Early Christians And the Catholic Church

This morning I am responding to what I've found to be some common beliefs held by non-Catholics regarding early Christianity. Who these early Christians were and what they believed and how they grew in their faith. Some of these things I believed when I was a Baptist, prior to my research into Christian history and eventual conversion to the Catholic faith. I hope the documents quoted help shed some light on this topic and clarify some misconceptions of the Early Christians. As always, all comments are welcome.

Ona writes: "I can tell you really care about your church but you are being taught falsehoods. There was no Catholic church before Constantine. He founded your church and mixed Christian with pagan beliefs which later became many of your Catholic doctrines. Prior to Constantine there were just believers, no leaders or popes- everyone was equal and the Holy Spirit guided them. That is how things were in the New Testament part of the bible (no popes or priests, just believers full of the Holy Spirit) and that is how it should still be today. Everyone can read the bible, we don't need priests or bishops or popes. Just read your bible that's all you need."

My response: Thanks for sharing your views Ona. I will address each of them, but since you didn't elaborate on what Catholic doctrines specifically you believe were founded by Constantine (mixed with paganism) I can't address that at this time. I would be happy to return to this subject if you would clarify which doctrines you are referring to. Now about your other comments. You claim Constantine founded the Catholic church, that is not true. Constantine wasn't Catholic until he was on his deathbed. He was never a pope, nor even a priest. I will add quotes to show there were leaders and popes prior to Constantine so please note the dates of these documents.

Ignatius of Antioch

"Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

"And of the elect, he was one indeed, the wonderful martyr Polycarp, who in our days was an apostolic and prophetic teacher, bishop of the Catholic Church in Smyrna. For every word which came forth from his mouth was fulfilled and will be fulfilled" (Martyrdom of Polycarp 16:2 [A.D. 155]).

The Muratorian Canon

"Besides these [letters of Paul] there is one to Philemon, and one to Titus, and two to Timothy, in affection and love, but nevertheless regarded as holy in the Catholic Church, in the ordering of churchly discipline. There is also one [letter] to the Laodiceans and another to the Alexandrians, forged under the name of Paul, in regard to the heresy of Marcion, and there are several others which cannot be received by the Church, for it is not suitable that gall be mixed with honey. The epistle of Jude, indeed, and the two ascribed to John are received by the Catholic Church (Muratorian fragment [A.D. 177]).

Tertullian

"Where was [the heretic] Marcion, that ship master of Pontus, the zealous student of Stoicism? Where was Valentinus, the disciple of Platonism? For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago—in the reign of Antonius for the most part—and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherius, until on account of their ever restless curiosity, with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelled" (Demurrer Against the Heretics 30 [A.D. 200]).

Next you claim there were no leaders/priests/bishops in the bible. But that is just not true either, as we can see from these scriptures:

Ph.1:1 "Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the BISHOPS AND DEACONS,"

1 Tim.3:1 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being a BISHOP, he desires a noble task."

Titus 1:7 "Since a BISHOP is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless- not overbearing, no quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain."

You say all we need is the bible, but that's not true either. Let's back things up to the time when there were no bibles (remember Jesus didn't hand out bibles- He sent out men to teach His Word). If a bible is all that is needed what did people do for all the years before there was a bible? Look at the scriptures I gave above, they didn't have bibles they had priests and bishops and deacons guiding them. That's the Catholic Church. And even after the first bibles were printed, many people were illiterate and could not read, not to mention the exorbitant price to own such a bible. If a bible was all that was needed, why didn't Jesus hand them out instead of telling men to teach the Word? What you are preaching is "Sola Scriptura" (bible alone) and it is not biblical at all. Now here is another thing to consider, there were numerous writings about Christ and the Early Church how do you know what writings belong in the bible? The bible it's self does not list what books or verses belong in it. If the bible can't answer that question, then you need more than the bible. You need an outside source. That source is the Church that Jesus Christ founded. The Catholic Church. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit went through all those writings and determined which writings were biblical and inspired by God. That is how we have our bibles today.

Catholic Programs: In- Protestant Programs: Out

Kudos to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford and their radio station WJMJ-FM for the decision to remove Protestant programming on this Catholic radio station and replace it with Catholic programming- who would have thought real Catholic programming on a Catholic radio station? Previously the station was dominated by 80 percent Protestant programming with only 20 percent Catholic programming. Doesn't sound much like a Catholic radio station did it? First and foremost a Catholic radio station should be (now here's a concept): Catholic! With the removal of Protestant programs, WJMJ-FM has brought in the worldwide known Catholic network EWTN to bring us Catholic programs and share our Catholic faith on the radio. With the removal of Protestant programming also comes disappointment for some, a lot of whining and of course some slamming of Catholics, our Church and our faith. You don't believe me? Check out some of the newspaper forums where articles on this topic have been printed. I get that some people have enjoyed listening to certain shows for many years and now they will be missed but come on! Look at it from a Catholic view point. We want to hear OUR faith for a change on OUR Catholic radio. There are several Protestant radio stations in Connecticut and NONE of them will produce Catholic programs. Can you imagine the uproar people would have if say Middletown's WIHS Christian radio station prayed a rosary on the air? Or how about WFIF Life Changing radio station airing a show about how Christ instituted Saint Peter as the first Pope of the Catholic Church? Think you're going to hear any of that on a Protestant radio station in anything but a negative light? Not very likely, as these Protestant radio station programming lists indicate. And some Protestants would be up in arms over it. Over what they consider untrue and erroneous theology. Some even consider it blasphemy. They wouldn't like it at all, as is their right. Well guess what folks? Some Catholics didn't like being subjected to 80 percent non-Catholic programming either. It's a Catholic radio station and we should be able to rightly assume we will hear Catholic teachings, views and beliefs on it. Now the music for the most part on any of these radio stations is universal to all Christians. Some like more contemporary Christian music, and other's the more traditional hymns. Taste's vary, but usually we can all find common ground in Christian music. So on that note, many Protestants will still be able to enjoy WJMJ-FM, while Catholics who hunger for inspiring Catholic program's supporting their faith can also enjoy the new change at WJMJ-FM.

To find WJMJ-FM on the radio go to:
88.9 FM in the Hartford area,
93.1 FM in the Hamden area,

and 107.1 FM in the New Haven area.

You've Been Left Behind Emails

What do you know of "The Rapture"? What do you believe? I have heard some... well kooky, beliefs over the years but this newest "Left Behind" plan beats all I've heard in a long while. Here's how it works. A person who deems him or herself as "saved" and sure to be one of "The Elect" collects email addresses of all those they have deemed "hell bound". For an annual fee of $40.00 you can write up to 62 emails to friends and family that you have pre-judged as "not saved" or 'going to hell in hand basket' as the saying goes. These emails will be sent out 6 days after "The Rapture" to all those you've pre-listed as being "You've Been Left Behind" while you are raptured. I kid you not. Supposedly this website (link below) has precautions against any of these emails being sent out prematurely, but can you imagine how someone might feel getting an email from a loved one who has judged them as "unsaved" and going to hell for eternity? I get the intention, but it comes across as arrogant to me, not mention I personally think it's just a scheme to make money off unsuspecting Christians. The Christian run website is called "You've Been Left Behind.COM" (link below) and it's taking money to send out emails once the Elect have been raptured to Heaven.

Why? Here is what their website says:
"The unsaved will be 'left behind' on earth to go through the "tribulation period" after the "Rapture". You remember how, for a short time, after (9/11/01) people were open to spiritual things and answers. (We are still singing "God Bless America" at baseballs' seventh inning stretch.) Imagine how taken back they will be by the millions of missing Christians and devastation at the rapture. They will know it was true and that they have blown it. There will be a small window of time where they might be reached for the Kingdom of God. We have made it possible for you to send them a letter of love and a plea to receive Christ one last time. You can also send information based on scripture as to what will happen next. Each fulfilled prophecy will cause your letter and plea to be remembered and a decision to be made. "WHY" is one last chance to bring them to Christ and snatch them from the flames!"

So your $40.00 a year will help "snatch them from the flames" once you've been raptured to Heaven. Now I know there are a few different views on these tribulation periods and I am no expert on them, but what I do know is that Christ said there is a Second Coming- not a third and fourth and fifth etc., Coming. When Christ comes, that's it! It's over. There is no one to read all those emails the "You've Been Left Behind" people are paying $40.00 a year to send out. Christ comes again to judge the living and the dead. Christ isn't going to come and take some people in a 'rapture' then have a Third Coming at another point in the future to get those who read the "You've Been Left Behind" emails and suddenly become believers. I know many people believe the movies and books in the "Left Behind" series to be a true account of what is foretold and will no doubt not like my comments on this. There are 3 views on this Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Premillennialism. Catholics tend to go with the "Amillennialism" view, that Revelation 20 is symbolic and now is the time when Christ rules in heaven and with His Church on earth and that He will come again ONCE to judge the living and the dead. I won't go into depth on these things, I am sure there are numerous sources online for anyone interested in checking them out and I am not writing this to change any one's beliefs. I will add what our Catholic catechism has to say on this and what Catholics should believe as its our faith:

#675 "Before Christ's second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers. The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the "mystery of iniquity" in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth. The supreme religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of his Messiah come in the flesh."
#676 "The Antichrist's deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatalogical judgement. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name millenarianism, especially the "intrinsically perverse" political form of a secular messianism."
#678 "Following in the steps of the prophets and John the Baptist, Jesus announced the judgment of the Last Day in his preaching. Then will the conduct of each one and the secrets of hearts be brought to light. Then will the culpable unbelief that counted the offer of God's grace as nothing be condemned. Our attitude about our neighbor will disclose acceptance or refusal of grace and divine love. On the last day Jesus will say: "Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

Here's my unasked for advice for those who want to leave a message behind if they are raptured: Save the $40 dollars a year and write a letter to be opened upon your rapture to heaven or sudden disappearance from the world. You can put it in a special place in the house and tell all your loved ones to read in the event of your rapture and them being left behind. Or better yet, invite those you believe unsaved to church with you. Gift them with a bible and offer to start a discussion group with them if they'd like someone to go through the bible with them without thumping them over the head with your zeal and good intentions. And most of all, live your faith. Let them see God in you, in your words and in your actions. Live your faith.

2 Peter 3:10-12 "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The Heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat."

Doesn't sound to me like any "left behind" emails are going to be sent out after His Second Coming, but that's just my opinion.

Link to the website quoted:

http://youvebeenleftbehind.com/index.html

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults "RCIA" Question

I've got a few questions for my Catholic readers and those who are entering the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly known as "RCIA" this fall. What I'd like to know from other RCIA teachers is what books or programs do you use in your parish? Do you follow a specific plan or book? And for those interested in joining RCIA what would you like to study or what questions would you like answered? Please email me or leave a comment. Thank you.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" in Wallingford, CT

Church of the Resurrection in Wallingford, Connecticut is putting on a play this Friday and Saturday night at 8PM. The play is the Broadway musical, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and attendance is free but a good will offering will gladly be accepted to help cover the costs of the production. Joe Tatta is the shows musical director and says that this is the tenth anniversary and that some of the original actors are still with the show today.

For more information, please contact the Church of the Resurrection at (203) 265-1694. The address is 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492

Fr. Pfleger asked to step down

As of Tuesday, Father Michael Pfleger was placed on a two week leave of absence from St. Sabina's parish by Archbishop Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. Apparently Father Pfleger didn't want to go, but the Archbishop insisted saying: "Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time," George said in the statement. "While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church's regulations for all Catholic priests."* Well done Archbishop George, well done! Let's hope Father Pfleger does just as the Archbishop suggests and straightens out. We don't need priests mocking people and preaching politics from anyone's pulpit, even if done outside Catholic parishes. Father Plfeger's clowing antics for applause at the expense of Senator Hillary Clinton was not what the Catholic priesthood is about. His display of disrespect and deliberate humiliation and degradation of Senator Clinton was more than just poor judgement in my opinion. It shows a deeper problem he needs to work out and I truly hope his time off (though I must admit I wish it were longer than just two weeks) helps. His mocking Senator Clinton's tears was appalling and embarrassing. In my opinion we don't need priests like that guiding and teaching people or leading our parishes. He was a bad reflection of what a Catholic priest should be. May his absence give him a change of heart and renew him to get back to doing what the Church teaches; helping and supporting people, not mocking and tearing them down.

*This is a follow up story to: Connecticut Catholic Corner: Fr. Pfleger Shames the Catholic Church
*Archbishop quotes from CNN.COM

Pill Day '08: The Pill Kills Babies

This Saturday on June 7, 2008 is the anniversary of Griswold vs Connecticut, the case which overturned a law prohibiting the distribution of any form of contraception here in Connecticut. Pro-life groups who oppose birth control on the grounds that is ends pre-born life will be protesting outside area's where contraception is sold. How did this all start here in Connecticut? It started with Estelle Griswold, Dr. C. Lee Buxton and Planned Parenthood. Estelle Griswold whom died in 1981, was the executive director of the Planned Parenthood League of Connecticut, and with Dr. C. Lee Buxton as Medical Director, they opened a birth-control clinic in New Haven in the early 1960's and proceeded to ignore the law and sell and give out contraception to people. They were both arrested for violating an 1879 law that prohibited the use of "any drug, medicinal article or instrument for the purpose of preventing conception." They were convicted and paid a $100 fine then took their case all the way to the Supreme Court which ruled 'Americans have the fundamental right to privacy', and overturned their convictions and ended Connecticut's 1879 contraception law. This Saturday, June 7, 2008 is being called "Pill Day '08: The Pill Kills Babies". To learn more about this Saturday's event please watch this video from the American Life League.

What the heck is anti-Catholic?

This anti-Catholic topic seems to have caused a stir with some, good. That way it can be discussed and clarified so that falsehoods about the Catholic faith will no longer be spread as truth. Here is a reply I got from my post "Anti-Catholic Hatred Answered": "What the heck is anti-Catholic? Catholics have hijcked USA policy in East Europe, Rwanda, Timoor, Phillipines, Vietnam. They were responsible for slavery (Roger Taney, John Wilkes Booth) and the socialist labor movement and corrupt politics (Tammany, Daley). They have spread bigotry and government casuistry everywhere. They never hesitated to spread their bigotry. It is not racism to say this. Catholicism is a choice."
My response: I need to clarify a misunderstanding the writer seems to have by listing these people who have gone against Catholic teaching. When I say "anti-Catholic" I am referring to people opposed to official Catholic TEACHINGS or what they think the Catholic Church teaches. As with all religions there are members who do not follow the official teachings of their faith as this person points out. But you certainly can not lay the sins of individuals at the feet of the Catholic Church who is correctly teaching. Each person has a free will and if the person rejects the teachings of their faith they are not representing that faith, but their own free will, as the examples given show. There are "bad" Catholics, as there are "bad" Muslims or "bad" Baptists or "bad" Methodists etc. If you have an issue with the official teaching say so and let's discuss it but please don't make the mistake of thinking every Catholic is a shining example of their faith. I know that I don't look at Fred Phelps and the members of the Westboro Baptist Church as shining examples of Baptists, do you? Do their actions define the entire Baptist denomination to you? I should hope not.
Now about the slavery comment, the Catholic Church opposes slavery and fought against it, most especially here in America.
"The Catholic Church was the very heart of Christendom and the spirit that radiated from her penetrated into all the relations of life. Catholicism laid the very foundations of modern civilization. Herself the most admirable of all organizations, there was formed beneath her influence, a vast network of organizations--political, municipal and social--which supplied a large proportion of the materials of almost every modern structure. In the transition from slavery to serfdom, and in the transition from serfdom to liberty, she was the most zealous, the most unwearied and the most efficient agent." by Lecky, "History of Rationalism," Vol. II, pp. 31-32. And...
"There can be no doubt that the Catholic Church struggled resolutely against the great vices of the social state--against slavery, for instance. These facts are so well known that it is needless for me to enter into details." by Guizot (a French Protestant), "History of Civilization," Lect. VI.
I do not know what "bigotry" you are referring to. The Catholic Church has been a victim of bigotry right here in the United States. Look at the history of Catholics in America and see the rights denied to Catholics. Catholic parents were forbidden to teach their Catholic faith to their children and those children could legally be taken away from them just because they were Catholic. Priests could not preach legally without fear of being arrested. Read the history of the state of Maryland some time. Ever heard of the "Know Nothing" political party? Look them up sometime to see what Catholics have endured in American History. Anti-Catholicism is alive and well even today as current FBI reports show (see below). This anti-Catholicism has existed from the founding of this country and still spreads today, though since the 1930's and the decline of groups like the KKK it has somewhat diminished compared to the days prior to the 1930's when it flourished in this nation and Catholics lived in terror.
The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ and entrusted to spread the Gospel to all nations and she has worked to do that for over two thousands years and she will continue to do so until the Second Coming. I hope I have addressed your comments, thanks for sharing your thoughts even though we hold differing views of this issue.
For anyone who thinks anti-Catholicism is not real, may I suggest reading this FBI report on the issue;
Hate Crimes Against Catholics Show 33% Increase in 2006
November 20, 2007
According to USA Today, the latest FBI data shows that in 2006, there was an increase in the number of hate crimes motivated by bias against religion. While hate crime against people of faith in general shot up 19% from 2005, the increase in hate crimes against Catholics increased by approximately 33%. (The increase for crimes against Muslims and Jews was 22% and 14%, respectively.) Anyone wishing to read the full report may do so by visiting the FBI's website at http://www.fbi.gov/page2/nov07/hatecrime111907.html
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