Christianity Explained: The History of Roman Catholicism?

by John S. Barnett

What Church did Jesus Christ really start? Is Romanism really the Holy Catholic Church of the New Testament? The biblical view of the sacrifice of the Mass, the very heart of Roman Catholicism, is a denial of the completed work of the cross, which states that “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28a). Verse 28a does away with not once an hour in the big cathedrals; not once a day at all the other ones; not all day long at those chapels surrounding St. Peter’s Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, but ONCE FOR ALL. This is the stake in the heart of Romanism. To those who trust in that once-for-all sacrifice, and eagerly wait for Him, He is going to appear—but not to those who are looking to be saved by crucifying Him over and over again. Do you see why this teaching is so important?



Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not against I am against Romanism—the Mass, purgatory, confessions, sacraments, Mary, penance, extreme unction, beads, robes, cathedrals, and Popes. True Catholicism is Peter, Paul, Jesus, John, and the New Testament. I love born-again Catholics, and all Catholics everywhere, but I hate any false teaching that denies salvation, as does Romanism.



Most people don’t realize the dominant role the Roman Catholic Church has had. Did you know that the calendar of the world (except for the Muslims, Hindus, and Jews) was instituted by the Pope? The reason why there is a French Canada and a Catholic South America is a result of Papal edicts. The reason we are here in protestant North America is due to a miscalculation of the Pope. So many things in the culture of the world have been decided by the Roman Catholic Church, which has exerted incredible control over civilization for 2,000 years. However, they are not the only culprit.

498 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2009

About the author

John Samuel Barnett has been teaching the Word of God for over 30 years. John has studied at Michigan State University, Bob Jones University (B.S., B.A., M.A., M. Div.), The Master's Seminary (faculty and Th. M. work), Dallas Theological Seminary (Dr. of Biblical Ministry) and with Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship.

John shares his life with Bonnie his beloved wife, and over the past 30 years of uninterrupted ministry, John has served congregations in the East, and the West, before coming to the precious saints at Calvary Bible Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2008. He has served on the Faculty of the Master's College & Seminary. He was an Associate Pastor to Dr. John MacArthur at Grace Community Church for five years overseeing the Shepherding Ministries. During graduate school, John served as the Assistant Dean of Men at Bob Jones University for five years.

Called to the ministry as a young man--his passion remains prayer and the ministry of God's Word. As a global Christian, and having ministered the Word in 60+ nations around the world, John's ministry is deeply touched by outreach and evangelism. Since 1978, in conjunction with Land of the Book Tours John has led dozens of study tours, retreats, travels, and pilgrimages with over 1,500 participants, and taught on site in 21 countries and on five continents. His Tours filmed on site are available to watch online at DTBM.org.

As a Seminary Professor of Theology, Church History and the English Bible, John's messages reflect the background of the Scripture from the ancient biblical world, the history of the church and the daily life in far corners of the planet. In 1998 a new ministry called Discover the Book Ministry was launched to provide electronic copies of Pastor John's audio, video, and text studies free of charge to pastors, missionaries, and other believers. Since then, this ministry has grown to serve saints in all 50 states and over 145 lands around the world, as well as through daily radio on a growing number of radio stations in the USA, Europe and the Caribbean.

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless Truths

This is not one book but two. The first half concerns Roman Catholicism; the second half appears to be a series of messages relating to the Bible and true Christian living. I give 5 stars for the content, but the formatting is a giant mess. I think the author may have used a transcription service or app to put his words into writing. The punctuation, grammar, spelling are oftentimes skewed. Still, I am thankful the author made this content available and at such a low price. Worth every penny! It feels as though he opted to just get the information out there, which I appreciate and gleaned much from. The first half goes through a careful, respectful exploration of differences between Catholicism and Roman Catholicism. Takes a bit of patience to wade through and is rewarding for those who undertake the journey.