The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) claims that its involvement in politics and societal norms stems from a divine mandate to uphold moral truth and promote the common good. However, these justifications fall short when examined through the lens of Scripture. The Bible consistently emphasizes free will, individual accountability, and the separation of spiritual authority from worldly power, refuting the RCC’s claim to political dominance.
Scripture Affirms Free Will and Personal Responsibility
The RCC’s political involvement often imposes moral decisions on entire societies, undermining the biblical principle of free will. God has given each individual the ability to choose their path, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19:“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
By seeking to legislate morality through political influence, the RCC removes the element of choice that God grants to all people. Faith and obedience cannot be coerced; they must come from a willing heart. Revelation 22:17 emphasizes this:“And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
No institution, no matter how powerful, has the right to override this divine gift of free will by imposing its moral laws on society.
The Role of Christ as the Sole Mediator
The RCC bases its authority on the doctrine of apostolic succession, claiming that it continues the mission of the apostles. Yet the Bible makes it clear that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. 1 Timothy 2:5 declares:“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Let's look closer at apostolic succession:
The doctrine of apostolic succession, central to the authority claimed by the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), holds that the Pope and bishops are direct successors of the apostles and inherit their spiritual authority. However, this doctrine is both biblically and historically unfounded. A closer examination of Scripture, early Church practices, and historical realities reveals no basis for the hierarchical and political institution that the RCC claims to represent. Instead, the Bible emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable role of the apostles and the priesthood of all believers.
Biblically, apostleship was a unique role that could not be transferred. The apostles were specifically chosen by Christ to lay the foundation of the Church, a role that required witnessing His ministry and resurrection. Acts 1:21-22 makes this clear when Peter describes the qualifications for replacing Judas: “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”
Apostleship required firsthand experience of Christ’s ministry, something that no later figure, including RCC bishops and popes, could claim. Furthermore, the apostles were marked by miraculous signs to authenticate their ministry, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:12, which says, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” These signs were unique to the apostles and were never meant to be passed down.
The foundational nature of the apostles’ role is further emphasized in Ephesians 2:20, which states, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” A foundation is laid once and does not need to be relaid. The apostles’ work was completed with the establishment of the Church and the writing of Scripture. Claims of apostolic succession undermine this foundational truth by suggesting an ongoing transfer of authority that Scripture does not support.
Historically, the concept of apostolic succession collapses under scrutiny due to the timing and political landscape of the early Church. The idea of a Pope as the supreme head of the Church did not exist during the apostolic era. Early Church leadership was decentralized, with local churches led by elders and deacons rather than a singular, overarching figure. Titus 1:5 describes this model: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”
(Titus 1:5 shows Paul directing Titus to establish church leadership, with no mention of Peter's authority. This highlights the decentralized leadership of the early Church, refuting the idea of Peter as the sole head.)
The apostles themselves did not establish a perpetual line of successors, but instead focused on equipping local leaders to guide their congregations.
The first historical reference to the Bishop of Rome as having special authority comes much later, during the 4th and 5th centuries. It was not until Pope Leo I (440–461 AD) that the papacy began to assert itself as the supreme authority over the Church. By this time, the Roman Empire had already played a significant role in shaping Christianity into an institution aligned with political power. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD, under Emperor Constantine, granted Christianity legal status and entangled it with imperial politics. This political alignment created the conditions for the rise of the papacy, but it was a development rooted in human ambition and cultural circumstances, not apostolic command or biblical precedent.
The RCC’s claim to an unbroken apostolic succession is also disproven by historical gaps and schisms. The Western Schism (1378–1417) saw multiple rival Popes, each claiming to be the legitimate successor of Peter. At one point, there were three competing Popes, all excommunicating each other and dividing the Church. This period highlights the political and human nature of the papal office, as factions battled for power rather than maintaining a divinely ordained continuity. Similarly, during the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), the Popes resided in France under the influence of the French monarchy, further revealing the papacy’s political entanglements.
Additionally, the election of Popes through conclaves—a human voting process—undermines the idea of divine appointment. Unlike the apostles, who were directly chosen by Christ, Popes are selected through negotiations and votes by cardinals, often influenced by political agendas. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical precedent of Christ personally calling His apostles, as seen in Mark 3:13-14. The transient nature of the papacy, where each Pope eventually dies and must be replaced, also contradicts the eternal and unchanging headship of Christ over His Church. Christ alone is the Head of the Church, as stated in Colossians 1:18, and His authority does not depend on human succession.
The consolidation of papal power was also supported by forgeries and manipulations, such as the Donation of Constantine, a fraudulent document that claimed Emperor Constantine transferred authority over the Western Roman Empire to the Pope. This fabrication, used to bolster the papacy’s claim to temporal and spiritual supremacy, highlights the human, rather than divine, origins of the institution. Events such as the schisms and the manipulation of papal elections further discredit the idea of an unbroken and divinely guided lineage.
Christ is the sole Head of the Church, a fact that directly challenges the RCC’s claim that the Pope acts as His representative on Earth. Colossians 1:18 affirms, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Furthermore, Matthew 23:8-9 instructs believers not to elevate human leaders to divine status: “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” The RCC’s hierarchical structure, which elevates the Pope to “Holy Father,” is directly opposed to these teachings.
The Bible also teaches that all believers are part of a spiritual priesthood, eliminating the need for a distinct clerical class. First Peter 2:9 declares, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation.” This doctrine dismantles the RCC’s claim that its priests and bishops hold a unique spiritual authority. Instead, Scripture emphasizes the equality of all believers in Christ, who alone serves as the mediator between God and humanity, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
The RCC’s assumption of political and societal power suggests that it acts as an intermediary between God and the world, a role that the Bible explicitly denies to any human institution. By attempting to dictate societal laws and morality, the RCC usurps Christ’s unique position as the sole authority over spiritual and moral matters.
Misinterpretation of the “Common Good”
The RCC frequently invokes the “common good” to justify its political actions, but its understanding of this concept often aligns with its own interests rather than biblical teachings. While Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility, the Bible does not endorse centralized control over individuals’ choices in the name of the common good. Instead, Scripture emphasizes personal responsibility:“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12)
The RCC’s political influence frequently leads to the enforcement of policies that reflect its doctrine rather than the freedom of conscience that the Bible upholds. This approach undermines the common good by prioritizing institutional power over individual liberty.
Christ’s Kingdom is Not of This World
Jesus Himself rejected political power, making it clear that His mission was spiritual, not political. When questioned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus said,“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight” (John 18:36).
If Christ explicitly distanced His mission from worldly governance, how can the RCC claim that its political involvement reflects His teachings? The Church’s attempts to wield political power contradict the example set by Christ and the apostles, who focused solely on spreading the Gospel.
The Bible warns against the dangers of religious institutions aligning with political power. This union often leads to oppression and corruption, as seen throughout history. Matthew 23:4 describes how religious leaders burdened the people:“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders.”
The RCC’s influence over societal norms, from issues like war to personal morality, mirrors this tendency. By imposing its doctrines through political means, the Church replaces the liberating truth of Christ with the yoke of human traditions, contrary to Galatians 5:1 :“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
The RCC’s Political Involvement Contradicts God’s Free Will
The RCC’s control over societal norms or global issues contradicts God’s gift of free will. James 1:14-15 explains that sin arises from personal choices, not external coercion:“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
God holds individuals accountable for their actions, not institutions. By attempting to dictate societal behavior, the RCC undermines this principle and positions itself as a moral dictator, not a spiritual guide.
Free Will: A God-Given Right
From the very beginning, God granted humanity the freedom to choose. Deuteronomy 30:19 declares: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” This foundational principle underscores that faith and obedience must come from a voluntary decision, not from coercion or institutional pressure. Similarly, Revelation 22:17 proclaims: “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” God’s invitation to salvation is open and free, requiring a personal response, not the enforcement of religious dogma.
The RCC’s involvement in political and societal systems undermines this God-given free will. Historically, it has imposed its doctrines through alliances with governments, the enforcement of mandatory sacraments, and its influence over laws that dictate personal morality. By doing so, the Church replaces individual responsibility with institutional control, directly opposing the biblical principle that faith must come from the heart. Ecclesiastes 12:14 reminds us: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” This verse underscores personal accountability to God, not to a man-made religious hierarchy.
The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) teaches that the sacraments are essential for salvation and that willfully rejecting them can lead to excommunication. This formal exclusion from the Church’s community and sacraments is seen as a disciplinary measure intended to encourage repentance and a return to communion with the Church. According to the Church’s Code of Canon Law, rejecting the sacraments breaks one’s unity with the Church. Canon 205 emphasizes that full communion with the Church requires adherence to the sacraments, while Canon 915 states that excommunicated individuals cannot receive Holy Communion.
The Council of Trent reinforced this stance, declaring that the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation and condemning those who deny their importance. Phrases such as “let him be anathema” were used to describe those who reject sacraments like the Eucharist or Baptism, signifying both condemnation and exclusion.
The RCC’s Illegitimate Priesthood
The RCC’s claim to authority rests on the doctrine of apostolic succession, yet this claim collapses under biblical scrutiny. The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that the Old Testament priesthood was fulfilled and replaced by Christ Himself. Hebrews 7:27 declares: “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.”
Christ’s sacrifice was final and sufficient, rendering the need for a mediating priesthood obsolete.
Furthermore, Scripture teaches that all believers are part of a spiritual priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 states: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation.” This verse dismantles the RCC’s hierarchical structure, which elevates priests and popes to positions of spiritual dominance. The Bible teaches that all believers are part of a royal priesthood. This directly challenges the RCC’s claim that only ordained priests can fulfill spiritual roles, emphasizing instead the equality of all Christians in serving God.
Hebrews 7:27“Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.”
The sacrificial system and the Old Testament priesthood were fulfilled in Christ’s one-time, perfect sacrifice. The continuation of a priestly system, as practiced by the RCC, contradicts the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.
Hebrews 10:12 “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”
The concept of priests offering sacrifices in the form of the Mass undermines the completeness of Christ’s finished work.
Matthew 23:8-10 “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.”
Jesus explicitly rejects hierarchical titles and distinctions among His followers. By elevating priests, bishops, and the Pope to positions of spiritual authority, the RCC contradicts this teaching.
Ephesians 3:12 “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
Through faith in Christ, believers have direct access to God. This negates the need for a priestly intermediary, as the hierarchical system suggests.
John 14:26“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Believers are guided by the Holy Spirit, not by a human priesthood. The Spirit’s role as teacher underscores the sufficiency of God’s provision for His people.
If the RCC’s priesthood cannot be substantiated by Scripture, its involvement in shaping political and societal norms becomes even more questionable. Without legitimate spiritual authority, its attempts to dictate laws and societal behaviors lack divine sanction and amount to overreach.
The Danger of Human Institutions Claiming Divine Authority
The RCC’s vast wealth and influence stand in stark contrast to the simplicity of the Gospel. Jesus Himself warned against exalting human institutions.
This hierarchical model fosters control rather than freedom, burdening individuals with works, traditions, and rituals that obscure the truth of salvation by grace through faith. Galatians 5:1 warns: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
The RCC’s imposition of societal norms through political influence mirrors the legalism Paul condemned. Instead of pointing people to the liberating truth of Christ, it ensnares them in a system of human traditions and rules.
The Bible consistently warns against the blending of spiritual authority with political power. When religious institutions wield political influence, the result is often oppression and corruption. The RCC’s historical alliances with empires and governments exemplify this danger. From the medieval Inquisitions to modern attempts to influence secular policies, the Church has repeatedly overstepped its boundaries. Such actions conflict with the biblical principle of personal responsibility before God. Romans 14:12 states: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Salvation and moral decisions are matters between the individual and God, not the purview of religious institutions or popes.
In conclusion, isn’t it time for the RCC to step back from political matters, especially if we truly live in a secular society?
Psalm 118:8 reminds us: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” The time has come for the RCC to step back from politics and embrace the simplicity of the Gospel it claims to represent.
If the RCC seeks to be the true Church of Christ, it must abandon its worldly ambitions and return to the biblical principles of faith, grace, and individual accountability to God. Only then can it align itself with the teachings of Scripture and the will of God.
The Roman Catholic Church’s attempt to dictate issues such as what individuals do with their bodies or broader societal concerns has no biblical foundation. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes human free will and personal responsibility before God, a principle that the RCC undermines through its overreach.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” While this passage calls for personal accountability in honoring God, it does not give any religious institution the authority to dictate personal bodily decisions. This responsibility lies solely between the individual and God.
Furthermore, the Church’s involvement in societal norms goes against the biblical principle of separation between divine authority and human governance. Luke 20:25 teaches, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.” This verse underscores the distinction between spiritual matters and political or societal concerns, a boundary the RCC has historically blurred. By seeking to control laws and influence governments, the Church oversteps its biblical mandate, acting more as a worldly power than a spiritual guide.
Matthew 6:24 "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
2 Corinthians 4:4 "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
James 4:4"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
The Roman Catholic Church’s deep involvement in political affairs, its vast accumulation of wealth, and its alignment with worldly powers demonstrate a troubling allegiance that contradicts its claim to represent Christ. The Bible clearly states that one cannot serve both God and the god of this world, Satan. By entangling itself in the systems of this world, the RCC aligns itself with the very powers Christ resisted when Satan offered Him all the kingdoms of the earth in exchange for worship. Its actions prove that it is not serving the God of Heaven but has instead become a servant of the god of this world. It is time to critically examine whether the RCC’s influence reflects the teachings of Christ or the ambitions of worldly dominion. Matthew 6:24 reminds us: “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
So which is it?
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