Title: Bumper Sticker Catholicism: Arguments for the Faith in Three Sentences Or Less
Authors: Devin Rose and Douglas Beaumont
TLDR: This book equips Catholics with concise, easy-to-understand arguments to defend their faith against common Protestant objections. It covers key topics like justification, the papacy, sacraments, and the Church’s authority, providing a solid foundation for Catholic apologetics.
Chapter 1: Justification
This chapter addresses the central Protestant doctrine of “justification by faith alone,” a concept Catholics reject. The authors argue that this doctrine is biblically unfounded, citing James 2:24 which explicitly states, “a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” They further highlight Galatians 5:6, emphasizing “faith working through love” as crucial for justification.
The authors clarify the Catholic understanding of justification as a two-fold process:
- Initial Justification: A one-time event where an individual transitions from a state of sin to righteousness through God’s grace, received through faith.
- Ongoing Justification: A continuous process of growing in righteousness, mirroring Christ’s righteousness, through faith and good works.
This distinction, they argue, is often misunderstood by Protestants who solely focus on the initial aspect of justification. The authors emphasize that Catholics believe in true sanctification, where individuals are genuinely made righteous and holy, contrasting it with the Protestant view of imputed righteousness, a legal fiction where God declares individuals righteous without truly transforming them.
Chapter 2: Luther and Calvin
This chapter tackles the legacies of Martin Luther and John Calvin, pivotal figures in the Protestant Reformation. The authors highlight inconsistencies in Luther’s teachings, pointing out his acceptance of Marian veneration and perpetual virginity, doctrines upheld by Catholics. They question Luther’s selective rejection of biblical books, arguing that if his authority allows him to discard certain Old Testament books, it logically extends to questioning his rejection of specific New Testament books as well.
The authors criticize Luther’s subjective approach to Scripture, where his own interpretation superseded the authority of the Church, leading to a lack of objective truth and the proliferation of denominations. They also bring attention to the historical persecution sanctioned by John Calvin, particularly the execution of Michael Servetus for theological dissent, questioning the morality and tolerance of his teachings.
The chapter concludes by exposing the irony of honoring John Calvin, a staunch iconoclast, with a towering statue, a practice he vehemently opposed during his lifetime. This serves to highlight the inconsistencies within Protestantism and its departure from the reformers’ original intentions.
Chapter 3: Tradition
This chapter defends the Catholic Church’s reliance on Tradition alongside Scripture, a point of contention with Protestants who advocate for “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone). The authors cite 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where St. Paul urges adherence to traditions received from the Apostles, both oral and written, emphasizing the importance of apostolic Tradition beyond the written word.
The chapter dismantles the Protestant argument against Tradition by illustrating how even their practices, such as celebrating Christmas on December 25th, stem from Catholic Tradition and lack explicit biblical support. It emphasizes that not everything important conveyed by the Apostles was necessarily written down, citing 3 John 13-14 as evidence.
The authors explain the Catholic view of Tradition as a living and dynamic entity, evolving within the boundaries of essential truths. They cite examples like the addition of new mysteries to the rosary and the establishment of the Anglican Ordinariate, demonstrating the Church’s ability to adapt while preserving core doctrines.
The chapter further highlights the consistency of practices like Apostolic Succession, Marian and saintly veneration, the seven sacraments, and the Real Presence in the Eucharist across various ancient Churches, including those that predate the Catholic Church’s supposed “inventions” of these doctrines. This shared heritage strengthens the argument for their apostolic origin.
Chapter 4: Saints and Relics
This chapter clarifies the Catholic stance on saints and relics, addressing common Protestant misconceptions about “worship” and “idolatry.” The authors reiterate that Catholics venerate, not worship, saints, emphasizing that worship is reserved for God alone. They draw a parallel between venerating statues and cherishing photographs of deceased loved ones, both serving as visual reminders and aids for remembrance and prayer.
The authors defend the veneration of relics by referencing 2 Kings 13:21, where a dead man revives upon touching the prophet Elisha’s bones, highlighting the biblical precedent for God’s power working through physical objects associated with holy individuals. They explain that the biblical prohibition against “graven images” pertains to worshipping created things, not merely depicting them.
The chapter emphasizes the communion of saints, both living and deceased, and the efficacy of intercessory prayer, arguing that asking saints in heaven to pray for us is akin to requesting prayer from fellow believers on earth. It further addresses Mary’s special veneration as the Mother of God, highlighting her unique role in salvation history and her perfect obedience to God’s will.
Chapter 5: Mary
This chapter delves into Marian doctrines that often cause friction between Catholics and Protestants: the Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity, and Assumption into Heaven. The authors begin by differentiating the Immaculate Conception from the Virgin Birth, clarifying that it refers to Mary being conceived without original sin, “full of grace,” as stated in Luke 1:28. They argue that the “all have sinned” statement in Romans 3:23 does not apply universally, citing Jesus and infants as examples, and highlighting Mary’s unique preservation from sin by God’s grace.
Regarding Mary’s perpetual virginity, the chapter addresses the biblical mention of Jesus’ “brothers,” explaining that the Greek word “adelphoi” encompasses a broader range of familial relationships beyond biological siblings. The authors argue that the Bible never explicitly identifies these individuals as Mary’s children and point out the lack of mention of Mary having other sons when Jesus entrusted her care to John.
Finally, while acknowledging that Mary’s Assumption is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, the chapter points to the absence of her tomb as a pilgrimage site and the historical attestation of her Assumption by early Church Fathers. It argues that the lack of biblical documentation for certain events does not negate their validity.
Chapter 6: Faith and Reason
This chapter emphasizes the compatibility between faith and reason within Catholicism, refuting the accusation of blind faith. It differentiates between fideism (unquestioning belief without evidence) and the Catholic understanding of faith, where reason provides motives of credibility for accepting divinely revealed truths.
The authors argue that while dogma cannot be proven solely through reason, it is supported by historical and biblical evidence, providing a rational basis for belief. They contrast this with Protestantism, which often relies on “faith” to fill in logical gaps and inconsistencies within its doctrines.
The chapter highlights the Catholic Church’s consistent appeal to both faith and reason throughout history, providing a firm foundation for understanding and living out the faith. It posits that this harmonious relationship between faith and reason distinguishes Catholicism from other belief systems that rely solely on subjective interpretation or blind acceptance.
Chapter 7: Scripture Alone
This chapter challenges the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura, arguing that the Bible itself nowhere explicitly states that Scripture alone is the sole infallible rule of faith. It points out the inherent contradiction of relying on a man-made tradition (Sola Scriptura) to interpret Scripture, effectively undermining the very principle it seeks to uphold.
The chapter criticizes the Protestant application of the Great Commission to modern-day missionary work, arguing that the original Reformers understood this mandate as specific to the Apostles and their immediate successors, a view that shifted over time. The authors also highlight the circular reasoning within Protestant churches, where individuals choose congregations based on their own interpretations of Scripture, ultimately prioritizing personal understanding over ecclesial authority.
The authors further dismantle the claim that the Catholic Church suppressed vernacular translations of the Bible, citing historical examples of such translations predating the Reformation. It concludes by emphasizing the inherent limitations of Sola Scriptura in fostering unity and certainty within Christianity, contrasting it with the Catholic Church’s living teaching authority that provides clarity and continuity.
Chapter 8: The Pope
This chapter defends the papacy, addressing Protestant concerns about papal authority and infallibility. The authors ground the papacy in Matthew 16:18, interpreting Jesus’ words as establishing St. Peter, the first Pope, as the rock upon whom the Church is built. They clarify that while Christ remains the ultimate foundation, He established a hierarchical structure within the Church, with Peter as the visible head.
The chapter addresses the Protestant argument against Peter as the “rock,” highlighting Ephesians 2:20 which describes the Church being built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” This verse, they argue, supports a multi-layered foundation where Peter, as the first among the Apostles, holds a unique position of authority.
The chapter emphasizes the historical continuity of the papacy and its consistent role in upholding Church teachings. It addresses concerns about papal fallibility by pointing to the negative nature of infallibility, a protection against teaching error rather than a guarantee of personal holiness. The authors argue that despite individual Popes’ shortcomings, the office itself has remained a beacon of truth and unity throughout history.
Chapter 9: Infallibility
This chapter delves deeper into the concept of papal infallibility, addressing common Protestant objections and clarifying its scope and limitations. The authors argue that Protestants, who accept the infallibility of Scripture, already embrace a greater charism than infallibility – the inspiration of fallible men to pen God’s inerrant word. They posit that accepting papal infallibility, a protection against teaching error, is a lesser claim than accepting biblical inspiration.
The chapter addresses the argument that infallibility was unnecessary in the Old Covenant by highlighting the New Covenant’s superiority over the Old in every way. Just as the Eucharist surpasses manna and Christ’s sacrifice surpasses animal sacrifices, so too does God provide a greater safeguard for truth in the New Covenant through the Church’s infallibility.
The authors clarify that infallibility is not a solitary charism residing solely in the Pope. It functions within the broader context of the Church, requiring the contributions of bishops, theologians, and the faithful. They emphasize that while infallibility provides certainty in matters of faith and morals, it does not negate the importance of ongoing dialogue, theological reflection, and the active participation of all members of the Church.
Chapter 10: The Canon of Scripture
This chapter tackles the often-contentious topic of the Bible’s canon, specifically the inclusion of the deuterocanonical books accepted by Catholics and rejected by Protestants. The authors highlight the historical reality that the New Testament canon was not formally defined until the 4th century, centuries after Christ’s Resurrection. They argue that this process of discernment was led by the Church, the same Church Protestants claim fell into error early on.
The chapter debunks the Protestant claim that the Old Testament canon was closed before Christ’s birth, pointing out the existence of various Jewish canons with differing books. They reason that if God guided the Israelites to discern the Old Testament canon, as Protestants assert, it logically follows that He would guide the Church in the New Covenant to do the same, given the New Covenant’s superiority over the Old.
The chapter addresses arguments regarding the deuterocanonical books, including their original languages, their use by early Church Fathers, and their prophetic content. It argues that Protestant objections to these books lack historical and theological grounding and ultimately stem from an arbitrary acceptance of the 66-book canon based on tradition rather than solid evidence.
Chapter 11: Apostolic Succession
This chapter defends the Catholic doctrine of Apostolic Succession, tracing the lineage of bishops back to the Apostles, a concept rejected by Protestants. It begins by highlighting St. Clement’s first-century letter to the Corinthians, where he rebukes them for illegitimately deposing priests and emphasizes the importance of following ordained leaders in the Church.
The chapter draws a parallel between Protestantism’s rejection of Apostolic Succession and Mormonism’s belief in a Great Apostasy, both asserting a break in the Church’s authority shortly after the Apostles’ deaths. It argues that the Catholic Church, through Apostolic Succession, provides a continuous and unbroken link to Christ and His teachings.
The chapter uses the analogy of Tolkien’s Steward of Gondor to explain the role of bishops, including the Pope, as stewards representing Christ and caring for His people. It acknowledges that individual bishops, like Denethor, can falter, but this does not invalidate the divinely instituted office or the principle of Apostolic Succession.
The chapter concludes by arguing that the very fallibility of individual bishops necessitates a single, infallible head of the Church – the Pope – to ensure the preservation and proclamation of truth throughout history. It presents Apostolic Succession as a safeguard against doctrinal error and a guarantee of the Church’s continued faithfulness to Christ’s mandate.
Chapter 12: Powerful Questions
This chapter offers strategic questions to engage Protestants in meaningful dialogue about their faith and expose potential inconsistencies within their beliefs.
These questions include:
- Pinpointing the “Great Apostasy”: Challenging Protestants to identify the specific time and event when the Church supposedly fell away from true Christianity, forcing them to confront the historical implications of their claims.
- Confronting Catholic Reluctance: Directly asking Protestants why they are not Catholic, prompting honest reflection and opening avenues for deeper conversation about their reservations.
- Hypothetical Submission to Apostolic Authority: Posing scenarios where Protestants, if living during the Apostles’ time, would need to choose between their own interpretations of Scripture and the Apostles’ teachings, highlighting the potential pitfalls of Sola Scriptura.
- Confession in the Early Church: Asking if Protestants, if alive during the Apostles’ time, would have confessed their sins to them as instructed by Jesus in John 20:23, exposing the tension between this biblical directive and the Protestant rejection of sacramental confession.
These questions aim to shift the conversation from proof-texting and surface-level arguments to a deeper examination of foundational beliefs and the historical context of Christianity.
Chapter 13: Sacraments
This chapter clarifies the Catholic understanding of sacraments, seven outward signs instituted by Christ that confer grace, contrasting it with Protestant views that often diminish or reject their significance. The chapter defends infant baptism by drawing a parallel with circumcision in the Old Covenant, both serving as initiatory rites into the People of God. It highlights the early Church’s consistent teaching on baptism’s regenerative power, citing biblical support and refuting the notion of baptism as merely a symbolic act.
The chapter defends the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by referencing biblical passages like James 5:14-15 and Mark 6:13, demonstrating its scriptural basis and challenging Protestant rejections of this practice.
Addressing the sacrament of Matrimony, the chapter points out the inherent contradictions within Protestantism, where many, despite rejecting its sacramental nature, still hold beliefs and practices that align with the Catholic understanding of marriage as a sacred union that confers grace.
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the Eucharist’s central role in Catholic life, defending the doctrine of transubstantiation and highlighting the novelty of Zwingli’s purely symbolic interpretation, a concept foreign to Christianity for fifteen centuries. It underscores the importance of confession, recognizing human fallibility and the need for God’s grace mediated through the Church’s ordained ministers.
Chapter 14: Dogma
This chapter explores the significance of dogma, defined as divinely revealed truths proclaimed by the Church’s Magisterium, and addresses Protestant resistance to this concept. The authors argue that dogma, rather than being restrictive, provides a solid framework for understanding and living out the faith, comparing its stabilizing force to bones supporting the body or girders strengthening a building.
The chapter contrasts the Catholic Church’s ability to definitively proclaim dogma with Protestantism’s inherent inability to do so, given its foundation on individual interpretation and the potential for doctrines to be overturned. It argues that this lack of definitive teaching authority within Protestantism leads to instability, constant reinterpretation, and a lack of clarity in matters of faith and morals.
The chapter emphasizes that dogma, while unchanging in its essence, allows for organic development and deeper understanding over time. It presents dogma not as an obstacle to faith but as a guiding light that illuminates the path to salvation and fosters unity within the Church.
Chapter 15: Protestant Flotsam and Jetsam
This chapter addresses various Protestant denominations and offshoots, highlighting their historical origins, theological inconsistencies, and tendencies toward fragmentation. The authors argue that “non-denominational” Christianity is essentially Protestantism without specific denominational affiliation, still rooted in Protestant doctrines and interpretations.
The chapter categorizes Anglicanism as thoroughly Protestant despite its attempts to distance itself from the label. It points to its acceptance of the Protestant canon, its theological indebtedness to Luther and Calvin, and its foundation rooted in King Henry VIII’s desire for divorce, a move condemned by the Catholic Church.
The chapter criticizes the practice of naming denominations after reformers like Luther and Calvin, referencing St. Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians against aligning oneself with individuals over Christ. It further highlights the futility of engaging in endless scriptural debates with Protestants who prioritize personal interpretation over the Church’s authority.
The chapter concludes by lamenting the shift within Protestantism regarding contraception and sterilization, practices once widely condemned but now largely embraced, demonstrating a departure from traditional Christian morality and the Church’s consistent teachings on the sanctity of life and marriage.
Chapter 16: The Church
This chapter emphasizes the Catholic understanding of the Church as a visible, hierarchical, and unified institution founded by Christ, contrasting it with the Protestant view of an invisible church composed of true believers scattered across denominations.
The chapter criticizes the optional nature of church affiliation and religious practice within Protestantism, where individuals ultimately decide what aspects of faith to embrace based on their own interpretations of Scripture. It contrasts this with the Catholic Church’s understanding of belonging as an essential aspect of Christian life, grounded in Christ’s establishment of a visible and structured Church.
The chapter highlights the universality of the Catholic Church, its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries while maintaining unity in faith and practice. It contrasts this with Protestantism’s tendency toward fragmentation, its lack of a central authority, and its susceptibility to subjective interpretations of Scripture.
Chapter 17: Proven Catholicism
This concluding chapter acknowledges that while the Catholic faith cannot be definitively “proven” through human reason alone, its teachings are grounded in both reason and divine revelation, providing a compelling basis for belief. It emphasizes that faith, while built upon reason, ultimately transcends it, requiring an act of the will to accept divinely revealed truths.
The chapter reiterates that the arguments presented throughout the book aim to demonstrate the plausibility and internal consistency of Catholicism, removing obstacles that might hinder individuals from embracing the faith. It emphasizes that while simple and concise arguments can effectively convey truth, they do not negate the complexity and richness of Catholic theology.
The authors conclude by encouraging readers to combine reasoned inquiry with prayerful openness to God’s grace, recognizing that ultimately, faith is a gift from God. They offer resources for further exploration of Catholicism, inviting readers to delve deeper into its teachings and experience the transformative power of faith.