Claim: The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is a “death cookie.”
The Big Question: Is this true? Let’s delve into the matter and examine it in light of Scripture and Catholic teaching.
Jack Chick’s The Death Cookie is one of his many tracts filled with anti-Catholic rhetoric. The tract begins with a claim that the Pope and Catholic clergy manipulate the faithful through fear and deception, allegedly making them believe their “immortal souls” are in the hands of religious leaders. However, these allegations lack biblical support and distort the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Addressing Chick’s Claim: Power Over Souls
Jack Chick begins with the provocative question, “How could I gain control of all these people without an army?” He then suggests that Catholic leaders use spiritual fear to control the faithful, saying, “Make them believe that their immortal souls are in your hands.” Yet, this statement is entirely contrary to Catholic doctrine.
The Catholic Church does not teach that any human, including the Pope, holds ultimate control over anyone’s soul. Instead, the Church follows the biblical teaching that spiritual leaders are entrusted with the responsibility to guide the faithful. As Hebrews 13:17 states:
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (KJV, emphasis added)
The Pope, as the spiritual shepherd of the Catholic Church, upholds this biblical mandate. His role is not one of domination but of servanthood, modeled after Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). No Pope has ever claimed to possess the power to condemn souls to Hell or control their eternal destiny. Such power belongs to God alone.
Misrepresentation of Religious Practices
Chick mocks Catholic practices, alleging that Catholics are instructed to “speak things no one understands and burn a lot of candles.” These statements reveal a misunderstanding of Catholic traditions.
Use of Latin
While the Catholic Church historically used Latin as its official liturgical language, this was not to obscure understanding but to promote unity across diverse cultures. Moreover, Popes and clergy frequently preach in the vernacular languages of their congregations—be it English, Spanish, French, or others. Chick’s claim about mysterious, incomprehensible language lacks basis in fact.
Candles and Incense
The use of candles and incense in Catholic worship is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. Candles symbolize Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12), while incense represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to God (Revelation 8:3–4). Far from being “mysterious,” these elements are rich in scriptural meaning, connecting the faithful to the worship of God as described in both the Old and New Testaments. Chick conveniently omits the fact that incense was among the gifts brought to Christ by the Magi (Matthew 2:11).
The Eucharist: Bread of Life, Not a “Death Cookie”
The heart of Chick’s critique lies in his misrepresentation of the Eucharist, which he derogatorily labels a “cookie god.” He claims that Catholics falsely worship the Eucharist as God and even fabricates the phrase “Hocus pocus Domi Nocus” to ridicule the consecration of the bread and wine.
Biblical Basis of the Eucharist
The Eucharist is central to Catholic worship because it is based on Christ’s own words and actions at the Last Supper:
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
In John 6, Jesus elaborates on this teaching:
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
These passages clearly show that the Eucharist is not a symbolic ritual but a profound mystery in which Christ gives Himself to His followers.
Historical Christian Belief
The early Church Fathers consistently affirmed the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. St. Cyril of Jerusalem declared:
“Since Christ Himself has said, ‘This is My Body,’ who shall dare to doubt that It is His Body?”
Similarly, St. Paul warns against receiving the Eucharist unworthily, highlighting its sacred nature:
“For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians 11:29)
These writings, along with countless others, refute Chick’s baseless characterization of the Eucharist.
Chick’s Historical and Theological Errors
Jack Chick’s tract also perpetuates historical inaccuracies about the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the Inquisition and the Church’s view of the Bible. Chick alleges that Catholics were forbidden from reading Scripture—a claim that is demonstrably false. The Church has always encouraged the faithful to engage with Scripture, as evidenced by Church documents like Dei Verbum and the prominence of the Bible in Catholic liturgy.
Misunderstanding of IHS
Chick further claims that the letters “IHS,” often seen in Catholic iconography, stand for the Egyptian gods Isis, Horus, and Seb. This is another baseless assertion. In reality, “IHS” is a Christogram derived from the Greek name for Jesus, Iesous (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ). It symbolizes devotion to Christ, not pagan deities.
Theological Clarity: The Role of the Pope and Priests
Chick misrepresents Catholic hierarchy, suggesting that the Pope and priests act as “other Jesuses” or demand worship. This is categorically untrue. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, meaning he represents Christ on earth, but he is not divine. Priests, likewise, serve as ministers of the Gospel, empowered to act in Christ’s name but not as Christ Himself.
The Bible supports the idea of respecting spiritual leaders:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” (Hebrews 13:7)
Respecting spiritual authority does not equate to idolatry or worship.
Conclusion: A Misguided Critique
Jack Chick’s The Death Cookie is a classic example of anti-Catholic propaganda, relying on distortions, half-truths, and emotional manipulation. His claims about the Eucharist, the Pope, and Catholic practices are refuted by Scripture, historical evidence, and Church teaching. The Eucharist is not a “death cookie,” but the Bread of Life, offered by Christ Himself for the salvation of the world. The Catholic Church continues to uphold the truths of the faith as taught by Christ and His Apostles.
By examining the tract in detail, it becomes clear that Chick’s arguments do not stand up to scrutiny. His writings, rather than illuminating the faith, sow confusion and division.
This article was authored by Godwin Delali Adadzie, a Catholic apologist dedicated to defending the faith and addressing misconceptions about the Catholic Church. Read the expanded original version over here: The Death Cookie: Jack Chick’s Gospel Tract About the Eucharist Exposed!