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Steve Clifford March 24, 2006

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March 24, 2006March 24, 2006 Catholic Response to the LDS MissionariesCatholic Response to the LDS Missionaries 11

Catholic ResponseCatholic Responseto the LDS Missionariesto the LDS Missionaries

Steve CliffordSteve Clifford

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The Catholic ResponseThe Catholic Response

•• Faith and Reason are not diametrically Faith and Reason are not diametrically opposedopposed

•• Three legs to stand on:Three legs to stand on:–– Bible (historical accuracy, GodBible (historical accuracy, God--inspired)inspired)

–– Tradition (Early Church Fathers, consistency)Tradition (Early Church Fathers, consistency)

–– Teaching Authority (Apostolic Succession)Teaching Authority (Apostolic Succession)




Catholic ChurchCatholic ChurchThe Word of GodThe Word of God

•• Sacred ScriptureSacred Scripture (Holy Bible)(Holy Bible)–– The books (46 in OT and 27 in NT) which contain the The books (46 in OT and 27 in NT) which contain the

truth of Godtruth of God’’s revelation, composed by human authors s revelation, composed by human authors inspired by the Holy Spiritinspired by the Holy Spirit

•• TraditionTradition (capital (capital ““TT””))–– The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in

the Church (the oral preaching of the Apostles the Church (the oral preaching of the Apostles conserved and handed on as the deposit of faith conserved and handed on as the deposit of faith through the apostolic succession in the Church)through the apostolic succession in the Church)

•• MagisteriumMagisterium (teaching authority)(teaching authority)–– The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is

to give authentic interpretation of the word of Godto give authentic interpretation of the word of God


Catholic Plan of SalvationCatholic Plan of Salvation

•• Where did we come from?Where did we come from?–– ““The world was made for the glory of GodThe world was made for the glory of God……. .

The ultimate purpose of creation is that God The ultimate purpose of creation is that God who is the Creator of all things may at last who is the Creator of all things may at last become become ‘‘all in all.all in all.’’ ”” God wanted to make His God wanted to make His creatures share in His being, wisdom and creatures share in His being, wisdom and goodness. (CCC 293goodness. (CCC 293--295)295)

–– God created heaven and earth from nothing, by God created heaven and earth from nothing, by His word only; that is, by a single act of His allHis word only; that is, by a single act of His all--powerful will. (Baltimore Catechism, Question powerful will. (Baltimore Catechism, Question 33)33)




Catholic Plan of Salvation Catholic Plan of Salvation (Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Why are we here?Why are we here?–– ““God enables men to be intelligent and free God enables men to be intelligent and free

causes in order to complete the work of causes in order to complete the work of creation, to perfect its harmony for their own creation, to perfect its harmony for their own good and that of their neighbors.good and that of their neighbors.”” We enter into We enter into the divine plan by our actions, prayers and the divine plan by our actions, prayers and sufferings. (CCC 307)sufferings. (CCC 307)

–– We were made We were made ““to know, love, and serve God in to know, love, and serve God in this life, and be happy with him in the next.this life, and be happy with him in the next.””(Baltimore Catechism, Questions 3, 4, and 6)(Baltimore Catechism, Questions 3, 4, and 6)



•• Where are we going?Where are we going?–– ““Those who die in GodThose who die in God’’s grace and friendship s grace and friendship

and are perfectly purified live for ever with and are perfectly purified live for ever with ChristChrist……. Heaven is the ultimate end and . Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happinessstate of supreme, definitive happiness……. In the . In the glory of heaven the blessed continue joyfully to glory of heaven the blessed continue joyfully to fulfill Godfulfill God’’s will in relation to other men and to s will in relation to other men and to all creation. Already they reign with Christ; with all creation. Already they reign with Christ; with him him ‘‘they shall reign for ever and everthey shall reign for ever and ever’’ ““. (CCC . (CCC 1023, 1024, 1029)1023, 1024, 1029)





•• The Four Last ThingsThe Four Last Things–– DeathDeath (end of our earthly life)(end of our earthly life)–– JudgmentJudgment (by Christ)(by Christ)

•• Particular Judgment (each individual at the moment of death)Particular Judgment (each individual at the moment of death)•• General Judgment (all men on the last day)General Judgment (all men on the last day)

–– HeavenHeaven (Beatific Vision)(Beatific Vision)•• Directly if in a state of perfect holiness (without sin or reparDirectly if in a state of perfect holiness (without sin or reparation ation

due to sin)due to sin)•• Purgatory for those who die without perfect holiness (with veniaPurgatory for those who die without perfect holiness (with venial l

sins or reparation due to sin)sins or reparation due to sin)

–– HellHell•• Eternal state to which the wicked are condemned (without God)Eternal state to which the wicked are condemned (without God)


The Christian GodThe Christian God

•• There is only one GodThere is only one God–– Deut. 4:35, 6:4, 32:39; 2 Sam. 7:22; 1Kgs. 8:60; Ps. Deut. 4:35, 6:4, 32:39; 2 Sam. 7:22; 1Kgs. 8:60; Ps.

86:10; Is. 43:1086:10; Is. 43:10--11, 44:6, 8; 11, 44:6, 8; HosHos. 13:4; John 17:3; 1 . 13:4; John 17:3; 1 CorCor. 8:4; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17, 2:5; James . 8:4; Gal. 3:20; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17, 2:5; James 2:19; Jude 252:19; Jude 25

•• Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity -- One God in three PersonsOne God in three Persons–– Father, Son, and Holy SpiritFather, Son, and Holy Spirit–– God the Father is the first person of the Blessed TrinityGod the Father is the first person of the Blessed Trinity

•• God is SpiritGod is Spirit–– CCC 370; Num. 3:19; CCC 370; Num. 3:19; HosHos. 11:9; Col. 1:15. 11:9; Col. 1:15--16; 1 16; 1

Tim.1:17Tim.1:17




The Real Jesus ChristThe Real Jesus Christ

•• Jesus Christ is True God and True Man Jesus Christ is True God and True Man -- the the second person of the Blessed Trinitysecond person of the Blessed Trinity

•• Jesus is the eternal Son of GodJesus is the eternal Son of God–– He was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered crucifixion and He was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered crucifixion and

death, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, death, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and will come again in glory to judge the living and the and will come again in glory to judge the living and the deaddead

•• Jesus accomplished perfectly the divine mission of Jesus accomplished perfectly the divine mission of priest, prophet, and Kingpriest, prophet, and King–– Signified by his anointing as Messiah (Christ)Signified by his anointing as Messiah (Christ)


Christian Holy SpiritChristian Holy Spirit

•• Third Person of the Blessed TrinityThird Person of the Blessed Trinity•• Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, He is Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, He is

worshiped and glorifiedworshiped and glorified•• Also called the Also called the Paraclete Paraclete (Advocate) and Spirit of (Advocate) and Spirit of

TruthTruth•• The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the

Son from the beginning to the completion of the Son from the beginning to the completion of the divine plan for our salvationdivine plan for our salvation

•• No one comprehends the thoughts of God except No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 the Spirit of God (1 CorCor. 2:11). 2:11)




Christian View of ProphetsChristian View of Prophets

•• The age for new, publicly binding revelation is over The age for new, publicly binding revelation is over (Hebrews 1:1(Hebrews 1:1--2)2)

•• Christ is the fulfillment of the Scriptures (Luke Christ is the fulfillment of the Scriptures (Luke 24:44)24:44)

•• John the Baptist is the last (and greatest) of the John the Baptist is the last (and greatest) of the prophets (Luke 1:76, 7:26prophets (Luke 1:76, 7:26--28; Matthew 11:928; Matthew 11:9--13)13)

•• Scripture warns that there will always be false Scripture warns that there will always be false prophets presuming to speak for God prophets presuming to speak for God (Deuteronomy 18:20, 22; 2 Corinthians 11:12(Deuteronomy 18:20, 22; 2 Corinthians 11:12--15) 15)


Christian PrayerChristian Prayer

•• Catholics pray as the Lord taughtCatholics pray as the Lord taught–– The The ““LordLord’’s Prayers Prayer”” summarizes the Christiansummarizes the Christian’’s attitude s attitude

toward prayertoward prayer–– The The ““Our FatherOur Father”” teaches us to adore God publicly and teaches us to adore God publicly and

explicitlyexplicitly–– We are to ask for help in doing His willWe are to ask for help in doing His will–– We petition Him for forgivenessWe petition Him for forgiveness

•• The The ““Hail MaryHail Mary”” is another biblical prayeris another biblical prayer•• Through prayer the Christian experiences a Through prayer the Christian experiences a

communion with God through Christ in the Churchcommunion with God through Christ in the Church




Christian TestimonyChristian Testimony

•• Christ said the Christ said the ““truthtruth”” will set us free (John 8:32)will set us free (John 8:32)

•• Christ did not tell us to Christ did not tell us to ““feelfeel”” our way into his our way into his ChurchChurch

•• Jesus Christ is the Jesus Christ is the ““truthtruth”” (John 14:6)(John 14:6)

•• We are to seek Him (Matthew 7:7)We are to seek Him (Matthew 7:7)

•• Study, search his word in Scripture and the Study, search his word in Scripture and the ChurchChurch’’s teaching authority (Acts 17:10s teaching authority (Acts 17:10--11)11)

•• Listen to His chosen leaders for that is the same Listen to His chosen leaders for that is the same as listening to Him (Luke 10:16)as listening to Him (Luke 10:16)


Catholic AtonementCatholic Atonement

•• Our salvation flows from GodOur salvation flows from God’’s initiative of love for s initiative of love for us, because us, because ““he loved us and sent his Son to be he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sinsthe expiation for our sins”” (1 John 4:10)(1 John 4:10)

•• ““God was in Christ reconciling the world to God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfhimself”” (2 (2 CorCor. 5:19). 5:19)

•• Christ came Christ came ““to give his life as a ransom for manyto give his life as a ransom for many””(Mt. 20:28), that is, he (Mt. 20:28), that is, he ““loved [his own] to the endloved [his own] to the end””((Jn Jn 13:1), so that they might be 13:1), so that they might be ““ransomed from ransomed from the futile ways inherited from [their] fathersthe futile ways inherited from [their] fathers”” (1 Pet (1 Pet 1:18)1:18)




Catholic Atonement (Cont.)Catholic Atonement (Cont.)

•• By his loving obedience to the Father, By his loving obedience to the Father, ““unto death, unto death, even death on a crosseven death on a cross”” (Phil 2:8), Jesus fulfills the (Phil 2:8), Jesus fulfills the atoning mission (cf. atoning mission (cf. Isa Isa 53:10) of the suffering 53:10) of the suffering Servant, who will Servant, who will ““make many righteous; and he make many righteous; and he shall bear their iniquitiesshall bear their iniquities”” ((Isa Isa 53:11; 53:11; cf cf Rom 5:19)Rom 5:19)

•• For more information see the Catechism of the For more information see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 571Catholic Church, 571--630630


Catholic Christian BaptismCatholic Christian Baptism

•• Sacraments of Christian InitiationSacraments of Christian Initiation–– Baptism (the faithful are born anew)Baptism (the faithful are born anew)–– Confirmation (the faithful are strengthened by the Holy Confirmation (the faithful are strengthened by the Holy

Spirit)Spirit)–– Holy Eucharist (the food of eternal life)Holy Eucharist (the food of eternal life)

•• 3 Types of Baptism3 Types of Baptism–– Baptism of Water (ordinary means)Baptism of Water (ordinary means)–– Baptism of Desire (perfect contrition and implicit Baptism of Desire (perfect contrition and implicit

intention of fulfilling Godintention of fulfilling God’’s will for mans will for man’’s salvation)s salvation)–– Baptism of Blood (Martyrdom for the Catholic Faith or Baptism of Blood (Martyrdom for the Catholic Faith or

some virtue)some virtue)




Catholic Christian BaptismCatholic Christian Baptism(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign which cannot be repeatedsign which cannot be repeated

•• Bishop, priest, or deacon may baptize (ordinary Bishop, priest, or deacon may baptize (ordinary ministers)ministers)

•• In case of necessity, anyone, even a nonIn case of necessity, anyone, even a non--Christian, can baptize (with the required intention)Christian, can baptize (with the required intention)

•• Form Form –– Trinitarian baptismal formula (Mt. 28:19)Trinitarian baptismal formula (Mt. 28:19)

•• Matter Matter –– Water (triple immersion or pouring three Water (triple immersion or pouring three times over the candidatetimes over the candidate’’s head)s head)


Catholic Christian BaptismCatholic Christian Baptism(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• The one being baptized is:The one being baptized is:–– Cleansed of original sin (infant and adult)Cleansed of original sin (infant and adult)–– Cleansed of particular sin (after the age of reason)Cleansed of particular sin (after the age of reason)–– Incorporated into Christ and made a member of His Incorporated into Christ and made a member of His

Body the ChurchBody the Church–– Infused with sanctifying graceInfused with sanctifying grace–– Receives the theological virtues of faith, hope and Receives the theological virtues of faith, hope and

charitycharity–– Receives the gifts of the Holy SpiritReceives the gifts of the Holy Spirit–– Allows him to receive the other Sacraments effectivelyAllows him to receive the other Sacraments effectively




Catholic ConfessionCatholic ConfessionPenance/ReconciliationPenance/Reconciliation

•• Three conditions for forgiveness:Three conditions for forgiveness:–– Contrition (perfect and imperfect)Contrition (perfect and imperfect)

•• Sorrow (inward, supernatural, and universal) for our Sorrow (inward, supernatural, and universal) for our sins because we have offended Godsins because we have offended God

–– Confession Confession •• To make known and to accuse ourselves (humbly, To make known and to accuse ourselves (humbly,

truthfully, and briefly) of our sins to a priest approved truthfully, and briefly) of our sins to a priest approved by the Bishopby the Bishop

–– SatisfactionSatisfaction•• Doing the penance given us by the priestDoing the penance given us by the priest


Catholic ConfessionCatholic Confession

•• How to prepare for Confession:How to prepare for Confession:–– Pray for the grace to make a good confessionPray for the grace to make a good confession

–– Carefully examine our conscienceCarefully examine our conscience

–– Take time and care to make a good act of Take time and care to make a good act of contritioncontrition

–– Resolve by the help of God to renounce our Resolve by the help of God to renounce our sins and to begin a new life for the futuresins and to begin a new life for the future

•• Frequent Confession to a priestFrequent Confession to a priest




Confession to a PriestConfession to a Priest

•• Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins (Mark Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:7, Luke 7:49, Matt. 9:22:7, Luke 7:49, Matt. 9:2--8)8)

•• Jesus passed this authority on to His Apostles Jesus passed this authority on to His Apostles (John 20:21(John 20:21--23, Matt. 18:18)23, Matt. 18:18)

•• He breathed on them (John 20:22, see also He breathed on them (John 20:22, see also Genesis 2:7)Genesis 2:7)

•• We are to be reconciled to God (2 We are to be reconciled to God (2 CorCor. 5:18. 5:18--20)20)•• Prayer of presbyters (priests) forgives sin (James Prayer of presbyters (priests) forgives sin (James

5:135:13--15)15)•• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)


Catholic SacramentsCatholic Sacraments

•• BaptismBaptism•• ConfirmationConfirmation•• Communion (Holy Eucharist)Communion (Holy Eucharist)•• Confession/Penance/ReconciliationConfession/Penance/Reconciliation•• Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction, Last Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction, Last

Rites)Rites)•• Ordination (Holy Orders)Ordination (Holy Orders)•• MatrimonyMatrimony




Public RevelationPublic Revelationin the Catholic Churchin the Catholic Church

•• God has said everything in His WordGod has said everything in His Word–– ““In many and various ways God spoke of old to our In many and various ways God spoke of old to our

fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.spoken to us by a Son.”” (Hebrews 1:1(Hebrews 1:1--2)2)

–– Christ, the Son of God made man, is the FatherChrist, the Son of God made man, is the Father’’s one, s one, perfect, and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said perfect, and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything; there will be no other word than this one. everything; there will be no other word than this one. (CCC 65)(CCC 65)

•• There will be no further RevelationThere will be no further Revelation–– No new public revelation is to be expected before the No new public revelation is to be expected before the

glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ (CCC 66)(CCC 66)


Private RevelationPrivate Revelationin the Catholic Churchin the Catholic Church

•• Some Some ““privateprivate”” revelations have been recognized revelations have been recognized by the authority of the Churchby the authority of the Church

•• ““PrivatePrivate”” revelations do not belong to the deposit revelations do not belong to the deposit of faith (they are not binding on the faithful)of faith (they are not binding on the faithful)–– It is not their role to improve or complete ChristIt is not their role to improve or complete Christ’’s s

definitive Revelationdefinitive Revelation–– The The magisterium magisterium knows how to discern and welcome in knows how to discern and welcome in

these revelations whatever constitutes an authentic call these revelations whatever constitutes an authentic call of Christ or his saints to the Churchof Christ or his saints to the Church

–– Christian faith cannot accept Christian faith cannot accept ““revelationsrevelations”” that claim to that claim to surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment (CCC 66)fulfillment (CCC 66)




Apostolic SuccessionApostolic Succession

•• Jesus chose the Twelve Apostles to receive the Jesus chose the Twelve Apostles to receive the fullness of the gospel teachings fullness of the gospel teachings (Mt. 10:2(Mt. 10:2--4, Mk. 3:164, Mk. 3:16--29, 29, LkLk. 6:13. 6:13--16, Acts 1:13)16, Acts 1:13)

•• He chose Peter to be the first in authority among He chose Peter to be the first in authority among the apostles the apostles (Mt. 16:18(Mt. 16:18--20, 20, LkLk. 22:32, . 22:32, Jn Jn 21:17, Mk 16:7, 21:17, Mk 16:7, Lk Lk 24:34)24:34)

•• Upon Upon ““this rockthis rock”” (Peter) Christ promised He would (Peter) Christ promised He would build His Churchbuild His Church

•• He promised the gates of hell shall not prevailHe promised the gates of hell shall not prevail•• Peter alone was given the keys of the kingdom of Peter alone was given the keys of the kingdom of

heaven heaven (Mt. 16:18(Mt. 16:18--20)20)


Apostolic Succession (Cont.)Apostolic Succession (Cont.)

•• Apostolic Succession was first demonstrated in Apostolic Succession was first demonstrated in Acts 1:20Acts 1:20--26 when Matthias was chosen to 26 when Matthias was chosen to replace Judasreplace Judas

•• Every validly ordained bishop in the Catholic Every validly ordained bishop in the Catholic Church can trace his priesthood authority back Church can trace his priesthood authority back through history to one of the Twelve Apostlesthrough history to one of the Twelve Apostles

•• This authority has been passed on in an unbroken This authority has been passed on in an unbroken chain of ordinations by the layingchain of ordinations by the laying--on of hands from on of hands from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, and the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, and to their successors, other bishopsto their successors, other bishops




Apostolic Succession (Cont.)Apostolic Succession (Cont.)

•• The bishops of the Catholic Church are the The bishops of the Catholic Church are the successors to the Apostles in a continuous line of successors to the Apostles in a continuous line of apostolic successionapostolic succession

•• The Catholic Church has existed continuously The Catholic Church has existed continuously since the time of the Apostlessince the time of the Apostles

•• The Catholic Church was founded as a divinely The Catholic Church was founded as a divinely inspired earthly organization by Christ upon Peter, inspired earthly organization by Christ upon Peter, the rockthe rock

•• No other Christian church can trace its authority No other Christian church can trace its authority unbroken back to the original apostolic sourceunbroken back to the original apostolic source


Catholic Church Catholic Church Apostles and ProphetsApostles and Prophets

•• Jesus called the Twelve to become His Apostles, Jesus called the Twelve to become His Apostles, chosen witnesses of His Resurrection and the chosen witnesses of His Resurrection and the foundation on which the Church is built foundation on which the Church is built (Eph. 2:20, (Eph. 2:20, Rev. 21:14)Rev. 21:14)

•• The bishops receive their office as successors of The bishops receive their office as successors of the Apostles through the Sacrament of Holy the Apostles through the Sacrament of Holy OrdersOrders


•• There will always be false prophets There will always be false prophets (Lam 2:14, Ezek (Lam 2:14, Ezek 22:28, Mt. 7:15, Mt. 24:11, Mt. 24:24, Mk. 13:22, 22:28, Mt. 7:15, Mt. 24:11, Mt. 24:24, Mk. 13:22, LkLk. 6:26, 2 . 6:26, 2 Pet 2:1, 1 John 4:1)Pet 2:1, 1 John 4:1)




The Catholic ChurchThe Catholic Church

•• Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which help to identify the true Church of Jesus Christ:help to identify the true Church of Jesus Christ:–– The Church is One (CCC 866)The Church is One (CCC 866)

–– The Church is Holy (CCC 867)The Church is Holy (CCC 867)

–– The Church is Catholic (CCC 868)The Church is Catholic (CCC 868)

–– The Church is Apostolic (CCC 869)The Church is Apostolic (CCC 869)

•• Council of Council of Nicaea Nicaea in A.D. 325 in response to the in A.D. 325 in response to the Arian heresy: Arian heresy: ““We believe in one holy catholic and We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Churchapostolic Church”” (Nicene Creed)(Nicene Creed)


The Church is OneThe Church is One

•• Unity in beliefUnity in belief–– Same teachings and traditions that were given to the Same teachings and traditions that were given to the

Twelve Apostles (John 10:11Twelve Apostles (John 10:11--16, John 21:1516, John 21:15--17)17)

•• Unity in worshipUnity in worship–– Christ prayed Christ prayed ““that they may be onethat they may be one”” (John 17:11, John (John 17:11, John

17:2217:22--23)23)

•• Unity in government or leadershipUnity in government or leadership–– One visible head of government and leadership, the One visible head of government and leadership, the

Apostolic College with Peter and his successors as its Apostolic College with Peter and his successors as its head (CCC 813)head (CCC 813)




The Church is HolyThe Church is Holy

•• Holiness in its founder Holiness in its founder –– Jesus ChristJesus Christ

•• Holiness in its principlesHoliness in its principles–– Jesus prayed for the holiness of His Church, to Jesus prayed for the holiness of His Church, to ““Sanctify Sanctify

themthem”” (John 17:17), (John 17:17), ““consecrated in truthconsecrated in truth”” (John 17:19)(John 17:19)

•• Holiness in its membersHoliness in its members–– Consisting of His own sheep who have been purified for Consisting of His own sheep who have been purified for

Him as an acceptable people (Titus 2:14)Him as an acceptable people (Titus 2:14)–– There will be both holy and unholy people until the endThere will be both holy and unholy people until the end

•• Holiness in its miracles Holiness in its miracles –– (Healings, Eucharistic miracles, the (Healings, Eucharistic miracles, the IncorruptiblesIncorruptibles, etc.), etc.)


The Church is CatholicThe Church is Catholic

•• From the Greek word From the Greek word katholikoskatholikos meaning general meaning general or universalor universal–– St. Ignatius of Antioch to the St. Ignatius of Antioch to the SmyrnaeansSmyrnaeans around A.D. around A.D.

110: 110: ““Wheresoever Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus is, there is the the people be, even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic ChurchCatholic Church””

•• The Catholic Church consists of a universality in The Catholic Church consists of a universality in time and in placetime and in place–– The gospel will continue to be preached throughout the The gospel will continue to be preached throughout the

whole world until the end of time (Mt. 24:14), to the whole world until the end of time (Mt. 24:14), to the whole creation throughout all the world (Mk. 16:15), and whole creation throughout all the world (Mk. 16:15), and by the power of the Holy Spirit to the end of the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8)(Acts 1:8)




The Church is ApostolicThe Church is Apostolic

•• The true church must always teach the identical The true church must always teach the identical doctrines that were originally delivered to it by doctrines that were originally delivered to it by Peter and the Apostles Peter and the Apostles (Mt. 28:18(Mt. 28:18--20)20)

•• Her ministers must derive their powers from the Her ministers must derive their powers from the Apostles by an uninterrupted chain of successionApostles by an uninterrupted chain of succession

•• Peter is the rock upon which Christ built His Peter is the rock upon which Christ built His Church Church (Mt. 16:18) (the successor of Peter is the Bishop (Mt. 16:18) (the successor of Peter is the Bishop of Rome)of Rome)

•• Any church claiming to be ChristAny church claiming to be Christ’’s own must be s own must be able to trace its lineage in unbroken continuity able to trace its lineage in unbroken continuity back to the apostles back to the apostles (only the Catholic Church can (only the Catholic Church can make this claim)make this claim)


Catholic Priesthood AuthorityCatholic Priesthood Authority

•• Priesthood of the faithful (CCC 784, 1119, 1546)Priesthood of the faithful (CCC 784, 1119, 1546)–– Christ gives the faithful a share in His priesthood Christ gives the faithful a share in His priesthood

through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmationthrough the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation

•• Ministerial priesthood (CCC 1547)Ministerial priesthood (CCC 1547)–– The priesthood of Christ is made present in a special The priesthood of Christ is made present in a special

way in the Church through the ministerial priesthood, way in the Church through the ministerial priesthood, conferred through the Sacrament of Holy Orders (CCC conferred through the Sacrament of Holy Orders (CCC 1539, 1544, 1547, 1554)1539, 1544, 1547, 1554)

•• True priesthood offers sacrifice (Heb. 5:1, 8:3)True priesthood offers sacrifice (Heb. 5:1, 8:3)–– Catholic priests offer the sacrifice of the Mass for the Catholic priests offer the sacrifice of the Mass for the

salvation of souls and for the glory of Godsalvation of souls and for the glory of God




Catholic ChurchCatholic ChurchHoly Sacrifice of the MassHoly Sacrifice of the Mass

•• All gather together All gather together –– Eucharistic assembly presided invisibly by ChristEucharistic assembly presided invisibly by Christ–– Bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head Bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head

(all present participate in some way)(all present participate in some way)

•• Liturgy of the WordLiturgy of the Word–– Readings from OT/NT and Gospels, homily, prayersReadings from OT/NT and Gospels, homily, prayers

•• Liturgy of the EucharistLiturgy of the Eucharist–– Transubstantiation: The substance of bread and wine Transubstantiation: The substance of bread and wine

change into the substance of the Body and Blood of change into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearances or Christ under the appearances or ““speciesspecies”” of bread and of bread and winewine


Catholic Response toCatholic Response toLDS Families are ForeverLDS Families are Forever

•• Jesus explicitly taught that marriages do not Jesus explicitly taught that marriages do not continue into the next lifecontinue into the next life–– ““The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage; The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage;

but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die any more, are given in marriage, for they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.being sons of the resurrection.”” (Luke 20:34(Luke 20:34--36)36)

•• The primary function of marriage is the procreation The primary function of marriage is the procreation of the human race of the human race (no longer needed in heaven)(no longer needed in heaven)–– All the saved rejoice forever in perfect love & All the saved rejoice forever in perfect love &

communion in heavencommunion in heaven




Catholic FastingCatholic Fasting

•• Expression of interior penance in imitation of the Expression of interior penance in imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert (Matt. 4:2)fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert (Matt. 4:2)

•• Ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and Ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathersthe writings of the Church Fathers

•• Sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, Sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent especially during the liturgical season of Lent (CCC 538, 1434, 2043)(CCC 538, 1434, 2043)

•• Interior penance of the Christian is expressed Interior penance of the Christian is expressed through fasting, prayer, and almsgivingthrough fasting, prayer, and almsgiving


Catholic Fasting (Cont.)Catholic Fasting (Cont.)

•• Fourth Precept of the ChurchFourth Precept of the Church–– ““You shall observe the days of fasting and You shall observe the days of fasting and

abstinence established by the Churchabstinence established by the Church””

–– Ensures times of Ensures times of ascesis ascesis (self(self--discipline) and discipline) and penancepenance

–– Prepares us for the liturgical feasts and helps us Prepares us for the liturgical feasts and helps us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heartof heart




Catholic TithingCatholic Tithing

•• Fifth Precept of the ChurchFifth Precept of the Church–– ““You shall help to provide for the needs of the ChurchYou shall help to provide for the needs of the Church””–– The faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs The faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs

of the Church, each according to his abilitiesof the Church, each according to his abilities

•• Jesus warns us about observing the minutiae of Jesus warns us about observing the minutiae of the law (of tithing), while neglecting its weightier the law (of tithing), while neglecting its weightier precepts (Matt. 23:23; precepts (Matt. 23:23; LkLk. 18:12). 18:12)–– JusticeJustice–– MercyMercy–– FaithFaith


Catholic SacrificeCatholic Sacrifice

•• A ritual offering made to God by a priest on behalf A ritual offering made to God by a priest on behalf of the people, as a sign of adoration, gratitude, of the people, as a sign of adoration, gratitude, supplication, and communion (CCC 2099)supplication, and communion (CCC 2099)

•• The perfect sacrifice was ChristThe perfect sacrifice was Christ’’s death on the s death on the cross; by this sacrifice, Christ accomplished our cross; by this sacrifice, Christ accomplished our redemption as high priest of the new and eternal redemption as high priest of the new and eternal covenant (CCC 616)covenant (CCC 616)

•• The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is commemorated and mysteriously made present in commemorated and mysteriously made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church (CCC 1357, the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church (CCC 1357, 1544)1544)




Catholic Blessings (Grace)Catholic Blessings (Grace)

•• Prayer invoking GodPrayer invoking God’’s power and care upon s power and care upon some person, place, thing, or undertakingsome person, place, thing, or undertaking

•• Prayer of benediction acknowledges God as Prayer of benediction acknowledges God as the source of all blessingthe source of all blessing

•• Some blessings confer a permanent statusSome blessings confer a permanent status–– Consecration of persons to GodConsecration of persons to God

–– Setting things apart for liturgical usageSetting things apart for liturgical usage

•• CCC 1671, 2626CCC 1671, 2626


Catholic Blessings (Grace)Catholic Blessings (Grace)(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Grace is the free and undeserved gift that God Grace is the free and undeserved gift that God gives us to respond to our vocation to become His gives us to respond to our vocation to become His adopted childrenadopted children

•• Sanctifying GraceSanctifying Grace–– God shares His divine life and friendship with us in a God shares His divine life and friendship with us in a

habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition that habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition that enables the soul to live with God, to act by his loveenables the soul to live with God, to act by his love

•• Actual GraceActual Grace–– God gives us the help to conform our lives to His willGod gives us the help to conform our lives to His will




Catholic Blessings (Grace)Catholic Blessings (Grace)(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Sacramental GraceSacramental Grace–– Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us live out our Christian Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us live out our Christian

vocationvocation

•• Special GracesSpecial Graces–– CharismsCharisms–– The grace of oneThe grace of one’’s state of lifes state of life

•• CCC 1996, 2000CCC 1996, 2000•• Death and Resurrection of Christ opens the way to Death and Resurrection of Christ opens the way to

a new life (justification) that reinstates us in Goda new life (justification) that reinstates us in God’’s s grace (CCC 654)grace (CCC 654)


Catholic ObedienceCatholic Obedience

•• Submission to the authority of God which requires Submission to the authority of God which requires everyone to obey the divine laweveryone to obey the divine law

•• Obedience to the Church is required in those Obedience to the Church is required in those things which pertain to our salvationthings which pertain to our salvation

•• Obedience is due to legitimate civil authority, Obedience is due to legitimate civil authority, which has its origin in God for the sake of the which has its origin in God for the sake of the common good and the order of society (CCC common good and the order of society (CCC 1897)1897)

•• The fourth commandment obliges children to obey The fourth commandment obliges children to obey their parents (CCC 2216)their parents (CCC 2216)




Catholic Obedience (Cont.)Catholic Obedience (Cont.)

•• Obedience of faithObedience of faith–– To listen and freely submit to the word of God (CCC To listen and freely submit to the word of God (CCC

144)144)

•• Obedience of Christ to the will of the FatherObedience of Christ to the will of the Father–– Christ died for the disobedience of sin, to bring us the Christ died for the disobedience of sin, to bring us the

grace of justification, and to satisfy for our sins (CCC grace of justification, and to satisfy for our sins (CCC 615)615)

•• Vow of obedienceVow of obedience–– A public vow of obedience, accepted by Church A public vow of obedience, accepted by Church

authorityauthority–– One element that characterizes the consecrated life One element that characterizes the consecrated life

(CCC 915)(CCC 915)


Catholic Service to OthersCatholic Service to Others

•• A way to follow Christ (CCC 852)A way to follow Christ (CCC 852)

•• The fundamental task of marriage and family is to The fundamental task of marriage and family is to be at the service of life (CCC 1653)be at the service of life (CCC 1653)

•• ““Creatures exist only in dependence on each Creatures exist only in dependence on each other, to complete each other, in the service of other, to complete each other, in the service of each othereach other”” (CCC 340)(CCC 340)

•• Laity cooperate with their pastors in the service of Laity cooperate with their pastors in the service of the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth and life (CCC 910)and life (CCC 910)




Catholic Service to OthersCatholic Service to Others(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Liturgy as a service of GodLiturgy as a service of God–– Participation of the People of God in Participation of the People of God in ““the work of Godthe work of God””–– Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest, Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest,

continues the work of our redemption in, with, and continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through His Churchthrough His Church

•• Service of the common good require citizens to Service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community fulfill their roles in the life of the political community (CCC 2239)(CCC 2239)

•• Public authorities have the right and duty to Public authorities have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense (CCC 2310)national defense (CCC 2310)


Catholic Service to OthersCatholic Service to Others(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel (CCC 2242)the Gospel (CCC 2242)–– ““Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Render therefore to Caesar the things that are

CeasarCeasar’’ss, and to God the things that are God, and to God the things that are God’’ss”” (Mt. (Mt. 22:21)22:21)

–– ““We must obey God rather than menWe must obey God rather than men”” (Acts 5:29)(Acts 5:29)




Catholic Missionary WorkCatholic Missionary Work

•• Trinitarian MissionsTrinitarian Missions–– To accomplish the divine plan of the triune God To accomplish the divine plan of the triune God

for the redemption of humanity, the Son and the for the redemption of humanity, the Son and the Holy Spirit were Holy Spirit were ““sentsent”” into the world into the world (CCC 257, (CCC 257, 689)689)

•• Apostolic MissionApostolic Mission–– Just as He was sent by the Father, Jesus sent Just as He was sent by the Father, Jesus sent

His Apostles into the world to continue His own His Apostles into the world to continue His own saving mission saving mission (CCC 858)(CCC 858)


Catholic Missionary WorkCatholic Missionary Work(Cont.)(Cont.)

•• Church as MissionChurch as Mission–– The Church is missionary by its very nature, continuing The Church is missionary by its very nature, continuing

the mission or work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, the mission or work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, according to the plan of Godaccording to the plan of God

–– This apostolic mission of the Church is fulfilled This apostolic mission of the Church is fulfilled according to their different states of life by the clergy, according to their different states of life by the clergy, laity, and religious (CCC 849, 863, 913)laity, and religious (CCC 849, 863, 913)

•• Missionary activity is sometimes given in a more Missionary activity is sometimes given in a more specific sense as the work of initial evangelization specific sense as the work of initial evangelization and establishment of the Church in nonand establishment of the Church in non--Christian Christian landslands




SummarySummary

•• There is only ONE God (3 persons There is only ONE God (3 persons -- 1 nature)1 nature)–– Book of Mormon agreesBook of Mormon agrees

•• Who do you say Jesus is? (Matthew 16:13Who do you say Jesus is? (Matthew 16:13--19)19)•• ““I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the

one who called you by [the] grace [of Christ] for a one who called you by [the] grace [of Christ] for a different gospel (not that there is another).different gospel (not that there is another).””(Galatians 1:6)(Galatians 1:6)

•• ““But even if we or an angel from heaven should But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach [to you] a gospel other than the one that preach [to you] a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed!we preached to you, let that one be accursed!””(Galatians 1:8)(Galatians 1:8)


Summary (Cont.)Summary (Cont.)

•• What must I do to be saved?What must I do to be saved?

•• Baptism is the Baptism is the ““doordoor”” which gives access to the which gives access to the other Sacraments of the Catholic Churchother Sacraments of the Catholic Church

•• God, in His mercy, offers forgiveness of sins God, in His mercy, offers forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation to those through the Sacrament of Reconciliation to those baptized into Christbaptized into Christ

•• LDS Ordinances are not the same as Catholic LDS Ordinances are not the same as Catholic SacramentsSacraments

•• LDS LDS ““godheadgodhead”” versus Christian Holy Trinityversus Christian Holy Trinity





•• Jesus Christ is True God and True Man Jesus Christ is True God and True Man -- the the second person of the Blessed Trinitysecond person of the Blessed Trinity


•• Missionary workMissionary work–– Trinitarian MissionsTrinitarian Missions–– Apostolic MissionApostolic Mission–– Church as MissionChurch as Mission

•• Avoid stupid controversies and genealogies Avoid stupid controversies and genealogies (Titus 3:9)(Titus 3:9)



•• No Christian scriptural or historical evidence to No Christian scriptural or historical evidence to support the concept of baptism for the dead or support the concept of baptism for the dead or three degrees of glorythree degrees of glory–– Read 1 Read 1 CorCor. 15:29;40. 15:29;40--42 in the proper context 42 in the proper context –– Paul is Paul is

defending the general resurrectiondefending the general resurrection

•• LDS exaltation deifies man and humanizes God LDS exaltation deifies man and humanizes God (see Genesis 3:4(see Genesis 3:4--5)5)

•• The Catholic Church contains the fullness of truthThe Catholic Church contains the fullness of truth•• The Church is the Pillar and bulwark (foundation) The Church is the Pillar and bulwark (foundation)

of the truth of the truth (see 1 Tim. 3:15)(see 1 Tim. 3:15)





•• There is no need for continuous revelation There is no need for continuous revelation –– God God has said everything in His Wordhas said everything in His Word

•• There has always been individual apostasy There has always been individual apostasy fromfromthe Church but never an apostasy the Church but never an apostasy ofof the Churchthe Church

•• The bishops of the Catholic Church are the The bishops of the Catholic Church are the successors to the Apostles in a continuous line of successors to the Apostles in a continuous line of apostolic successionapostolic succession

•• There will always be false prophetsThere will always be false prophets•• Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which Four marks (qualities or characteristics) which

help to identify the true Church of Jesus Christhelp to identify the true Church of Jesus Christ



•• No evidence of two levels of priesthood (No evidence of two levels of priesthood (Aaronic Aaronic and Melchizedek) in the early Churchand Melchizedek) in the early Church

•• True priesthood offers sacrificeTrue priesthood offers sacrifice–– Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (2,000 years of the Catholic Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (2,000 years of the Catholic

Church)Church)

•• The Bible is a Catholic Book The Bible is a Catholic Book –– rely on the Catholic rely on the Catholic Church for correct interpretationChurch for correct interpretation

•• No other earthly organization has a right to add or No other earthly organization has a right to add or take away anything from the Bible (Rev. 22:18take away anything from the Bible (Rev. 22:18--19)19)





•• Being proBeing pro--life means NO exceptionslife means NO exceptions

•• No divorce and remarriage (Mk. 10:10No divorce and remarriage (Mk. 10:10--12)12)

•• Marriages do not continue into the next life (Marriages do not continue into the next life (LkLk. . 20:3420:34--36)36)

•• No scriptural or historical evidence to support No scriptural or historical evidence to support temple work (no mention in the Book of Mormon)temple work (no mention in the Book of Mormon)

•• There is only 1 heaven and 1 hell (4 last things)There is only 1 heaven and 1 hell (4 last things)



•• Fasting is an expression of interior penance in Fasting is an expression of interior penance in imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert (Matt. 4:2)desert (Matt. 4:2)

•• The faithful are obliged to assist with the material The faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his needs of the Church, each according to his abilitiesabilities

•• The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is commemorated and mysteriously made present in commemorated and mysteriously made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Churchthe Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church

•• Grace is the free and undeserved gift that God Grace is the free and undeserved gift that God gives us to respond to our vocation to become His gives us to respond to our vocation to become His adopted childrenadopted children





•• Obedience is submission to the authority of God Obedience is submission to the authority of God which requires everyone to obey the divine lawwhich requires everyone to obey the divine law

•• Obedience to the Church is required in those Obedience to the Church is required in those things which pertain to our salvationthings which pertain to our salvation

•• Service to others is a way to follow Christ (CCC Service to others is a way to follow Christ (CCC 852)852)

•• The fundamental task of marriage and family is to The fundamental task of marriage and family is to be at the service of life (CCC 1653)be at the service of life (CCC 1653)

•• The four last thingsThe four last things



•• Know, love, and practice your own faithKnow, love, and practice your own faith

•• Use good Catholic Christian charity when Use good Catholic Christian charity when speaking to the Mormon missionariesspeaking to the Mormon missionaries

•• Be prepared to respond with your own Be prepared to respond with your own ““testimonytestimony”” of the fullness of truth contained of the fullness of truth contained only in the Catholic Churchonly in the Catholic Church

•• No No ““Total ApostasyTotal Apostasy”” means no need for means no need for RestorationRestoration




Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer

Steve CliffordSteve Clifford

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

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