? (vs. Calvin #47) [12-2-09]
*

Confirmation in the Bible & the Fathers (vs. Calvin #50) [12-17-09]
*

St. Augustine and the Intercession of the Dead [Reginald de Piperno, 1-24-10]

St. Augustine and Holy Relics [Reginald de Piperno, 1-26-10]
*

St. Augustine Was Catholic, Not Proto-Protestant! [9-25-10]

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

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

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

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]

Introduction to The Quotable Augustine (edited by Dave Armstrong) [8-9-12]

St. Augustine: Thoroughly Catholic: 135 Proofs [8-30-12]

St. Augustine, Calvin, and Calvinists Regarding Total Depravity [1-7-14]

St. Augustine: Astrology is Absurd [9-4-15]

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

St. Augustine vs. Radical Vegetarianism [10-4-15]

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

22 Reminders That St. Augustine Was 100% Catholic [National Catholic Register, 4-23-20]

James Swan, St. Augustine & “This Rock” [4-19-22]

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

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

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

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

Lutherans & Invocation #2 (Definitions of Prayer & Intercession; God Sharing His Glory; Views of St. Augustine & Many Other Church Fathers) [1-11-24]

St. Ambrose vs. Faith Alone (vs. Jordan Cooper) + Concupiscence: St. Ambrose’s and St. Augustine’s Views [2-29-24]
*

St. Augustine (354-430) Vs. “Faith Alone” [4-26-24]
*

Augustine (354-430) On Baptism [8-8-24]

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

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

VI. BAPTISM AND BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

Sacramentalism: James White Proves That St. Augustine and Martin Luther Aren’t Christians [11-26-03]

Apostolic and Early Church Teaching on Baptism [3-8-06]

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

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

Church Fathers & Baptism: Justin Martyr [7-23-24]

Theophilus of Antioch (fl. 185-191) on Baptismal Regeneration [Facebook, 7-23-24]
*

Irenaeus & Clement of Alexandria on Baptism [7-23-24]
*

Tertullian on Baptismal Regeneration [7-25-24]
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Origen & Cyprian On Baptism [7-26-24]
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Dionysius of Alexandria (d. c. 264) on Baptismal Regeneration [Facebook, 7-26-24]
*

Shepherd of Hermas (bet. c. 90-140) and Epistle of Barnabas (bet. 70-132) on Baptismal Regeneration [Facebook, 7-26-24]
*

Hilary of Poitiers & Ephraim On Baptism [7-30-24]
*

Athanasius & Basil the Great On Baptism [7-31-24]
*

Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 315-387) On Baptism [7-31-24]
*

Gregory Nazianzen (c. 330-c. 390) On Baptism [8-2-24]
*

Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-c. 394) On Baptism [8-5-24]
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Ambrose (c. 336-397) On Baptism [8-6-24]
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John Chrysostom (c. 345-407) On Baptism [8-7-24]
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St. Jerome (c. 343-420) On Baptism [8-8-24]
*

Augustine (354-430) On Baptism [8-8-24]
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St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376-444) On Baptismal Regeneration [Facebook, 8-8-24]
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Church Fathers On Baptism: First 400 Years (Handy Quick Summary of Their Essential Teaching on the Nature and Effects of the Sacrament of Baptism) [8-9-24]
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13 Church Fathers Defend the Catholic Teaching on Baptism [National Catholic Register, 8-26-24]
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9 More Church Fathers Explain the Catholic Belief About Baptism [National Catholic Register, 8-30-24]

***
*

Born Again: Baptism in the Early Fathers (Evangelical Catholic Apologetics)

Church Fathers on Baptism (Armchair Theologian; Lutheran site)

The Church Fathers on Baptismal Regeneration (Bryan Cross, Called to Communion)

VII. BIBLE / TRADITION / SOLA SCRIPTURA / PERSPICUITY / RULE OF FAITH

“Unanimous Consent” of the Church Fathers (Steve Ray) [1996]

Dialogue: Church Fathers on Perspicuity & Sola Scriptura [6-11-00]

Development of Doctrine: Patristic & Historical Development (Featuring Much Documentation from St. Augustine, St. Vincent of Lerins, St. Thomas Aquinas, Vatican I, Popes Pius IX, Pius X, Etc.) [3-19-02]

William Webster vs. Tradition, Development, & Truth [4-10-03]
*

St. Athanasius’ Rule of Faith (NOT Sola Scriptura) [6-16-03]

Church Fathers and Sola Scriptura [originally July 2003; somewhat modified condensation: 4-5-17]
*

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

Ten Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura: Reply to anti-Catholic Protestant apologist Jason Engwer’s Catholic But Not Roman Catholic Series on the Church Fathers [8-1-03]

Justin Martyr (d. c. 165) vs. Sola Scriptura [8-1-03]

Irenaeus (d. c. 200) vs. Sola Scriptura [8-1-03]
*

Clement of Alexandria (d. c. 215) vs. Sola Scriptura [8-1-03]
*

Hippolytus (d. c. 236) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]
*

Dionysius (d. c. 264) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]
*

Basil the Great (d. 379) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]

Cyril of Jerusalem (d. 386) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]
*

St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]

St. Augustine (d. 430) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]
*

Theodoret (d. c. 458) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [8-1-03]
*

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

Gregory of Nyssa (d. c. 395) vs. Sola Scriptura as the Rule of Faith [2-6-07]

Sola Scriptura: Church Fathers (?), & Myself (?), by Analogy [2-7-07]
*

Bible and Tradition Issues: Reply to a “Bible Christian” Inquirer (Particularly Regarding St. Augustine’s Position) [3-1-07]

Chrysostom & Irenaeus: Sola Scripturists? (vs. David T. King) [4-20-07]
*

Lutheran Chemnitz Wrong Re Fathers & Sola Scriptura (mostly dealing with St. Irenaeus and Tertullian) [8-29-07]

Lutheran Chemnitz: Errors Re Fathers & Sola Scriptura (including analysis of Jerome, Augustine, Origen, Epiphanius, Ambrose, Lactantius, Athanasius, and Cyprian) [8-31-07]

Papias, Scripture, and Tradition (Round Two): Dialogue with Protestant Apologist Jason Engwer / Sadly Typical End of Discouse with Anti-Catholics [1-14-10, at Internet Archive]

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]

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

Dialogue with a Lutheran: Church Fathers & Sola Scriptura (vs. Nathan Rinne) [10-13-11]

Dialogue with a Lutheran: Rule of Faith / Fathers / Ecclesiology (vs. Nathan Rinne) [10-17-11]

Reply to William Whitaker’s Sola Scriptura Arguments (Absurd Alleged Biblical Indications Against Apostolic Tradition) [10-20-11]

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

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]

*
David T. King and William Webster: Out-of-Context or Hyper-Selective Quotations from the Church Fathers on Christian Authority: Part II: St. Basil the Great [11-11-13]

Sola Scriptura, Cyril of Jerusalem, Logic, & Anti-Catholics [11-9-17]

Did I Take St. Irenaeus Out of Context (Rule of Faith)? [11-29-17]

“Unanimous Consent” of Church Fathers: Not Literally All (Does the Phrase “Unanimous Consent of the Fathers” Allow Any Exceptions?) [4-29-08; revised on 10-22-18]

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]

Vs. James White #16: St. Basil Held to Sola Scriptura? [11-19-19]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vs. Geisler on Catholicism #7: Sola Scriptura 2 (Fathers) [7-15-25]

VIII. CANON OF SCRIPTURE / DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

“Apocrypha”: Why It’s Part of the Bible [1994]

The New Testament Canon & Historical Processes [1996]

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

Development of the Biblical Canon: Protestant Difficulties [2-26-02 and 3-19-02, abridged with slight revisions and additions on 7-19-18]

Are All the Biblical Books Self-Evidently Canonical? [6-22-06]

St. Jerome’s Deuterocanon “Anomalies” [11-27-07]

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]

Armstrong vs. Collins & Walls #9: “Apocrypha” (Jerome, Athanasius, Etc.) [10-21-17]

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]

Vs. James White #15: Canon & “Catholic” Traditions [11-18-19]

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

The Deuterocanon & the Eastern Church Fathers (John Chrysostom, Athanasius, Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzen, Cyril of Jerusalem, Cyril of Alexandria, John Damascene) [10-26-22]

Biblical Canon & Sola Scriptura (vs. Jordan Cooper) [7-24-24]

Vs. Geisler on Catholicism #3: “Apocrypha” 3: Septuagint [7-7-25]
*

Vs. Geisler on Catholicism #4: “Apocrypha” 4: Early Church [7-8-25]

Vs. Geisler on Catholicism #5: “Apocrypha” 5: Fathers (Also Including Analysis of Josephus’ and Philo’s Views, Jewish Scholars at Jamnia [c. AD 90], and the Qumran Community) [7-9-25]

***

Did Some Church Fathers Reject the Deuterocanonicals as Scripture? [“Matt 1618”, 2001]

IX. CHRISTMAS

Hippolytus (Early 3rd c.) & a December 25th Christmas [12-10-21]

X. CHRISTOLOGY / HOLY TRINITY / GOD THE FATHER

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

Church Fathers: God is Immutable, Simple, & Outside of Time [1-18-09]

Church Fathers on God & Emotions, & Anthropomorphism [1-18-09]
*

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

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

XI. CHURCH / ECCLESIOLOGY / APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION

How Cardinal Newman Convinced me of the Apostolicity of the Catholic Church [1996]

Dialogue on “Perspicuous Apostolic Teaching” (vs. James White) [May-June 1996]

“Perspicuous Apostolic Message”? (vs. Eric Svendsen) [May-June 1996]
*

Bishops in the Apostolic Church [1-16-01; rev. 5-7-03]

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]

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

John Calvin: Ignatian Epistles (c. 110) Not Authentic [6-7-09]
*

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

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 a Lutheran: Rule of Faith / Fathers / Ecclesiology (vs. Nathan Rinne) [10-17-11]

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

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

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]

Vs. J. Engwer Re Church Authority, #2: St. Irenaeus (In Particular, His & Other Fathers’ — and Luther’s and Calvin’s — Views on Church Infallibility & Indefectibility) [10-13-23]

“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]

St. Jerome, Papacy, & Succession (Vs. Gavin Ortlund) [1-20-24]

Ignatius Of Antioch On Monarchical Bishops [1-25-24]

Monarchical Bishops (Early Fathers & Eusebius) [1-29-24]

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

Reply To Gavin Ortlund: St. Ignatius & Bishops (+ St. Polycarp and St. Clement of Rome On Early Church Ecclesiology) [2-1-24]

Revelation 2-3: Monarchical Bishops By 95 AD [2-2-24]
*

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]

Jerome & Succession, Vs. Gavin Ortlund: Audio Transcript [2-5-24]
*

The Early Christians Believed in the Infallibility of the Church [National Catholic Register, 7-30-24]

XII. CONTRACEPTION

*
Contraception: Early Church Teaching (William Klimon) [1998]
*
XIII. DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTRINE

William Webster’s Misunderstanding of Development of Doctrine [2000]
*

William Webster vs. Tradition, Development, & Truth [4-10-03]
*

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]

Vs. James White #15: Canon & “Catholic” Traditions [11-18-19]

XIV. ESCHATOLOGY / LAST THINGS

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

No Particular Judgment? (vs. Anglican Stearns #3): Including a Brief Examination of the Views of the Church Fathers [3-17-25]

XV. EUCHARIST / TRANSUBSTANTIATION / SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

XVI. IMAGES, RELIGIOUS: USE AND VENERATION OF

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

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

XVII. LITURGY

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

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

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

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

XVIII. MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND ANNULMENTS

Divorce: Early Church Teaching [Oct. 1998]

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

Sacrament of Matrimony: Bible & Fathers (vs. Calvin #55) [12-23-09]

XIX. MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN

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

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

“Live Chat” Dialogue on Patristic Consensus (Particularly, Mariology) (vs. James White) [12-29-00]

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

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

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

*
Church Fathers: Mary is Sinless [7-16-08]

John Armstrong vs. Church Fathers Re Perpetual Virginity [3-12-13]
*

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

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

Mary’s Assumption: Patristic Analogy to Protestant Distinctives (vs. Jason Engwer) [8-15-20]

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

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

Were Simon & Jude Jesus’ Literal Siblings, or Cousins? [11-30-21]

Hegesippus (2nd c.) and the “Brothers” of Jesus (Including a “New” Argument from How Jesus is Described in Relation to Mary and Joseph) [1-5-23]

Epiphanius of Salamis (c. 310–320 – 403) Espouses Mary’s Bodily Assumption in 378 AD, Comparing Her to Elijah, But Notes That It’s Not Certain Whether She Died [Facebook, 7-13-24]

Mary’s Assumption: Reply to Gavin Ortlund (Its “Late” Development / Two 4th Century Witnesses / Protestant Commentators on Revelation 12 / Biblical Arguments) [8-23-24]

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

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

Immaculate Conception: How the Church Fathers Saw Mary as the New Eve [National Catholic Register, 3-11-25]

XX. PAPACY AND INFALLIBILITY

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

Pope Silvester and the Council of Nicaea [August 1997]

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

Dialogue on (Supposedly Fallible) Pope Honorius [1997]

Dialogue on Development of Doctrine (Esp. the Papacy) (vs. Jason Engwer) [2000]

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

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

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

Fathers (Esp. Jerome, Gregory) & the Papacy (vs. Calvin #17) [6-15-09]
*

Gregory the Great & Papal Supremacy (vs. Calvin #20) [6-25-09]

St. Bernard & the Papacy / Pope as “Head” (vs. Calvin #21) [6-27-19]
*

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]

Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus [Turkey] (393-457), on Roman and Papal Primacy [Facebook, 9-19-17]
*

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

Christians Have Always Recognized the Pope’s Authority — Here’s Proof From the 1st Century (Pope St. Clement of Rome) [National Catholic Register, 9-18-21]

Karl Keating Botches Cyprian “Infallibility Citation” [10-27-21]

James Swan, St. Augustine & “This Rock” [4-19-22]

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

St. Jerome, Papacy, & Succession (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [1-20-24]

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]
*

Peter the Rock: Only a Catholic View? (vs. James White) [Includes Documentation of 14 Church Fathers Who Thought Peter Was the Rock] [5-11-24]

Peter the Pope: Early Patristic Evidence [5-22-24]
*

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Biblical Papacy [5-30-24]

Development of Papal Infallibility Throughout History: Brief Reply to Lutheran Javier Perdomo [Facebook, 2-18-25]
*
***
*
St. Thomas Aquinas and the Origins of the Doctrine of Papal Infallibility (Emmett O’Regan, Nova et Vetera, Winter 2025, Vol. 23, No. 1)
*

XXI. PURGATORY
*

Purgatory: Refutation of James White (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) (includes lengthy citations of St. Augustine) [3-3-07]

Dialogue with an Evangelical on Purgatory in the Bible and in St. Ambrose (vs. Bethany Kerr) [10-7-13]

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

Reply #2 to Gavin Ortlund on Purgatory [5-14-22]

XXII. SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTALISM

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]

Confirmation in the Bible & the Fathers (vs. Calvin #50) [12-17-09]
*

Sacrament of Penance: Man-Made Tradition? (vs. Calvin #51) [12-21-09]

Sacrament of Matrimony: Bible & Fathers (vs. Calvin #55) [12-23-09]
*

Biblical Catholic Confession & Absolution (vs. Lucas Banzoli) (+ The Church Fathers on Auricular Confession to a Priest) [2-23-23]

Vs. Geisler on Catholicism #11: Seven Sacraments [7-19-25]

XXIII. SAINTS AND ANGELS: INVOCATION, INTERCESSION, AND VENERATION OF

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

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

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

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

Lutherans & Invocation #2 (Definitions of Prayer & Intercession; God Sharing His Glory; Views of St. Augustine & Many Other Church Fathers) [1-11-24]

Origen & Interceding Saints & Angels (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [3-13-24]

Early Church Fathers & Invoking Saints (vs. Jordan Cooper) [3-19-24]
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St. Jerome: Honor The Relics Of The Dead [4-15-24]
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XXIV. SALVATION / JUSTIFICATION / “FAITH ALONE” / SOTERIOLOGY

Faith Alone: Development of Church Fathers & St. Augustine? [11-24-00]

Romans 2-4 & “Works of the Law”: Patristic Interpretation (2-16-01)

Church Fathers & Justification: Martin Chemnitz vs. Catholicism [9-9-07]

Church Fathers vs. the “Reformation Pillar” of “Faith Alone” [10-24-07]

2nd Council of Orange: Sola Gratia vs. Total Depravity [1-5-09]
*

St. Augustine, Calvin, and Calvinists Regarding Total Depravity [1-7-14]

John Calvin: All Fathers But One Wrong Regarding Free Will [8-22-15]

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

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

St. Polycarp, Who Learned the Faith From an Apostle, Did Not Believe in ‘Faith Alone’ [National Catholic Register, 2-26-23]
*

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

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

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

Faith Alone in the Early Church Fathers? (vs. Jordan Cooper) — Includes Clement of Rome (d. c. 101) & Polycarp (d. 155) vs. Faith Alone [2-28-24]

St. Ambrose vs. Faith Alone (vs. Jordan Cooper) + Concupiscence: St. Ambrose’s and St. Augustine’s Views [2-29-24]

Church Fathers & Sola Fide (vs. Jordan Cooper) Incl. St. Ignatius of Antioch vs. Faith Alone; Epistle to Diognetus; Council of Trent on Justification by Faith & Imputation; Anti-Catholicism in the Lutheran Confessions [3-6-24]

St. Justin Martyr (100-165): Catholic & Very UnProtestant Views Regarding Salvation; a Nutshell Summary [Facebook, 3-25-24]

Shepherd of Hermas (c. 150) vs. “Faith Alone”: a Nutshell Summary [Facebook, 3-25-24]

St. Augustine’s Brilliant Take-Down of “Faith Alone” [Facebook, 3-25-24]

Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 – c. 215) vs. “Faith Alone” [3-27-24]

Theophilus of Antioch (d. c. 180) vs. “Faith Alone” [3-27-24]
*

St. Justin Martyr (100-165) vs. “Faith Alone” (Sola Fide) [4-1-24]

St. Irenaeus (130-202) vs. “Faith Alone” (Sola Fide) [4-1-24]

Shepherd of Hermas (c. 150) vs. “Faith Alone” (Sola Fide) [4-2-24]

Tertullian (d. c. 220) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-2-24]

Hippolytus (d. c. 235) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-3-24]

Origen (c. 185 – c. 253) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-3-24]

St. Cyprian (210-258) vs. “Faith Alone” (Sola Fide) [4-8-24]
*

Church Fathers vs. “Faith Alone”: Handy Capsule Proofs [4-8-24]

16 Church Fathers vs. Faith Alone [National Catholic Register, 4-23-24]

John Chrysostom (c. 345-407) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-25-24]
*

St. Augustine (354-430) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-26-24]

St. Jerome (c. 343-420) vs. “Faith Alone” [4-29-24]
*

14 More Church Fathers vs. Faith Alone [National Catholic Register, 4-30-24]
*

Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 315-387) vs. “Faith Alone” [5-1-24]
*

St. Ambrose vs. Faith Alone & James Swan [Facebook, 6-27-24]
*

Reply to a Protestant on “Faith Alone” [10-9-24]

Faith Alone & Earliest Fathers (vs. Scholastic Lutherans) — Including Clement of Rome (d. c. 101), Ignatius of Antioch (50-c. 110), and the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus (bet. 130-190) [11-10-24]
*

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Alister McGrath Changed His Mind Regarding the Greek Church Fathers & the Meaning of Justification (Bryan Cross) [Facebook, 9-14-22]

XXV. SCIENCE

Scientific & Empiricist Church Fathers: To Augustine (d. 430) [2010]

33 Empiricist Christian Thinkers Before 1000 AD [8-5-10]

St. Augustine: Astrology is Absurd [9-4-15]

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Last updated on 19 July 2025

Martin Luther: a Catholic Critique & Appraisal (Index Page)

Last updated on: June 11, 2025 at 2:07 pm By Dave Armstrong

Portrait of Martin Luther (1528), by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

***

[For those who wrongly think I am some sort of “Luther-hater” or “Luther-basher”, beyond disagreeing with his theology, and can never praise or agree with him: in many of the papers below (well beyond a score by now: see the appropriate sections below), I defend Luther (as well as, by the way, John Calvin) against myths and bum raps, cite him in agreement, or take a fairly neutral stance towards his opinion.

***

I wrote in a paper dated March 2000: “I (like many Catholics) do admire him in certain ways. I like his passion and boldness and apparent sincerity and good intentions (though thoroughly deluded and wrongheaded). He had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary and to the Eucharist.” And in February 2001, I posted on the Catholic Convert Message Board: “I have never maintained that Luther was ‘evil’ or essentially a ‘bad’ man, nor have I ever denied his good intentions . . . No one can find those sentiments on my website.”]

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For more of my opinion on Martin Luther, see the Introduction to my book, Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise. A full third of that book is devoted to areas where Catholics and Luther substantially agree.

***

Also, my book, The “Catholic” Luther : An Ecumenical Collection of His “Traditional” Utterances, (see the Introduction) is devoted to his statements that Catholics would agree with.

***

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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I. WHY LUTHER SEPARATED FROM THE CHURCH / CAUSES OF THE PROTESTANT REVOLT (aka “REFORMATION”)

II. LUTHER’S VIEWS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HEADED BY THE POPE, TRADITION, AND THE CHURCH FATHERS

III. LUTHER’S ARBITRARY CLAIMS TO ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY / ECCLESIOLOGY

IV. LUTHER’S DISGUST AND AGONY OVER PROTESTANT SECTARIANISM AND MORAL LAXITY

V. ERASMUS-LUTHER CONTROVERSY (REASON VS. RELENTLESS RHETORIC AND INSULTS)

VI. SOTERIOLOGY (THEOLOGY OF SALVATION, JUSTIFICATION, & SANCTIFICATION) / SOLA FIDE

VII. CHRISTOLOGY

VIII. BAPTISM AND OTHER SACRAMENTS

IX. THE EUCHARIST

X. PURGATORY, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD, AND THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

XI. SOLA SCRIPTURA , THE BIBLE, AND THE RULE OF FAITH

XII. THE BIBLICAL CANON / DEUTEROCANON / “APOCRYPHA”

XIII. LUTHER AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

XIV. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT / TOLERATION ISSUES AND THE PEASANTS’ REVOLT

XV. LUTHER’S COARSE AND “VIOLENT” LANGUAGE AND SANCTION OF VULGAR ART

XVI. LUTHER ON MARRIAGE, POLYGAMY, CONCUBINAGE, BIGAMY, CELIBACY, SEXUALITY, AND WOMEN

XVII. LUTHER’S CLINICAL DEPRESSION AND NEUROSES (?)

XVIII. SUPERSTITIONS, SILLINESS, AND SCIENCE

XIX. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

XX. DEFENSES OF MARTIN LUTHER AGAINST “ANTI-LUTHER” BUM RAPS

XXI. AGREEMENTS WITH, AND COMMENDATIONS OF LUTHER / FAIRLY NEUTRAL STANCE TOWARDS HIM

XXII. CONTROVERSIES CONCERNING MY LUTHER RESEARCH

XXIII. MARTIN LUTHER: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY WORKS AND BIOGRAPHIES ONLINE

***

I. WHY LUTHER SEPARATED FROM THE CHURCH / CAUSES OF THE PROTESTANT REVOLT (aka “REFORMATION”)

William of Ockham, Nominalism, Luther, & Early Protestant Thought [10-3-02; abridged on 10-10-17]

Protestantism Was Not a Revolt? [6-2-03]

Medieval Catholic Corruption: Main Cause of Protestant Revolt? [6-2-03; revised slightly: 1-20-04; 10-10-17]
*

Luther Film (2003): Detailed Catholic Critique [10-28-03; abridged with revised links on 3-6-17]

Luther Wasn’t a Revolutionary?! Huh?! [4-27-04]

50 Ways In Which Luther Had Departed From Catholic Orthodoxy by 1520 (and Why He Was Excommunicated) [3-29-06]

Causes of the Protestant “Reformation” (vs. a Lutheran Pastor) [11-20-07; abridged somewhat on 10-23-17]

Dialogue: Why Was Luther Excommunicated? + Luther’s Expressed Obedience to the Pope’s Decision Regarding His Orthodoxy [6-18-08]

Luther’s 1522 Blast Against Henry VIII: Extreme Anti-Traditionalism [6-17-09]

Bible on Submission to Church & Apostolic Tradition + Biblical Condemnation of the Rebellious & Schismatic Aspects of the Protestant Revolt [8-27-11]

Why Luther Was Excommunicated: Debate with a Lutheran [8-14-14]

50 Reasons Why Martin Luther Was Excommunicated [National Catholic Register, 11-23-16]

Myths and Facts Regarding Tetzel and Indulgences [11-25-16; published in Catholic Herald]

Critique of Ten Exaggerated Claims of the “Reformation” [10-31-17; its 500th anniversary date]
*

Luther’s “Reformation” and the Diet of Worms Summed Up in One Minute [Facebook, 11-1-17]
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Second Shorter (45-Second) Version of Martin Luther and the Diet of Worms (1521) and the New “Reformation” [Facebook, 11-1-17]
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Anti-Catholic One-Minute Version of Martin Luther and the Diet of Worms (1521) and the New “Reformation” [Facebook, 11-1-17]
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Was Luther Excommunicated Due Partly to Sola Scriptura? [11-26-18]
*

Indulgences: Luther’s View & The Catholic Encyclopedia [2-16-24]
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Did Luther’s Excommunication Misrepresent Him? [7-1-24]
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DOCUMENTARY: 50 Reasons for Martin Luther’s Excommunication [Lux Veritatis, 5-2-25]

II. LUTHER’S VIEWS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HEADED BY THE POPE, TRADITION, AND THE CHURCH FATHERS

Early Protestants & St. Augustine: Ambiguity [1-28-04]

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]

The Nature of the Church: Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue [11-19-07]

Martin Luther’s Remarkably “Pro-Tradition” Strain of Thought [1-18-08]

A Curious Luther Citation (On Councils) Examined in Extreme Depth (+ Part II / Part III / Part IV) [1-27-08; hosted on Internet Archive]

Luther’s Fascinating Correspondence from 1518 to 1520 [6-11-08]

The “Catholic-Sounding” Luther: 25 Examples [6-16-08]

Luther’s Views of Augustine & the Church Fathers [8-2-09]

Martin Luther: Catholicism is Christian [6-12-13]

On the Definition of “Christian” and Whether Luther and Calvin Regarded Catholicism as Christian (vs. Anti-Catholic Calvinist Austin Reed) [6-19-13]

Top Ten Remarkable “Catholic” Beliefs of Martin Luther [1-19-15]

Luther’s Straw Man: Papal Infallibility = Personal Impeccability? [8-17-15]

10 Remarkably “Catholic” Beliefs of Martin Luther [National Catholic Register, 10-6-17]
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Was Luther Excommunicated Due Partly to Sola Scriptura? [11-26-18]
*

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Tradition [5-29-24]

Martin Luther: Infant Baptism is True Despite No Scriptural Proof [Facebook, 7-6-24]
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Reply to Luther’s On The Councils & the Church [8-12-24]
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Martin Luther’s Early Radicalism and Later Traditionalism / Defense of the Book of James (Reply to James Swan) [Facebook, 10-24-24]

Martin Luther’s Ten Important “Catholic” Views (the video immediately below discusses this paper and expands upon it) [2-2-25]

VIDEO: Luther’s Shocking Catholic Confessions: Ten Catholic Truths Martin Luther Embraced!!! [2-6-25]
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III. LUTHER’S ARBITRARY CLAIMS TO ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY / ECCLESIOLOGY

Martin Luther the “Super-Pope” (?) and de facto Infallibility (?): With Extensive Documentation From Luther’s Own Words [11-13-02; rev. 5-15-03 and 6-18-06]

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

Martin Luther’s Dogmatic Self-Proclaimed Super-Duper Infallibility and Virtual Inspiration [Facebook, 6-1-06]

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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St. Francis de Sales’ Brilliant and Clever Argument Against Luther’s Self-Calling [Facebook, 11-21-11]

Was Luther Excommunicated Due Partly to Sola Scriptura? [11-26-18]
*

Banzoli Lies About Jaw-Dropping Luther Quote [1-22-24]
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Luther, Church Offices, + Swan’s & White’s Ignorance [6-11-24]
*

IV. LUTHER’S DISGUST AND AGONY OVER PROTESTANT SECTARIANISM AND MORAL LAXITY

Luther on the Deaths of Zwingli, St. Thomas More, & St. John Fisher [11-30-07; expanded on 10-31-17]

Martin Luther: “Our manner of life is as evil as is that of the papists” [12-29-07]

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

Did Luther Regret Anything About His “Reformation”? [5-13-08]

Unbridled Sectarianism, Sola Scriptura, Luther, & Calvin [6-24-09]

Luther on Early Lutherans: “Ingrates” Who Deserve God’s “Wrath” [2-28-10]

Luther’s Disgust Over Protestant Sectarianism and Radical Heresies [3-1-10; abridged and published in the National Catholic Register: 9-8-17]

Luther on Early Lutheran Degeneracy & Bad Witness [3-2-10]

Was Luther in His Old Age in Agony & Bitter About Lutheranism? [3-3-10]

Luther’s “Agony” Over Sectarianism (vs. a Lutheran) [3-10-10]

Luther: Monks & Priests More “Earnest” Than Lutherans [11-10-11]

Martin Luther as Initial Cause of Protestant In-Fighting [10-13-17]

Martin Luther vs. Sectarianism and Fanaticism [10-26-22]

Luther: I Was a Better Christian as a Catholic [6-5-24]

Luther: “As Many Sects And Creeds As Heads” (James Swan Misses the Forest for the Trees / Calvin & Melanchthon Embarrassed & Scandalized by Protestant Sectarianism) [6-17-24]

Why Martin Luther Said He Was More Spiritual as a Catholic [National Catholic Register: 6-30-24]

Luther Feared Lutherans “Even Worse Than Papists” [7-10-24]

Luther: “All” Lutherans “Indulge” In “License” & “Vices” (+ Luther’s ignoring of the biblical motif of “You will know them by their fruits” [Matthew 7:16] ) [7-10-24]

Luther in 1530: “The more and longer it [the Lutheran “faith alone” gospel] is preached, the worse it becomes . . . each one does as he pleases . . . his name is blasphemed . . . those who want to be most evangelical despise him” [Facebook, 11-24-24]

DOCUMENTARY: Civil War Chaos: Luther vs. Other Protestant Leaders, Etc. [Lux Veritatis, 5-4-25]

V. ERASMUS-LUTHER CONTROVERSY (REASON VS. RELENTLESS RHETORIC AND INSULTS)

“Luther Meets His Match” (Seven Parts, Feb. 2009)

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Part I: Erasmus-Luther Correspondence: 1517 to 1534

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Part II: Luther’s Insults of Erasmus in Bondage of the Will and Table-Talk

Part III: Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Luther’s Extreme Dogmatism

Part IV: Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Luther’s Anti-Traditional Elements

Part V: Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Excoriation of Luther’s Personal Insults

Part VI: Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Sola Scriptura and Perspicuity of Scripture

Part VII: Erasmus’ Hyperaspistes (1526): Luther’s Dissembling, Arrogance, Polemics, Etc.

***

Erasmus vs. Luther Disputes Documented [3-21-16]

Pelagian Erasmus? (Fr. McSorley’s False Accusations) [7-2-24]

VI. SOTERIOLOGY (THEOLOGY OF SALVATION, JUSTIFICATION, & SANCTIFICATION) / SOLA FIDE

Luther and the Origin & Nature of “Instant” Salvation [1991]

Baptismal Regeneration: Central Doctrine, According to Luther & Lutheranism [1996]

Faith Alone & Original Sin: Reply to Smalcald Articles [1-30-01]

N. T. Wright and the “New Perspective” on St. Paul: Did Luther Misinterpret Paul’s Soteriology? [Facebook, 5-5-04]

Luther’s Error Concerning Justification (N. T. Wright) [Facebook, 5-19-04]

Luther’s “Snow-Covered Dunghill” (Myth?) [10-5-05]

Luther’s Projection of His Depression & Crises Onto St. Paul [6-1-06]

Dialogue on Luther’s “Getting to a Gracious God” (vs. Lutheran historian “CPA”) [6-4-06]

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

Luther on Theosis & Sanctification [11-23-09]

Luther: God Predestines Reprobation of the Damned [2-27-10]

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

Merit & Sanctification: Martin Luther’s Point of View [11-10-14]

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

Luther (Unlike Lutheranism) Taught Double Predestination [1-11-18]

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

Martin Luther, Sounding like a Catholic, Concerning Justification [Facebook, 8-13-20]

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

Busting a Myth About Martin Luther (Did Luther Call the Justified Man a “Snow-Covered Dunghill”?) [National Catholic Register, 1-13-23]

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

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

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

Luther Grasped “Faith Alone” on a Toilet: “Myth”? [6-20-24]

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

DOCUMENTARY: The MYTH of Luther’s “Snow Covered Dung Hills” + a Theory [Lux Veritatis, 5-3-25]

DOCUMENTARY: Was Martin Luther an Extreme “Faith Alone” Antinomian? [Lux Veritatis, 5-8-25]

VII. CHRISTOLOGY

Luther & the “Immaculate Purification” of Mary [10-2-10]

Luther & James Swan Blaspheme (Christ’s Sinlessness) [9-10-20]

VIII. BAPTISM AND OTHER SACRAMENTS

Baptismal Regeneration: Central Doctrine, According to Luther & Lutheranism [1996]

“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]

Luther: Confirmation is a Sacramental, Not a Sacrament [4-14-08]

Martin Luther on Absolution & Private Confession [4-14-08]

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]

What Were the Baptized “Added” to? (Acts 2:41; vs. James White) (“Dr.” [???] White Rejects Catholic & Infant Baptism, Even Though the Church Fathers, Luther, & Calvin Do Not) [9-10-21]

Martin Luther Didn’t “Condemn” the Seven Sacraments; He Only Denied “That They Can Be Proved From the Scriptures” / True Effects of Sacraments [Facebook, 8-21-24]

IX. THE EUCHARIST

Sacramentarian Controversies (Calvin vs. Luther vs. Zwingli) [3-29-04]

Eucharistic Real Presence: Luther’s Magnificent Defense [6-21-04]

Lutheran View of the Mass / Catholics & Lutheran Worship [11-19-07]

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

Quiz on Early Protestant / “Reformation” Eucharistic Harmony [8-23-09]

John Calvin Rebukes Lutheran “Beasts” and “Evil”, Calls Luther an Idolater [Facebook, 3-23-10]
*

Early Protestant “Unity”: Calvin vs. Westphal vs. Luther [11-6-11]

Luther & Lutherans on the Duration of Real Presence in the Eucharist, the Elevation, and Adoration (Bishop Bossuet) [1-27-12]

Luther: Ex Opere Operato Eucharistic Principle is True [11-12-14]

Luther Espoused Eucharistic Adoration [9-17-15]

Martin Luther Says That if He Had to Choose Between the Symbolic Eucharist of “Fanatics” and Catholic Transubstantiation, He’d Readily Choose the Latter [Facebook, 9-21-17]

Martin Luther Classified Zwingli, Karlstadt, & Oecolampadius as “Heathen” Non-Christians with “hyper-bedeviled heart[s]” etc. [Facebook, 7-11-24]
*

Real Presence, 1 Cor 11:27, & Protestant Commentary + Martin Luther’s Superb Exegesis of the Passage [7-22-24]
*

Martin Luther: Christ Didn’t Require Both Kinds in Holy Communion [Facebook, 8-20-24]
*

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

X. PURGATORY, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD, AND THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

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

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

Martin Luther on Crucifixes, Images and Statues of Saints, and the Sign of the Cross [4-15-08]

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

John Wesley Believed in Prayer for the Dead (Also, approval of Luther and Lutherans) [7-13-09]

Luther’s Early Belief in Invocation of the Saints [10-4-11]

Martin Luther’s Espousal of the Veneration of Saints [11-11-14]

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

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

Luther’s Ignorance Regarding Scripture & the Invocation & Intercession of Saints & Angels [Facebook, 6-27-24]
*

Luther vs. Scripture: All Ghosts R Satanic Deceivers? [6-28-24]
*

Martin Luther on the Veneration of Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary [Facebook, 3-15-25]
*

XI. SOLA SCRIPTURA , THE BIBLE, AND THE RULE OF FAITH

Papal Infallibility Doctrine: History (Including Luther’s Dissent at the Leipzig Disputation in 1519) [10-8-07]

Luther: Scripture Easily Grasped by “Plowboys” [11-1-08]

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

Luther & the Previously Obscure [?] Bible (expanded version, vs. James Swan) [6-15-11]

Dialogue: “Obscure” Bible Before Luther’s Translation? [7-24-14]

Did Luther Rescue the Bible in German from Utter Obscurity? [National Catholic Register, 10-30-17]

Was Luther Excommunicated Due Partly to Sola Scriptura? [11-26-18]
*

Martin Luther on the Exact Nature of Being “Biblical” [11-10-14; revised and expanded on 1-5-20]

How Martin Luther Invented Sola Scriptura [National Catholic Register, 5-21-24]
*

Luther’s Error: We Think Church Is “Over” Scripture? [6-29-24]

DOCUMENTARY: Luther & the Myth of a Supposed Catholic Ban of the Bible [Lux Veritatis, 5-6-25]

XII. THE BIBLICAL CANON / DEUTEROCANON / “APOCRYPHA”

Luther’s Radical Views on the Biblical Canon (His Outrageous Assertions, Protestant Scholars’ Opinions & “Debate” with John Warwick Montgomery) [9-25-04]

Did Luther Deny the Canonicity of Esther? [3-24-07]

Luther’s View of the Book of Esther (Anti-Catholic Attempts to Blame Catholics for a Questionable Luther Citation Passed Down by Three Admiring Protestants) [8-20-11]

Protestant Errors Regarding Luther & the Biblical Canon (and anti-Catholic blaming of Catholic apologists for them) [8-27-11]

James Swan Ignores Protestant Errors on Luther’s Canon (Instead, He Absurdly Blames Catholic Apologists for Historical Errors of Protestant Writers) [expanded “dialogue” edition of the previous article; 8-27-11]

Luther & the Deuterocanon (So-Called “Apocrypha”) [2014]

Martin Luther’s Early Radicalism and Later Traditionalism / Defense of the Book of James (Reply to James Swan) [Facebook, 10-24-24]

Luther’s & Protestants’ Irrational Antipathy Towards the Epistle of James [Facebook, 10-26-24]

XIII. LUTHER AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Martin Luther Was Extraordinarily Devoted to Mary [1994]
*

Perpetual Virginity of Mary: Held by All Protestant Reformers [1-27-02]

Martin Luther’s Mariology (Particularly the Immaculate Conception) [4-24-03; major revision: 4-7-08]

Luther’s Mariology: the Protestant View (vs. James Swan) [4-26-03]

Luther’s Mariology: Have Catholic Apologists Exaggerated It? (And Has Present-Day Protestantism Maintained the Classical “Reformation” Protestant Mariology?) [4-26-03; rev. 7-15-20]

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]

Anti-Catholic Caricatures of Catholic Mariology (vs. James Swan) [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]

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

Mary Mother of God: Protestant Founders Agree (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Bullinger) [10-10-08]

Luther & Mary’s Immaculate Conception: Lutheran Scholars’ Opinions [9-30-10]

Luther & the Immaculate Conception: More Non-Catholic Historians & Scholars [9-30-10]

Luther & the “Immaculate Purification” of Mary [10-2-10]

Debate with Lutherans Regarding Luther’s Mariology (Including my Citation Mistake from 1994: Clarification and Retraction) [10-2-11]

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

Dialogues with Lutherans Regarding Three Luther Mary Quotes [10-6-11]

Luther & Mary’s Virginity During Childbirth (The Miraculous Birth of Jesus [“in Partu”] Without Pain) [10-12-11; additions on 9-19-15]

Martin Luther and the “Immaculate Purification” of Mary [article for Seton Magazine, 5-6-14]

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

Luther’s Invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary [Facebook, 10-16-14]

Luther & Veneration of Mary: James Swan’s Revisionism (His Anti-Catholic Nonsense with Regard to Martin Luther’s Mariology & Also My Related Research) [4-22-16]

Martin Luther’s “Immaculate Purification” View of Mary [National Catholic Register, 12-31-16]

Martin Luther vs. Nestorius Regarding “Mother of God” [3-28-18]

Martin Luther’s Exceptionally “Catholic” Devotion to Mary [National Catholic Register, 4-16-19]

Martin Luther’s (“Catholic”) Mariology in a Nutshell [4-12-18; links added on 5-8-19]

Reply to an Anti-Catholic Lutheran Personal Attack (Regarding My Alleged Lack of Knowledge About What Lutherans Are Theologically Bound to Accept) [Facebook, 5-25-19]

Luther & Mary’s Virginity (James Swan’s Silly Tactics) [4-22-20]

Luther & James Swan Blaspheme (Christ’s Sinlessness) [9-10-20]

James Swan, the Immaculate Conception, Luther, & Lutherans: He Still Refuses to Admit that Many Eminent Lutheran Scholars Contend that Luther Believed in Mary’s Immaculate Conception for His Entire Life [6-22-23]

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

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

Luther & Mary’s Assumption + James Swan’s Silliness [6-19-24; expanded on 8-3-24]
*

Luther’s Devotion To Mary (James Swan Vs. History) + Luther’s Wonderful Commentary on the Magnificat (March 1521) [6-21-24]

Luther Objected to the Blessed Virgin Mary Interceding for us With Her Son, in His Last Sermon at Wittenberg; Misses a Prominent Scriptural Motif [Facebook, 7-10-24]
*

Martin Luther Said He Believed in Mary’s Assumption — Did He Ever Change His Mind? [National Catholic Register, 7-25-24]
*

Martin Luther’s High Praise of Mary in His Sermon for Christmas, 1531 [Facebook, 8-18-24]
*

Martin Luther on Mary the Mother of God [Facebook, 10-3-24]
*

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

Martin Luther on the Veneration of Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary [Facebook, 3-15-25]

DOCUMENTARY: Martin Luther’s Belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception [Lux Veritatis, 5-5-25]

***

“Was Luther a Marian Devotee?” (William J. Cole, Marian Studies, Vol. 21, Art. 8, 10-24-70)

XIV. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT / TOLERATION ISSUES AND THE PEASANTS’ REVOLT

Martin Luther’s Inflammatory Rhetoric and the Peasants’ Revolt (1524-1525) (+ Part II) [10-31-03]

Luther Favored Death Penalty for Anabaptists [2-24-04]

The Real Diet of Augsburg (1530) vs. the Protestant Myth [3-3-04]

Luther’s Attitudes on Religious Liberty (Roland H. Bainton) [2-16-06]

16th Century Theft of Church Properties (vs. Lutheran Historian) [2-22-06]

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]

Luther on the Deaths of Zwingli, St. Thomas More, & St. John Fisher [11-30-07; expanded on 10-31-17]

“Reformation” Theft of Thousands of Catholic Churches [4-12-08]

Reply to Reformed Luther Apologist James Swan’s Request for Documentation of Executions of Anabaptists Sanctioned by Luther, in the 1530s [8-17-14]

Was Luther “Bloodthirsty” & Violent? (James Swan & I Agree!) [8-29-17]

Luther Favored Death, Not Religious Freedom, For ‘Heretics’ [National Catholic Register, 10-25-17]
*

Luther & Killing Catholics: James Swan Butchers My Views (. . . for the umpteenth time . . .) [7-19-20]

Did Luther Cause the 1525 Peasants’ Revolt? (vs. Banzoli) [6-20-22]

Protestants Executed Peaceful Anabaptists (vs. L. Banzoli) [6-20-22]

Luther Favored Execution of Heretics (vs. Jordan Cooper) + Good & Bad Protestant & Catholic Apologetics & Historical Revisionism & “Twisting” [3-21-24]
*

James Swan Rationalizes Luther’s Intolerance Again [11-22-24]
*

Luther: Execute Frigid Wives; Torture & Burn Witches: Including Two Examples of Luther’s Espousal of Capital Punishment for Wrong or Aberrant Behavior Prior to 1530 [4-7-25]

DOCUMENTARY: Did Martin Luther Support the DEATH PENALTY for Heretics? [Lux Veritatis, 5-1-25]
*

Luther, Melanchthon, & Lutherans: Death to Anabaptists! [6-11-25]
*

XV. LUTHER’S COARSE AND “VIOLENT” LANGUAGE AND SANCTION OF VULGAR ART

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

Martin Luther’s Extraordinary Epithets & Insults (Some Typical Examples) [6-11-91]
*

Did the Older Luther’s Illness and Frustration Significantly (and Negatively) Impact His Writing? Luther Historians Say Yes [6-12-13]

Was Luther “Bloodthirsty” & Violent? (James Swan & I Agree!) [8-29-17]
*

XVI. LUTHER ON MARRIAGE, POLYGAMY, CONCUBINAGE, BIGAMY, CELIBACY, SEXUALITY, AND WOMEN

Luther Thought Jesus Committed Adultery w Mary Magdalene? [8-14-03; rev. 6-2-17]
*

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

Martin Luther & Antipathy Towards Clerical Celibacy [2-21-04]

Luther & Melanchthon: Bigamy of Philip of Hesse is Biblical (Hartmann Grisar) [2-14-07; abridged on 11-2-17]
*

The Supreme Importance of Interpreting Martin Luther in Context (For example, His Views on Marriage and Sexuality) [2-22-07]

Martin Luther’s Outrageous Views Regarding Women [2-22-10]

Martin Luther Condemned Masturbation (“Secret Sin”) [6-2-10]

Luther Okayed Polygamy? No, But . . . [6-10-24]
*

XVII. LUTHER’S CLINICAL DEPRESSION AND NEUROSES (?)

Luther’s Projection of His Depression & Crises Onto St. Paul [6-1-06]

Did Luther Suffer from Recurring Depression? [7-4-07]

Was Luther a Neurotic? Protestant Biographers Say Yes [4-28-10]

Did Grisar Characterize Luther As A “Psychopath”?: James Swan’s Utterly Unfounded, Outrageous Misrepresentations of the Great Catholic Historian [6-6-24]
*

XVIII. SUPERSTITIONS, SILLINESS, AND SCIENCE

Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Philip Melanchthon Wax Astronomical and Geocentric, Oppose Copernicus [2-5-09]

Some of Luther’s Silly Superstitions [Facebook, 11-12-14]

XIX. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

*
Astonishing Hostility to Higher Education in Early Protestantism [1991]

Critiquing Martin Luther (My Motivations and Purposes) [9-19-04]

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

Books by Dave Armstrong: Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise [4-17-08]

Introduction to My Book: Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise [4-17-08]

John Calvin Rebukes Lutheran “Beasts” and “Evil”, Calls Luther an Idolater [Facebook, 3-23-10]

Finally Got the Entire Hardcover 55-Volume Collection, Luther’s Works (to be Expanded Eventually by the Publisher to at Least 76 Volumes) [Facebook: 4-16-14]

Introduction to my Book, The “Catholic” Luther: An Ecumenical Collection of His “Traditional” Utterances [10-10-14]

Martin Luther: Fascinating Facts (Series) [5-10-16]

Luther’s “Table Talk”: How Historically Accurate Is It? [4-7-25]

XX. DEFENSES OF MARTIN LUTHER AGAINST “ANTI-LUTHER” BUM RAPS

“One other thing I should point out in Dave’s defense. He has, if I recall correctly, previously responded to some of the most extreme anti-Lutheran garbage out there. So, while he’s clearly on the other side of the Tiber from Luther, one should not conclude that his errors in scholarship are somehow solely the result of malice and ill-will toward Luther.” (Anti-Catholic Calvinist “Turretinfan,” 3-1-10, on a Lutheran blog)

Luther Thought Jesus Committed Adultery w Mary Magdalene? [8-14-03; rev. 6-2-17]

The Supreme Importance of Interpreting Martin Luther in Context (For example, His Views on Marriage and Sexuality) [2-22-07]

Denunciation of “Anti-Luther” Catholic Polemics [1-11-08; slightly revised on 6-30-18]

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

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

Am I “Anti-Luther” or “Anti-Lutheran”? (Clarifications) [9-30-08 / 5-28-09 / 1-6-15]
*

Did Martin Luther Advocate and Praise the Raping of Nuns? [11-3-16; revised 8-26-17]

Was Luther “Bloodthirsty” & Violent? (James Swan & I Agree!) [8-29-17]
*

XXI. AGREEMENTS WITH, AND COMMENDATIONS OF LUTHER / FAIRLY NEUTRAL STANCE TOWARDS HIM

Critiquing Martin Luther (My Motivations and Purposes) [9-19-04]
*

Martin Luther’s Mariology (Particularly the Immaculate Conception) [6-6-06]

The “Catholic-Sounding” Luther: 25 Examples [6-16-08]

Martin Luther: Catholicism is Christian [6-12-13]
*

On the Definition of “Christian” and Whether Luther and Calvin Regarded Catholicism as Christian (vs. Anti-Catholic Calvinist Austin Reed) [6-19-13]

Martin Luther on Suffering, Mortification, & Sanctity [2014]

Books by Dave Armstrong: The ‘Catholic’ Luther: An Ecumenical Collection of His ‘Traditional’ Utterances (see the Introduction) [12-28-14]

Am I “Anti-Luther” or “Anti-Lutheran”? (Clarifications) [9-30-08 / 5-28-09 / 1-6-15]

Top Ten Remarkable “Catholic” Beliefs of Martin Luther [1-19-15]

XXII. CONTROVERSIES CONCERNING MY LUTHER RESEARCH

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]

Critiquing Martin Luther (My Motivations and Purposes) [9-19-04]
*

Denunciation of “Anti-Luther” Catholic Polemics [1-11-08; slightly revised on 6-30-18]

Luther’s View of the Book of Esther (Anti-Catholic Attempts to Blame Catholics for a Questionable Luther Citation Passed Down by Three Admiring Protestants) [8-20-11]

Protestant Errors Regarding Luther & the Biblical Canon (and anti-Catholic blaming of Catholic apologists for them) [8-27-11]

Debate with Lutherans Regarding Luther’s Mariology (Including my Citation Mistake from 1994: Clarification and Retraction) [10-2-11]

Dialogues with Lutherans Regarding Three Luther Mary Quotes [10-6-11]

Am I “Anti-Luther” or “Anti-Lutheran”? (Clarifications) [9-30-08 / 5-28-09 / 1-6-15]

Why Luther Was Excommunicated: Debate with a Lutheran [8-14-14]

My Luther Research Lied About Again (James Swan & CARM) [8-22-17]

Armstrong Fan Club #4: Lutheran Pastor Paul T. McCain [Facebook, 3-5-19]
*

Reply to an Anti-Catholic Lutheran Personal Attack (Regarding My Alleged Lack of Knowledge About What Lutherans Are Theologically Bound to Accept) [Facebook, 5-25-19]

XXIII. MARTIN LUTHER: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY WORKS AND BIOGRAPHIES ONLINE

Resources: Martin Luther (by James Swan. Exhibits considerable anti-Catholic bias, but an impressively comprehensive bibliographic resource for locating online Lutheriana)

Six-Volume Philadelphia Edition of Luther’s Works

Luther (Hartmann Grisar, S. J., 1914-1917) [Volumes One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six]

Luther on the Eve of His Revolt (M. J. Lagrange, O. P., 1917)

The Meaning of Christianity, According to Luther and His Followers in Germany (M. J. Lagrange, O. P., 1920)

Here I Stand (Roland H. Bainton [Protestant], 1950)

Life of Luther (Julius Koestlin [Lutheran], 1881)

The History of the Variations of the Protestant Churches, Jacques Bénigne Bossuet [Catholic]

The History of the Life and Acts of Luther (+ Volume Two) (Philip Melanchthon, 1548; translated by T. Frazel, 1995)
*

Links to Additional Luther-Related Writings

Walch Edition of Luther’s Complete Writings (1740-1753) in English (23 volumes)

What Luther Says (ed. Ewald Plass (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2 / Vol. 3)

*
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Last updated on 11 June 2025

Heresies & Comparative Religion (Index Page)

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 12:38 pm By Dave Armstrong

Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) in 1911. He was the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses: a revival of the ancient Arian heresy [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

***

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

I. Jehovah’s Witnesses (Arianism)

II. Mormonism

III. Orthodox Trinitarianism

IV. General / Miscellaneous Non-Christian Heresies and “Cults”

V. Islam

VI. Eastern Religion and the Occult / Comparative Religion

***

I. Jehovah’s Witnesses (Arianism)

Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Biblical & Historical Critique (+ Part Two) [1987; revised 9 August 2002]

Radio Teaching on Jehovah’s Witnesses from my Protestant Days [11-3-89; 48 minutes; free audio download; see #2]

WatchtowerDocuments.com (obscure early Jehovah’s Witnesses materials)

Dialogue w Jehovah’s Witness on Christology & Trinitarianism (+ Part Two / Part Three / Part Four) [11-3-03]

Mormonism isn’t Christian / Definition of Christianity [10-11-11]

Thoughts on the Blasphemy and Heresy of Arius (Who Thought Jesus Was Created) [1-3-14]

Debate on JW Antipathy to Holy Days & Christmas [12-21-18]

II. Mormonism

Dialogue w Mormon Apologist: God & Doctrinal Development (vs. Dr. Barry Bickmore) (+ Part Two) [12-22-01]

Dialogue with a Mormon on God’s Nature & Transcendence [2-4-10]

Mormonism & Joseph Smith’s Polytheism (Many gods) [2-9-11]

Mormonism isn’t Christian / Definition of Christianity [10-11-11]

Dialogue with an Atheist: Are Mormons Christians? [1-15-17]

Christianity = Love (Orthopraxy) + Correct Doctrine (Mormonism?) [1-16-17]

Judaism —> Christianity as an analogy to Christianity —> Mormonism (Religious Sociology / Comparative Religion) [Facebook, 1-24-18]

How Mormons Are Both Polytheists & (in a Sense) “Atheists” [1-26-18]

What Do Mormons Believe About Jesus? (The John Ankerberg Show, with former Mormons Sandra Tanner, Dr. Lynn Wilder and Michael Wilder; 2012; excellent and shocking overview)

III. Orthodox Trinitarianism

Jesus is God: Hundreds of Biblical Proofs and Evidences (KJV edition) [1982; rev. 1997]

Jesus is God: Hundreds of Biblical Proofs (RSV edition) [1982; rev. 2012]

The Holy Trinity: Hundreds of Biblical Proofs and Evidences (KJV edition) [1982]

Holy Trinity: Hundreds of Biblical Proofs (RSV edition) [1982; rev. 2012]

Baptismal Formula: Trinitarian or in Jesus’ Name Only? [3-10-08; rev. 3-2-10]

Deity of Jesus: Called Lord/Kurios & God/Theos [10-24-11]

Jesus Always Knew He Was God (Young Messiah): Patristic & Later Catholic Tradition & Contrary Early Heretical Sects’, Protestant, & Modernist Corruptions of It [3-14-16]

Lucas Banzoli Holds to a Seventh-Day Adventist Eschatology and Christology [11-22-22]

IV. General / Miscellaneous Non-Christian Heresies and “Cults”

Were the Albigensians Primitive or Proto-“Protestants”? [6-7-98]

Were the Waldenses a Species of Primitive “Protestants?” [6-7-98]

Is Catholicism Half-Pagan? [1999]

Is Easter Pagan & the Word a “Pagan Compromise”? [1999]

On the Relationship of Heresies & Cults to Protestantism [11-15-02]

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

The Pernicious Heresy of Nestorianism [Facebook, 4-19-05]

Is Catholicism Half-Pagan, & a Blend of Gospel & Lies? [2007]

Wicca & Witchcraft: Christian Resources (Links) [2-4-09]

Catholic Refutations of Freemasonry (Links) [6-28-10]

Killing Heretics: Any Conceivable Biblical Rationale? [6-5-10]

Mormonism isn’t Christian / Definition of Christianity [10-11-11]

Calvin Supports Death for Heresy After Servetus [11-6-11]

“Cult” as a Synonym for “Heretical Sect”: Dispute with a Critic [11-8-12]

William Lane Craig’s Christological Errors (Monothelitism +) [+ Biblical Evidence Against Monothelitism (Denial of Jesus’ Possession of Both Human and Divine Wills) ] [7-31-10 + 9-7-13 + 1-30-14]

Gerry Matatics: Closer to Donatism or Protestantism? [12-1-14]

Christianity: To Blame for Allegedly “Christian” Lunatics? [10-29-15]

Biblical Evidence for Sunday Worship [12-1-15]

Orthodoxy & Heresy: Biblical Notions? [9-23-16]

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

Distinction Between Trinitarian Christianity and Non-Christian Heresies [Facebook, 7-16-17]

Sola Scriptura Can’t Definitively Refute Christological Heresy (The Sad Case of Evangelical Apologist and Philosopher Dr. William Lane Craig and Monothelitism) [10-22-17]

Freemasonry? I’ve Had Links About it On My Site Since 2000 (I have vigorously opposed theological liberalism all this time, too) [6-5-19]

“Gospel of Thomas” Isn’t an Authentic Gospel [10-20-21]

V. Islam

Reply to Muslim Apologist Shabir Ally on Trinitarianism [5-14-04]

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

Does Catholicism Equate Allah & Yahweh? (see additional important clarifications and vigorous discussion on my Facebook page) [11-18-07]

The Distinction Between Islam and Radical Jihadism (comments on my Facebook discussion, 4-19-13)

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

Discussion on Whether ISIS is Legitimate, Consistent Islam or Not [+ related article by Robert Spencer] [Facebook, 9-16-14]

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

The Muslim-Christian Debate Website

Answering Islam [website from Sam Shamoun]

Islam: Christian Analyses [compiled on 5-26-16]

The Place of Both Mystery and Reason in the Christian-Muslim Debate [Facebook, 5-11-17]

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

VI. Eastern Religion and the Occult / Comparative Religion

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

Astrology: Philip Melanchthon’s Enthusiastic Espousal [5-21-06]

16th-17th Century Astronomers Loved Astrology (+ Part Two ) [5-25-06]

Did St. Thomas Aquinas Accept Astrology? [5-30-06]

The Shack by William Young: Questionable Orthodoxy [Facebook, 12-29-08]

My Holistic / “Alternative” Medicine & Natural Foods Philosophy [2-17-10]

Harry Potter: Literary Magic or Magical Mystery Sewer? [7-19-05 and 10-28-10]

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

St. Augustine: Astrology is Absurd [9-4-15]

Satan Will Mightily Use The Shack to Draw People Into Heresy [Facebook, 3-3-17]

Is Harry Potter & Related Fantasy Literature Evil? [Feb. 2018]

Atheist: What Evidence is Required to Change Religions? [5-11-18]

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

*
***
*

***

Last updated on 22 November 2022

***

Personal Page for Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong

Last updated on: July 3, 2025 at 3:35 pm By Dave Armstrong

Dave & Judy Armstrong (October 2015)

***

TABLE OF CONTENTS
***

I. QUALIFICATIONS / APOSTOLATE

II. MY BOOKS

III. MY ARTICLES, BLOG, AND WEB PAGES

IV. SPANISH, PORTUGESE, AND FRENCH LANGUAGE OUTREACH

V. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL / RECOMMENDATIONS / MY OWN LIBRARY

VI. INTERVIEWS AND TALKS / FEATURES

VII. YOUTUBE, RADIO, & WEBCAST DISCUSSIONS, INTERVIEWS, & DOCUMENTARIES

VIII. FEEDBACK

IX. FUN, HUMOROUS, INTERESTING, AND MISCELLANEOUS STUFF

X. HOLISTIC HEALTH / HERBALISM / HEALTH FOOD, ETC.

XI. WIFE JUDY

XII. FAMILY

XIII. OUTDOORS / TRAVEL

XIV. ANCESTRY RESEARCH

XV. MUSIC

XVI. A BIT MORE PERSONAL

XVII. MY CHILDHOOD / YOUNG ADULTHOOD / DETROIT

XVIII. SPORTS

*****

I. QUALIFICATIONS / APOSTOLATE

My Literary Resume (Published Articles, etc.)

100% Tax-Deductible Donations Information (+ “About Me” summary)

Catholic Apologetics Apostolate: Its Pleasures & Perils (published in This Rock, 1 November 2004)

First [You Tube] Video Ever of Me Teaching Apologetics (Q & A, 77 minutes) (Part One + Part Two) [30 March 2015; see also Facebook cross-posting]

“Dollar-a-Day” / “Donut-a-Day” (Etc.) Fundraiser for My Apologetics and Evangelization Apostolate; Goal: $5,000 [September 2012; $5,500 raised; Internet Archive]

2013 Fundraising Drive for My Apologetics Apostolate [September 2013; $5,019 raised; at Internet Archive]

2014 3rd Annual Fundraiser for Dave Armstrong’s Full-time Apologetics Apostolate ($5000 goal) [Sep. 2014; $4,726 raised]

*****

How Much Money Should Apologists Make? [9-2-13]

Karl Keating’s Kind Fundraiser on My Behalf (September 2013) / My Thoughts on My Recent Rough Financial Stretch [10-1-13]

The Relationship of Full-Time Ministry and Business [11-17-14]
*
My Full-Time Apologetics Apostolate is Quickly Winding Down . . . Unless . . . [Facebook, 7-6-16]

Still a Small Chance to Remain a Full-Time Catholic Apologist . . . [Facebook, 7-24-16]

My New Writing “Gig”: National Catholic Register [Facebook, 9-15-16]

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]

“God Provides”: Another Recent Example of a Thousand in My Life [Facebook, 3-31-20]

Yes, God Does Provide. Another Concrete Example in My Life [Facebook, 7-30-21]

Today is My 20th Anniversary as a Full-Time Catholic Apologist [Facebook, 12-1-21]

“It’s a New Era”: Replying to Videos / The New (Respectful) Protestant Apologists [Facebook, 4-20-22]

1000th Individual Financial Contributor to My Work and Apostolate! [Facebook, 2-15-23]

Apologetics Apostolate Fundraiser, Days 1-3 (Mortgage Interest / Inflation / Taxes / “Rainy Day” Fundraiser) [9-12-23]

Day One: Financial Difficulties Explained
Day Two: Brazilian Outreach
Day Three: Biblical Archaeology Research and Books

Apologetics Apostolate Fundraiser, Days 4-5 [9-14-23]

Day Four: Fifteen Books That I Have Edited
Day Five: Sixteen Free Books That I Offer

Apologetics Apostolate Fundraiser, Day 6: St. Paul’s Teaching About Financial Support of Christian Workers, and His Own Example [9-18-23] [$5,000 raised]

2024 September Fundraiser [Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five (all 55 of my books described) / Day Six]

II. MY BOOKS

Dave Armstrong: Catholic Apologetics Bookstore [complete listing of all 56 of my books]

*****

Catholic Verses: Review in Homiletic & Pastoral Review [October 2005]

Karl Keating’s E-Letter Mentions Three of My Books [11-21-06; at Internet Archive]

Coming Home Network Discussion Thread on The Catholic Verses [March 2007; at Internet Archive]

The One-Minute Apologist: Quotation Sources & Additional Contexts [5-20-07]

Are My Books Difficult to Read?: Objective Amazon Standard + Comparison with Other Authors [5-26-07]

Review of The One-Minute Apologist by Carl E. Olson [8-21-07]

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

I Got an “Imprimatur” (Second Time) [6-2-09; at Internet Archive]

The One-Minute Apologist: Errors in the Paperback First Edition Detailed and Corrected [10-30-09; rev. 2-19-12]

My First Million-Seller! [1-27-11 on my blog; moved to Facebook on 1-22-22]

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

Exchange with Karl Keating about my e-books and the market for Catholic books [Facebook, 7-15-15; in the combox]

One-Line Descriptions of Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong’s Books [10-1-15]
*
Imprimaturs (or Lack Thereof) & Catholic Apologetics Books (5-30-08; rev. 4-20-17)

Dialogue w Karl Keating Re “Official” & Self-Publishing [3-22-18]

Armstrong’s Handbook of Apologetics: a Cyber-“Book” (Compilation of articles of mine for the National Catholic Register) [12-6-19]

My Earliest Catholic Apologetics Writings (1990-1995): Including the Original (Much Longer) 1994 Version of A Biblical Defense of Catholicism [1-5-11; greatly revised, with updated links on 2-19-21]

My Earliest Christian Apologetics Writings (1981-1985) . . . and How I Became Interested in Apologetics [2-19-21]

My Twenty-One (Soon to be 22) “Officially Published” Books [Facebook, 2-16-21]

Catholic Answers to Publish My Next Book (#51): About Biblical Archaeology [Facebook, 3-7-22]

Almost the 20th Anniversary of My First Published Book (The Catholic Answer Bible) [Facebook, 8-2-22]

Editing to Begin on My Bible & Archaeology Book [Facebook, 8-28-22]

Next Book / Writing Project: Anti-Bible: Refutations of XXX Alleged Biblical Contradictions [Facebook, 12-28-22]
*

One of Lucas Banzoli’s Many “Big Lies” About Me (“someone who boasts that he has over 4,000 articles ‘refuting’ Protestantism”) / The wide and comprehensive range of my writings and multiple web pages on my blog [Facebook, 1-9-23]

Books by Dave Armstrong: The Word Set in Stone: How Archaeology, Science, and History Back Up the Bible [1-24-23]

Lucas Banzoli Lies About My Supposedly Not Having an Imprimatur (I Have Received Two: in 2002 and 2009) [Facebook, 2-9-23]

My Excitement Over My Upcoming Book [The Word Set in Stone: How Archaeology, Science, and History Back Up the Bible] [Facebook, 2-28-23]

My Book is “Sitting” Next to the Scholars, Which is Great! / Academia & Popular Literature [Facebook, 4-21-23]
*

The Word Set in Stone: “Volume Two”: More Evidence of Archaeology, Science, and History Backing Up the Bible (free book with 100 sections) [5-25-23]

The Facts About My 56 Books (Written 41; Edited 15; 22 — 18 Written — Were Professionally Published) [Facebook, 11-30-23]
*

A Biblical Defense of Catholicism and Many Other Books of Mine on Internet Archive? [Facebook, 11-8-24]
*

III. MY ARTICLES, BLOG, AND WEB PAGES

Happy St. Patrick’s Day (My Ireland Page, and Other Defunct Pages From my Website, Resurrected) [3-17-04; at Internet Archive]

Published Articles in This Rock / Comic Tracts / Internet Ministry in the Overall Scheme of Things [2-4-05; at Internet Archive]

I made #75 on Top 200 Church Blogs [Facebook, 9-25-12]

My Comments Policy: Thoughts on Amiable and Constructive Dialogue [8-15-15]

Farewell to My Lewis, Chesterton, & Newman Pages [6-8-16]

20th Anniversary of My Website / Blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism [Facebook, 1-30-17]

My Blog Name Doesn’t Define or Confine Me (I Deal with a Very Wide Range of Topics in My Writing) [8-5-17]

*
25th Anniversary of Being a Published Apologist [Facebook, 1-7-18]
*

Top 15 Most-Read Blog Posts Since August 2015 When My Blog Began Being Hosted at Patheos [Facebook, 9-1-18]
*

Response to Michael Voris’ Church Militant and Article Author Jim Russell Concerning Criticism of the Patheos Catholic Channel (Where I Also Blog) [Facebook, 3-14-19; posted comment at CM]
*

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]

Armstrong’s Handbook of Apologetics: a Cyber-“Book” (Compilation of over 300 articles of mine for the National Catholic Register [12-6-19]

My Blog (Hosted at Patheos) Has Just Passed 2.5 Million Page Views (Since August 2015) / Top Ten Most Popular Articles [Facebook, 2-18-20]

Tackling the Objection that my Articles are “Too Long” [6-9-19; rev. 5-1-20]

My “Lost” Cartoon Tracts (with Artist Dan Grajek) [2-20-21]

How My Website, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism Looked on 2 December 1998 [Facebook, 2-21-21]

Earliest Archived Versions of My Blogspot Blog (February 2004 to August 2015) and Its Two Major Design Revisions [Facebook, 2-21-21]

My Top Ten Most Popular Articles Since I’ve Been at Patheos (2015) [Facebook, 5-8-21]
*

Jeremiad Against Fascist Facebook / My [Temporary] Departure [7-14-21]

New Year Change of Emphasis for This Page and My Blog [Facebook, 1-5-22]
*

25th Anniversary of My Blog / Website, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism This Month [Facebook, 2-10-22]

Over Four Million Page Views on My Blog at Patheos [Facebook, 1-28-23]

Front Page of My Website on 2 December 1998 [Facebook, 6-13-24]
*

Famous Evangelical Protestant Blogger Adrian Warnock Ranked My Blog #1 for Christian Sites (!!) [Facebook, 7-31-24]
*

My “Number Articles” (“150 Biblical . . .” Etc.) [11-15-24]
*

Adding a Table of Contents to My “Topical Index” Web Pages [Facebook, 1-30-25]
*

“Grok” AI Tool Compares My Apologetics to G. K. Chesterton, St. Irenaeus, and Scott Hahn [Facebook, 3-26-25]

ChatGPT AI Tool Compared My Apologetics to Karl Keating and Frank Sheed [Facebook, 3-26-25]
*

ChatGPT Describes My Work as an Apologist (Most Like St. Francis de Sales and St. Robert Bellarmine) [Facebook, 3-26-25]
*

How Much Education Does One Have to Have to be Able to Read My Books and Other Writings? ChatGPT Answers! [Facebook, 3-26-25]
*

IV. SPANISH, PORTUGESE, AND FRENCH LANGUAGE OUTREACH

The New “Spanish Revolution” Has Begun! (Update on My Apostolate [translation of my books]) [Facebook, 6-15-16]

My Articles and Books in Spanish and Portugese and French / Apologética católica: Traducciones al español / tradução para português [web page set up on 6-22-16]

Klasiká Liber, a Brazilian publisher, to publish the Portugese version of The Catholic Verses [Facebook, 7-26-16]

My Efforts to Promote My Book Translated Into Spanish, ¡Revelación! (Letters to Hispanic Ministries and Parishes with Spanish Masses) [Facebook, 9-16-16]

French Translation of My Book Revelation: 1001 Bible Answers to Theological Topics is Complete! Soon Five of My Books Will be in Three Other Languages [Facebook, 4-13-17]

Mi libro #50: Pruebas bíblicas para el Catolicismo: Edición española: esquema [My Book #50: Biblical Evidence for Catholicism: Spanish Edition: outline (a similar Portugese book also forthcoming) ] [Facebook, 1-25-18]

There Are (By %) More Protestants in Brazil Than There Are Catholics in the United States / My Efforts There [Facebook, 5-23-22]

My Brazilian Outreach (Overview) [Facebook, 9-7-23]

Brazilian Catholic Reader Leonardo Pataca Kindly Thanks Me on YouTube [Facebook, 9-28-23]

V. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL / RECOMMENDATIONS / MY OWN LIBRARY

Reflections on the Most Influential Books in My Life [7-7-05]

Recommended Catholic Books (Six Lists) [2005-2009; compiled together on 1-26-21]

The Heart of My Library (photos of my bookshelves of favorite authors, with a description) [Facebook, 5-29-21]

VI. INTERVIEWS AND TALKS / FEATURES

First [You Tube] Video Ever of Me Teaching Apologetics (Q & A, 77 minutes) (Part One + Part Two) [30 March 2015; see also Facebook cross-posting]

*****

TV Interview: On Catholicism, Over Against Protestantism [5-1-99]
*

Interview With A Catholic Apologist (Dave Armstrong) [by Peter Vere, JCL, 11-12-01]

Dave Armstrong: Catholic Apologetics’ “Socratic Evangelist” (by Tim Drake; Envoy Magazine, Spring 2002)

Interview With Dale Ahlquist for Gilbert Magazine, Regarding My Book, The Wisdom of Mr. Chesterton [March 2010]

My Chesterton Quotations Book: Two Interviews (3 and 12 March 2010)

Interview for Catholic Books and Gifts / Catholic Free Shipping [4-23-10]

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

20-Question Interview on my Books and Apologetics Work, with Steven R. McEvoy (Book Reviews and More) [3-20-12]
*

Interview with Apologist Godwin Delali Adadzie [7-15-13]

VII. YOUTUBE, RADIO, & WEBCAST DISCUSSIONS, INTERVIEWS, & DOCUMENTARIES

My Radio & Webcast Interviews (Free Audio Files) [3-18-23]

Regular Videos with Yours Truly and Kenny Burchard (!) [Facebook, 10-14-24]

My Videos Page (Catholic Bible Highlights) [12-6-24]
*

Our New YouTube channel, Lux Veritatis is “Killing It”! [Facebook, 5-15-25]

Headshot Photos for My Videos: Sample of 20 from 80 [Facebook, 5-30-25]
*

VIII. FEEDBACK

Feedback Comments on My Writing From Catholics (1997-2001)

Feedback Comments on Dave Armstrong’s Writing from Catholics: 2002 to the Present

Feedback Comments on My Writing From Non-Catholics

[Opinions on] Apologist Dave Armstrong? (thread on the Catholic Answers Apologetics Forum: June 2005)

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

IX. FUN, HUMOROUS, INTERESTING, AND MISCELLANEOUS STUFF

Making Fun of Myself: Paperback [Blogosphere] Writer [10-7-04; re-posted to Facebook on 11-29-24]

The Appearance of Crazy Horse [Facebook, 8-4-08]

Catholic Apologist “Young Guns” Take Savage Satirical Revenge Against Yours Truly in Hilarious Polemical Shootout, Complete with Appropriate “Gunfighter” Visuals [9-9-11; at Internet Archive]

Which Am I? Lovable “Sweetheart” Teddy Bear or Attila the Hun? Impressions of My Writing vs. Me in Person [Facebook, 3-7-15]

What Twelve People, Living or Dead, Would You Invite to Dinner? [Facebook, 9-22-17]

My Most Used Words on Facebook [Facebook, 11-22-17]

Just saw 2001: A Space Odyssey [50th anniversary big-screen showing] [Facebook, 8-12-18]

Top Ten All-Time Favorite Insults Sent My Way [2-15-21]

We Saw 110 Meteors Last Night [Facebook, 8-14-21]

“Research show[s] that cougars could — or do — live in Lenawee County” [Facebook, 9-7-21]

Michigan is the Pizza King! [Facebook, 8-29-22]

Jet-Skiing the Detroit River [Facebook, 7-4-23]

Various Plugged Toilet Remedies Discussed [Facebook, 1-23-24]

Most Mutual Friends Shared with Facebook Friends Who Actively Follow My Page [Facebook, 3-22-24]

I Fell in Love with Flannery O’Connor Last Night [Facebook, 8-12-24]

Luther and Calvin brought to life (video) with AI [Facebook, 11-10-24]

My Longest Hair in the 80s and in the 70s [Facebook, 12-28-24]

AI Image of Yours Truly and My Ministry [Facebook, 4-14-25]

Video About St. Joseph Church in Detroit: Our German Gothic Revival Parish from 1991-2016 [Facebook, 5-2-25]

X. HOLISTIC HEALTH / HERBALISM / HEALTH FOOD, ETC.

Herbalism & Holistic Health (collection of my posts)

God Has Healed Me! (Ulcer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome) [+ Brazilian Portugese version] [3-25-25]

XI. WIFE JUDY

High Praise for my Wife Judy (20th Anniversary) [10-6-04]

The Ideal Mother: Poem For My Wife Judy on Mother’s Day 2008 [5-11-08]

Praise and Appreciation for My Beautiful, One-in-a-Million Wife Judy on the 30th Anniversary of Our Engagement [Facebook, 5-18-14]

Happy 30th Anniversary to My Lovely Wife Judy [October 6th] (a poem suitable for the occasion) [Facebook, 10-4-14]

Poem for My Wife Judy on Our 33rd Anniversary (October 6, 2017): More Precious Than Gold [Facebook, 10-5-17]
*

34th Anniversary Greetings Back and Forth [Facebook, 10-6-18]

“Official” Couple Portrait from a Wedding in July 1988 [Facebook, 11-28-20]

Beautiful Grandmother in Our Dream Home (poem for my lovely wife Judy on Valentine’s Day 2021) [Facebook, 2-13-21]

Happy 38th Anniversary to My Beautiful Wife Judy. Here Are Some Photos from Through the Years [Facebook, 10-6-22]

40 Years Ago Today (Meeting My Wife Judy) [Facebook, 11-3-22]

Valentine’s Day Greeting: 2023 [Facebook, 2-14-23]

Happy 40th Anniversary to My Beautiful Wife Judy (with Photo Gallery: New and Old) (+ Photos of Our Cottage Getaway) [Facebook, 10-6-24 / 10-10-24]

XII. FAMILY

What My Oldest Son Paul Wrote About God and Good Christian Behavior, at Age 9 [Facebook, 9-15-01]

Ray Kozora (1923-2005) – My Wife’s Father [12-20-05; at Internet Archive]

“Out of the Mouths of Babes”: My Five-Year-Old Daughter on Heaven and Salvation [Facebook, 5-24-07]

My Father Graham Armstrong (1924-2009): Tribute to and Remembrance of a Fallen Pilot and Poet [11-3-09; at Internet Archive]

“Cool” Serious Portraits: All Taken By Myself [Facebook, 1-23-13]

Instant Parenthood, Grandparenthood, and Great Grandparenthood (adoption of Alexander Thomas by my niece Kristen and Husband Steve) [Facebook, 6-5-14]

My Mother, Lois Armstrong (1925-2014): A Warm Remembrance [Facebook, 12-23-14] (+ Facebook threads of hundreds of prayers and condolences: One / Two)

Son Michael and Fiancee Anna Loftus: Engagement Series of Gorgeous Portraits, Taken by Samantha Fleury (May 2015)

Poem of Appreciation for my Wonderful Daughter, Angelina [Facebook, 10-7-16]

Homeschooling vs. Public Schools (by my daughter Angelina, 15) [Facebook, 11-27-16]

Father’s Day Greetings on Facebook from Oldest Son Paul and Youngest and Only Daughter Angelina [6-18-17]

My oldest son Paul was healed of serious back and neck problems [You Tube video testimony linked on Facebook, 8-28-18]

16-Year-Old Daughter Angelina on Young Girls and Self-Image [Facebook, 8-31-18]

My dad’s parents (Canadian) were married 100 years ago today! (includes family photo from c. 1948) [Facebook, 3-17-19]

Video of Son Matthew Swing-Dancing at Greenfield Village (June 2019) [Facebook, 8-12-19]

Son Matthew’s Miraculous Cure of Lyme & Related Maladies [10-12-19]

Great Photos of Our Living Room [Allen Park, Michigan house] [Facebook, 3-5-20]

My Sister, Judy All (1952-2020) (+ Facebook condolences] [6-28-20]

Son Matthew & Annette’s Wedding: July 18, 2020: complete video (+ some initial photos / video of my dancing with daughter Angelina) [Facebook, 7-21-20]

Bid Accepted for Our Retirement Country Home (+ Photos & Area Maps) [Facebook, 9-10-20]

Life Five Days After a Move / Giving Glory and Praise to God [Facebook, 10-29-20]

Family Pictures on Birthday Celebration of the “Birthday Twins” (Nov. 16) & Thanksgiving [Facebook, 11-27-20]

Christmas 2020 Family Photos (New Grandchild, New House, “Star of Bethlehem”) [Facebook, 12-27-20]

My Son Paul’s YouTube Channel: The Catholic Gaming Nerd [Facebook, 4-8-20]

Answered Prayer / Praise Report! Desired Job at a Horse Stable for Our Daughter / Blessings for Our Whole Family [Facebook, 5-14-21]

Daughter Angelina Aces Horse Show (Dressage) [Facebook, 9-4-21]

Is it Daughter’s Day today? Luv ya Angelina! So proud of you. Bustin’ buttons proud . . . (including cute video of us) [Facebook, 9-25-21]

Daughter Angelina & Boyfriend Nick (two photos) [Facebook, 9-29-21]

Valley Time: Lyme Disease and Finances [Facebook, 10-12-21]

Angelina: All Growed-Up & Lookin’ Like a Movie Star; with Boyfriend Nick [Facebook, 11-2-21]

Our “Birthday Twins” are (soon-to-be) 20 and 25! [Facebook, 11-14-21]

My beautiful (and strongly Catholic!) daughter Angelina, with her boyfriend Nick [Facebook, 6-20-22]

Three Cute Photos of My Wonderful Daughter Angelina [Facebook, 7-15-22]

Our Ugly Basement Transformed Into Nice Family / Recreation / Party / Group Discussion Room [Facebook, 8-4-22]

Photo of [Almost] My Entire Extended Family [Facebook, 8-22-22]

Nice Family Photos from a Wedding (+ One Angelina “Still Life”) [Facebook, 9-14-22]

Fall Colors and Family Fun [Facebook, 10-11-22]

Nice shot of our oldest son Paul [Facebook, 4-19-23]

Liam and Olivia are the top baby names in the U.S. / Reflections on My Family’s Names [Facebook, 5-13-23]

Happy Mothers and Grandmothers (Mother’s Day 2023) [Facebook, 5-20-23]

Daughter Angelina Photos [Facebook, 5-20-23]

Photo of My Parents, Graham and Lois Armstrong, on their wedding day: November 1, 1947 [Facebook, 7-15-23]

Our 4th Grandchild, Daniel Graham Armstrong [Facebook, 1-29-24]

Our Town: Tecumseh, Michigan (200 This Year!): 50 Photographs: 1879-1920’s [Facebook, 6-11-24]

“New” Photograph of Me [Facebook, 9-6-24]

New Portrait Series (Nov. 2024) [Facebook, 11-19-24]

XIII. OUTDOORS / TRAVEL

2008 Family Vacation (For Nature and History Lovers) [9-2-08; at Internet Archive]

Dave and Judy Armstrong’s 25th Anniversary Dream Getaway to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (lots of photos!) [11-21-09; at Internet Archive]

Mountain Biking: My New (Crazy?) Hobby [10-7-10; at Internet Archive]

Alaska / Canadian Rockies Adventure [Facebook, 7-13-17]

27-mile bike ride today: second-longest of my life, now at age 60 [Facebook, 9-8-18]

“Square Hikes” Down Country Dirt Roads: Our New Pastime / “Pastoral Reflections” [Facebook, 3-5-21]

The River Raisin, which runs through my town (Tecumseh, Michigan) is “the most crooked river in the world” [Facebook, 4-3-21]

Another Rafting Adventure . . . [Facebook, 5-19-21]

Peak Fall Colors Have Finally Arrived in southern Michigan (at least in SOME places) [Facebook, 11-4-21]

Snow-Covered Trees and Blue Sky! [Facebook, 11-30-21]

Redwoods! [Facebook, 7-16-22]

“Magical Forest Wonderland” of Redwood National Park (Northern California) [20 photos, Facebook, 7-21-22]

Birthday Trip Down the Huron River in Michigan [Facebook, 7-30-22]

Deer on a Hike Right in Town [Facebook, 8-15-22]

Photos from Our Summer Western Trip (2022) [Facebook, 8-18-22]

Cougars (Mountain Lions / Panthers) in Southeast Michigan! [Facebook, 10-31-22]

First Time Riding My Electric Bike [Facebook, 2-12-23]

Michigan Winter Wonderland: Snowy and Icy Trees with a Blue Sky [Facebook, 3-6-23]

The Joys of Electric Biking [Facebook, 4-3-23]

“Beauty of Michigan’s Irish Hills” Photograph Series Coming Soon [Facebook, 9-30-23]

My Series of Photographs: Beauty of Michigan’s Irish Hills [Facebook] [series taken between 10-1-23 and 1-18-24 + additional sets]

Winter Wonderland in the Irish Hills of SE Lower Michigan (Featuring Snow-Covered Trees) [Facebook, 2-15-22]

[#1 / #2 / #3 / #4 / #5 / #6 / #7 / #8 / #9 / #10 / #11 / #12 / #13 / #14 / #15 / #16 / #17 / #18 / #19 / #20 / #21 / #22 / #23 / #24 / #25 / #26 / #27 / #28 (winter) / #29 (winter) / #30 (winter)]

21 of My Favorite Barn Photos from the Irish Hills of Michigan [from the above 30-part series; Facebook, 11-21-24]

Irish Hills of Southeast Michigan: Fog Series [Facebook, 2-3-25]

XIV. ANCESTRY RESEARCH

My Southern Ancestry [Facebook, 1-19-15]

Joined Ancestry.com [Facebook, 12-14-17]

More Cool Ancestry Stuff (David Thompson, Founder of New Hampshire in 1623) [Facebook, 12-22-17]

Ancestry Fun (Back to 928, Normandy, and Likely Vikings, Too) / King Edward IV of England (r. 1461-1483) [Facebook, 1-10-18]

Back to 260 A. D. Now in My Ancestry Searching (+ Debate on Ancient Genealogies) [Facebook, 1-17-18]

Cerdic: The Line Between History and Legend / Folklore, and Another Possible Ancestor [Facebook, 1-23-18]

Letter to My Wife’s Siblings on Their Father Ray Kozora’s Eastern European Ancestry [Facebook, 2-25-18]

The Armstrong Clan is Pictish in Origin [Facebook, 3-5-18]

My DNA Ancestry Results Are In / Spanish Origin of the Celts? [Facebook, 3-12-18]

My DNA Ancestry: Looking Back 10,000 Years [Facebook, 3-12-18]

Elizabeth Lucy Wayte: mistress of King Edward IV (r. 1461-1470) whose daughter married into the Lumley line that goes all the way down to my paternal grandfather [Facebook, 5-27-18]

Now I’m a Direct Descendant of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and Still Going Back Further in Time! [Facebook, 5-31-18]

My 23rd and 24th Great Grandfathers, Sir Alan Stewart (1272-1333) and Sir John Stewart (1246-1298): Scottish Freedom Fighters [Facebook, 6-6-18]

My Ancestry (English Royalty, St. Margaret, Cleopatra, Etc.) (particular, detailed documentation with links) [12-2-19]

My DNA Ancestry Update (great links in the combox) [Facebook, 2-4-20]

“The Cousin Explainer” (1st, 2nd, 3rd, cousins, etc.: chart) [Facebook, 9-5-20]

I’m a 15th Cousin, Once Removed, of Queen Elizabeth! [Facebook, 3-14-21]

My DNA Ancestry (52% English, 29% Celtic, 12% French) [7-22-21]

Wife Judy’s DNA Ancestry Update (10-22-24): Ancestry [dot] com [Facebook, 12-5-24]

Update (Dec. 2024) : Ethnic Makeup / Ancestry of My Children [Facebook, 12-5-24]

XV. MUSIC

Beach Boys

Books by Dave Armstrong: Beatles, Motown, Beach Boys, Etc.: Classic Rock Discographies, Commentary, and Mono vs. Stereo Analysis [5-12-12]

New (Much More Positive) View of Beach Boy Mike Love [Facebook, 4-6-17]
*
Beatles

Review of US Version Beatles Albums: 1964 (lots of interesting comparisons of US and UK tracks) [12-1-04]

Beatles and Schubert: Musicological Comparisons [12-22-04; expanded on 3-1-18]

Beatles Update (The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2) [5-23-06; at Internet Archive]

*
Beatles Recordings: Chronological Master List (Including Alternate Mixes) (All Beatles recordings, in order of recording date, noting different mixes and versions, stereo, “fake stereo,” mono, what album songs appear on, dates of UK and US release, singles information, etc.) [3-16-07; at Internet Archive]

Amazon Review of the 2009 Beatles Stereo and Mono Box Sets [9-13-09]
*

Beatles Tribute Groups: We Saw Two of the Very Best in July 2010 (1964: The Tribute and The Fab Four) [Facebook, 7-13-10; slightly revised on 9-24-22]

Setlist for Paul McCartney Concert: Comerica Park, Detroit (24 July 2011) / Video Links [7-25-11; at Internet Archive]

Defense of John Lennon Contra Scathing Critique [12-28-13]

“Beatles Heaven” Again (New “1” Album) (see Amazon review) [11-9-15]

Amazon Review of Sgt. Pepper (50th Anniversary Edition) (See also my own posting at Patheos) [5-26-17]

Just Ordered the Beatles’ White Album (50th Anniversary Remix) [Facebook, 10-17-18]

Review of The White Album (Beatles): 50th Anniversary Remix (see the review on Amazon) [11-14-18]

John Lennon: Christian Right Before His Death? [3-27-07; rev. 12-8-20]

Review of 2021 Remix of The Beatles’ Let it Be (see also the review posted on the Amazon page) [10-15-21]

Beatles’ Revolver: What the Upcoming Remix Needs to Rectify [Facebook, 9-11-22]

Beatles’ Revolver ’22 Remix: Wondrous Ear Candy [10-28-22]

Best-Sounding Beatles Songs: All 211 [11-28-22]

Beatles’ Rubber Soul: Best Remixes (As We Await the Official Remix) [12-21-22]

Beatles’ “Red” and “Blue” Albums to be Remixed (and Expanded) Late This Year [Facebook, 8-6-23]

Beatles Songs That Have Not Been Remixed [Facebook, 10-26-23]

The Rockers Are the Stars of the New Beatles Red and Blue Album Remixes [Facebook, 11-10-23]

Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke: The Greatest Singer of All Time: Chronological Discography [7-23-05; at Internet Archive]

Sam Cooke: The Ultimate Two-CD Chronological Discography of His Best 55 Songs [Facebook, 12-17-10]

Miscellaneous

My Eclectic Musical Tastes and Instruments I Can Play [1-27-05; at Internet Archive]

Is Music Sometimes Intrinsically “Evil”? [Facebook, 5-20-08]

Dialogue with a Friendly Atheist #2: Music, Longing, & Mysticism (+ Part Two / #3) [8-7-17 and 8-14-17]

60 Absolute Best Doo Wop Songs: 1950-1963 (Chronological) [Facebook, 4-26-22]

Concerts I’ve Attended [Facebook, 8-19-22]

Van Morrison

The Great “White R and B” Songs of Van Morrison: 42 Sizzlers from 1964-2003 [10-26-11; at Internet Archive]

The Weird, “New Thought” Religious Views of Van Morrison [Facebook, 11-10-17]

Country / Folk Music

A Sacred Song Speaks a Thousand Words (The Impact of Johnny Cash’s Last Christian Songs) [7-16-05; at Internet Archive]

Hank Williams: Chronological and Alphabetical Discography [11-7-05; at Internet Archive]

“Pilgrimage” to Historic Blues and Country Music Sites, in the South, and in Detroit [4-7-09; at Internet Archive]

The 27 Greatest Woody Guthrie Songs (One CD) [5-21-12; at Internet Archive]

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix: Discography and Catalogue of Recording Dates and Major Performances [8-30-05; at Internet Archive]

Jimi Hendrix Taught Us About a Colorblind Society [12-6-16]

Hymns

The Old Rugged Cross [Facebook, 6-22-23]

Motown / Detroit

Motown’s James Jamerson: The Greatest Bass Guitarist of All Time [5-1-04; at Internet Archive]

Very Best of Detroit Rock: 1965-1975 / Vol. II: 1966-1980 [Facebook, 8-2-14]

My Blue-Eyed Soul Background: 1967 Record from My Brother Gerry’s Band on You Tube [Facebook, 8-24-17]

So Many Motown Legends Gone (Mary Wilson) [Facebook, 2-9-21]

Psychedelic Music: 1966-1968

Psychedelic Music: 1966-1968 (I collected 12 CDs of it) [Facebook, 8-19-22]

Bob Seger

Detroit’s Own “Blue-Eyed Soul” Singer: Bob Seger [2004]

Early Bob Seger: Glorious “Lost” Classic Rock Music [9-23-06; rev. 12-26-18]

Set List for U2 in East Lansing, Michigan (Spartan Stadium): 26 June 2011 (at Internet Archive)

U2 Concert: 26 June 2011 in East Lansing, Michigan (HD 1080 Videos), + More HD Videos from U2’s “360” Tour in 2011 [11-26-12; at Internet Archive]

Classical Music

Beatles and Schubert: Musicological Comparisons [12-22-04; expanded on 3-1-18]

Mozart’s Musical Genius & His Catholicism [1-27-06; re-posted on 1-22-22]

Anton Bruckner: Devout Catholic & Great Symphonist [4-5-07]

Recommended Romantic and Post-Romantic Orchestral Music (+ Part II / Part III / Part IV) [6-13-07; at Internet Archive]

My Favorite Classical Music Pieces (Judging by Multiple Recordings Owned) [7-23-11; at Internet Archive]

Searching for the Perfect Beethoven’s 9th [9-21-15]

Dialogue with a Friendly Atheist #2: Music, Longing, & Mysticism [8-7-17]

Hans Rott (1858-1884): The Great Lost Late Romantic Composer [Facebook, 11-13-17]

Schubert’s Unfinished (8th) Symphony: Proposed “Finish” [10-22-21]

The Perfect Mahler 5th Symphony! / Mahler is My Favorite Composer as of Tonight [Facebook, 5-25-23]

“Finished” 8th Symphony of Schubert: a Proposal [Catholic365, 12-6-23]

Christmas

Michigan Christmas Carol Master: Alfred S. Burt [11-29-05]

Christmas Carols & Songs: A Catalogue [Dec. 2005]

The Weavers

The Weavers (1949-1963) & the New Leftist McCarthyism [3-28-21]
*

XVI. A BIT MORE PERSONAL

Photo Albums on Facebook

“In You I Hope” (Poem of Mine from 1982) [about trusting God and waiting on Him with confidence]

Gentleness [1996]

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.: Servant of God (1914-2000): A Tribute by Dave Armstrong [1-1-01]

Ruminations on Christian Idealism and Objective Thought vs. Subjectivism, Visual Impressions, and Image in Society (Spurred on By a Photograph of Me) [5-9-09; at Internet Archive]

True Friends vs. Fake Supposed “Friends” (Disagreements) [Facebook, 6-4-16]

Estranged Friendships: Lessons from Kobe Bryant’s Death (Don’t Put Off What Needs to be Done Now; What is Right to Do) [1-29-20]

Meeting with a Medicare Specialist Today / Ruminations on Being Almost 65 But Still Young at Heart [Facebook, 4-21-23]

A Snapshot of My Life 40 Years Ago [Facebook, 12-26-23]

XVII. MY CHILDHOOD / YOUNG ADULTHOOD / DETROIT

My Article on Junior High Lunch Time (11-22-72) [5-7-04; at Internet Archive]

My Father Graham Armstrong (1924-2009): Tribute to and Remembrance of a Fallen Pilot and Poet [11-3-09; at Internet Archive]

Reminiscing About My Southwest Detroit Childhood [Facebook: 9-26-13; list of 75 things!]

My Mother, Lois Armstrong (1925-2014): A Warm Remembrance [Facebook, 12-23-14] (+ Facebook threads of hundreds of prayers and condolences: One / Two)

Junior High Reunion Activities (Fun!) / My Potentially Life-Threatening Accident Back in 1969 [Facebook, 4-25-15]

Senior Year of High School! 20 Fun Questions [Facebook, 2-21-17]

I Remember 1968 Very Well [Facebook, 6-8-18]

4th of July Parades on Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit [linked on Facebook, 7-6-20]

Color Photo Memories of My Childhood: 1961-1971 [Facebook, 9-3-21]

Glorious Visit to Downtown Detroit and Childhood Sites (4-14-23) / Summary of the Exciting New Building Projects and the Nostalgic Meaningfulness of All of it in My Own Life [Facebook, 4-17-23]

Reunion of Our Old Singles Group Where Judy and I Met in 1982 (photo) [Facebook, 9-3-23]

XVIII. SPORTS

I Made Ten Straight Free Throws!!! [4-15-04; at Internet Archive]

My Football Exploits / My Son’s New Dominance in Basketball / Detroit Tiger Pride [10-9-06; at Internet Archive]

9 Out of 10 Free Throws: Twice!! [4-17-08; at Internet Archive]

All-Time Caucasian NBA All-Star Team [5-31-09; at Internet Archive]

I Bowled a 208! [3-7-10; at Internet Archive]

NBA Finals: Victorious Cleveland and Detroit Have a Lot in Common [Facebook, 6-20-16]

Defending the “Bad Boy” Pistons and Isiah Thomas [5-7-20]

The Great Ping Pong Revival of 2021 [Facebook, 3-7-21]

Detroit Tigers: 1968 World Champions. Who is Still Alive? + Significant and Lifetime Statistics [Facebook, 9-18-22]

Last updated on 3 July 2025

***

Apologetics: Catholic & General Christian (Index Page)

Last updated on: June 30, 2025 at 11:56 am By Dave Armstrong

St. Paul Preaching in Athens (1515), by Raphael (1483-1520) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

* * * * *

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

I. APPROVAL FROM THE CHURCH

II. GENERAL APOLOGETICS

III. MY RADIO AND WEBCAST INTERVIEWS / VIDEOS AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL

IV. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS AN APOLOGIST

V. METHODOLOGY

VI. HUMOR, SARCASM, AND SATIRE

VII. “TOUGH LOVE”

VIII. CALLING PEOPLE “FOOLS” / BIBLICAL RATIONALE FOR STRONG LANGUAGE AND REBUKES

IX. DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE DISPUTES AND ISSUES

X. REMUNERATION / “FILTHY LUCRE” / BUSINESS ISSUES

XI. SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION / SECULARIZATION

XII. ANTI-APOLOGETICS (PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC) / AD HOMINEM AND CALUMNY / RAGE POSTS

***

I. APPROVAL FROM THE CHURCH

Internet Evangelism and Apologetics: Catholic Church Approval (edited by Dave Armstrong) [12-26-05]

Apologetics & Lay Apostolates: Strong Approval from Popes [6-28-06; expanded 6-7-18]

Imprimaturs (or Lack Thereof) & Catholic Apologetics Books [5-30-08; expanded 4-20-17]

Catholic Lay Apologetics: Long “Magisterially Approved” History [8-2-11]

Cardinal Newman Anticipated Vatican II & Lay Participation [10-11-19]

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

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

Pope Francis Condemns Evangelism? Absolutely Not! [1-1-20]

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

Abp. Viganò Whopper #289: Pope Forbids All Evangelism (?) [4-8-20]

Pope, Peter, & Paul: Evangelize; Don’t Proselytize [4-28-20]

II. GENERAL APOLOGETICS

Me Me Me (My Earliest “Apologetics”) [6-5-81]

The Biblical Basis of Apologetics (Defense of Christianity) [1987]

Malcolm Muggeridge Quotations [compiled in 1997]

Thomas Howard Quotations [compiled in 1997]

Unapologetic Apologia for Apologists & Apologetics [1-29-04]

Does Anyone Do Apologetics and/or Theology Anymore? [Facebook, 11-26-06]

Sola Scriptura: Catholic Scholars vs. Apologists on its Illogical Nature? [11-13-08]

Dialogue on Reason & Faith, w Theological Liberal [1-19-10]

My Chesterton Quotations Book: Two Interviews [3 and 12 March 2010]

Apologetics is Always a Difficult Spiritual Battle & Struggle [8-30-11]

History of Non-Academic Lay Catholic Apologetics [9-29-12]

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman on Apologetics [May 2015]

Traditionalism & Apologetics: Allies or Enemies? (with Dr. Philip Blosser) [1-12-16]

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

Apologetics: Best Antidote to Atheism & Secularism [6-17-16]

Apologists, Like Umpires, Can Never Be Too Popular! [3-5-17]

Analogical Reasoning, and Reasoning from Plausibility (Using the Example of my Paper, “Biblical Evidence for Marian Apparitions”) [5-27-17]

Catholic Apologists: Response to Inquiring Questions [6-6-17]

Apologetics Doesn’t Mean Being Sorry for Your Faith [National Catholic Register, 6-6-17]

My Blog Name Doesn’t Define or Confine Me (I Deal with a Very Wide Range of Topics in My Writing) [8-5-17]

I Highly Recommend Mark Shea’s Apologetics Books (+ documentation of his glowing words about mine) [9-3-17]

In Defense of Apologetics & Theology (and Thinking About Both) [10-3-18]

Are we apologists mean, judgmental, sort of cold, callous types? [Facebook, 6-26-19]

Apologetics: Be-All & End-All of the Catholic Faith? NO!!! [7-1-19]

Cardinal Newman on What Persuades People of Christianity [10-12-19]

St. John Henry Newman: Photograph & Portrait Page [10-14-19]

C. S. Lewis & Low-Key, Gentle, Subtle Evangelism [10-17-19]

C. S. Lewis: A Life of Extraordinary Charity & Selflessness [10-21-19]

Armstrong’s Handbook of Apologetics: a Cyber-“Book” (Compilation of articles of mine for the National Catholic Register) [12-6-19]

Dialogue: the Relation of Christian Apologetics & Testimony [1-31-20]

Apologetics is Very Different from the 90s “Golden Age” [2-1-20]

Apologetics = Anti-Faith or Absolute “Certainty”? (Or, “Does Christianity Reduce to Mere Philosophy or Rationalism?”) [7-5-20]

Seidensticker Folly #66: Biblical “Evidence-Less Faith”? [12-9-20]

Recommended Catholic Books (Six Lists) [2005-2009; compiled together on 1-26-21]

Catholic Apologetics Potpourri (compilation of six short pieces, ranging in dates from 1993 to 2019)

My Earliest Christian Apologetics Writings (1981-1985) . . . and How I Became Interested in Apologetics [2-19-21]

Off-the-Cuff Defense of Catholic Apologetics (and Apologetics, Generally Speaking) from Misguided Attack #274 at Patheos [Facebook, 5-14-21]

Did G. K. Chesterton Call Himself an Apologist? [Facebook, 10-14-21]

Brazilian Protestant Apologist Francisco Tourinho Decides That He Wants to Debate Theology with Me and Maybe Do a Joint Book! [Facebook, 6-2-22]

I’m a “Chesterlewmanite” Catholic [Facebook, 5-13-23]
*

Luther Favored Execution of Heretics (vs. Jordan Cooper) + Good & Bad Protestant & Catholic Apologetics & Historical Revisionism & “Twisting” [3-21-24]

My “Number Articles” (“150 Biblical . . .” Etc.) [11-15-24]

C. S. Lewis: 50 Gems of Wisdom from His Letters [6-30-25]
*

III. MY RADIO AND WEBCAST INTERVIEWS / VIDEOS AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL

My Radio & Webcast Interviews (Free Audio Files) [3-18-23]

My Videos Page (Catholic Bible Highlights) [12-6-24]

IV. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS AN APOLOGIST

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

The Trials, Tribulations, & Joys of Being an Apologist [10-4-04]

Catholic Apologetics Apostolate: Its Pleasures & Perils [published in This Rock, 1 November 2004]

Reflections on the Most Influential Books in My Life [7-7-05]

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

Apologetics Apostolates, Journalism, & the Internet [3-6-14]

My Apologetics Q & A You Tube Session [3-31-15]

“Who is Dave Armstrong and Why Should I Read His Stuff?” [8-9-15]

About Dave Armstrong / Donation Info. [8-12-15]

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]

My Earliest Christian Apologetics Writings (1981-1985) and How I Became Interested in Apologetics [2-19-21]

Francisco Tourinho [Brazilian Calvinist apologist] Said Nice Stuff About Me [Facebook, 8-26-22]

Brazilian Anti-Catholic Protestant Apologists [Facebook, 10-11-22]

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

V. METHODOLOGY

Critique of Van Til’s Presuppositionalism [10-23-04]

Pascal, Kreeft, & Kierkegaard on Persuasion & Apologetics [9-2-05]

Critique of Presuppositionalism & Greg Bahnsen [4-14-07]

Passionate Defense of Religious Truths: The Biblical Data [6-4-07]

Dialogue on Presuppositionalism with a Baptist [6-10-07]

Primary Historical Sources Are Not Always Necessary in Historiography or Apologetics [1-8-08]

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

“Dumb Catholic Apologetics Arguments” Analyzed [5-14-09]

Pascal on Biblical Paradox vs. False Dichotomies [12-29-11]

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

Apologetics Sometimes Entails “Vinegary” Conflict [3-11-14]

Competing Goals and Demands of Scholarship and Apologetics in Dealing with Protestant-Catholic Issues (with Dr. Edwin Tait) [Facebook, 6-23-14]

Defense of the Use of (Relevant) Links as Valid, Perfectly Acceptable Argumentation [Facebook, 10-8-14]

Jesus’ Use of Socratic Method in His Teaching & Dialogues [8-16-15]

Simcha Fisher, Swearing, St. Paul, and Evangelizing [2-1-17]

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

Someone Thinks I “Hate” Mark Shea and Simcha Fisher? [Facebook, 2-8-17]

Defense of Bishop Barron (Rubin Interview): Did He Do Anything Wrong? Was it a Missed Opportunity (Particularly Regarding the “Gay Marriage” Issue)? (+ Facebook discussion) [2-13-17]
*

“Hated by All”, Catholic Evangelism, & the Fullness of Truth: Is it Possible for an Orthodox, Morally Traditional Catholic, Who Shares the “Unabridged” Catholic Message, to be Rapturously Loved and Liked by One and All Radically Secularist Leftists and Atheists? [2-13-17]
*

Interesting Critique of my Our Sunday Visitor pamphlet, Top Ten Questions Catholics Are Asked, by a Catholic Priest (Including Observations on Length of Materials) [Facebook, 12-20-17]
*

Swearing and Sharing the Faith Don’t Mix Very Well! [National Catholic Register, 7-16-18]

Some Thoughts on Evangelism and Being “Hated by All” [National Catholic Register, 7-20-18]

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

Why I Am a Catholic Apologist: Another One Comes Home (+ Analysis and Defense of My Apologetic Methods) [12-28-17 and 12-19-18]

Jesus Didn’t Always Turn the Other Cheek (Proverbs) [7-6-19]

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

Tackling the Objection that my Articles are “Too Long” [6-9-19; rev. 5-1-20]

Christian Apologetics Methodology: Similarities with Science [2-5-21]

Why Do I Defend the Bible Against Atheist Attacks? (The Purposes and Goals of Contra-Atheist Christian Apologetics) [2-10-21]

My “Lost” Cartoon Tracts (with Artist Dan Grajek) [2-20-21]

Ed Feser Parrots the “Dave Writes Too Many Words” Canard [Facebook, 6-4-21]

What I Require If Anyone Wants to Make a Critical Comment on My Blog Regarding Any of My Writings, and Expects Me to Interact with It [Facebook, 6-5-21]

Mind-Reading Priest: I’m a Polemicist, Not an Apologist [9-8-21]

Argument & Debate in Evangelism & Apologetics R Biblical! (Henry Karlson’s Bizarre Antipathy Towards Scriptural and Pauline Apologetics Methodology) [10-11-21]

“It’s a New Era”: Replying to Videos / The New (Respectful) Protestant Apologists [Facebook, 4-20-22]

My Attempt to Interact with the “New YouTube Apologists” Hits a “Wall” of Non-Response / Only 1 Out of 8 Made Any Reply At All [Facebook, 5-19-22]

Debate Terms with Francisco Tourinho / Rationale for the Point-by-Point Method [Facebook, 6-21-22]

Why I Don’t Do Podcasts and YouTube [Facebook, 8-23-22]

I’ll be street witnessing tomorrow at the Ann Arbor Art Fair [Facebook, 7-20-23]

Must We Condemn YouTube Theological / Apologetics Videos If We Prefer the Written Medium? N0!!! [Facebook, 7-28-23]

Do I Exhibit Uncontrollable Rage and Fury in Doing Apologetics? See What My Wife Judy (m. 1984) Says About How Often I Get Angry About Anything [Facebook, 7-29-23]

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

The “Show Transcript” Feature of YouTube Videos Is Saving Me! (Replies to the Most Active Protestant Apologists Today) [Facebook, 2-26-24]

Olympics Blasphemy & Christlike Righteous Indignation [8-1-24]

The Old Complaint About My Posts Being “Too Long” [Facebook, 8-16-24]
*

On Letting Theological Opponents Speak for Themselves With Their Own Words (Rather Than Misrepresenting Them in Our Self-Serving Words) [Facebook, 8-30-24]
*

Must the Gospel be Preached at Every Time & Place? (The Latest Bum Rap Against Pope Francis) [9-20-24]

I Asked ChatGPT Eleven Questions About Catholic Apologists and Appeared in the Top Five in Every Answer (#1 in Five) [Facebook, 4-15-25]
*

How to View a Person in Serious Theological or Ecclesiological Error [Facebook, 5-3-25]
*

VI. HUMOR, SARCASM, AND SATIRE

Christianity, Sarcasm, Satire, Irony, Jesus & Paul [1999 and 6-2-07]

Blaise Pascal on Ridicule & Sarcasm Regarding Sin & Folly: Sanctioned by God; Many Biblical Examples Provided [12-29-11]

Atheism: A Remarkably Strong, Impervious Faith in “Atomism” [8-19-15]

Clarifications Regarding My Atheist Reductio Paper (referring to the immediately preceding, vastly misunderstood satirical piece) [8-20-15]

Did Jesus, St. Paul, & the Prophets Use Sarcasm? Yes [8-16-17]

Sarcasm and Satire Utterly Misunderstood, as Usual (my NCR article, “Silent Night: A ‘Progressive’ and ‘Enlightened’ Reinterpretation”) [Facebook, 12-21-17]

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

Some Fun with Karl Keating (and his Zealous Defenders) and Silly Words (Pip, Pigment) [Facebook, 3-29-18]

Mockery in the Bible (One Peter [Vader] Five & Steve Skojec) [3-21-20]

On My Use of Biblically Permissible Satirical Nicknames (e.g., Proud Mary) for Those Who Attack My Person & My Apostolate [Facebook, 10-13-21]

VII. “TOUGH LOVE”

Shunning Unrepentant or Contentious Sinners: Biblical? [4-8-13]

Blocking Revilers Online is Wise, Sez Apostle Paul [1-30-14]

Apologetics Sometimes Entails “Vinegary” Conflict [3-11-14]

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

Jesus Didn’t Always Turn the Other Cheek (Proverbs) [7-6-19]

VIII. CALLING PEOPLE “FOOLS” / BIBLICAL RATIONALE FOR STRONG LANGUAGE AND REBUKES

Did Paul and Peter Disobey Jesus and Risk Hellfire (Calling Folks “Fools”)? Did Jesus Contradict Himself? Or Do Proverbs and Hyperbolic Utterances Allow Exceptions? [2-5-14]

On [Not?] Calling People “Fools”: Biblical Reflections [10-13-17]
*

Debate: Calling People “Fools” (vs. Dr. Dawn Eden Goldstein) [12-17-17]

*
Brief Exchange with an Atheist About the Bible and Calling People “Fools” and Other Strong Language [Facebook, 6-20-19]
*

IX. DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE DISPUTES AND ISSUES

Good Discussion: Back-and-Forth Dialogue vs. “Mutual Monologue” [1-21-01]

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

Good Internet Discussion & Dialogue Are Virtually Dead [10-10-03; rev. 1-20-04 and 10-4-16]

On Misunderstanding Theology & Refusing Any Correction [7-8-07; rev. 3-21-18]

Theological Debate, Dialogue, Discussion, & “Quarrels” [3-4-08]

Ethics of Internet Discourse: Some Basic Observations [4-24-13]

The Bible on Separation from Divisive Christians [6-6-13]

Is Facebook Beyond All Hope As Regards Dialogue? [6-2-14]

War- & Garbage-Free Facebook Zone (Your Search is Over) [between March 2014 and May 2015]
*

My Comments Policy: Thoughts on Amiable and Constructive Dialogue [8-15-15]

Comments Policy to be Strictly Enforced! Atheists in Particular . . . [8-20-15]

I Actually Enforce My Discussion Policy [10-31-15]

Dialogue: Pope Francis Doesn’t Evangelize? . . . and on the Nature of Dialogue vs. (?) the Gospel; with a Traditionalist [4-29-16]

Is Constructive Theological Discussion Across Party Lines Possible? [Facebook, 12-13-16]

Dispute on “Mutual Monologue” and Arrogant Dismissal of Others’ Arguments (vs. Reformed Baptist elder Jim Drickamer) [Facebook, 1-16-17]

Clonish Choir-Preaching and Orwellian PC Groupthink . . . Rather Than Fair Dialogue [4-11-17]

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]

Why I Have a Lot of Dialogues Posted (From a Reader) [Facebook, 1-9-18]

Journalism is Dead / Dialogue is Dead (RIP) [6-19-18]

“Double Standards”?: Reiteration of My Ethics Concerning Citing Others in My Dialogues, and Others Citing (and/or Informing) Me [Facebook, 11-11-18]

C. S. Lewis: Either Hated or Loved by Readers / Hearers [10-14-19]

Steve Skojec Sez Patheos Catholic Writers Ain’t Catholic (The New Testament Condemnation of Divisiveness, Sectarianism, and Factionalism) [5-16-16; expanded on 3-22-20]

Fanaticism and Conspiratorialism and My Zero Tolerance Policies [Facebook, 4-9-20]

One Peter Five & Crisis Magazine Stop Combox Farces (Growing Movement of “Internet Reform” & the Realization of the Worthlessness of Much of Online “Discourse”) [6-19-21]

Random Thoughts on Poor Internet Discourse [6-19-21]

My “Zero Tolerance for Insults” Moderation Policy & the Spirit of Open-Minded Discussion & Free Inquiry [Facebook, 7-6-21]

X. REMUNERATION / “FILTHY LUCRE” / BUSINESS ISSUES

Us Weird Catholic Apologists and the “Real Jobs” We Oughtta Get! [3-23-06]

Michael Voris’ Critique of Catholic Answers Salaries [8-31-13]

How Much Money Should Apologists Make?: Our Society’s Low Estimate of the Worth of Spiritual and Theological Work [9-2-13]

Michael Voris vs. “Financially Compromised” Apologists [9-2-13] [+ Facebook discussion]

On Apologists’ Income: “High” and Low (My Case) [2-22-14; rev. 10-4-16]

On Catholic Answers Cruises / Apologetics & “Business” [6-24-14] [+ Facebook discussion]

The Relationship of Full-Time Ministry and Business [11-17-14]

Reactionaries, “Filthy Lucre”, & Catholic Patheos Writers [5-29-16]

XI. SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION / SECULARIZATION

The Catholic “Third Way” in Socio-Political Thought: Reflections on the “Great American Mush God” of Civil Religion and Morality [1-24-02]

Secularization: Thoughts on its Many Historical Causes [9-13-03; rev. 1-20-04]

Christian Sexual Views and Support from Sociology (Discussions About Christian Sexual Morality and Marriage with Atheists) [12-8-06]

Catholic Compassion & Beggars on the Street: What is Our Responsibility? / Analysis of Poverty & Its Causes & Solutions [12-30-11]

More Thoughts on Giving Alms to Homeless Beggars on the Street [11-23-13]

Is America a “Moral Sewer” (Due to Secularism)? [9-5-15]

Sociology: Absence of Mother or Father Harms Children [6-23-16]

Christian Civilization Self-Demolition [8-5-16]

Debate: Do Liberal Social Policies Lessen Abortion & Poverty? [4-12-17]

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

Social Science: Religion Leads to Lower Suicide Rates [6-9-18]

Seidensticker Folly #1: Atheist vs. Christian Generosity [8-12-18]

Sociology: Devout Married Christians Have Best Sex [2-29-20]

Sociology: Undeniably, Religion Makes Us Better Human Beings (Pearce’s Potshots #22) [5-10-21]

Secularist, Atheist Nations = More “Happy” People? [12-1-21]

Secularization & Tolerance: Heart 2 Heart w Atheist [7-19-23]

***

Want A Happy and Fulfilling Life? Don’t Be A Liberal (Dennis Knapp, The Latin Right, 7-29-23)

XII. ANTI-APOLOGETICS (PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC) / AD HOMINEM AND CALUMNY / RAGE POSTS

Yet Another Reply to Bum Raps Against Apologetics [1-27-08]

On the “Celebrity” Status and “Idolization” of Scott Hahn [Facebook, 2-18-08]

Reply to an Academic Snob’s Insults of My Apologetics [9-29-12]

Anti-Apologetics Rears its Ugly Head Yet Again (John H. Armstrong) [Facebook, 3-11-13]

John Armstrong Roundly Mocks a Biblical Argument for Mary’s Perpetual Virgin ity, Used by Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome, Aquinas, Etc. [Facebook, 3-12-13]

Ah; I Haven’t Heard a Personal Insult This Entertaining in a Long While [Facebook, 9-30-14]

Kevin M. Tierney Trashes Scott Eric Alt, Keating, Madrid et al, and Apologetics [Facebook, 7-1-16]

Us Wicked Convert Lay Apologists! Reactionary Bloviations . . . [Facebook, 11-25-16]

Armstrong Fan Club #3: Mary Hammond, Anti-Apologetics Oracle [4-9-17; rev. 3-5-19]

Apologetics vs. Love of God’s Creation and Recreational Activity? [Facebook, 4-13-17]

My Biggest Fan, Without Question / Public Reviling and What St. Paul Thought of it [Facebook, 8-11-17]

Why Document Severe Attacks Against Oneself, and Against Apologetics and Trump Voters (Like the One by Mary Hammond): To What Possible Purpose?: Reply to David Mills [Facebook, 3-6-19]

Fr. George Rutler’s Shameful Ad Hominem Against Jimmy Akin [5-5-19]

Steve Skojec of One Peter Five Infamy Gets His Digs in Against Jimmy Akin & Contacts Fr. Rutler to Confirm the Latter’s Ad Hominem Attack / “Jimmy” vs. “James” Akin / Canon Lawyer Ed Peters Replies to Fr. Rutler and Skojec [Facebook, 5-9-19]

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]

Apologetics: Be-All & End-All of the Catholic Faith? NO!!! [7-1-19]

Henry Karlson’s Odd Obsession with Anti-Apologetics [12-19-19]

X Doesn’t Even Know What a Lay Apostolate Is, and So Has to Mock Those Who Are Called to Participate in One [Facebook, 2-14-20]

Latest Lies About My Apologetics from a Fellow Catholic / The “Anti-Apologetics” Mentality Strikes Again [Facebook, 6-18-20]

Apologetics = Anti-Faith or Absolute “Certainty”? (Or, “Does Christianity Reduce to Mere Philosophy or Rationalism?”) [7-5-20]

Top Ten All-Time Favorite Insults Sent My Way [2-15-21; rev. 12-6-21]

Anti-Apologetics: Two Toxic Examples [Facebook, 10-3-21]

Typical Scurrilous Attack on My Dialogical / Socratic Method, on Mark Shea’s Facebook Page [Facebook, 10-5-21]

Proud Mary Keep On Boinin’ . . . [10-6-21]

I Rarely Ever Admit I’m Wrong? Huh?! (Pomposity, Pettiness, Pride, and Projection) [10-7-21]

Argument & Debate in Evangelism & Apologetics R Biblical! (Henry Karlson’s Bizarre Antipathy Towards Scriptural and Pauline Apologetics Methodology) [10-11-21]

Does God Use Even Lowly Apologists to Help Save Folks? (Reply to False Caricatures of Apologists Over Against Documented Biblical Views) [10-28-21]

Reply to Attacks from Anti-Apologist Shawn McElhinney [8-6-13; rev. 12-6-21]

Brazilian Protestant Polemicists Already Playing the “Armstrong is Nuts” Card [Facebook, 5-27-22]

Unworthy Behavior of Both Protestant and Catholic Apologists in Brazil and America [Facebook, 5-30-22]

Lucas Banzoli is Not Above Using Gutter Language and Rank Insults [Facebook, 6-2-22]

Anti-Catholic Criteria for Intellectual Cowardice (Banzoli Qualifies with Flying Colors!) / Tourinho’s Extreme and Deluded Confidence in His Own Invincibility [Facebook, 6-9-22]

Tourinho Descends to a New Low and Outrageously Accuses Me of Being Prejudiced Against Brazilians Just Because I’m American [Facebook, 6-9-22]

As predicted, Tourinho has removed his comment stating that I am bigoted against Brazilians and think I should be worshiped because I’m American (without retraction or apology) [Facebook, 6-10-22]

Henry Scott Alt (aka Scott Eric Alt) Has Completely Renounced Anger / Rage Blog Posting [Facebook, 2-17-23]

Henry Karlson: Enemy of All Apologetics and God’s Unique Spokesman [Facebook, 3-14-23]
*

Reply to a Critic of My Archaeological Arguments in Favor of the Bible (Anti-Apologetics Chronicles Example #742) [Facebook, 5-13-23]

Exchange w “Traditionalist” Apologist- & Pope-Basher [7-10-23]
*

Dr. Ed Feser, Thomist Philosopher, is Savaging Internet Apologist Michael Lofton [Facebook, 7-24-23]
*

Timothy J. Williams: Vatican II Opponent & Pope-Basher (Including Documentation of His Stated Views & Mindless Smears Sent My Way in a Catholic World Report Combox) [7-28-23]

Do I Exhibit Uncontrollable Rage and Fury in Doing Apologetics? See What My Wife Judy (m. 1984) Says About How Often I Get Angry About Anything [Facebook, 7-29-23]

Conflict with John Martignoni Over Bishop Strickland’s Removal [scroll down in the thread a bit] + a Necessary Announcement + Part 2 [Facebook, 11-20-23]

John Martignoni’s “Criticism” of Me in His Newsletter [Facebook, 1-21-24]
*

A Day in the Life of a Catholic Apologist (All from One Attack Thread from David “Inquisitor” Griffey) [Facebook, 2-22-24]
*

I Never Regarded Bp. Strickland Or Cdl. Burke As “Heretics”: Contra John Martignoni’s Repeated Claims to the Contrary [3-8-24]

Proud Mary Pezzulo’s Glowing Endorsement of Apologetics [Facebook, 4-27-24]

Anti-Catholic Reformed Polemicist James Swan Attacks Most Professional Catholic Apologists as Pretentious Lazy Bums [Facebook, 4-27-24]
*

Broad, Vague Ad Hominem Attacks: How to Deal with Them? [Facebook, 10-23-24]

Harnack, “The Amateur Exegete”, & Anti-Apologetics (Including Proof That Jesus Wasn’t Totally Silent During His Trial; That is, He Didn’t “Turn the Other Cheek”) [10-26-24]

Defense of Christian Apologetics & Epistemology [6-17-25]

*
***
*

***

Last updated on 30 June 2025

*****

Hell and the Devil / Last Things (Index Page)

Last updated on: May 1, 2025 at 11:46 am By Dave Armstrong

Gila National Forest, New Mexico (May 2012). Photo by Kari Greer [Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 license]

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

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

***

I. Hell and Sheol (Hades) / Damnation & Reprobation / Heretical Annihilationism

***

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]

II. Universalism / “Hoping All Will be Saved”

***

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]
*

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

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]

“If You Died Tonight”: Debate w Matt Slick of CARM [5-22-03]

God’s Judgment of Humans (Sometimes, Entire Nations) [2-16-07]
*

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

Origen (c. 185 – c. 254 ) on Faith, Works, and Judgment [Facebook, 2-27-08]

God’s “Punishing” of Descendants: Unjust? [7-8-10]
*

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

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

Israel as God’s Agent of Judgment [9-28-14]

Dr. David Madison vs. Jesus #3: Nature & Time of 2nd Coming [8-3-19]

Seidensticker Folly #58: Jesus Erred on Time of 2nd Coming? (with David Palm) [10-7-20]

“The Day” (1 Cor 3:13) & Purgatory (Vs. James White) [2-27-24]
*

No Particular Judgment? (vs. Anglican Stearns #3): Including a Brief Examination of the Views of the Church Fathers [3-17-25]

V. Last Things (Eschatology) / Prophecies

Debate with an Agnostic on the Meaning of “Last Days” and Whether the Author of Hebrews Was a False Prophet (vs. Ed Babinski) [9-13-06]

“The Last Days”: Meaning in Hebrew, Biblical Thought [12-5-08]
*
Suggested View on Bible Prophecy & Eschatology [2-13-17]

The Rapture End-Times Scenario: Catholic Refutations (Links Page) [5-8-17]
*

Dr. David Madison vs. Jesus #3: Nature & Time of 2nd Coming [8-3-19]

VI. Heaven / Souls (Theological Anthropology) / “Soul Sleep” / Resurrection

Bible and Catholicism on Ghosts and Messages from God in Dreams [2-7-06]
*

My Daughter (at 5) on Heaven & Salvation: “Out of the Mouths of Babes” [5-24-07]

“Soul Sleep”: A Thorough Biblical Refutation [11-28-07]

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

Will We See Our Pets in Heaven? [3-12-08]

“Will We See Each Other in Heaven?” Yes (General Resurrection and Glorified Bodies) [1-22-10]

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

Multiple Meanings of “Paradise” in Scripture [12-2-14]

Seidensticker Folly #8: Physics Has Disproven Souls? [8-16-18]

Seidensticker Folly #26: Spiritual Bodies R Still Bodies! [10-9-18]
*

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]

Replies to Atheists on Souls and the Galileo Fiasco [4-30-20]

Seidensticker Folly #52: Spiritual Bodies R Physical [9-10-20]

Defense of Immortal, Conscious Souls (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [17-Part Series]:

#1 (Preliminaries) [11-1-22]

#2 (Genesis 2:7 and the Hebrew / Biblical Idiom of Synecdoche) [11-4-22]

#3 (Hebrew, Nephesh [Soul]: Massive Figurative Biblical Use) [11-7-22]

#4 (Revelation 6:9: “Souls” in Heaven / 16 Biblical Proofs for Conscious Souls After Death) [11-9-22]

#5 (Revelation 6:9: “Souls” in Heaven Redux) [11-11-22]

#6 (Conspiracy Theories About Bibles and the Many Meanings of “Soul” in Holy Scripture) [11-12-22]

#7 (Banzoli Decides — At Last! — to Reply to My Second Post [#5] About Souls Under the Altar in Heaven) [11-14-22]

#8 (Banzoli’s Soul Sleep Leads Him to Believe That the Soul of Jesus Christ “Died” — Didn’t Exist — Between His Death and Resurrection, and That He was Unconscious in His Human Nature During That Time ) [11-14-22]

#9 (Matthew 10:28: Did Jesus Teach That a Soul Could be Annihilated?) [11-18-22]

#10 (The Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lk 16:19-31) in Relation to the Doctrine of Immortal Souls [11-22-22]

#11 (“Second Death” = “Lake of Fire” = Eternal Torment in Hell. Jesus & Luke Believed in Both Hades and Hell) [11-25-22]

#12 (Paul Affirms Three Times That Souls Continue Outside of the Body / Banzoli Claims That Angels Are Material Beings) [11-29-22]

#13 (Dead Biblical Heroes Return to Earth!: Samuel & Saul / Moses & Elijah at Jesus’ Transfiguration) [12-1-22]

#14: Jesus’ Visit (After He Died) to Hades, Preaching to the “Spirits in Prison” and Setting “Captives” Free [12-2-22]

#15: Hebrews 12:23: “the spirits of just men made perfect” [12-3-22]

#16: Sheol (Hades): Merely the “Grave” or “Underground” or the Conscious Abode of Dead Souls? [12-5-22]

#17: Ecclesiastes 9:5: “The Dead Know Nothing” / Psalm 146:4: “His Thoughts Perish,” Etc. [12-6-22]

Lucas Banzoli Holds to a Seventh-Day Adventist Eschatology and Christology [11-22-22]

Dead Saints Interceding (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [2-8-23]

Weird Lucas Banzoli Errors: Jesus’ References to Heaven [Facebook, 2-21-23]

Saints Can Hear “Millions” Of Prayers? (Vs. Jordan Cooper): Including a Summary of the Extraordinary, Unfathomable Characteristics of Redeemed Human Beings in Heaven [3-20-24]

Luther vs. Scripture: All Ghosts R Satanic Deceivers? [6-28-24]

VII. Limbo

Has Limbo Been Relegated to Limbo?: It Never Was Definitive Teaching [12-28-07]

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

Fate of Unbaptized Infants, Dogma, & Infallibility: Refutation of the Polemical Claims of Brazilian Calvinists Francisco Tourinho & Frankle Brunno [8-11-23]

*
***
*

***

Last updated on 17 March 2025

*****

Saints, Purgatory, & Penance (Index Page)

Last updated on: June 26, 2025 at 9:41 am By Dave Armstrong

(November 2024, 124 pages)

[see full book and purchase information]

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS

***

Communion of Saints

I. GENERAL

II. INVOCATION AND INTERCESSION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS

III. VENERATION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS

IV. VENERATION OF ICONS AND IMAGES (INCLUDING OF GOD) / STATUES / HOLY OBJECTS / HOLY DAYS

V. RELICS

Purgatory and Penance

VI. PURGATORY AND SHEOL (HADES)

VII. PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR THE DEAD

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

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

X. INDULGENCES

XI. MORTIFICATION, FASTING, ABSTINENCE, ASCETICISM, MONASTICISM, SUFFERING, & REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

XII. LENT

***

I. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: GENERAL

Classic Reflections on the Communion of Saints [2-17-91; revised and expanded: 12-14-93]

The Cloud of Witnesses [cartoon tract; art by Dan Grajek, early 90s]
*

Communion of Saints: Biblical Introduction & Overview [1995; published in The Catholic Answer (Nov / Dec 1998)]

The Communion of Saints: All Who Are In Christ [2-17-91; rev. Dec. 1993 and May 1996]

Dialogues on Objections to the Communion of Saints [1996]

“Witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1 (Communion of Saints) [1998]

Saints Are Closely Observing Us (“Cloud of Witnesses”) [2004]

Bible and Catholicism on Ghosts and Messages from God in Dreams [2-7-06]

Interview on Catholic Answers Live: “Communion of Saints: A Cloud of Witnesses” (hear audio file: see #10) (6-26-06)

Reply to James White on Communion of Saints [6-20-07]

Samuel Appearing to Saul: Argument for Communion of Saints? [7-1-07]

Communion of Saints, Scripture, & Anti-Catholic Doug Mabry (With Emphasis Particularly on the Saul and [Dead] Samuel Incident) [7-8-07]

“Soul Sleep”: A Thorough Biblical Refutation [11-28-07]

Dialogue w a Protestant on Communion of Saints [3-19-11]

Books by Dave Armstrong: Biblical Evidence for the Communion of Saints [2012]

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

Heaven-Earth Communication in Book of Revelation: James White Contradicts Explicit Biblical Teaching on the Communion of Saints Yet Again! [9-2-18]
*

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

Bible On Angels & The Communion Of Saints (Ch. 12 of my book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [12-11-23]

Vs. Turretin #1: Communion Of Saints 1 (Preliminaries) [12-21-23]

Defense of the Communion of Saints & Images [5-22-24]

Luther vs. Scripture: All Ghosts R Satanic Deceivers? [6-28-24]
*

***

The Communion of Saints in Holy Scripture [Adrian Combe]

II. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: INVOCATION AND INTERCESSION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS

“Witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1 (Communion of Saints) [1998]

Intercession of the Saints in Heaven on Our Behalf [2004]

“The Prayer of a Righteous Man Availeth Much” (James 5:16: KJV): What Does It Mean? Dialogue with a Lutheran (vs. Stuart Floyd) [6-8-05]

Dialogue: Are Dead Saints Playing Harps or Interceding? [2-15-06]

Dead Saints: Playing Harps on Clouds or Interceding? [12-29-06]

Dialogue w “Bible Christian” on “Praying to Dead Saints” [3-1-07]

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

Communion of Saints, Scripture, & Anti-Catholic Doug Mabry (With Emphasis Particularly on the Saul and [Dead] Samuel Incident) [7-8-07]

Praying to Saints: Brief Exchange with Sincere Inquirer [5-27-08]

Bible on Invocation of Angels & Saved Human Beings [6-10-08]

“One Mediator” (1 Tim 2:5) vs. All Human Mediation? [10-14-08]

Invocation of the Saints = Necromancy? [10-18-08]

Invocation of Saints & the Bible: Dialogue [2-14-10]

“Why pray to a saint rather than to God?” [4-1-10]

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

Biblical Evidence for Prayers of the Righteous Having More Power [3-23-11]

Luther’s Early Belief in Invocation of the Saints [10-4-11]

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

Does Invoking Mary at Death Ignore Jesus? [9-22-13]

Bible on Asking Dead Men to Intercede (Luke 16) [7-8-14]

Dialogue with an Anglican on “Praying to Mary,” Patron Saints, Etc. (vs. Dr. Lydia McGrew) [11-10-14]
*

Praying to Angels & Angelic Intercession [2015]

Asking Saints to Intercede: Teaching of Jesus [2015]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vs. Turretin #7: Intercession & Veneration Of Angels [12-29-23]

Lutherans & Invocation #1 (Intro) [1-11-24]

Lutherans & Invocation #2 (Definitions of Prayer & Intercession; God Sharing His Glory; Views of St. Augustine & Many Other Church Fathers) [1-11-24]

Lutherans & Invocation #3 (Necromancy; Can Saints Hear Us?) [1-12-24]

Invocation Of Saints: 20 Biblical Proofs [1-15-24]
*

Lutherans & Invocation #4 (Revelation; Luke 16) [1-17-24]

Nutshell Biblical Intercession Of The Saints & Angels [1-17-24]
*

Here’s What the Bible Says About Asking Saints to Pray For Us [National Catholic Register, 1-22-24]
*

Origen & Interceding Saints & Angels (vs. Gavin Ortlund) [3-13-24]

Is All Prayer Necessarily Worship? (vs. Jordan Cooper): Including the Non-Worship Biblical Usage of “I Pray You” (RSV) / “I Pray Thee” (KJV) [3-20-24]

Saints Can Hear “Millions” Of Prayers? (Vs. Jordan Cooper): Including a Summary of the Extraordinary, Unfathomable Characteristics of Redeemed Human Beings in Heaven [3-20-24]

Bible & Invocation of Saints (vs. Jordan Cooper): 12-Point Summary + Biblical Evidence for the Treasury of Merit and Redemptive Suffering [3-22-24]
*

Lazarus & The Rich Man: Jesus Taught False Theology? [5-14-24]
*

Biblical Evidence for How the Saints in Heaven Are Able to Hear Our Intercessory Requests [Facebook, 7-4-24]
*

Reply to Melanchthon on the Invocation of Saints [9-10-24]
*

Bible on Seeking Exceptionally Righteous Intercessors (vs. Dr. Lydia McGrew) [11-9-24]

CARM Forum Wrong About Biblical Prayer to Creatures (Five Biblical Examples Provided) [11-21-24]
*

Reply to Anglican E. B. Pusey #4 (Infallible Ecumenical Councils; Nature of Saints’ Intercession) [1-29-25]
*

Patron Saints & Invoking Saints vs. Direct Prayer to God [2-7-25]
*

No Particular Judgment? (vs. Anglican Stearns #3): Including a Brief Examination of the Views of the Church Fathers [3-17-25]

Invocation of Saints (vs. Anglican C. H. H. Wright #1): Five Biblical Proofs [3-24-25]

Intercessors in Heaven: Four Protestant Commentaries: Revelation 5:8 (Elders) and Revelation 8:3-4 (Angels) Are Undeniably Involved with “the Prayers of the Saints” [3-31-25]

Intercession of the Saints: Zwingli vs. Scripture (Are We Never to Seek Intercessory Aid from Departed Saints or Even from Righteous People on the Earth?) [6-26-25]
*

III. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: VENERATION OF SAINTS AND ANGELS

Is Mary Worshiped by Catholics? [3-8-99]

The Imitation of St. Paul & the Veneration of Saints [2004]

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

Bible: God Shares Glory with His Creatures [1-3-10]

Blasphemy Against Creatures & Things (Not Just Against God: A Biblical Exposition) [11-30-11]

Bible on Veneration of Saints & Angels: John Calvin’s Antipathy to Veneration of Saints and Angels vs. Explicit Biblical Evidences of Same [10-1-12]

Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints [2013]
*

Veneration of Saints: God “In” and “Through” St. Paul [5-7-13; slightly expanded on 5-17-21]
*
Veneration of & Bowing Before an Angel (Joshua 5:13-15) [9-7-13]

Venerating & Bowing Before Angels & Men: Biblical? [11-10-14]
*

Martin Luther’s Espousal of the Veneration of Saints [11-11-14]

*
New (?) Analogical Biblical Argument for Veneration of the Saints and Angels from the Prohibition of Blasphemy of the Same [8-8-15]
*

Bible on the Veneration of Angels & Men [9-10-15]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #8: Veneration; Bowing to Creatures [3-2-17]
*

The Veneration of Angels and Men is Biblical [National Catholic Register, 8-24-17]
*

Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints and Images [National Catholic Register, 10-23-18]
*

Veneration of Human Beings: Seven Biblical Examples (Apostles Paul and Silas, Kings David and Saul, Prophets Daniel and Samuel, Patriarch Joseph) [3-4-19]

Angel Gabriel’s “Hail” (Lk 1:28): Veneration of Mary? [3-8-19]

Imitating Paul & Saints: Biblical Argument for Veneration [10-29-21]

Elizabeth’s Veneration of God-Blessed Mary [12-2-21]

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

Vs. J. Oliveira #2: Is Veneration Worship? [9-28-23]
*

True ‘Bible Christians’ Imitate and Venerate the Saints [National Catholic Register, 10-25-23]

Vs. Turretin #2: Communion Of Saints 2 (Veneration) [12-22-23]

Vs. Turretin #7: Intercession & Veneration Of Angels [12-29-23]

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Veneration of Saints [6-4-24]
*

Is it true that “God will not share a tittle of His glory with another”? [Facebook, 4-1-25]
*

Veneration in the Bible (“Roman Creature-Worship”?) [4-1-25]
*

IV. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: VENERATION OF ICONS AND IMAGES (INCLUDING OF GOD) / STATUES / HOLY OBJECTS / HOLY DAYS

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

Veneration of Images, Iconoclasm, and Idolatry (An Exposition) [11-15-02]

Dialogue: Is the Mass Similar to Jeroboam’s Idolatry? [8-7-04]

Ten Commandments: Changed by Catholics to Uphold Idolatry? [9-4-04]

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

Bible on Holy Places & Things [1-8-08]

Martin Luther on Crucifixes, Images and Statues of Saints, and the 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]

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

Biblical Evidences and Arguments Regarding Holy Days [9-21-09]
*

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

Eucharistic Adoration: Idolatry or Biblical? (vs. Calvin #47) [12-2-09]

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

4th Century Icons of St. Peter and St. Paul Found in Rome [6-23-10; Facebook]

Christmas Trees as Idols?: Silly So-Called “Arguments” from Holy Scripture [12-12-10]

Biblical Evidence for Worship of God Via an Image [6-24-11]

Bible On God’s Special Presence Prior to the Incarnation [2011]

Blasphemy Against Creatures & Things: Not Just Against God: A Biblical Exposition [11-30-11]

Lutheran Philosopher Gottfried Leibniz on Non-Idolatrous Veneration and Pious, Devotional Use of Images [Facebook, 1-23-12]

The Bronze Serpent: Example of Proper Use of Images [Feb. 2012]

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

Biblical Idolatry: Authentic & Counterfeit Conceptions [2015]

Should God the Father be Visually Depicted in Paintings? [2015]

Worshiping God Through Images is Entirely Biblical [National Catholic Register, 12-23-16]
*

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

How Protestant Nativity Scenes Proclaim Catholic Doctrine [12-15-13; expanded for publication at National Catholic Register: 12-17-17]

Dialogue on Worship of God Via Natural Images (vs. Jim Drickamer) [1-16-17]

Newsflash!: Catholicism Utterly Opposes Idolatry, Too [1-18-17]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #9: Images & Relics [3-2-17]

Statues in Relation to Bowing, Prayer, & Worship in Scripture [12-26-17]
*

Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints and Images [National Catholic Register, 10-23-18]
*

Debate on JW Antipathy to Holy Days & Christmas [12-21-18]
*

Unbiblical Antipathy to Holy Water (vs. Calvin #29) [1-24-19]

Eucharistic Adoration: Explicit & Undeniable Biblical Analogies [2-1-19]

Dialogue: “Pachamama” (?) Statues & Marian Iconography [12-24-19]

Crucifixes: Devotional Aids or Wicked Idols? [National Catholic Register, 1-15-20]
*

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

Was Moses’ Bronze Serpent an Idolatrous “Graven Image?” [National Catholic Register, 2-17-20]

St. Newman vs. Inconsistent Protestant Iconoclasts [3-21-20]

“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]

Is Worship of God Through an Image Biblical? (vs. Luke Wayne) [11-10-20]

Golden Calf & Cherubim: Biblical Contradiction? (vs. Dr. Steven DiMattei) [11-23-20]

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

Golden Calf Idolatry vs. Carved Cherubim on Ark of the Covenant [National Catholic Register, 1-7-21]

Reply to Baptist Gavin Ortlund’s Critique of Icons [5-19-22]

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

Exchange with Brazilian Calvinist and sophist Pedro França Gaião, who is obsessed with the topic of images. He refused my repeated invitations to debate the issue from the Bible, and engaged in obfuscation and slander [Facebook, 8-3-22]

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

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

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

Debate on Religious Images (vs. Eric Svendsen) [9-20-23]
*

Vs. Turretin #6: Communion Of Saints 6 (Images) [12-27-23]

Catholicism = Unbiblical Idolatrous Worship? [5-21-24]

Defense of the Communion of Saints & Images [5-22-24]

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Veneration of Images [6-7-24]

Worshiping God Through an Image: Two Undeniable Biblical Proofs [Facebook, 3-15-25]

Worshiping God Through Images (vs. Anglican Stearns #4): Including the Biblical Case for Icons [3-20-25]

Zwingli vs. Scripture: Worshiping God Through an Image [6-21-25]
*

V. COMMUNION OF SAINTS: RELICS

Biblical Evidence and Reasoned Arguments for Relics [2004]

Are Relics & Sacraments Mere Magical Charms? [2007]

Relics: Debate with a Baptist Pastor [6-3-08]

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

Relics: A Collection of Explicit Biblical Proofs & Evidences [2009]
*

My Wedding Ring: Third-Class Relic (+ Examination of Fine Distinctions of Relic Classes) [9-16-15] [+ Facebook discussion: 4 November 2014; my ring touched 100 holy items in the Holy Land]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #9: Images & Relics [3-2-17]

Veneration of Relics: A Short Catholic Apologia [5-17-17]
*

Biblical Proofs and Evidence for Relics [National Catholic Register, 3-13-20]
*

Reply to Gavin Ortlund’s “Relics: A Protestant Critique” [5-12-22]

Reply #2 to Gavin Ortlund on Purgatory [5-14-22]

Relics Are a Biblical Concept — Here Are Some Examples [National Catholic Register, 5-31-22]

Biblical Evidence for Relics (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [6-10-22]

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

God Commanded Veneration of Second-Class Relics from He Himself [Facebook, 12-26-23]
*

Jesus and Relics: a “New” Biblical Argument [Facebook, 12-26-23]
*

Vs. Turretin #5: Communion Of Saints 5 (Relics) [12-27-23]

St. Jerome: Honor The Relics Of The Dead [4-15-24]

Relics: Biblical Proofs (vs. Anglican C. H. H. Wright #2): + Ten Protestant Commentaries in Support of Peter’s Healing Shadow (Acts 5:15): Which Rev. Wright Denied [3-26-25]
*

VI. PURGATORY AND SHEOL (HADES)

Classic Catholic Reflections on Purgatory [1994]

Fictional Dialogue on Purgatory [1995]

25 Bible Passages on Purgatory [1996]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

50 Bible Passages on Purgatory & Analogous Processes [2009]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catholic Mystics & Contemplatives on Purgatory [2014]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purgatory: Biblical Indications (chapter five [“Purgatory”] — pp. 239-252 — of my 2009 book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [10-18-23]

“New” Argument on How Protestant “Faith Alone” Helps Prove the Absolute Necessity of Purgation After Death [Facebook, 2-24-24]

Temporal Punishment Is Biblical (James White Was Wrong): + a “New” Argument on How Protestant “Faith Alone” Helps Prove the Absolute Necessity of Purgation After Death [2-26-24]

“The Day” (1 Cor 3:13) & Purgatory (Vs. James White) [2-27-24]

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

VIDEO: Purgatory is 100% BIBLICAL!! [Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights, utilizing my biblical research, 8-29-24]

VIDEO: Does this Bible Verse DESTROY the doctrine of Purgatory (or does it teach it?) [Kenny Burchard, Catholic Bible Highlights, utilizing my biblical research, 9-1-24]

Further Developed Nutshell Biblical Argument for Purgatory [Facebook, 10-2-24]

Dialogue w Protestant on Purgatory [10-2-24]

Purgatory: 110 Related Biblical Themes [10-31-24; revised 11-2-24]

Short Dialogue with a Protestant on Purgatory [Facebook, 11-27-24]

VIDEO: 9 Things to Say to Your Protestant Friends about Purgatory [with Kenny Burchard on Catholic Bible Highlights, 12-13-24]

Fire-Tested Faith: Exploring the Biblical Foundation for Purgatory (written version of the above video) [National Catholic Register, 12-27-24]

Joy in Purgatory: St. Catherine of Genoa & Bishop Camus [1-27-25]
*

***

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

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

VII. PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR THE DEAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classic Catholic Reflections on Penance [1994]

Fictional Dialogue on Penance [1995]

Penance: . . . Share Christ’s Sufferings [4-21-94; rev. May 1996]

Karl Adam, G. K. Chesterton, and Karl Keating on Confession [5-27-04; Facebook]

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

Reply to James White: Penance & Redemptive Suffering: His Critique of My Book, The Catholic Verses: Part VI [1-2-05]

Formal Human Forgiveness of Sins in the Bible [6-10-07]

Vulgate’s “Do Penance”: Exchange w Reformed Protestants [2-2-08]

Martin Luther on Absolution & Private Confession [4-14-08]

Examination of Conscience: Biblical (Pauline) Evidence [7-14-08]

St. Mary Magdalene: Former Prostitute? [7-22-09]

Sacrament of Penance: Man-Made Tradition? (vs. Calvin #51) [12-21-09]
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Temporal Punishment After Forgiveness: Catholicism (vs. John Calvin) [10-18-12]

The Bible on Confession & Absolution [2013]

Bible: Men & Angels Forgive Sins as Representatives of God [7-18-14]

Confession and Absolution Are Biblical [National Catholic Register, 7-31-17]
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Absolution, Sanctification, & Forgiveness: Reply to Calvin #7 [12-19-18]
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C. S. Lewis Practiced Confession to an Anglican Priest [10-7-19]

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

John 20:22-23 & Formal Absolution (vs. Steve Hays) [5-12-20]

No Confession to Men in the Bible? Seriously? Read On . . . [11-19-21]

Biblical Catholic Confession & Absolution (vs. Lucas Banzoli) (+ The Church Fathers on Auricular Confession to a Priest) [2-23-23]

John Calvin Sanctions Something Not Unlike Catholic Confession to Priests and Absolution [Facebook, 3-7-23]
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Caricatures of Catholic Confession (vs. Calvin #63): Calvin Claims That the Catholic Church Requires Formal Confession of Every Venial Sin (!) [3-9-23]

Juan Oliveiro Foolishly Tries to Pit Jesus Against Penance [10-5-23]
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Vs. J. Oliveira #10: Confession [10-6-23]

Temporal Punishment Is Biblical (James White Was Wrong): + a “New” Argument on How Protestant “Faith Alone” Helps Prove the Absolute Necessity of Purgation After Death [2-26-24]

Reply to Gavin Ortlund: Confession & Authority [4-11-24]

Confession and Absolution: Nutshell Biblical Argument [Facebook, 4-11-24]
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Augsburg Confession Dialogues: Penance & Satisfaction [5-5-24]

Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Confession [6-3-24]
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Eck vs. Protestantism Chronicles: Satisfaction [6-4-24]
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Why Examination of Conscience Is Biblical [National Catholic Register, 11-25-24]

Confession & Absolution According to John Wesley, C. S. Lewis, Lutheranism, Anglicanism, & Methodism [Facebook, 4-24-25]
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Zwingli’s Anti-Biblical Silliness Regarding Absolution of Sins [Facebook, 6-24-25]
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X. INDULGENCES

Classic Catholic Reflections on Indulgences [1994]

Biblical Evidence for Indulgences [1996]

Indulgences & Distribution of Grace (vs. Calvin #58) [2012]

Catholic Indulgences: History & Myths [8-6-16]

Myths and Facts Regarding Tetzel and Indulgences [11-25-16; published in Catholic Herald]

The Biblical Roots and History of Indulgences [National Catholic Register, 5-25-18]
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Vs. James White #11: Biblical Evidence for Indulgences [11-15-19]

Indulgences: Luther’s View & The Catholic Encyclopedia [2-16-24]

XI. MORTIFICATION, FASTING, ABSTINENCE, ASCETICISM, MONASTICISM, SUFFERING, & REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

Bible on Suffering and Hope in the Midst of It [1981]

Monasticism Defended from Scripture and Reason [1997]

Reply to James White: Penance & Redemptive Suffering: His Critique of My Book, The Catholic Verses: Part VI [1-2-05]

“I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (Col 1:24) [3-15-06]

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

Biblical Evidence for Penitential Mortification [2-19-10]

Abstinence on Fridays & Meat: Doctrine or Discipline? [4-11-11]

Biblical Evidence for Lent & Practices of Asceticism [2-15-12]

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

Great Catholic Mystics on the “Dark Night of the Soul” [2014]

Martin Luther on Suffering, Mortification, & Sanctity [2014]

Redemptive Suffering Offers Spiritual Benefit to Others [9-22-15]

“No Ritual Can Make One’s Heart Right with Jesus”. False! [2-12-16]

“Armstrong vs. Geisler” #3: Merit & Penitential Suffering [2-18-17]

Heads Up on the #Ashtag Controversy [3-6-17]

The devil’s antics in opposing Christians, and suffering in the Christian life [The Michigan Catholic, 3-24-17]

Suffering With Christ is a Biblical Teaching [National Catholic Register, 3-27-18]
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John Calvin vs. the Bible and John the Baptist, with Regard to Abstinence from Wine [Facebook, 1-26-19]

The Bible Says Your Suffering Can Help Save Others [National Catholic Register, 1-31-19]
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Bible on Bodily Mortification for the Sake of Others [2-26-19]
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Bodily Mortification is Quite Scriptural [National Catholic Register, 2-28-19]
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Secular Psychology vs. Scriptural Bodily Mortification [3-3-19]
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More Biblical Support for Bodily Mortification [National Catholic Register, 3-5-19]
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Divine Discipline for Our Ultimate Good (Bible Passages) [Facebook, 4-9-19]
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Biblical Hope and Encouragement in Your Times of Suffering [National Catholic Register; abridged and edited from 1981 material: 4-22-19]

C. S. Lewis Believed in Vicarious, Redemptive Suffering [10-17-19]

Why God Loves Monasticism So Much [National Catholic Register, 3-5-20]
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On Catholic Bodily Mortification & Penance: Reply to a Protestant who criticizes Catholics “crawling on their hands and knees across stone” [6-15-23]

Penance, Redemptive Suffering, & Atonement (Ch. 11 of my book, Bible Truths for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers) [12-10-23]
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XII. LENT

Lenten Meditation: NT Teaching on Suffering with Christ [1996]

Lenten Meditation: Suffering & Comfort (Psalms) [3-22-04]

Lent: Unbiblical & Irrational Antipathy (vs. Calvin #30) [9-15-09]

Abstinence on Fridays & Meat: Doctrine or Discipline? [4-11-11]

Biblical Evidence for Lent & Practices of Asceticism [2-15-12]

Martin Luther on Suffering, Mortification, & Sanctity [2014]

Should We Give Up Facebook for Lent or No? [Facebook, 3-1-17]
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Where are Lenten Practices in the Bible? [National Catholic Register, 2-23-19]
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John Calvin vs. Lent and the Bible [National Catholic Register, 2-20-21]

15 Times Martin Luther Sounded Surprisingly Catholic When Talking About Suffering [National Catholic Register, 2-25-21]

[for lengthy philosophical analyses of suffering and the problem of evil, see my Philosophy, Science, and Christianity web page; second section]

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Last updated on 26 June 2025

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