What does Pope Francis teach?
(ap)
Since Pope Francis accepted the papal office he has been a zealous ambassador for love and peace in the world. In the process, he has made several statements that warrant a closer look.
What is Good & Evil?
According to Pope Francis:
Each of us has a vision of good and of evil. We have to encourage people to move towards what they think is Good… Everyone has his own idea of good and evil and must choose to follow the good and fight evil as he conceives them.
The most serious of the evils that afflict the world these days are youth unemployment and the loneliness of the old.
Notice that Pope Francis does not encourage people to move toward God… he tells them to “move toward what they think is good.” Also notice that he believes that people should create their own definition of good and evil. So, Pope Francis basically says to do whatever seems right in your own eyes. His comments are politically-correct but not Biblical.
Although God has given each person the knowledge of good and evil, He also makes a point of spelling it out so that there is no doubt. Because sin separates us from God, He is not ambiguous about what is good and what is evil. God gave His people the 10 Commandments (see Exodus 20: 1-17). Lest there be any confusion, God provided additional clarity throughout the Scriptures.
According to the Holy Bible:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6: 16-19)
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Revelation 21: 8)
The Holy Bible says not to lean on your own understanding (don’t make up your own idea of good and evil) but to acknowledge God’s laws. The Scriptures describe the evil that is in this world – and it is much worse than “youth unemployment” and the “loneliness of the old.”
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned… 18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act (Jesus) resulted in justification and life for all people. (Romans 5: 12, 18)
The Scriptures also say that everyone has sinned against God. That is why God had to provide a plan for salvation: Jesus Christ.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6: 10-12)
The Bible states that evil exists and that our struggle is against the powers of darkness (the devil and his followers) which manifest in various ways. But God has also equipped His holy people to take a stand against the devil’s schemes).
Why would the pope say that people are to decide for themselves what is good and what is evil? Why would the pope downplay the real evil that is in this world? Why would the pope ignore the need for salvation? Why would the pope emphasize social issues (e.g. youth unemployment and loneliness of the elderly) that are challenging but not actually “evil” and totally ignore the real evil that has been taking place in the world?
Is Proselytism nonsense?
According to Pope Francis:
Proselytism is solemn nonsense, it makes no sense. We need to get to know each other, listen to each other and improve our knowledge of the world around us. Sometimes after a meeting I want to arrange another one because new ideas are born and I discover new needs. This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good.
Notice that Pope Francis does NOT say “the important thing is that they lead toward God.” His comments are politically-correct but not Biblical.
The pope rules over about half of the Christians in the world (Catholics) but he is claiming that spreading the Gospel (salvation through Jesus Christ) is “solemn nonsense” and that worldly ideas are just as valid as God’s holy Word.
According to the Holy Bible:
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7: 13-14)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14: 6)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 18-20)
Jesus very clearly told his disciples to proselytize. It’s called “the great commission.” Christians have been mandated to share the Good News about salvation through Jesus Christ. Because there is no other way but through Jesus Christ, it is important for people to know that truth. If there was any other way, Jesus would not have endured such suffering on our behalf.
The great commission is not “nonsense.” Why would Pope Francis say that it is?
What is the only way to Salvation?
According to Pope Francis:
The Son of God became incarnate in the souls of men to instill the feeling of brotherhood. All are brothers and all children of God. Abba, as he called the Father. I will show you the way, he said. Follow me and you will find the Father and you will all be his children and he will take delight in you. Agape, the love of each one of us for the other, from the closest to the furthest, is in fact the only way that Jesus has given us to find the way of salvation and of the Beatitudes.
Pope Francis says that the “only way that Jesus has given us to find the way of salvation” is through “the love each one of us for the other.” His comments are politically-correct but not Biblical.
According to the Holy Bible:
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 37-40)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14: 6)
11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4: 11-12)
Although brotherly love is the 2nd greatest command, the Holy Bible clearly states that salvation comes only through belief in Jesus Christ.
Why would Pope Francis tell people that loving one another is the only way to “find” salvation – and completely dismiss what is essential for salvation: Jesus Christ?
Do Atheists go to Heaven?
According to Pope Francis:
The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone!” … We must meet one another doing good. ‘But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!’ But do good: we will meet one another there.
Our species will end but the light of God will not end and at that point it will invade all souls and it will all be in everyone.
Notice that Pope Francis’ emphasis is on good works. His message is that because Jesus paid the sin debt of the world, everyone is saved. He claims that everyone who does good works will spend eternity with God. He also says that when our species ends, God’s light will invade all souls and will be in everyone. Pope Francis’ doctrine is not Biblical.
According to the Holy Bible:
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3: 28)
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 9: 30-33)
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7: 19-20)
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (James 2: 17-18)
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25: 41)
The Holy Bible says that faith without action is meaningless. Believers are expected to bear good fruit: their actions are to be an outward demonstration of their faith. At the same time, action without faith means nothing because salvation is through grace – not “works”.
While it is true that Jesus Christ paid the sin debt of the world, it is a gift that each person must choose to accept or reject. Those who accept the gift of salvation and follow Jesus Christ will spend eternity with God. Those who reject that gift will be subject to judgment.
Even the demons believe that there is one God but they rejected Him and they will eventually be eternally damned to the lake of fire for doing so. Anyone who rejects God will share the same fate: will be punished with eternal damnation instead of spending eternity with God. Why would Pope Francis tell people that they don’t need to believe in Father God or Jesus Christ?
Evolution or Creation?
According to Pope Francis:
When we read about creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so.
He [God] created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment.
“Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation…
Pope Francis calls creation a “notion.” He implied that God is not involved with His creation. He basically says that God simply lets humans develop and humans eventually reach their fulfillment. The pope also said that God is not able to do everything. Again, the pope’s doctrine is not Biblical.
According to the Holy Bible:
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12: 6)
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3: 9)
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2: 2-3)
17 “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32: 17)
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26)
The Lord disciplines those He loves and He does not want anyone to perish but instead, to Noticturn away from sin (repent) and come to Him. God has not left humans to their own devices. Why would the pope say that God is not actively involved in the lives of His people?
The Holy Bible says that God created everything. It also says that God can do anything (except lie). And God does not need a “magic wand.” Why would the pope tell people that God is not all powerful and that God cannot do everything?
Who is Jesus Christ?
According to Pope Francis:
I believe in God … and I believe in Jesus Christ, his incarnation … Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God, the Father, Abba, is the light and the Creator.
Notice that Pope Francis acknowledges Jesus as a “teacher” and a “pastor” but he does not refer to Jesus Christ as his “Savior” and “Lord.” This indicates that Francis does not consider Jesus to be his personal Savior and the Lord of his life.
Also notice that the pope makes a point of assigning the term “light” to God, the Father – and stresses that the word “light” does not refer to Jesus Christ. Pope Francis acknowledges that Jesus is the incarnation of God (the Father) but in other ways he attempts to diminish Jesus Christ. Again, the pope’s doctrine is not Biblical.
According to the Holy Bible:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind… 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1: 1-4, 14)
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1: 15-17)
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3: 19)
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)
Yes, Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God. Jesus Christ is also the light. The Holy Bible consistently applies the term “light” to Jesus Christ. Why does Pope Francis intentionally ignore this Biblical teaching? Why does Pope Francis clearly attempt to diminish Jesus Christ?
How did he make his decision to become the pope?
Pope Francis’ predecessor unexpectedly resigned the papal office. It is extremely rare for a pope to resign. Virtually every other pope remained in office until they died. When the conclave elected him to be the next pope, he took a few minutes to decide.
According to Pope Francis:
Before I accepted I asked if I could spend a few minutes in the room next to the one with the balcony overlooking the square. My head was completely empty and I was seized by a great anxiety. To make it go way and relax I closed my eyes and made every thought disappear, even the thought of refusing to accept the position, as the liturgical procedure allows. I closed my eyes and I no longer had any anxiety or emotion. At a certain point I was filled with a great light. It lasted a moment, but to me it seemed very long. Then the light faded, I got up suddenly and walked into the room where the cardinals were waiting and the table on which was the act of acceptance. I signed it…
When Pope Francis was trying to decide whether or not to accept the papacy, he went into a room to think about it. But instead of praying to God, Pope Francis emptied his head of all thought (a new age meditation technique).
The scriptures tell Christians to meditate on God: His words, His promises, His unfailing love, His laws/decrees, His mighty deeds, and His wonderful works. It tells us to direct our thoughts (mindful meditation) – it does NOT tell us to empty our head of all thought (mindless meditation).
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10: 5)
After Pope Francis’ head was completely empty of any thought (he was mindless and he was no longer making any effort to be mindful), he was filled by a white light. Its easy to assume that the white light represented God. But Pope Francis did not bother to actually seek God and instead chose to do a mindless mediation. He opened his mind and left it open for whatever came to it. What if that “white light” was not from God?
13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (1 Corinthians 11: 13-15)
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4: 3-4)
Very popular among the masses (including non-believers), Pope Francis is very adept in saying/doing what is politically correct. He is popular with Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Protestants, Jews, Islamic leaders, and non-believers.
In an effort to unite people in “peace” is Pope Francis simply saying what the world wants to hear? Jesus Christ was (and is) not politically-correct. He was in this world but not of this world. The very name of Jesus Christ is still divisive. Since when did the name of Jesus Christ (and his teachings) become acceptable to the world?
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5: 11)
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15: 18-19)
Christians are to demonstrate God’s love to others. We are to speak the truth in love – but we must speak truth. Pope Francis’s message is about love but is he also speaking truth? Under the auspice of teaching “love” is he distorting the “truth”?
Jesus Christ warned his disciples that the world would hate them just as the world hated him. If Pope Francis is a disciple of Jesus Christ and is teaching the truth about Jesus Christ, why does the non-Christian world embrace and love him?
Why is Pope Francis teaching an insidious doctrine that sounds familiar but is not Biblical — and attempts to diminish Jesus Christ?
References of quotations:
- http://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-francis-in-interview-with-famous-atheist-identifies-worlds-most-serious-evils-calls-proselytism-nonsense-105754/#HDEv4KCbUOaz8dvH.99
- http://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/10/01/news/pope_s_conversation_with_scalfari_english-67643118/?refresh_ce
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/pope-francis-good-atheists_n_3320757.html
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/pope-francis-evolution_n_6057378.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis
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