Monday, September 24, 2007

COST OF LAVISH LIVING SOARS, THE RICH HIT


Rich hit as cost of lavish living soars


Mon Sep 24, 2007 2:57pm EDT



By Douwe Miedema

ZURICH (Reuters) - Prices for luxury goods rose twice as quickly as consumer prices this year, a study found, showing the jet set need even more to fund their lavish lifestyle.


Forbes's Cost of Living Extremely Well Index (CLEWI) -- which measures the price of a basket of luxury goods -- rose by 6 percent in the year to August 2007, Forbes said, more than twice the U.S. consumer inflation rate.


"The bottom line is, if you have money and you want to spend it you're going to spend it," said Scott DeCarlo at Forbes.


"A normal consumer may pull back, but if you're buying any of these items I don't think the cost of inflation will have any effects," he also said.


The CLEWI has risen at twice the pace of consumer inflation in the last 30 years. The index stood at 772 points in 2007, while the U.S. consumer price index was at 365. Both series started at 100 in 1976.


The number of millionaires and billionaires worldwide is rising rapidly. A study by Cap Gemini showed they held $37.2 trillion in total wealth at the end of 2006.


Soaring prices for oil and other commodities, healthy global economic growth, and the rise of a new affluent middle class in emerging economies in Asia and Eastern Europe are all reasons to explain why cash is flowing in.


The wealth bonanza has caused demand for luxury goods to soar, pushing prices to previously unheard of levels.


A Shanghai resident recently bought a Hermes crocodile-skin bag for 1.6 million yuan ($213,100), Hermes said in June, equivalent to 65 times the city's average annual wage.


And the Cap Gemini study this year noted the success of $150 million apiece wide-body private jets that are so comfortable they function as mobile mansions.


In the Forbes index several items showed double-digit price rises compared to a year ago.


A catered dinner serving 40 at Ridgewells, Bethesda, Maryland, rose by a third to $9,795, representing the index's heftiest price rise. A yearling race horse from championship lines is $710,247, up 14 percent.


A Russian sable fur coat from Maximilian at Bloomingdale's cost $225,000, up 18 percent, while a facelift at the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery rose 17 percent to $17,000.


But the standard fee for 45 minutes with a psychiatrist in New York's Upper East Side is unchanged at $300 for 45 minutes, one bright spot for those in despair over rising prices.






UP TO 100,000 CANADIAN LAYOFFS FROM STRIKE

UPDATE 1-Up to 100,000 Canadian layoffs seen from GM strike

"Our car plants will be impacted almost immediately," Buzz Hargrove, President of the Canadian Auto Workers Union said. (CP PHOTO/Nathan Denette)

Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:43pm EDT

100,000 Canadians could be idled by General Motors U.S. strike: Hargrove

TORONTO - Tens of thousands of workers at General Motors of Canada and in the Canadian auto parts industry are being hit by the impact of the strike against GM in the United States, Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove said Monday.

"It's not inconceivable that by the end of this week we could have anywhere between 80,000 and 100,000 people unemployed - mostly in Ontario, some in Quebec - as a result of the dispute," Hargrove said.

The walkout by 73,000 United Auto Workers members, with the UAW saying talks are hung up on job security, originates in the automaker's effort to shift the pain of "unfair" imports onto workers, Hargrove said.

And he indicated he suspects GM will take a similar approach in negotiations with its Canadian workforce next year.

"Our car plants will be impacted almost immediately," Hargrove told a news conference about 2 1/2 hours after the U.S. union's walkout began, saying 17,500 GM Canada workers stand to be affected.

General Motors Canada spokesman Stew Low declined to be specific about a shutdown schedule, saying it was largely business as usual Monday and "we're going to work to keep running absolutely as long as we can, and we'll just take that on a day-by-day basis."

Hargrove said GM Canada's No. 1 car plant in Oshawa, east of Toronto, will stop producing Chevrolet Impala sedans early Tuesday morning, and the No. 2 Oshawa plant, assembling the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Allure, will shut down at the end of Tuesday's day shift. Those two plants employ 5,600 people.

The 3,900-worker Oshawa truck plant, he said, has enough parts to keep building Silverado and Sierra pickups for about three days.

The assembly plants are affected by shortages of parts delivered on a just-in-time basis from GM in the U.S.

Meanwhile, GM's 1,400-worker transmission factory in Windsor, Ont., has already closed and Hargrove said a 3,200-employee powertrain-components plant in St. Catharines, Ont., will soon wind down because of lack of U.S. demand for their output.

Hargrove estimated as many as 40,000 people at independent parts producers could be laid off "within the next few days" if the GM strike continues. He said there are 80,000 workers in the Canadian parts sector and GM buys about half of their production, while thousands of other jobs could be affected in spinoff effects at companies dealing with GM and the parts makers.

Canada's largest car-parts maker, Magna International (TSX:MG.A) said it is hopeful GM will return to normal quickly, but "depending on the length of the strike, Magna International may be required to suspend the supply of parts to General Motors."

Given the tough talk from UAW president Ron Gettelfinger, "I think this thing's going to drag on for a while," Hargrove said.

"I don't know how long at this point. That'll become more clear over the next few days."

He said the UAW bargainers put in an "incredible effort," but "General Motors appears to be saying to the UAW - and probably to us next year - that . . . they're going to try to make the UAW members and their families and communities pay" for the troubles caused by foreign competition.

Hargrove said imports from Japan, Korea and Europe account for one-quarter of the North American auto market, and another quarter is held by vehicles assembled in North America by offshore-based companies.

Auto industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers said the impact of the U.S. strike will ripple through the entire North American auto sector.

DesRosiers said GM needs wage and benefit rollbacks to compete with Asian automakers, as he estimates GM's labour costs are $25 an hour above those at Toyota and Honda.

The strike "suggests that at least General Motors is prepared to take a little harder line than they have historically," said Chris Piper, a business professor at the University of Western Ontario.

"The good news short-term is that GM may be able to work its inventory down, so it won't be too costly."

Looking ahead to the expiry of the CAW's contracts next September, Hargrove said the strong Canadian dollar is a concern, but this is offset by Canada's "huge advantage" over U.S. plants in health-care expenses and laid-off-worker costs.

"Our problem is not UAW bargaining: our problem is imports, imports, imports, market share loss, market share loss, and lack of recognition by (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper and (Finance Minister Jim) Flaherty that we have a major crisis in our industry."

He said laid-off GM workers are entitled to Employment Insurance payouts plus a supplementary layoff benefit, totalling about 65 per cent of their normal pay after a one-week waiting period.



Source: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5isySDQ6TVyU7UZt0d8GeGvHPHMSg

Sunday, September 23, 2007

WHAT'S THAT SIGN?

A SIGN

MCDONALD'S CEO'S

THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A.


KEITH WANN AN ASL PERFORMING ARTIST
MANUELA RUDA AT VAMPIRE TRIAL IN GERMANY
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS SIGN VISIT:

DOCTOR CLAIMS POPE WAS EUTHANIZED




Report: Doctor Claims Pope Was Euthanized



Sunday , September 23, 2007


FC1


An intensive care specialist in Italy says that Pope John Paul II may have been euthanized after refusing a feeding tube while he was ill, Time magazine reported Friday.


In an article published in the bi-monthly Italian magazine MicroMega, Dr. Lina Pavanelli argues that the pontiff’s April 2, 2005 death was what the Catholic Church would consider euthanasia, Time reported. She came to the conclusion using her own expertise, media reports and a book written by the former pope’s physician.


Click here to read the Time magazine report.


When the pope’s health began to decline, the failure of doctors to insert a feeding tube would have accelerated his death, Pavanelli wrote. But she believes doctors explained John Paul II’s situation to him and that he may have refused the feeding tube himself.


The article, titled “The Sweet Death of Karol Wojtyla,” appears in the latest edition of the Italian magazine which has often scrutinized the Vatican’s view of bioethics, Time reported.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297743,00.html

UNMASKING CATHOLICISM



Hundreds of Protestant pastors are converting to Catholicism. Evangelical pastors are promoting Catholic mysticism. Protestant ministers are turning into Catholic apologists. Rome’s ecumenical strategy is working well.

Official documents from the Second Vatican Council show that Rome’s goal is to bring all Christians back into the Catholic Church. The Vatican wants to undo the Protestant Reformation.


Unmasking Catholicism reveals what is hiding behind Rome’s modern, ecumenical mask. It presents complex subjects in a clear, straightforward manner that is easy to understand. It confronts troubling issues with compassion and objectivity.

This book is thoroughly documented. In addition to source books, it gives references to hundreds of Internet articles and pictures. You can check them out for yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Come explore the world of Catholicism, where grace can be “merited,” and people atone for their sins by doing penances. We will travel through history and meet some fascinating people (both good and bad). And we will look at some official Catholic documents that show a surprising side of the Catholic Church.

If you used to be a Catholic, there is an appendix that was written just for you. It will be a balm for your soul.

Please click here to begin reading the book!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Ann Collins entered the convent because she wanted to be close to God. She gradually realized that some Catholic doctrines are contrary to Scripture. She left the convent and became a Protestant Christian, and she finally found the relationship with God that she had been seeking all along.
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Source: http://www.unmaskingcatholicism.com/index.shtml#Home
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A LETTER TO TIMOTHY (OF C.S.A.)


A letter to TIMOTHY of Christian Apologetics Society.
Thanks for visiting my Blog, and posting two comments; I thought your observations were valid, and I published your comments. My blog only exists to dispel error, and to uphold and promote the truth as it is revealed in The Holy Bible.
Here are some that facts that may evade you:
1And God spake all these words, saying,

2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5Thou 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;

6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. EXODUS 20: 1-11.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Above are just three minor (major) points you fail to acknowledge or recognize in your adherence to doctrines and traditions of men: such as those of the famous Origen or Chrysostom. The sure word of the Holy Scriptures (Sola Scriptura for those of the Latin inclination) demonstrate that The Father is grieved by error by choice, or by design! The Lord Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ are not subject to any human traditions. They created men and not 'vice versa'. Jesus founded a Church on the Earth; Not the Sanhedrin, not the Orthodox Church. It was the Church of his followers, the ones in the 'upper room'. The ones that were persecuted and slaughtered for their beliefs. Many by the Romans, and its descendant Roman Catholic Church. Are we to honor men or God? Traditions or revelation? Truth or a reasonable facsimile thereof?

Isaiah 44:5-10 (King James Version)

5One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

6Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

7And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

9They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

10Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

***
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. Hosea 4:17


You may also want to read John 5:39; Jeremiah 29:13; Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 65: 1-6; Isaiah 48: 4,5...
You decide, Timothy. We need not question who Mary Ann Collins is; But, is her message straight forward and precise? The truth speaks for itself; That is something many people are not. They reveal themselves by aliases an pseudonyms; And espouse traditions of men, instead of biblically verifiable facts!
If you would like to verify the veracity of this person, perhaps you should contact her @ MaryAnnCollins@juno.com.
Arsenio,
Maranatha.

MARY WORSHIP

MARY WORSHIP?
A Study of Catholic Practice and doctrine
by Mary Ann Collins (A Former Catholic Nun)
July 2001
INTRODUCTION

Jesus said that the truth will set us free. (John 8:32) However, He did not say that the truth would necessarily be easy to accept. It was painful for me to learn the information that I am about to share with you, but it was also liberating and it led to a closer relationship with God.

As a faithful Catholic, and later as a nun, I practiced Mary worship for many years without realizing it. The prayers and practices were so familiar. They were taught to me by good people, sincere people that I trusted. I prayed rosaries and wore a scapular and engaged in other “devotions” which I honestly thought were good and pleasing to God. Because of my lack of knowledge of the Bible and of Church history, I honestly had no idea that I was actually worshipping Mary.

If modern Catholic teachings and doctrines about Mary are true, then they will not be contrary to Scripture, the writings of the Early Fathers, or the decrees of past popes. For a devout Catholic to question these issues and put them to the test can be painful. It certainly was for me. However, it would be far more painful to have God correct us when we face Him on Judgment Day.

LETTING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SPEAK FOR ITSELF

I believe in letting people speak for themselves. Therefore my primary sources about Catholic doctrines and history come from the Catholic Church.

First and foremost is the official Catechism of the Catholic Church which was written for the purpose of summarizing the essential and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It was approved by Pope John Paul II in 1992 and the English translation was released in 1994. The latest English edition was printed in 2000. Most of my other sources are either practicing Catholics or else former Catholics whose approach is loving and respectful and who have thoroughly documented their work.

When I cite the Catechism I will give paragraph numbers rather than page numbers. I will summarize what it says. If you want to see the paragraphs for yourself, there are two web sites with search engines for the Catechism. (Their addresses are given in the Notes.) You can search by topic or by paragraph number. [1]

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

If you really want to understand Catholic teaching in the light of Scripture and the history of the Catholic church, then I strongly recommend reading the following two books. The authors are former Catholics who love and respect Catholics. They are gentle and respectful in their approach. (See the Bibliography for information about these books.)

The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing Catholic Tradition and the Word of God, by James G. McCarthy. This book is easy to read, well documented, objective, and gentle. It is a comprehensive guide to Catholic beliefs, based on Catholic sources. It examines Catholic teachings in the light of Scripture.

The Church of Rome at the Bar of History by William Webster. This book compares modern Catholic doctrines with the teachings of the early Church.

For a good overview of Catholicism, I recommend the video Catholicism: Crisis of Faith. A friend of mine said that in one hour, this video gave him a better understanding of Catholicism than he had received from a college course on the subject. This video is gentle and respectful. An annotated transcript is available on‑line. (Information about videos follows the Bibliography.)

WILL THE REAL CATHOLIC CHURCH

PLEASE STAND UP?

When I was in the convent, our mother superior told us about Catholics in Mexico who, in their devotion to Mary, were doing things that we would only do when worshipping God. We were concerned about this. We considered this practice to be unusual and unbalanced. We thought that the American practice of Catholicism was the true thing. However, many years later I realized that if you want to know what something really is, then look at how it behaves when it is in a position of power. In America, Catholics are in the minority. To see the true spirit behind Catholicism, watch what the Catholic Church does in countries where it is in power.

One place where the Catholic Church is strong is Spain, which is known for the Spanish Inquisition. I always thought that the Inquisition was ancient history. However, the last official Spanish execution for heresy occurred in 1826. A schoolmaster was hanged because he substituted the phrase “Praise be to God” in place of “Ave Maria” (“Hail Mary”) during school prayers. [2]

I always thought that abuses of power by the Catholic Church were something that happened long ago. However, look at the following example from the Philippines, where the Catholic Church is strong.

Beginning in 1948 there was a series of apparitions of Mary in the city of Lipa. These apparitions were sometimes accompanied by showers of rose petals and other supernatural phenomena. They occurred in a convent. The local bishop personally experienced a shower of rose petals and thereafter supported the apparitions. The media mocked the supernatural events in Lipa and street vendors sold phony “holy rose petals.” In response to the bad publicity, the Vatican sent a Papal Administrator to take over the diocese where the apparitions occurred. He replaced the bishop and the mother superior. The nun who saw the apparitions was forced to leave the convent. The nuns were ordered to destroy all materials associated with the apparitions, including a statue. The convent was sealed and the nuns were not allowed to talk to anyone outside the convent. An official Commission of Inquiry was convened, which unanimously ruled that the apparitions were not valid. However, they did not interview anybody who had personal, first-hand knowledge of the events. Several of the bishops who were part of the Commission of Inquiry stated on their deathbeds that the Papal Administrator had forced them to sign the verdict by threatening to excommunicate them if they did not sign it. [3]

After years of no longer being a Catholic, I attended a Catholic funeral. When I went into the church something hit me hard. It had always been there, but I had never noticed it before because I was used to it. There were statues of Mary and the saints. They looked solid, real, as if they represented people of power. Jesus only appeared as a helpless baby in Mary’s arms, as a dead man nailed to a cross, and as little wafers of bread hidden inside a fancy box. Visually and emotionally the message was very clear ‑- if you want real power, if you want someone who can do something for you, then go to Mary and the Saints.

DEVOTION TO MARY

If you want to see what a person's real priorities are, then watch what they do when their life, or the life of a loved one, is in danger. When Pope John Paul II was shot, while the ambulance was rushing him to the hospital, the Pope was not praying to God or calling on the name of Jesus. He kept saying, over and over, “Mary, my mother!” Polish pilgrims placed a picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa on the throne where the Pope normally sat. People gathered around the picture. Vatican loudspeakers broadcasted the prayers of the rosary. When the Pope recovered, he gave Mary all the glory for saving his life, and he made a pilgrimage to Fatima to publicly thank her. [4]

Jesus said, “[W]here your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34) Some statues of Mary have real crowns made of gold. The web sites listed in the Notes show pictures of statues of Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Lourdes wearing crowns. [5] The statues in the pictures are replicas, and their crowns are ceramic and painted gold. But the crowns on the original statues at Fatima and Lourdes are real crowns made of real gold.

Vast sums of money are spent on some special statues of Mary. For example, the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar in Saragossa, Spain has a crown made of 25 pounds of gold and diamonds, with so many diamonds that you can hardly see the gold. In addition, it has six other crowns of gold, diamonds and emeralds. It has 365 mantles which are embroidered with gold and covered with roses of diamonds and other precious stones. It has 365 necklaces made of pearls and diamonds, and six chains of gold set with diamonds. [6]

In Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, preparations are underway to construct a huge statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. Inside the base of the statue there will be chapels, conference rooms, apartments, a food court, and radio and TV stations. There will also be observation decks. This statue will be part of a 500-acre “Mystical City” complex. According to an article in Caribbean Business, this statue “will top at 1,500 feet”. According to an article by the Associated Press, the statue will be 305 feet high. [7] The discrepancy in numbers can be explained by looking at the Statue of Liberty, which is a 151 foot statue on top of a 154 foot base. Some sources say that the Statue of Liberty is 305 feet high (which includes the height of the base) and some say that it is 151 feet high (which is the height of the actual statue). What we probably have in Sabana Grande is a 305 foot statue with a 1,200 foot base.

I have personally participated in American processions which honored Mary. We walked through the streets following a statue of Mary which was carried on a platform, high up where it was clearly visible. We sang songs in Mary’s honor. We prayed rosaries and other prayers to her. These were small processions. At Fatima, Portugal, crowds of over a million people gather on the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The celebration includes a procession of a million people following a statue of Mary and singing her praises. [8]

One popular prayer in Mary’s honor is the Hail Holy Queen, which is known in Latin as the Salve Regina. It is traditionally included as part of praying the rosary.

For Catholics who are reading this, please try to overcome your familiarity with this text and really look at the words. Doesn’t this sound like worship?

“Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping, in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.”

Alfonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) was a principal proponent of the Marianist Movement, which glorifies Mary. He wrote a book entitled The Glories of Mary which is famous, influential and widely read. In this book, de Liguori says that Mary was given rulership over one half of the kingdom of God; Mary rules over the kingdom of mercy and Jesus rules over the kingdom of justice. De Liguori said that people should pray to Mary as a mediator and look to her as an object of trust for answered prayer. The book even says that there is no salvation outside of Mary. Some people suggest that these views are extreme and not representative of Catholic Church teaching. However, instead of silencing de Liguori as a heretic, the Catholic Church canonized him as a saint and declared him to be a “doctor of the Church” (a person whose teachings carry weight and authority). Furthermore, his book is openly and officially promoted by the Catholic Church, and his teachings have influenced popes. [9]

Pope Benedict XV said of Mary that “[O]ne can justly say that with Christ, she herself redeemed mankind.” [10] Pope Pius IX said, “Our salvation is based upon the holy Virgin... so that if there is any hope and spiritual healing for us we receive it solely and uniquely from her.” [11]

A lay movement called “Vox Populi” (“Voice of the People”) gathers signed petitions to send to the Pope, seeking to have him officially declare that Mary is Co‑Redemptrix. Over six million signatures have been sent to him, representing 138 countries and all seven continents. This doctrine is supported by over 40 cardinals and 600 bishops worldwide. [12]

The Catholic Church exalts Mary as an idealized, larger-than-life, perfect mother. However, the Bible shows that at one point Mary misunderstood Jesus’ calling to the point that she thought He was insane and she tried to prevent Him from doing what God wanted Him to do. Look at Mark 3:20-34.

“And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.’” (Mark 3:20-21, emphasis added)

The New International Version says “His family”. The New King James Version says “His own people.” The King James Version says “his friends”. According to Strong’s Greek/Hebrew Dictionary the Greek word has a variety of meanings, including “kinsmen”. However, we don’t have to depend on the exact meaning of the word here because it will be made clear in verse 31. Strong’s defines “lay hold on” as “to use strength, i.e. seize or retain”. It defines “beside himself” as “become astounded, insane”.

Verses 22 through 30 describe a confrontation between Jesus and the scribes. Then we get back to what is happening with the people who thought that Jesus was out of His mind and were so concerned that they were coming to “lay hold on him” (seize him).

“There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35, emphasis added)

CATHOLIC DOCTRINES ABOUT MARY

COMPARED WITH WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

My sources for this section are the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which has numbered paragraphs. For the sake of simplicity and brevity, I will just say Catechism plus the number of the paragraph (s). For example, “Catechism 411, 493” means “Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs numbered 411 and 493”.

For each doctrinal category, I will indicate the Catholic doctrine, followed by the appropriate references from the Catechism. I will follow this with quotations from the Bible which relate to the doctrine. For the sake of clarity, I will emphasize some portions of Biblical quotations by using boldface type. The last book in the Bible is called “The Book of Revelation” in Protestant Bibles and “The Apocalypse” in Catholic Bibles. I will refer to it as “Revelation”.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION -- Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin from the first instant of her conception. (Catechism 490-492).

In Luke 1:46-47, Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour”. Mary knew that she needed a savior.

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was first introduced by a heretic (a man whose teachings were officially declared to be contrary to Church doctrine). For centuries this doctrine was unanimously rejected by popes, Fathers and theologians of the Catholic Church. [13]

ALL-HOLY ‑- Mary, “the All-Holy,” lived a perfectly sinless life. (Catechism 411, 493)

Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. Revelation 15:4 says, “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy”. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one”.

Jesus is the only person who is referred to in Scripture as sinless. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 1 Peter 2:22 says, Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth”.

In contrast, Mary said that God is her Savior. (Luke 1:47) If God was her Savior, then Mary was not sinless. Sinless people do not need a Savior.

In the Book of Revelation, when they were searching for someone who was worthy to break the seals and open the scroll, the only person who was found to be worthy was Jesus. Nobody else in Heaven or on earth (including Mary) was worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it. (Revelation 5:1-5)

PERPETUAL VIRGINITY ‑- Mary was a virgin before, during and after the birth of Christ. (Catechism 496-511)

Matthew 1:24-25 says, “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” “Till” (until) means that after that point, Joseph did “know” (have sexual relations with) Mary. (See Genesis 4:1 where Adam “knew” Eve and she conceived and had a son.)

Jesus had brothers and sisters. The Bible even tells us their names. Matthew 13:54-56 says,

“And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hatch this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?”

Other Scripture verses which specifically refer to Jesus’ brothers are: Matthew 12:46; John 2:12; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; and Galatians 1:19.

I was always taught that “brothers” and “sisters” were general terms that really could refer to any kind of kinsman, including cousins. This is true in the Hebrew language. However, the New Testament is written in Greek, which is an extremely precise language. It makes a clear distinction between the words used to describe family relationships. There is a Greek word which refers to people who are relatives but not of the immediate family, such as aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. There are other Greek words which refer specifically to a person’s brother or sister within a family. [14]

MOTHER OF GOD ‑- Because she is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus is God, therefore Mary is the Mother of God. (Catechism 963, 971, 2677).

The Incarnation means that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. Mary was only the mother of Jesus as man, and not the mother of Jesus as God. According to the Bible, the world was created through Jesus. This was long before Mary was born. Hebrews 1:1-2 says,

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds”.

Colossians 1:16-17 says,

“For by him [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things [including Mary] were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things [including Mary] , and by him all things consist”.

John 8:58 says, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus existed before Abraham was born. That means that He also existed before Mary was born. In John 17:5, Jesus says, “And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” So Jesus existed even before the world began. Jesus came first ‑- not Mary.

MOTHER OF THE CHURCH ‑- Mary is the Mother of the Church. (Catechism 963, 975).

Acts 1:13-14 gives a picture of a group of people praying together. Mary is mentioned as one of them, but nothing indicates any special prominence.

“And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Phillip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”

Mary was probably in the Upper Room when the tongues of fire fell upon the 120 disciples. However, she is never mentioned again in the Book of Acts, which is our only historical record of how the Church was born. She is also not specifically identified in the epistles. Paul did send greetings to “Mary”, but that was a common name. (In the Gospels and in the Book of Acts, she is referred to as “Mary the mother of Jesus” to distinguish her from other women named Mary.)

It is notable that John, who took Mary into his home after Jesus was crucified, does not mention her in his epistles, and he only mentions her on two occasions in his Gospel (the wedding at Cana and the crucifixion of Jesus). John mentions Mary Magdalene more than he mentions Jesus' mother.

ASSUMPTION ‑- At the end of her life, Mary was taken up (“assumed”) body and soul into Heaven. (Catechism 966, 974)

There is no biblical reference to the assumption of Mary. The Gospel of John was written around 90 A.D., which is more than 100 years after Mary was born. (Surely Mary was more than ten years old when Jesus was conceived.) If Mary had been supernaturally assumed into Heaven, wouldn’t John (the disciple that Mary lived with) have mentioned it? When Enoch and Elijah were taken up to Heaven, the Bible recorded it. With Elijah it was recorded in some detail. (See Genesis 6:24 and 2 Kings 2:1‑18.)

The Assumption of Mary was officially declared to be a dogma of the Roman Catholic faith in 1950. This means that every Roman Catholic is required to believe this doctrine without questioning it. However, as we will see, the teaching of the Assumption originated with heretical writings which were officially condemned by the early Church.

In 495 A.D., Pope Gelasius issued a decree which rejected this teaching as heresy and its proponents as heretics. In the sixth century, Pope Hormisdas also condemned as heretics those authors who taught the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary. The early Church clearly considered the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary to be a heresy worthy of condemnation. Here we have “infallible” popes declaring something to be a heresy. Then in 1950, Pope Pius XII, another “infallible” pope, declared it to be official Roman Catholic doctrine. [15]

CO-MEDIATOR ‑- Mary is the Co-Mediator to whom we can entrust all our cares and petitions. (Catechism 968-970, 2677)

There is only one mediator and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Hebrews 7:25 says,Wherefore he [Jesus] is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Ephesians 3:12 says, “In whom [Jesus} we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

If Jesus is constantly interceding for us and He is able to save us “to the uttermost,” (utterly, completely) then He doesn’t need Mary’s help. If we can approach God with “boldness” and “confidence” because of our faith in Jesus, then we don't need Mary’s help either.

QUEEN OF HEAVEN ‑- God has exalted Mary in heavenly glory as Queen of Heaven and earth. (Catechism 966) She is to be praised with special devotion. (Catechism 971, 2675)

Psalm 148:13 says, “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” This makes it quite clear that only God’s name (not Mary’s) is to be exalted. (In Catholic Bibles the numbering of the chapters and verses of some of the Psalms is slightly different.)

When people tried to give Mary special honor and pre-eminence because she was His mother, Jesus corrected them.

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:27-28)

In chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation, we are given a quite detailed picture of Heaven. God is seated on the throne, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures. The Lamb (Jesus) is standing in the center of the throne. Thousands upon thousands of angels circle the throne, singing God's praises. And Mary is not in the picture at all.

COMPARING CATHOLIC TEACHINGS ABOUT MARY

WITH MODERN GODDESS WORSHIP

Goddess worship is not ancient history. It is going on today. It is practiced in Wicca and a variety of modern pagan religions. (Wicca is a religion based on witchcraft. It involves goddess worship, rituals and spells.)

The credibility of goddess worship has been increased through its acceptance by university professors and its incorporation into textbooks. Wiccan doctrines are being promoted in publicly funded, accredited colleges and universities. Nursing school textbooks are overtly promoting goddess worship, including textbooks written by the National League for Nursing (an accrediting agency for nursing schools). [16]

The following table compares the Mary of Roman Catholic theology and religious practice with the Biblical portrayal of Mary and with the goddess which is worshipped by Wiccans and modern pagans. My information about Wicca comes from the book Wicca: Satan's Little White Lie by Bill Schnoebelen (who was the high priest of a Wiccan coven before he became a Christian), the World Book, the on-line version of The Encyclopedia Brittanica, and numerous web sites. [17]

BIBLICAL MARY

CATHOLIC MARY

THE GODDESS

Humble and obedient. Calls herself “the handmaid of the Lord.”

The Pope officially gave Mary the title “Queen of Heaven” and established a feast day honoring Mary, Queen of Heaven.

Wiccans call their goddess the “Queen of Heaven”.

Knew she needed a savior: “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:47)

“Immaculate Conception” (Mary was conceived sinless, without original sin) and “All-Holy” (Mary lived a sinless life).

Goddesses don't need salvation. They make the rules.

Normal wife and mother who had other children.

“Perpetual Virginity” (Jesus' brothers and sisters are considered to be cousins).

Goddesses don't have human children.

No biblical evidence that Mary didn't die like a normal person.

“Glorious Assumption” (Mary was bodily taken up into Heaven).

Goddesses don't die.

Jesus told John to take Mary into his home and take care of her as if she was his own mother.

Catholics are the adopted children of Mary. “Woman behold your son” (John 19:26) is taken to apply literally to every Catholic.

Witches are the adopted, “hidden children” of the Queen of Heaven.

Normal woman.

Sometimes pictured standing on a crescent moon, wearing a crown or with a circle of stars around her head.

Moon goddess.

Normal woman.

Supernatural (apparitions accompanied by miracles and healings).

Supernatural.

Points people to Jesus. Mary said, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:5)

Can make Jesus do things. A full page newspaper ad showing Mary and Jesus says, “He hasn't denied her anything in 2,000 years. What would you have her ask Him?” This is not official Catholic doctrine but it is a widespread attitude which is encouraged by pious literature.

Points to herself.

Wants to be worshipped.

Knew that she needed a savior. (Luke 1:47)

Apparitions of “Mary” have promised that if people wear certain objects (such as a Scapular or Miraculous Medal) or say certain prayers then they are guaranteed to go to Heaven. The Catholic Church has not officially approved of these practices, but it has also not discouraged them.

Invoked to make supernatural things happen through witchcraft (the use of special objects and special verbal formulas).

Goddesses don't need a savior.

Source: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/mary_worship_a_study.htm