#14 The Facts On Roman Catholicism
 

14. Can the differences between Catholics and Evangelicals be set aside?
 

    In 1994 prominent members of Protestant and Catholic churches wrote and endorsed "Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium.@ Emphasizing Christian unity and tolerance, this document minimized the differences between Roman Catholicism and traditional Christianity to the point that Catholic doctrine could be interpreted as minor variances to biblical teachings:
 

First. . .we are Evangelicals and Catholics affirm that opportunity and means for growth in Christian discipleship are available in our several communities. Second, the decision of the committed Christian with respect to his communal allegiance and participation must be assiduously respected. Third, in view of the larger number of non-Christians in the world and the enormous challenge of our common evangelistic task, it is neither theologically legitimate nor a prudent use of resources for one Christian community to proselytize among active adherents of another Christian community...Also to be rejected is the practice of comparing the strengths and ideals of one community with the weaknesses and failures of another...
 

    Although the document acknowledges several major differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, it goes on to say:
 

These differing beliefs...should be honestly presented to the Christian who has undergone conversion. But again, his decision regarding communal allegiance and participation must be assiduously respected...[He is] ultimately responsible to God, and we dare not interfere with the exercise of that responsibility.
 

    The Protestant signers of the document seem to be saying that as long as people acknowledge God and His Son Jesus, it doesn't matter what they believe or practice. The fact that Rome Catholicism teaches the need for a pope and priests to intercede on behalf of the people; the Church is the only entity that accurately interprets Scriptures; Mary should be prayed to and is essential to salvation; and the pope infallibly represents and speaks for God appears inconsequential!
    As we've pointed out, there are critical differences between Catholicism and traditional Christianity. But still the convergence of these two belief systems is subtly promoted. "As the 1996 Charlotte Crusade held by Evangelist Billy Graham, the decision cards of 1700 Catholic responders to his invitation to commit their lives to Christ were given to the local Catholic Diocese for follow up.@ As much as we respect and appreciate Billy Graham's ministry, it's not spiritually productive that seekers of biblical truth would be guided to the Catholic Church for godly advice and teaching.
    This is not to say that the Catholic Church is devoid of genuine Christians - there are many. The real question, though, is one of commitment to biblical truth and the importance of spiritual growth based on it. The issue then becomes, "Can Christians remain in the Catholic Church without compromising their faith and/or their spiritual growth?@
  We can hardly say that God would never allow Christians to remain in the Catholic Church in order to lead others to personal faith in Christ. But in order to do so effectively, these believers have to be thoroughly informed on the issues, weighing them carefully, resolving not to partake in practices or to accept doctrines that are not biblical. Further, we would suspect that for the vast majority of Christians in the Catholic Church, acquiring such discernment may necessitate a lengthy absence from Rome.
    Thus, we think it prudent for Catholics who receive Christ as their personal Savior to find a place where they can receive biblical teachings and Christian fellowship that will encourage their commitment to Christ and His Word alone. Once grounded in those beliefs, a program of closer ministry to Rome may be possible.
 

John Ankerberg & John Weldon