The Controversies Surrounding the Catholic Church

Throughout history, the Catholic Church has been a subject of controversy, with various allegations and criticisms raised against it. While it is important to approach these topics with a fair and balanced perspective, it is essential to acknowledge the concerns that have been raised regarding certain practices and doctrines within the church as well as other "Churches".

Molestation Scandals

One of the most significant controversies surrounding the Catholic Church is the issue of child molestation by priests. These cases have deeply affected the lives of victims and have led to a loss of trust in the institution as well as a lack of trust in GOD. It is crucial to emphasize that these acts are committed by individuals within the church and do not represent the entirety of the Catholic faith nor do they represent GODS "TRUE" church.

Idol Worship

Another point of contention is idol worship within the Catholic Church. Critics argue that the veneration of saints and the use of religious statues and icons border on idolatry. However, the church maintains that these practices are not intended as worship, but rather as a means of connecting with the divine and seeking intercession. Scripture on the other hand tells us different.

"I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
- Exodus 20:2-6

Doctrine and Interpretation

Disagreements over doctrine and interpretation have also fueled debates surrounding the Catholic Church. Critics argue that certain teachings deviate from biblical scripture or are inconsistent with their understanding of Christianity. However, the church asserts that its teachings are rooted in centuries of theological study and tradition. Although looking at history, William Tyndale's to be exact, we can see this isn't the case. Tyndale was captured in Antwerp, condemned for heresy, executed by strangulation and then burned at the stake in 1536. All because he was convinced the Bible alone should determine the practices and doctrines of the church and believers should be able to read the bible in their own language. He was literally killed for translating the Bible so people could read it rather than following the church blindly.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Tyndale

One Baptism for Forgiveness of Sins

One point of contention is the belief in the efficacy of baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Critics argue that this doctrine contradicts the idea of personal repentance and salvation through faith. However, the Catholic Church teaches that baptism is a sacrament that initiates individuals into the faith and cleanses them from original sin. The majority of the time the baptisms take place when the individual is still an infant. This in itself could be considered a sin.

These individuals are being denied free will. Baptisms were never meant to be forced, they must be sought after and accepted by the individuals when they are ready. Parents get misconstrued due to not knowing scripture, they tend to believe if the baby or person dies before being baptized it's a first-class ticket to "Hell", which isn't true. This also challenges Jesus's authority. For Jesus is the only one who judges and can forgive Sins.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
- John 14:6

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
- 1 John 1:7-9

Celibacy of Priests

The requirement of celibacy for priests is another topic that has sparked controversy. Critics argue that this rule can lead to issues such as sexual frustration or the suppression of natural desires. However, the church maintains that celibacy is a voluntary commitment made by priests to devote themselves fully to their religious duties. At the same time this is contradictory to scripture, as well as Gods will. God doesn't want sheep, sheep get lost, wonder off, and need constant supervision. In a sense their like forever "Children". God needs and wants "shepherds" responsible adults. If the equivalent would be considered priests, but the priests are forced to be celibate, then the outcome is inevitably the extinction of God's people due to the lack of offspring. Another thing to add is it's not a choice the Catholic church gives, it's a "Requirement".

"And God blessed them, saying, be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth."
- Genesis 1:22

Gendered Titles

The use of gendered titles within the Catholic Church has also been a subject of debate. While men are referred to as "fathers," women are often called "sisters." Critics argue that this distinction perpetuates gender inequality within the church. However, the church explains that these titles are rooted in historical tradition and do not diminish the value or role of women within the faith. At the same time, one would also need to realize that contradictory to what the church says, there has never been an official female "Pope". There's a medieval legend of Pope Joan who reigned for two years during the Middle Ages, but out of the 266 actual popes, all were men. As far as the priests being referred to as "Fathers", that too goes against scripture.

"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."
- Matthew 23:9

Follow The Power & The Money

Remember, many of these issues can be found in other churches and denominations as well. It's not just the Catholic Church. Realize where the seeds came from and follow the trail back to the source. Jesus himself fought issues like these with the clergy of that time. Battling the Pharisees, Sanhedrin, and Sadducees. If you attend "ANY" church, "READ YOUR BIBLE", compare what is taught to what "IS WRITTEN". Only then will you know if you are being led astray. Be wary of "Mega Churches", for there are many houses that resemble the Lords, but just like "Hansel And Gretel" not all lead to where they seem. The best traps don't look like traps, they look like delicious food, comfortable places, good times, nice clothes, and plenty of smiles.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets."
- Matthew 23:23-30