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The Cost of Power and Control

Writer's picture: Michelle HaymanMichelle Hayman

Updated: Oct 3, 2024




It’s baffling how the Roman Catholic Church, without clear biblical authority, has positioned itself as the "mother church" and even associates itself with the Holy Land. The irony is that it was the very Roman Empire that played a direct role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. How can the Church continue to view itself with such reverence when history clearly shows that it was Pontius Pilate, a Roman governor, who ultimately made the decision to have Christ executed, not the Jews?


Yes, Pilate may have bowed to the pressure of the crowd, but he was still the one in power, representing Roman authority. To continue pointing the finger of blame at the Jewish people for hundreds of years is not only unfounded but also unjust. The Roman Empire, under the leadership of its emperor, was responsible for Christ’s death. The fact that this narrative has been so twisted and manipulated shows how easily lies can be woven into the fabric of history.


What’s more alarming is how this misinformation has fueled anti-Semitism within the Roman Catholic Church. One stark example is the 1555 papal bull Cum Nimis Absurdum, issued by Pope Paul IV, which severely restricted Jewish rights. And as a cardinal, Paul IV was notorious for burning Jewish books, further displaying this deep-rooted prejudice. Even Pope Gregory XIII declared that the Jewish guilt for Christ’s death grew "deeper with successive generations, entailing perpetual slavery." How is this consistent with any form of truth when it was Roman soldiers who mocked, beat, whipped, and ultimately crucified Christ?


The hypocrisy is undeniable. The Romans who drove the nails into Christ's hands are overlooked, while the Jewish people have been unjustly vilified throughout history. To rewrite this narrative and perpetuate such distortions is not only wrong, but deeply disturbing.


Do Catholics even learn about the passages in their own Bible that pertain to Revelation? In particular, there are verses that warn about the consequences of Rome's transgressions against God's prophets and saints, detailing the perversions and abominations that occur in this so-called "holy city." The scriptures clearly state that, for these crimes, Rome will face destruction. It's alarming to consider how little emphasis is placed on these teachings in the context of the broader Catholic education.


Why is it that many Catholics do not engage with the teachings of Christ directly? The answer is surprisingly straightforward: the Vatican has a vested interest in maintaining its wealth and power, often at any cost. Rather than encouraging believers to read and interpret the Scriptures for themselves, the Vatican tends to act more like a political institution than a spiritual one. This results in a system where church leaders can control the narrative and dictate what is taught, often prioritizing the preservation of their authority over the direct teachings of Christ.


This situation raises critical questions about the genuine spiritual formation of Catholics. If the faithful were to explore the Scriptures on their own, they might discover powerful messages of accountability and repentance, particularly regarding the actions of those in authority. The reality is that the teachings of Jesus, which focus on love, humility, and truth, often stand in stark contrast to the behaviors exhibited by some leaders within the church. This disparity highlights the need for a more transparent and direct engagement with Scripture, encouraging believers to seek the truth in the Word of God rather than through the filtered lens of ecclesiastical power.


For example, the Roman Catholic Church continues to assert that baptism is essential for salvation, but this belief conflicts with the teachings found in the Book of Acts. In Acts 19:2, the Apostle Paul asks the disciples in Ephesus,

"Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" To this, they reply, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."


In Acts 19:3, Paul further probes: "Unto what then were ye baptized?" They respond, "Unto John's baptism." This reference clearly indicates that they had undergone water baptism. However, despite this outward ritual, they had not received the Holy Spirit. This raises a critical question: If they were baptized with water yet had not experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, why does the RCC persist in teaching the necessity of baptism for spiritual salvation?


This disparity points to a crucial truth: the experience of the Holy Spirit is essential for genuine spiritual life. The emphasis on rituals like baptism should not overshadow the necessity of seeking a true encounter with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it is this transformative experience that empowers believers, providing a deeper connection to their faith and a more profound understanding of God's presence in their lives.


In Revelation 18:7-8 (KJV), we read about the future destruction of "Babylon", a city of moral and spiritual corruption. The verses state:


“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.”


These verses powerfully illustrate the arrogance and self-glorification of Babylon, which ultimately leads to its downfall. This raises an important question: How can the Roman Catholic Church continue to claim the title of the "mother church" when its practices may echo the very qualities that Jesus condemned in the Nicolaitans?


In the early church, the Nicolaitans promoted a false doctrine that encouraged Christians to compromise their faith with pagan customs, particularly in the realms of sexual immorality and idolatry. Today, the Church has faced significant scrutiny due to scandals involving the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, which raises concerns about the integrity of its leadership. The persistent issues of abuse and misconduct reflect a troubling disconnect from the teachings of Christ.


Revelation 2:6 (KJV) states: "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."


Furthermore, the veneration of saints and the use of statues in worship can be seen as a form of idolatry that strays from the core tenets of Christianity. These practices resemble the very compromises that Jesus condemned, yet the Church continues to uphold them as part of its tradition. This contradiction between the teachings of Christ and the practices of the Roman Catholic Church poses a significant challenge for believers seeking authentic faith.


It is essential to reflect on what it truly means to follow Christ. If the Church is to be a beacon of truth and righteousness, it must distance itself from practices that echo the glorification of Babylon. True discipleship doesn't involve adherence to man made rituals but a commitment to living out the principles of the Gospel, which call for purity, integrity, and a genuine relationship with God. In light of this, the claims of the Catholic Church to be the mother church warrant serious reevaluation, especially in light of the values and behaviors it currently embodies.


Equally frustrating is the Roman Catholic Church's denial that it worships saints and statues. The term "venerate," as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, means to revere or worship.



In Revelation 22:7, Jesus proclaims:

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”


This declaration underscores the importance of adhering to His teachings and prophecies. Given this emphasis, it raises an important question: Why has the Second Commandment, which explicitly forbids the worship of idols, seemingly been altered to allow for the continued veneration of statues and images within the Roman Catholic Church?


This inconsistency becomes even more perplexing when we consider the stark contrast between the lifestyle promoted by the Vatican and the teachings of Christ.

In Revelation 3:17, the Lord says,

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”


This verse serves as a powerful reminder that material wealth does not equate to spiritual health.


The Vatican, steeped in riches and opulence, stands in direct contrast to the humility and poverty that Christ exemplified. While Jesus emphasized the need for spiritual wealth over material possessions, the Church's focus on riches and grandeur raises serious questions about its priorities and alignment with the teachings of Jesus.


In light of these contradictions, it is crucial to examine the motivations behind the Church's practices and its approach to Scripture. The call to keep the sayings of Christ is clear, yet the persistence of idol worship and the embrace of wealth suggest a troubling divergence from the true essence of the Gospel. True discipleship requires a commitment to genuine faith and a rejection of materialism, urging believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys in the light of Christ’s teachings.


In Romans 16:17-18, the Apostle Paul writes:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”


This passage serves as a clear warning to believers to be vigilant against those who create divisions and offenses that contradict the teachings of Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the faith, urging followers to steer clear of individuals whose motives may be self-serving rather than centered on bringing people to Christ.


When church leaders engage in rituals, hierarchy, and institutional power this distracts from the ultimate goal of leading souls to salvation.


Paul’s admonition serves as a reminder for believers to remain discerning and to seek out those who genuinely uphold the teachings of Christ. When individuals in authority act out of self-interest, it is crucial for the Church as a whole to reevaluate its practices and to strive for true discipleship, where the focus is on serving others and bringing them closer to God rather than fulfilling personal ambitions.


Given the historical context, it is troubling to consider the number of popes who engaged in simony—the act of buying or selling ecclesiastical privileges—to secure positions for their illegitimate children within the papacy. The papacy’s militant wing, which sanctioned Holy Wars, is also responsible for numerous acts of violence and bloodshed throughout history. After all the atrocities committed in the name of the Church, it is perplexing that the Vatican now seeks to unite people under the banner of Christ. Why is that the case? Do the same differences that once justified violence and persecution no longer matter?


Revelation 17:6, it states: “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.”


This verse vividly depicts the Mother of Harlots, symbolizing a corrupt religious system, and highlights the grave consequences of her actions, particularly the persecution and killing of the faithful, which the Roman Catholic Church has done over so many years.


This raises uncomfortable questions about the Church's true intentions. For centuries, Protestant reformers and their followers faced persecution and even death at the hands of those in power within the Roman Catholic Church. The idea that these leaders now wish to reconcile with the very individuals they once targeted for annihilation is steeped in hypocrisy. In an era when the Church feels it is losing its grip on influence, the push for unity seems less about genuine reconciliation and more about restoring its dwindling power.


The lack of acknowledgment or apology for the violence inflicted upon Christ’s saints and prophets further illustrates the double standard within the RCC. The Church's actions suggest a reluctance to take responsibility for its past, instead opting to promote a narrative that seeks to rewrite history while disregarding the genuine pain and suffering it has caused.


In light of these inconsistencies, it becomes essential for believers to critically assess the motives behind the Church's call for unity. True reconciliation should not come at the expense of honesty or accountability. Instead, it must be rooted in a sincere commitment to healing the wounds of the past and ensuring that history does not repeat itself. It is crucial to foster an environment where the faith of all believers is respected, and the lessons of history inform a more compassionate and unified approach to faith in Christ.


Furthermore, the Church's historical use of figures like the perpetual virginity of Mary to bolster its claims to authority reflects a broader pattern of manipulation. The notion that Mary remained a virgin for life, despite the presence of Christ’s brothers and sisters as mentioned in the Gospels, appears to be an effort to elevate her status and, by extension, the authority of the Church.


Matthew 13:55-56: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?”


Acts 1:14:


“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”


Luke 8:19-21:


“Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.”


John 2:12:


“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.”


(It's important to note that His brothers (brethren) are distinct from His disciples)



In Revelation 19:3-11, we see a vivid depiction of God’s judgment and the triumph of Christ over evil, but it’s essential to look at the broader context of how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles, particularly Paul. The apostle Paul performed numerous miracles, including casting out devils and healing the sick, all through the power of the Holy Spirit working within him. His ability to perform these extraordinary acts was a direct result of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which allowed him to act as an instrument of God’s will.


In stark contrast, we notice that the chief priests, despite their high religious standing and authority, struggled to command the respect of the evil spirits. This lack of authority can be attributed to the fact that they were not filled with the Holy Spirit. The chief priests relied on their own power and position rather than the divine empowerment that comes from a genuine relationship with God.


This leads to an important question regarding the current leadership within the Roman Catholic Church: Do the popes, cardinals, or bishops exhibit the same miraculous gifts that the apostles did? For example, do they have the ability to heal the sick, cast out demons, speak in tongues, or prophesy? These questions are crucial when considering the authenticity of their spiritual authority.


(If they do not, the Bible foretells that they will soon usher in the beast, often referred to as the false prophet. This figure, empowered by the spirit of Satan, will perform miraculous signs and wonders, deceiving many into believing that he is the Messiah. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and not be misled by the initial appearance of this so-called savior. Instead, recognize that this is not the true coming of Christ but rather the manifestation of the devil incarnate, as prophesied in the Scriptures. The danger lies in the allure of these miracles and the charismatic nature of the false prophet, which may lead many astray from their faith and into deception. Staying grounded in the teachings of the Bible and maintaining discernment is essential to avoid falling prey to this deception).


Many people within the Catholic Church might argue that their leaders possess a different kind of spiritual authority, but it’s worth asking: What evidence do we see of the infilling of the Holy Spirit among them? The spiritual gifts exhibited by the apostles were clear signs of their divine commission and connection to God. In contrast, contemporary church leaders often seem more focused on tradition, rituals, and institutional authority rather than the dynamic, spirit-filled ministry that characterized the early church.


Ultimately, this discrepancy raises concerns about the nature of spiritual leadership in the RCC today. If the leaders are not demonstrating the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, one must question the source of their authority and the true essence of their mission. Are they truly leading people to Christ, or are they more concerned with maintaining the status quo of the institution? The call to reflect on these aspects invites a deeper exploration of what it means to be truly filled with the Holy Spirit and how that should manifest in the lives of those in spiritual leadership.



The issue of papal infallibility raises further significant questions, particularly when considering instances in which an infallible pope has condemned individuals who were later recognized as saints. How can one reconcile the concept of an infallible pope with the reality that such a pope could declare a saint a heretic or witch, ultimately leading to their execution? This contradiction is deeply troubling and highlights potential flaws in the doctrine.


Throughout history, several individuals were posthumously canonized as saints after being condemned by the Church during their lifetimes. Notably, figures like Joan of Arc, who was executed by burning at the stake in 1431, were initially deemed heretics. Despite her tragic end, she was later exonerated and canonized in 1920, revealing the complexities and contradictions within the Church's judgment.


Other examples include Hugh of Lincoln, who was accused of heresy in relation to the ritualistic murder of a child in the late 12th century, and Thomas Becket, who was murdered due to his conflicts with King Henry II over church versus state authority. Although Becket was revered as a martyr, the political machinations surrounding his death also raise questions about the Church's past decisions and the underlying motivations that may have influenced them.


Additionally, Catherine of Siena faced opposition and condemnation from various church leaders during her lifetime, yet she was canonized in 1461. Similarly, Peter of Verona and John Fisher are others who faced condemnation yet were later recognized as saints.


These cases illustrate a troubling paradox: how can the pope, claimed to be infallible in matters of faith and morals, have the authority to condemn individuals who, in hindsight, are recognized as holy and virtuous? This inconsistency undermines the credibility of the papal office and raises doubts about the validity of papal infallibility itself.


Is this the reason why the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, altered the wording of Revelation 17:6? Historically, the Roman Catholic Church has a dark legacy marked by the persecution of faithful Christians during the Inquisition. Many were murdered simply for refusing to submit to the authority of the Church. This troubling history raises an important question: did the decision to change the term "saints" to "holy people" stem from an effort to distance the Church from its past actions?


Revelation 17:6

KJB "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus


NIV "I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus"


By using the term "saints," the Church would be compelled to confront the uncomfortable truth of its actions, especially concerning the faithful it condemned and executed—those individuals whom it now claims to "venerate."

Identifying these individuals as "saints" could draw a direct line between them and the metaphorical "Babylon" described in the Bible, a city often associated with immorality and corruption.


The use of "holy people" in contemporary translations could serve to obscure this critical identification. It could be argued that this deliberate alteration allows the Church to avoid confronting the historical reality of its past, thereby permitting it to maintain a facade of purity and righteousness. If the faithful were to be acknowledged as "saints," it would force the Church to reckon with the blood on its hands and confront its historical actions against those who remained true to their faith.


In essence, the changes made to biblical language may be more than mere translation choices; they might reflect a deeper desire to reshape the narrative surrounding the Church’s past and present. The reluctance to fully acknowledge the implications of calling the faithful "saints" highlights the ongoing tension between the Church's teachings and its historical realities, inviting scrutiny and debate about the authenticity and integrity of its claims.



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