Welcome to the Weekend Roundup! – News & Views – 8/20/22

• Pope Francis on the Assumption: Mary ‘Rekindles Hope in Us … Shows Us That Heaven Is Within Reach’

The feast (or solemnity) of the assumption of Mary was this past Monday, August 15th. It is one of RC-ism’s most important celebrations on its official calendar and a “holy day of obligation,” a day in which Catholics are normally required to attend mass under threat of mortal sin. However, the U.S. Council of Catholic bishops declares, “When this Solemnity falls on a Monday or Saturday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.” Hmm, how convenient. RC-ism declares as “binding dogma” (must be believed under threat of eternal damnation) that Mary was conceived as sinless (immaculate conception) and was necessarily assumed bodily into Heaven either before or immediately after her death (popes haven’t yet ruled which scenario is the correct one). All of the above is anti-Biblical hogwash.

• In synod reports, US Catholics call for women’s leadership, LGBTQ welcoming

Pope Francis is utilizing this two-year, church-wide “synodal” initiative to get input from the dissatisfied laity as a basis for future progressive “reforms.”

• What Makes Catholics Different From Other Christians?

The unknowledgeable author of this article misguidedly assumes Catholics are Christians and proceeds to point out some of the secondary doctrinal differences dividing Catholics and Gospel Christians, but he misses the prime difference. Roman Catholicism teaches a false gospel of salvation by sacramental grace and merit while Gospel Christianity proclaims the genuine Good News! Gospel of salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

• A ‘non-binary’ Joan of Arc? Theater’s spin on Catholic heroine stirs backlash

The nuns at my Catholic parochial school presented Joan of Arc (1412-1431) to us children as an exemplary heroic saint. Evangelical ecumenist, Eric Metaxas, shamefully included Catholic Joan as an exemplary Christian woman in his book, “7 Women and the Secret of their Greatness.” It’s interesting that pro-English Catholic bishop, Pierre Cauchon, had Joan declared a heretic and burnt at the stake while pro-French bishops later rehabilitated her. Why the ecclesiastical discord? The Vatican claims its bishops “are the authentic teachers of the faith, endowed with the authority of Christ,” yet they were diametrically opposed in the case of Joan of Arc. It’s notable that Joan is now being presented as a “non-binary” hero by some.

• Having a personal relationship with Christ and being Catholic? Yes, both are possible — and necessary

RC-ism has adopted some evangelical parlance, like “having a personal relationship with Christ,” while continuing to teach its false gospel of salvation via sacramental grace and merit.

• Global ratio of Catholics per priest growing more imbalanced

The RCC teaches its priests are absolutely essential to Catholics’ salvation as alter Christus (other Christs) and in persona Christi (in the place of Christ) in administering the sacraments. As the number of its priests continue to decline, the RCC will be forced to strategize as to how to respond to the challenge. Missing in all of this is genuine Gospel of salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

• Most Evangelicals don’t identify as Charismatic or Pentecostal, but 25% say they’ve spoken in tongues

I’m currently reading a book on the beginnings of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement in February 1967 and will offer a few thoughts on Pentecostalism/Charismaticism and glossolalia when I write the review.