Another Side of Catholicism

164 Pages·2004·0.69 MB·English

by  Mary Ann Collins

Another Side of
Catholicism

Another Side of
Catholicism
Insights from a Former Catholic Nun
Mary Ann Collins
iUniverse, Inc.
New York Lincoln Shanghai
Another Side of Catholicism
Insights from a Former Catholic Nun
All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2004 by Mary Ann Collins
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ofthis book for use in classes on religion.
ISBN: 0-595-76764-8
Printed in the United States ofAmerica
Dedicated to Jesus Christ
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power,and riches,and wisdom,
and strength,and honour,and glory,and blessing.
(Revelation 5:12)

Contents
Preface ....................................................................................................ix
Foreword ................................................................................................xi
Personal Testimony ................................................................................xv
An Invitation
Chapter 1 The Truth ................................................................................1
History
Chapter 2 Was the Early Church Roman Catholic? ..............................3
Chapter 3 Was Peter a Pope? ................................................................13
Chapter 4 The Popes ............................................................................20
Chapter 5 Forged Documents and Papal Power ..................................27
Chapter 6 Undermining the Bible ........................................................31
Chapter 7 The Council of Trent ..........................................................40
Chapter 8 Hunting “Heretics” ..............................................................43
Credentials
Chapter 9 False Credentials ..................................................................50
Chapter 10 According to Tradition ......................................................58
Chapter 11 The Numbers Game ..........................................................60
Doctrine
Chapter 12 What Is Our Source of Authority? ....................................62
Chapter 13 Faith Versus Works ............................................................77
Chapter 14 The Good Thief ..................................................................80
Chapter 15 Devotion to Mary ..............................................................82
Chapter 16 The Presence of God ..........................................................95
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viii An o t h e r Si d e o f C a t h o l i c i s m
Practical Problems
Chapter 17 Mind Control ....................................................................98
Chapter 18 Celibacy ............................................................................104
A Challenge
Chapter 19 Catholic Myths ................................................................107
Afterword ............................................................................................109
Eternal Life ..........................................................................................113
Bibliography and Notes
Bibliography ........................................................................................117
Notes ....................................................................................................121
Preface
In the early 1900s, a professional baseball team was accused of cheating.
Unfortunately, the charges proved to be true. A young fan met one of the
team’s players and,in tears,said:“Say it ain’t so,Joe!”
I have often felt that way while doing research about the Catholic Church.
But I continued the research in spite ofit,because I wanted to know the truth.
The truth is precious,even when it is distressing.Our God is truth incar-
nate.(John 14:6;Romans 3:4) God promised that the truth would set us free.
(John 8:32)
We all need God’s truth.And we all need the strength and courage to live
according to it.Keeping the long-range perspective ofeternity helps.
Before you read this book,I’d like to share a poem with you.
Jesus,son ofDavid,have mercy on me.
Light my path and guide my way.
Make me faithful,so I’ll stay
Close to You throughout the day,
Devoted to You in every way.
Jesus,son ofDavid,have mercy on me.
Open my eyes that I may see
The precious truth that You have for me.
Open my heart to love as You do.
Enable me to be faithful and true.
Jesus,son ofDavid,have mercy on me.
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