Hmm...

I didn't feel like I was specific enough with my rant about Catholicism. Here goes.

Catholics have an interesting view called the afterlife, with three different types of people. The ones that make it, the ones that don't, and the ones that are stuck in the middle. They committed too many sins to be allowed a free entrance into heaven, and as such have to go through a cycle of repentance and penance. This is one such example of unbiblical doctrine. Jesus has died for all of our sins (Read John 3:16!). It doesn't specify who is or isn't qualified for heaven. In short, we're all too sinful to be in heaven, but God is great and loving and lets us in because He loves us.

Catholics also worship the Virgin Mary. I personally find this really quite theologically lopsided (the whole worship of a human part). I know it's special that she is the mother of God, but in short she was just a woman chosen by God to fulfil a role in Jesus Christ's life. But why worship her? In short, Mary is a good example of one who is a Christian. But we shouldn't go and worship this said person - it's borderline idolatry.

Also adding to the extreme confusion is the existence of a Pope, one who is in control of the Catholic church in Rome (and through history, there have been many who were corrupt). We know Christ reconciles us to God, not a 'man in a funny hat'. The pope, again, is an excellent example of how to live as a Christian, but Catholics generally take that to the extreme and again into the realms of borderline idolatry.

And lastly, they have a few more books in their Bible. The books of Tobit, Judith, 1-3 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch and Greek additions to Esther and Daniel. As I haven't studied these books, I can't offer my own insight into them. However, many protestants disagree with the doctrine taught in these books, but admit to their use in a liturgical sense.

In short, Catholicism is a pretty different kettle of fish.

Hope you guys liked the dust storm today :D. I didn't.