How Counterfeit Churches Devalue Christianity-Part I

tradition

Since the Protestant rebellion over 500 years ago, thousands of Christian denominations and sub-denominations have been established. The rebellion resulted in contradictions, divisions, and confusion that have haunted Christianity ever since. Conversely, we know from history, Sacred Scripture, and Sacred Tradition that Jesus Christ founded only one church and gave this single church his preeminent authority. The original church is the one Jesus Christ founded 2000 years ago; all others are counterfeit. This article will prove that Jesus founded one church, that it is the Catholic Church, and that all other churches devalue Christianity with their counterfeit nature.

Counterfeit Currency Analogy

When I was a Special Agent with the Secret Service, I and other agents received countless hours of instruction on every denomination of paper currency in circulation. We learned how these notes were made, their security features, size, density, and even the types of ink that were used. Only after gaining a thorough understanding of authentic notes, were we trained on identifying counterfeit currency. The reason for this was quite simple. We needed to know the original in order to identify the myriad counterfeit bills that were being manufactured and circulated. Counterfeit bills are not identical, and they all have something that makes them different from the original.

Additionally, counterfeit currency devalues true currency by diluting our monetary system with an inferior product. For example, let us imagine that the federal government caps the number of $50 denominations at 1000. At some point, 1000 counterfeit $50 bills make their way into circulation, resulting in 100 percent more $50 bills in circulation. A 100 percent increase in bills results in a 50 percent decrease in value because the federal government has backed only 1000 bills. If this activity were to go unchecked, prices for goods would rise to reflect the illegal injection of these bills. Therefore, commerce depends on reliable currency.

Similarly, when learning about Christ and his teachings, we need to know which church is the original and which are counterfeit, because salvation depends on reliable truths passed down from the beginning, preserved, and developed without error. Without this knowledge, we would receive versions of Christianity peppered with lies, watered-down, and devalued. We would consequently worship a type of Jesus Christ who is remade in man’s own image, which would result in a counterfeit Jesus. These counterfeit versions of Jesus would teach what man wants him to teach rather than what he really teaches, and counterfeit churches would falsely claim to preach and teach with Christ’s authority. Therefore, we need to know which Church Christ founded and infused with his preeminent authority.

Scripture on the True Church

In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus says,

And I tell you, you are Peter (meaning rock), and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Notice that Jesus says he will build his “church” not “churches.

He also says that whatever Peter binds or loosens on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. This authority, though subordinate due to Peter alone having the keys to the kingdom, was also transmitted to the other apostles (see Mt 18:18). Jesus, being God the Son, would have known that the Church he founded would bind and lose many things until the Second Coming. Therefore, God eternally preapproved everything this Church binds and loosens. Consequently, the truth must undergird this power; otherwise, binding and loosing would be built on lies. To say that the Church Jesus founded teaches lies is to say that God had no idea what this Church would teach, or that God predestined a Church ordered toward teaching lies. One position makes God ignorant, the other makes Him a liar.

Matthew 28:18-20 states,

And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.

First, “Go, therefore,” means Jesus is giving his apostles his authority. In other words, “Go in my authority.”  Within this authority, they were to teach all nations and baptize “to the close of the age.” The close of the age is not yet here. Therefore, Jesus has not withdrawn his authority from the Church he founded. Second, he instructs his Apostles to make disciples of all nations and to teach others everything he has “commanded” them. You cannot teach someone and direct them to obey unless you have authority. Third, Christ gave his Apostles authority to teach “all nations.” Since the Apostles would not be able to go to, much less teach all nations during their lifetimes, Christ’s authority extends to those selected to succeed them. If they did not select men to succeed them (cf. Acts 1:26), no one would have the authority to teach.

Think about a man walking into a high school classroom and teaching without first being hired and without permission from the school. What would happen? He would be removed because he never received authority to teach. This would happen in any institution. Christ gave authority to the Apostles to teach and to ordain successors to teach after them. When the Protestant forefathers (Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and King Henry VIII) broke away from the Catholic Church, they lost the authority to teach and remained without authority to appoint successors. Lack of God-given authority is one reason for the perpetual contradictions and divisions in Protestantism.

The Church Jesus founded, however, does not teach contradiction but exists in unity of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit. Interestingly, Matthew 28:18-20 shows church authority, unity, and succession. Acts 15:4-29 provides an excellent example of early church authority and unity. Hebrews 13:17 commands us to obey our spiritual leaders, which is precisely the opposite of what the Protestant forefathers did when they rebelled against Christ’s Church. Many other verses demonstrate the Church’s unity and authority, but we still need to show that the Church described in the aforementioned verses is the Catholic Church.

Acts chapters 9, 19, 22, and 24 mention “the Way,” which was the name of the early Christian community. Clearly, Saints Peter, John, Paul, and the other Apostles were leaders of the Way. With this in mind, read the below paragraphs and notice the connection between the Apostles and their successors. This connection is called apostolic succession, and the Church in which this connection continues to exist is the Catholic Church, aka the Roman Church, a title used in some of the below quotes.

In his Letter to the Roman Church, St. Paul says to the Roman Christians,

To all God’s beloved in Rome who are called to be saints….” “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world” (Ch. 1).

Scripture nowhere states that the faith of the Roman Church stopped being proclaimed throughout the world. In fact, when one looks at all the churches, one will notice there is no other church that comes close to the size and geographic presence of the Catholic Church (1.3 billion members, 197 countries). The Roman Church’s faith is truly “proclaimed in all the world.” In addition to Scripture, the Early Church Fathers had much to say about this Church (Below quotes from The Fathers Know Best by Apologist Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers Press, San Diego, 2010).

The Early Church Fathers

St. Ignatius of Antioch (Bishop), ordained by St. Peter and taught by St. John, said,

“Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop.” “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” “…the Church that is beloved and enlightened by the will of him that wills all things according to the love of Jesus Christ our God, that presides in the place of the Romans…” (A.D. 110).

The Roman Church was and continues to be Catholic.

St. Polycarp (A.D. 69-155) was a disciple of St. John and bishop of Smyrna. A letter titled the Martyrdom of Polycarp states,

Having through patience overcome the unjust governor, and thus acquiring the crown of immortality, he now, with the apostles and all the righteous [in heaven], rejoicingly glorifies God, even the Father, and blesses our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls, the governor of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world.

St. Irenaeus of Lyons, A.D. 189, bishop and disciple of St. Polycarp, argued, “…we confute all those who,…assemble in unauthorized meetings, by indicating those Traditions derived from the Apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious Apostles, Peter and Paul.”  “For it is a matter of necessity that every church agrees with this church (the one in Rome), on account of its preeminent authority, that is, the faithful everywhere, in so far as the apostolic Tradition has been preserved continuously by those [faithful men] who exist everywhere.” By refusing to agree with the Roman Church’s teachings, other churches separate themselves from authentic Christianity.

St. Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth under Pope Soter (A.D. 170), wrote,

From the beginning, it has been your practice to do good to all the brethren in various ways…, you Romans (meaning the church in Rome) keep up the hereditary custom of the Romans, which your blessed Bishop Soter has not only maintained, but added to, furnishing an abundance of supplies to the saints, and encouraging the brethren from abroad with blessed words, as a loving father his children.

Tertullian of Carthage (A.D 155-240), early Christian author, wrote in A.D. 200,

Where was [the heretic] Marcion, that shipmaster of Pontus, the zealous student of Stoicism? Where was Valentinus, the disciple of Platonism? For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago, in the reign of Antonius for the most part, and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherius….

These men were members of the Catholic Church but later spread heresies. The reason they were heretics was because they were Catholics who intentionally taught contrary to the teachings of the Church Christ founded.

Lastly, St. Hegesippus wrote,

And when I had come to Rome, I remained there until Anicetus (eleventh bishop of Rome), whose deacon was Eleutherius. And Anicetus was succeeded by Soter, and he by Eleutherius” (A.D. 180).

The early bishop/historian St. Irenaeus also verified the list of Rome’s early bishops. Note: J.N.D. Kelly’s, “The Oxford Dictionary of Popes,” traces the names and biographical information of all popes from St. Peter to today.

Other Early Church Fathers and historical figures who wrote about Roman Church’s preeminent authority include St. Cyprian of Carthage (A.D. 251), Firmilian of Caesarea (A.D. 255), Eusebius of Caesarea (A.D. 312), Pope St. Julius I (A.D. 341), Council of Sardica (A.D. 342), St. Optatus of Milevis (A.D. 367), St. Jerome (A.D. 376), Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381), St. Augustine (A.D. 411) and many others.

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27 thoughts on “How Counterfeit Churches Devalue Christianity-Part I”

  1. Pingback: Another Approach to Explaining Confession - Catholic Stand

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  4. My name is not Robert as you and I have never exchanged discussions before this one.
    And your snarky “Hmmm?” isn’t necessary.

    You stated: [“Additionally, Jesus already invited you to come into the Catholic Church.”]
    Biblically speaking, you are incorrect. We are invited to come to Him –Christ.
    You’ll have to explain “when” Jesus gave the invitation to come to the “Catholic” church for people raised in a Christian church since childhood.

    You keep addressing I am dodging your question, so I ask you now to state specifically what you wish for me to address. However, since you are now refusing to reply any further, that is your choice.

    Consider, though, others have also failed to join into your article due to your arrogance and unwillingness to have a fair discussion. Militancy seems a constant by Catholic converts or fallen away and returned Catholics. Such people are not good witnesses to draw others to faith in Christ Jesus. Your blog title is a perfect example.

  5. [“Protestantism was/is built on rebellion, lies, and perpetual division, a reality to which YOU are clearly blind. This is not an insult. It’s a fact; a fact you are not willing to address. If you don’t like this fact, leave Protestantism.”]

    Such a **welcoming** message for people to join your ONE TRUE CHURCH? Why should an Evangelical raised from childhood, devoted to Christ in his marriage, family and personal life bother with you?

    Is this what you tell RCIA candidates who are considering joining your parish and the Catholic faith?

    Nate, your arrogance is sinful pride which God hates the most. No doubt if fellow Catholics actually know your hateful attitude they wouldn’t even bother to offer the sign of peace to you before Eucharist is distributed at Mass.

    Many would consider you a modern day Pharisee whom Jesus had much loathing for.
    Please consider a self reflection of Matthew 5:20.

    1. 1st – Remove the log from your eye, and then we can discuss the apparent splinter in my eye. 2nd – My remarks only seem arrogant because they are critical of your man-made form of Christianity; a form I criticized in my article and a form you have failed to defend. 3rd – You sound like another responder named “Robert,” who uses many of the same words you do. Hmmmm? 4th – You cannot be taken seriously because you persistently and intentionally dodge arguments. 5th – Jesus told his disciples to go into towns and spread the gospel message and, if folks rejected the message, to shake the dust off their sandals in protest. He didn’t say to coddle them and hold them like a needy child until they acquiesce. Additionally, Jesus already invited you to come into the Catholic Church. Why do you need me to make you feel all warm and fuzzy? Finally, only the truth will set you free from the lies you have absorbed over the years. Thus, I hereby shake the dust of your comments off my sandals; the very sandals that destroyed your logically fallacious arguments. Feel free to reply. I won’t be reading anymore of your responses. May God help you.

  6. @Guyear Nathaniel: I will accept you are entitled to your opinion, however your view of who has integrity and who doesn’t is, IMO, very misguided. We can discuss the Diet of Worms and Leo X later.

    The larger problem is one you are blinded to. How is your accusation of all Reform churches as counterfeit charitable and in the Spirit of Christ? It’s not at any level. You are insulting all Christian people outside of Catholicism with such a remark. How successful and welcoming to the RCC do you think your label of counterfeit is to Evangelicals, other Non Denominational Christians or even Pentecostals?

    1. Protestantism was/is built on rebellion, lies, and perpetual division, a reality to which YOU are clearly blind. This is not an insult. It’s a fact; a fact you are not willing to address. If you don’t like this fact, leave Protestantism.

  7. @Guyear Nathaniel: That’s a hilarious remark “arguing against history and Scripture.”

    Once you educate yourself re the Dark Ages, the Church and the Reformers (long before Luther) we can then have a proper discussion. If you know anything of Wycliffe, Hus, Zwingli and the various Precursor doctrines it’s easy to see where Rome had gone sideways with not only history, –but Scripture. Especially so with Pope Leo X.

    BTW, please don’t bother to trot out your trophy wife of Scott Hahn as evidentiary. I’ve argued enough apologetics over his understanding of Scripture for several years. He’s a professional Catholic making a nice living off false teaching.

    1. I have read their criticisms. You’re dodging the argument. Like Protestantism, you lack integrity.

  8. @Guyear Nathaniel [“Finally, when Jesus admonished his apostles, he never said not to evangelize them or to withhold the Church he founded from them. “]

    And you are accusing me of creating a straw man? Please. What Jesus didn’t say is now the truth of your argument? Should we discuss the invented beliefs in Catholicism which are totally without biblical foundation?

    Jesus dealt with salvation in John 3, 4, 5 and 6. If you can’t understand the Gospel, I’d advise you spend more time reading. Your position of one being Catholic doesn’t mean you have the Pole Position like in the Indianapolis 500. It also doesn’t mean you are saved nor does it mean a Catholic has accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord.

    1. Your and other responders’ inability to argue against the history, Scripture, and logic of my article proves its veracity. Enjoy your counterfeit church. I’ll pray for you and other Protestants who are swimming in a sea of relativism.

  9. How many times have we read articles like this? Too many.
    Why not publish the 100+ anathema’s Rome declared from Trent for emphasis?
    Some of the most godly, Christ loving people I know are Evangelicals and this author has the nerve to say they belong to a counterfeit faith? All who believe are part of the Body of Christ.

    This article simply advances division among Christ followers and harms the body. Jesus dealt with the same nonsense this author is putting out when He had to admonish His own Apostles who were indignant that “others” were doing the work of Christ “and they are not part of us.” Seems this author suffers from WAY TOO MUCH Catholic pride.

    This author is a prime example of Converts and/or Catholics returning to the Catholic church are typically the most militant.

    1. “Too many” articles and yet you still don’t get the point. The point is that Protestant CHURCHES are counterfeit, not a Christian’s faith, which you erroneously assert. Please at least try to understand the article and then criticise. All you’re doing here is creating a straw man argument. Additionally, division has been advanced by founders of Protestant churches and this article simply points that out. It also invites Christians outside the true Church to leave their perpetually divisive human-made organizations and come into the Catholic Church. Also, Catholic pride is pride in Christ, the Founder of our Church. I’m sorry you don’t understand this.. Pray to the Holy Spirit for understanding of truth and you’ll see what millions of converts have already seen. Finally, when Jesus admonished his apostles, he never said not to evangelize them or to withhold the Church he founded from them. He merely told them not to stop folks who are doing good works in his name, which is completely different than your incorrect interpretation of this passage. God bless!

  10. I guess that the Orthodox Churches, called by Roman documents and popes “Sister Churches” are also counterfeit Churches?

    1. The last paragraph of Part II states, “I should briefly note that the Eastern Orthodox Churches have Apostolic origin and are, thus, authentic.” I’m not sure how you got counterfeit out of authentic.

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  12. Matthew 28 doesn’t say “teach all nations”. That’s a misreading of the text. The persons who are to be taught are the disciples that we have made and baptized. “Make disciples of all nations” means “make some disciples from this nation, some disciples from that nation, and some disciples from that other nation over there”. Those are the people who must be taught to observe all things that Christ has commanded. Jesus is giving the go-ahead for a multi-ethnic church.

    1. Thanks G! I appreciate your point and understand what you’re saying. However, the command to make disciples is without limit. For instance, Jesus didn’t say make “some” disciples, which is what you said above. Rather, the disciples were to make as many disciples as possible in all nations and teach them. Additionally, they could not make disciples without first teaching them about the faith. Therefore, they, and we who are members of the Church, must preach and teach all nations in order to make new desciples.

  13. This is not really helpful or even meaningful. Take Gregory of Narek. He did not live in visible union with the Church, but he has been proclaimed both a saint and a doctor of the Church; and it has been taught for quite a long time — well before Vatican II — that canonizations are infallible. See for example https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/canonizations-and-infallibility-4590.

    On the flip side, the Jesuits are (like other religious orders) something of a church-within-a-church; and you would be hard pressed to argue that today’s Society of Jesus is not counterfeit.

    It’s probably time to read Matthew 7 again. We are warned that on the Day of Judgement, there will surprises in both directions.

    1. As senseless as it is, thanks for the comment, Howard! I never said that only Catholics go to heaven. Gregory and other non-Catholics can go to heaven and, therefore, be saints. What I said is that Christ founded only one Church and gave only this one Church his preeminent authority. Your Gregory example actually proves my point, vis-à-vis the pope’s authority to canonize.

      The Jesuits are a religious order approved by Pope Paul III in 1540 and continues to be a Roman Catholic order.

      Please provide a coherent argument. Your rebuttals are neither helpful nor meaningful.

    2. Sorry, Nate, but in effect all you said was, “Uh-uh!”

      Oh well. Everybody’s got a blog nowadays. Most of them are not worth reading. Case in point.

    3. But you read it, Howard. I guess your hypocrisy, like your incoherent drivel, knows no bounds.

  14. I’m afraid I have to quote Olavus Petri, the Swedish reformer: “The important thing is not how old a thing is, but how right it is. The devil is old, but not on that account any better.”
    (Bergendoff, Olavus Petri…)

    1. Thanks for your reply, Bob! Please note that my argument does not appeal to the age of the Church per se. It appeals to Jesus Christ being its founder and his promise that the gates of hell will never prevail against it. It also appeals to Christian history, both biblical and extrabiblical. Your argument that something old is not necessarily right is both a red herring and an erroneous equivocation, both of which are logical fallacies. No kidding something old is not necessarily right. That could be said about anyone. For instance, I know you’re not right, right now. Your argument proves that you cannot respond with facts, and that’s all it proves. It is, therefore, apparent that you cannot provide a logical, fact-based argument against my article. It also conveys that you are not interested in truth but would rather throw out generalizations to sidestep facts. I’m going to give you some free advice about being a Christian: True Christians place truth above opinion because God is Truth, and we seek Truth no matter the cost. Truth is the highest good for which humans are made and, by loving truth, we seek to apply it to our lives in a loving way. We don’t tap dance around truth in an effort to protect dearly loved opinions. God bless!

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