A Brief Defense of Indulgences
The word ‘indulgence’ is a very familiar term of history, known ambiguously even by non-religious to be connected with the Church's ‘corrupt extortion of the poor so that they may pay for the forgiveness of sins and enter heaven’ as they imagine. This however, is far from true, for an indulgence does not forgive one's sin, nor can possibly do so since (as we see with the Jubilee indulgence) it takes place after the Sacrament of Penance by which a Catholic receives absolution for all his sins. I will demonstrate the true teaching of indulgences, it's biblical foundation, and it's foundation in Christian antiquity
Saved by Faith Alone? What the Catholic Church Actually Teaches
Many accuse the Catholic Church of teaching a 'works-based' salvation, but this is a misunderstanding. The Church explicitly condemns such a notion. Sadly, some Catholics unintentionally fuel this misconception by claiming salvation depends on both faith and works—a misrepresentation of Church teaching. Let’s cut through the noise and look at what the Church truly says about justification and the role of faith and works. By examining the teaching of Ecumenical Councils, Popes, Doctors, and Sacred Scripture, we’ll clarify this issue for Protestants seeking truth and Catholics seeking to defend their faith.
Christmas: A Catholic Tradition
The culture of America from the end of November to the beginning of the New Year revolves around Christmas. From putting up a Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving (and not taking it down until January), to hanging up your stockings and waiting eagerly for the jolly St. Nick to fill them up with all sorts of goodies, even to the word ‘Christmas’ itself. Americans can thank Catholics from the time of Christ to the present for all of the staples of Christmas festivity. Let us dive into the most popular Christmas traditions and discover their Catholic roots.
The Doctrine of ‘Scripture Alone’ Refuted
Sola Scriptura is the doctrine, first put forward by the Protestant reformers, which says that Scripture is the only infallible rule of faith…Often, Sola Scriptura is simply assumed by ordinary Protestant Christians and goes completely unexamined and unquestioned, but today I will demonstrate why it is false.
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Thomas J. Swanson
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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James P. Alkire
WRITER
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Garyn Wells
CONTRIBUTOR