MWR-103 - Roman Catholicism

MWR-103 — Roman Catholicism continues the Remnant Bible Academy’s Major World Religions courses with a thorough, Scripture-grounded examination of the largest branch of Christianity. The lesson opens with an initial snapshot of the Catholic Church — its various types and a survey of early Roman Catholic history — then works through its hierarchical leadership structure from the Pope down through cardinals, bishops, archbishops, priests, and deacons, and its geographical organization, including a detailed look at Vatican City and its famously secretive Apostolic Archives. A substantial section examines Roman Catholic beliefs, doctrines, and teachings point by point — the right and wrong of Catholic doctrine, its false teachings, the ordinances and the Mass, the crucifix, icons, the confessional, penance, the rosary, patron saints, priestly celibacy, ecumenism, and Catholic eschatology — along with a survey of the Church’s many religious orders. A lengthy history section then traces Roman Catholicism from its institutionalization as a state church through the great schisms of 1054, the Crusades, the Avignon Papacy, the Inquisition, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and up through Vatican II and the modern era, including the Church’s sex abuse scandals and current trends.

The lesson closes with a direct, Scripturally grounded assessment of where Roman Catholic doctrine departs from the Bible. Extensive photography and 277 cited sources support the material throughout. Required coursework for the Ministerial Ordination Program’s Major World Religions requirement, and valuable to any student who wants a thorough, honest survey of Roman Catholicism — its structure, its history, and where it diverges from the Scriptures it claims to uphold.