The Sunday Assembly | The Vatican II Council

The Vatican II Council: The Sunday Assembly

Author: Professor Walter J. Veith, PhD

Summary: Because of the doctrinal differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, the Papacy used one key similar factor to bring about unity: the Sunday Sabbath.

Unity Downloadable 239kB

This article is part of a series. We recommend that you first read: Unity at All Cost?, Unity after the Reformation.

Besides declaring that salvation was not restricted to Roman Catholics, the Vatican II Council emphasized the importance of Sunday worship, not only in Catholicism but also in the whole world regardless of denomination. Since most Protestants worshiped on Sunday anyways, this was a marvelous unifying point that brought Protestants and Catholics together. However, note what John Paul II writes:

In order that the faithful may willingly fulfill the precept to sanctify this day and understand why the Church calls them together to celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday, form the very outset of their Christian formation, Sunday should be presented to them as the primordial feast day, on which assembled together they are to hear the Word of God and take part in the Paschal Mystery.ⁱ

No Bible-believing Christian can celebrate the Eucharist and take part in the paschal mystery, as these are of pagan origin. Also, Sunday is the first day of the week. The Bible charges us to keep the seventh day holy, not the first day. The Catholic idea of Sunday is really opposed to the Protestant concept of worship, as it is a day founded on tradition and dedicated to the veneration of Mary.

The Eucharist and devotion to Mary are the twin pillars of Catholicism, and are both expressed through Sunday worship. Pope John Paul II stated this in his 1998 encyclical Dies Domini:

Significantly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life"…As they listen to the word proclaimed in the Sunday assembly, the faithful look to the Virgin Mary, learning from her to keep it and ponder it in their hearts (cf. Lk 2:19). With Mary, they learn to stand at the foot of the Cross, offering to the Father the sacrifice of Christ and joining to it the offering of their own lives. With Mary, they experience the joy of the Resurrection, making their own the words of the Magnificat which extol the inexhaustible gift of divine mercy in the inexorable flow of time: "His mercy is from age to age upon those who fear him" (Lk 1:50). From Sunday to Sunday, the pilgrim people follow in the footsteps of Mary, and her maternal intercession gives special power and fervour to the prayer which rises from the Church to the Most Holy Trinity.ⁱⁱ

Ahead to Ecumenical Partnerships

i. John Paul II, Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery volume 25.

ii. John Paul II, Dies Domini (July 5, 1998).

This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article and website are not intended to accuse individuals. There are many priests and faithful believers in Roman Catholicism who serve God to the best of their ability and are seen by God as His children. The information contained herein is directed only towards the Roman Catholic religio-political system that has reigned in varying degrees of power for nearly two millennia. Under the influence of its successive popes, bishops, and cardinals, this system has established an increasing number of doctrines and statements that clearly go against Scripture.

It is our sincere desire to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, so you may decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. If you find herein anything contrary to the Word of God, you need not accept it. But if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality, we encourage you to make all haste to accept that Truth which is revealed to you by the Holy Spirit.

Print this document

A Basis for Conflict

Is there evidence for Creation science? How does it compare to evolution? The following articles give insight in to these questions and more.

The Big Bang Theory
Creation and Evolution: Is Compromise Possible?
How Can We See Stars That Are Billions Of Light Years Away?
Geocentricity: It's Time to Face the Facts
The Rise of Evolutionary Thinking
Earth's History: Conflicting Paradigms
Lamarck Proposes Natural Selection
Age Of The Earth Is Carbon-Dating Accurate?
Flood Chronology

Evidence In Stone

Can we understand the age of the earth by depth of rocks? What other theory could the evidence reveal?

Soft Rock Evidence for Rapid Washout

The Fossil Record

What does the fossil record show us? Is it all random or a defined science that we can understand? Where does evolution fit? Uncover mysteries in the history of the Earth.

Evolutionary Sequences
Order in the Fossil Record
Evolution of the Horse Explosive Evolution
Fossils prove a Flood Fossil Footprints
Dinosaurs and the Flood Petrified Trees
The Biblical Flood Reasons For Extinction
Fossil Reefs The Post-Flood World
Human Evolution

Genes of Genesis

As we study the genome, the molecule, and the atom, we see a vast network of intricate systems beyond our understanding. Were these systems really formed by chance?

Mechanisms For Variation
"Species" versus "Kind"
Creating Life in a Test Tube?
Molecules That Began Life Natural Selection
Natural Selection as a Creative Force
Ernst Haeckel's Theories
Variation and Classification
Why So Many Species? The Australian Problem
Synesthesia: Mystery of God’s Creation

Creation to Restoration

How did this world change from the perfection depicted in Genesis to a world full of thorns, thistles, parasites, and death? If God made everything perfect, how could it have all been so changed?

Thorns In A Perfect World
An Imperfect Planet Evidence For Design
Evidence For Transformation
Rapid Transformation
The Dawn Chorus and Life Forces
Clean and Unclean: The History of the Human Diet

Archaeology and the Bible

Archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true. But what's so special about the Bible that makes it a point of so much controversy?

Archaeology Confirms the Bible
The Lost Books of the Bible

Music

Music is a powerful emotional motivator.

Can You Feel the Music?
The Bible and Rock Music: Are they Compatible?
From the Horse's Mouth: The Rock Industry Condemns Itself

Hollywood and the Movies

What is the system of worship found most often in our society? Does it glorify God?

Hollywood's History
Hollywood and Gnosticism

Brain Closed—Please Come Again

Research has shown that our sensitivity to stimuli reduces itself yearly by about 1%. Is your brain hibernating?

The Dangers of Television

Beware of the television's abilities to hypnotize, alter moods, and even cause depression.

Violence and Video Games

Like music and movies, video games are addictive and can cause behavioral problems.

The Pope Claims to be God on Earth

Read proof that throughout the Roman Church's history, the Papacy has often claimed that the Pope is divine.

The Jesuits

Learn what people throughout history have had to say on the reputation, history, and political nature of the Jesuit Order.

Ignatius of Loyola and Martin Luther
Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises
Protestantism Destroyed

The Bloody History of Papal Rome - A Timeline

The oppression of Protestants is widespread and consistent throughout history.

The Bloody History of Papal Rome Quotes

It was once written in America's oldest Catholic newspaper, the Boston Pilot, that "No good government can exist without religion, and there can be no religion without an Inquisition, which is wisely designed for the promotion and protection of the true faith.”

Read several authors' thoughts on Rome's history.

The Aggressive Intentions of the Papacy

The historian Ranke says this about Protestant-Catholic relations: "In the year 1617, everything betokened a decisive conflict between them. The Catholic party appears to have felt itself the superior. At all events it was the first to take up arms."

This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.

Christianity and Violence

Would the world be a safer place without Christian fundamentalism?

Religious Doublespeak

Language can be used to communicate both truth and lies. Learn about the religious doublespeak being used to pull the wool over the eyes of the world.

Agenda of Control

Is there a spiritual dimension to the battle about genetic modification in the agriculture industry?

The Great Controversy

Read this classic work by Ellen G. White.

The Destruction of Jerusalem
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended

Is the Bible True?

If archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true, then why is it a point of so much controversy?

Archaeology Confirms the Bible
Studying Scripture
Scripture is Inspired by God
The Lost Books of the Bible

Who is Jesus?

Is Jesus really who He says He is?

Did Jesus Ever Exist?
Was Jesus the Messiah? Is Jesus God?
Why Did Jesus Have To Die?
Six Purposes for Christ's Life and Death on Earth
The 70-Week Prophecy What Day Did Jesus Die?
Jesus, the Recycled Redeemer
Names of Christ in Revelation

Christian Living

Consider the crucial points of the Christian life with author Wendy Goubej.

What does the Bible have to say about money?
Why Should I Study the Bible?
How God Saves Us
God’s Supreme Sacrifice for You
Conversion and Repentance
A True Christian Spiritual Life What is Faith?
Surrender Christian Growth
God's Promises to You
Baptism: the New Birth Experience

The Origins Of Evil

Did God create sin? If not, where did it come from?

The Prince of this Planet
The Origin of Sin The Great Controversy
God's Plan to Eradicate Sin

A Day of Rest

Have you taken a day to recreate lately?

What is the Seventh-Day Sabbath?
Creation and the Sabbath The Weekly Cycle
Why Sunday? Sabbath FAQ

The Mystic Realm of Death

Is there more to death than the fact that it is the opposite of life?

Death: Understanding the Terminology
A Biblical Understanding of Death
The Resurrection of Lazarus Spiritism
Hell and Purgatory An Immediate Afterlife?
The Parable of Lazarus

Signs and Wonders

Are miraculous signs the best way to be sure that God exists?

Supernatural Deceptions
What are Stigmata?

Deceptions Today

The greatest deceptions are still being formed in society today. Secret international alliances, the mark of the Beast, the New Age, and other issues are discussed.

The Antichrist Identified
Politics and the Papacy Unity at All Cost?
Pentecostalism The New Age Movement
Secret Societies
The United Nations' Global Government
What’s So Bad about Spiritual Formation?
Zionism

The Second Coming of Christ

How will Christ return, and what will it mean for His people?

Signs of The Second Coming of Christ
How Christ will Return
What will Happen to God's People?
What will Happen to the Rejecters of God?
Will there be a Secret Rapture?
The Seven Plagues

The Millennium of Peace

Learn about the Bible's prophecies on God's judgment, deliverance, Armageddon, and the earth made new.

Viewpoints What is the Judgment?
Probation and God's Promises
Consequences Begin Deliverance and Armageddon
Satan Bound God's People will Judge
Postmillennial Return of Christ
The Resurrection of those who Reject God
The Crowning of Christ
The Punishment for those who Reject God
The Earth Made New

Spiritual Gifts

Learn from Paul as he teaches the Corinthian Church about spiritual gifts.

Understanding 1 Corinthians
Pagan Practices What are Spiritual Gifts?
1 Corinthians 12: Spiritual Gifts
Defining the Spiritual Gifts A Lesson in Love
Dealing with Tongues
Prophecy: God's Guiding Gift

The Gospel Story

Since the beginning of time, God has communicated timely messages to the inhabitants of planet Earth. It all started in Eden, with the first Gospel announcement.

The Second Advent Movement
The Beginning of the End of Time
The Great Disappointment and the Birth of Adventism
What are the Three Angels' Messages?
Adventism and the Final Conflict

Walking Through Daniel

Dive into prophecy and history in this chapter-by-chapter commentary of the book of Daniel.

Introduction to Daniel
Daniel 1 Commentary Daniel 2 Commentary
Daniel 3 Commentary Daniel 4 Commentary
Daniel 5 Commentary Daniel 6 Commentary
Daniel 7 Commentary Daniel 8 Commentary
Daniel 9 Commentary Daniel 10 Commentary
Daniel 11 Commentary Daniel 12 Commentary

Walking through Revelation

Join us on a journey through the pages of this letter from Christ to His people.

The Chiastic Structure of Revelation
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
Revelation 11 Commentary
Revelation 12 Commentary
Revelation 13 Commentary
Revelation 14 Commentary
Revelation 15 Commentary
Revelation 16 Commentary
Revelation 17 Commentary
Revelation 18 Commentary
Revelation 19 Commentary
Revelation 20 Commentary
Revelation 21 Commentary
Revelation 22 Commentary

Excitotoxins

Excitotoxins cause physical and spiritual destruction. Learn about the main types of exitotoxins and what can be done to avoid them.

Aspartame
MSG: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets

Is a Little Wine Good for the Heart?

Reports show that red wine may be beneficial to heart health. Is that a good enough reason to start drinking alcohol?

Is a Little Wine Good for the Soul?

The Dairy Controversy

Get the truth about lactose, calcium, and the need for caution around dairy products.

Drink Milk? Udder Propaganda
Lactose Intolerance Calcium

Poisoned Meats

Today's meat and dairy industries are focused on profit rather than health.

The History of the Human Diet

Genetically Modified Foods

The agriculture industry is fast becoming reliant on genetically modified foods. Learn the facts about GMOs and the effects this trend is having on health worldwide.

Soy Safety Summarized
Still Eating Genetically Modified Foods?
The Big GMO Cover-up

Refined Grains

Most of the bread products consumed today are made of refined grains. Are our breakfast cereals and "fortified" loaves as healthy as we like to think?

Coffee

Do the stimulating benefits of coffee really outweigh the costs?

America's Number One Drug Problem—Coffee
Caffeine Caffeine Raises Stress Hormones

Sugar—Affecting the Body and Mind

Refined sugar is addictive, destructive, and devoid of any nutritional value. Why does it continue to be a staple food across the world?

Smoking

Smoking leads to massive amounts of sickness and death every year. Can you beat the nicotine?

Kicking the Tobacco Habit
Nicotine and Depression

Necessary Treatments?

From mammograms to prescription drugs, the modern medical industry is always presenting a new way to diagnose and solve health issues. But are these new treatments really healing anything?

Mammograms or Thermal Imaging?
How to Kill a Cold, Starve a Fever
Many Doctors Ignore the Root Cause of Cancer
Are Hospital Births or Home Births Safer?
Compromise in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Hepatitis B Vaccines
Mercury Poisoning from Amalgam Dental Fillings
Tylenol, the tip of the iceberg

Depression

Find practical ideas for dealing with depression in these articles about symptoms and treatments.

Diseases of the Mind
Lifestyle Principles for Treating Depression
Nutritional Treatments for Depression
Herbs and Medication for Treating Depression
SAD and Bright Light Therapy

Get Healthy!

We are surrounded by unhealthy foods, unwise practices, and even harmful medical advice. Learn how to overcome these obstacles and choose a healthy lifestyle.

The Eight Laws of Health
"You've Changed"
When Sin Has Nothing To Feed Upon
Physical and Spiritual Health
Use it or Lose it! Living off the Land
An Attitude of Gratitude Serving Others
The Healing Power of Honey A Healthy Attitude
Iron in the Vegan Diet Healing

Helpful Health Charts

These graphs and tables can help you jumpstart your health routine.

Sources of Calcium - Chart
Animal Products and Food-borne Illness
Chocolate and Carob Compared
Compatible Combinations of Plant Foods - Graph
Acid and Alkaline Ash Food Groups - Graph
Schedule for a Healthy Lifestyle

Knowledge

Base