Should Christadelphians speak out and denounce the system of Catholicism? Is it really necessary? Is it in harmony with the spirit of Christ? These and many similar questions have often been asked amongst those earnestly contending, for the faith for many years. Perhaps the best way to answer them is to take a brief look at what the Scriptures of Truth have to say concerning the Papacy.

No lesser person than the Lord Jesus Christ described Popery as, a drunken harlot, soaked with the blood, of saints and sitting astride a monstrous beast with her character emblazoned on her forehead for all to see; "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH," In the eighteenth chapter of the Apocalypse our Lord sees Rome as the habitation of demonical madness, the hold of every foul doctrine and the cage of every unclean and hateful dignitary which is to be thrown down with violence. In the visions revealed to Daniel, Yahweh portrayed the great and terrible fourth beast of Rome as possessing a number of horns, one of which spake great things against the Most High and wore out the saints in its brutal policy of murder. This same horn was depicted by Paul as the man of sin and the son of perdition opposing and exalting himself above all that is called God in placing himself in the Temple of God, plainly declaring to all, that he is God's representative, by signs and lying wonders with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.

Surely if the Lord Jesus Christ and those who endeavored to follow him had such a clear and forthright view of this system of Anti-Christ, shouldn't we? If they denounced it in no uncertain terms and endeavored to warn others of its evil then shouldn't we adopt a similar attitude? Doubtless there are a few pious and honest hearts amongst this system of error, but our battle is not with them, but rather with the system they support. To those who hold reason and the will to listen we must echo the call of our Lord, "Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues." For the hierarchy, however, and the supporters of error who are steeped in superstition and idolatry, all we can do is attempt to show them the viciousness and error of the system that has enslaved them. In an age where people lack courage and conviction, let us be emboldened to express what we know in warning others of' its iniquity when the opportunity arises and to be forthright and vigorous in the Truth after the example of our pioneer brethren.

The truth of Scripture has been verified by history, which has witnessed the rise of Catholicism in all its deceit violence and blasphemy. Does the reader doubt this fact; then let him read on....

The Suburban Young Folks Committee
Adelaide
November 1974

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