Catholicism is attractive for many reasons. These include stability and longevity; the historicity of the faith. Others include its homogeneous nature meaning the lack of fracturing you see in Protestants. Some may whence at the top down approach. However, this is not only appealing, but needed. The leaders of the Roman Church have not done enough to make sure those who profess the faith actually adhere to its tenants. Even those attributes that are the most objectionable such as appealing to "saints" and such are appealing, but not for the best of reasons. However, there are objections. Here are just a few in summarized form:
- Mariology - The contention that Mary was immaculately conceived; or that Mary was sinless. There is only One who was sinless, Jesus.
- Praying or appealing to "saints". There is One Mediator between man and God, the man Christ Jesus.
- Transubstantiation - The belief that the communion elements are the actual body and blood of Jesus which sacrifices weekly Jesus again and again when he actually died once for all.
- Baptism removes sin - Faith in Jesus as Savior and his blood removes sin. Not baptism.
- Faith plus works is necessary for salvation - Faith only is necessary. Anything added to that is just that, a works-based religion. The only work that is efficacious or effectual is the work of Jesus. One must solely have faith in Him and Him alone. The Roman church has cursed the Protestant church for holding this biblical truth.
- Tradition trumps the Word - The Word of God is the only truth whereby we must live. Church tradition and teaching must comply with it. Not the other way around.
It is unfortunate that a schism from the Roman church was necessary since the fears at the time became a reality in that Christianity splintered into many pieces. However, there is one true faith and it does not reside within the Roman Church.
