Reflections on the Pope
Is the New Testament information regarding Peter consistent with the image of the pope? Do the Scriptures teach that the church of Jesus Christ was founded upon the apostle Peter?
Pope Issues Apostolic Letter on 24th Anniversary of His “Petrine Ministry”
On October 16, 2002, John Paul II celebrated the anniversary of his 24th year of service as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. News commentators compared this lengthy tenure with that of Peter himself! In this week’s Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses the alleged connection between the apostle Peter and the man who now claims to be the apostle’s modern successor.
Who Is Paul’s “Man of Sin”?
Who is the sinister “man of sin” mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2?
Was Peter the “Rock”?
In an article published sometime back, we denied that Peter was the “rock” upon which Christ built his church, as alleged by Roman Catholicism. A kindly critic objects to this position. Wayne Jackson discusses the matter further.
The Little Horn of Daniel’s Sea-beast
Exactly who, or what, was this infamous “little horn”?
A New Edict from the Vatican
This editorial discusses the recent Vatican affirmation regarding the “primacy of Peter.”
John Tetzel’s Indulgences
The practice of selling “indulgences” is a part of Catholicism’s sordid history. This week’s Penpoints deals with an amusing incident in the ministry of John Tetzel, one tragic character in this apostate movement.
What Is Sola Scriptura?
The expression sola scriptura is a Latin term that reflects the affirmation that the “Scriptures alone” constitute the source of sacred revelation for the Christian age. A well-known Roman Catholic spokesman disputes this proposition. This article responds to his arguments.
The Pope Ignites a Controversy
Benedict XVI, the current “pope” of the Roman Catholic Church, recently ignited a firestorm of controversy by reaffirming the oft-made church claim that salvation is found exclusively in the Roman Church.
Peter Vs. the Papacy
The literature of the Roman Catholic Church makes the claim that the apostle Peter was the original Pope, and the earthly “head” of the Church. Do the apostle’s personal writings sustain this view? Read this week’s Penpoints article for a discussion of this issue.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 — The Falling Away
This context has been the subject of great controversy. What exactly is th “falling away” and who is the “man of sin”?
The Roman Catholic – Lutheran Peace Treaty
On October 31, 1999 in Augsburg, Germany, representatives of Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism met to sign a “peace treaty” of sorts.
Teresa’s “Miracle” En Route to “Sainthood”
According to recent news reports, “Mother” Teresa, the deceased Catholic nun, is on the fast-track toward “sainthood” — a process that usually takes many years. A claim is now being made that the departed “sister” has performed a miracle from the grave.
Is the Shroud of Turin Real or Fake?
The controversy concerning the so-called “Shroud of Turin” comes and goes. Is this piece of cloth, so venerated by the Roman Catholic Church, really the burial shroud of Jesus?
Catholic Professor Protests
In 2003, we published a review of Dr. Thomas West’s book, Jesus and the Quest for Meaning. West is a Professor of Theology at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. In our review, we censured Professor West for his unorthodox ideas relative to the resurrection of Christ. The Professor has vigorously protested our essay. As a courtesy to him, we are publishing his letter of protest, and our response to the same.
The Two “Beasts” of Revelation 13
In Revelation 13, John sees a vision of two beasts—one arising from the sea, another from the earth. What do these images represent?
False Teaching Regarding Mary
This article discusses the false doctrine of the “immaculate conception” of Mary, mother of Jesus.
The Beasts of Revelation 13
Congregational Autonomy: Not a Shield for Error
The Scriptures teach that each congregation of the Lord’s body is under self-rule, but with limitations. Sadly, some do not recognize these limitations and jeopardize their fidelity to sound doctrine.
The Bible Doctrine of Sanctification
The term “sanctification” is used rather loosely in the community of “Christendom.” What does the Bible really teach about this important theme?