Veneration
The special honoring of saints in Roman Catholicism.
Mass
The celebration of Eucharist and other ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church, in particular a ceremony similar to the Lord’s supper in which the bread is said to turn into Jesus Christ’s actual body.
Astarte
Astarte in Phoenica – Astarte was the goddess of the ancient Phoenicians. She loved Adonis who was slain by a boar (a wild pig), but rose from the dead and then ascended to heaven in the sight of his worshipers.

Astarte in Syria – In Syria, Astarte was the Great Mother goddess and queen of prostitutes. Her worship culminated at the vernal equinox. This is about March 21 of each year, when the day and night are of equal length; we today call it the first day of spring.

Vance Ferrell, Christmas, Easter and Halloween—Where Do They Come From? (Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2003).
Artemis
Artemis in Ionia – Ephesus was the major city of Ionia; and its temple of Artemis (called Diana in Acts 19) was famous, for it was the largest Greek temple ever built.

Adapted from Vance Ferrell, Christmas, Easter and Halloween—Where Do They Come From? (Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2003).
Venus
Venus of the Romans – Venus (also called Aphrodite) was equivalent to the earth fertility and love goddess of the other Near Eastern nations. According to some stories, her son was Aeneas, the ancestor of the Romans; according to others, Cupid. In Rome, every month was dedicated to a god, and April belonged to Venus. She was worshiped as the Mother goddess of the Roman race, since they were supposed to be descended from her through Aeneas. Later, they dedicated their days to gods and borrowed, from the Persians, the sacred sun god Mithra.

Adapted from Vance Ferrell, Christmas, Easter and Halloween—Where Do They Come From? (Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2003).
Papal
Having to do with the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church.
Pillars
Author: Professor Walter J. Veith, PhD
Summary: Catholic priest Don Bosco had a dream about two pillars of the faith, but those pillars are not Biblical.
 
More Resources:
 

In 1862, Catholic visionary Don Bosco (1815-1888) had a dream about a "Gospel ship." In his dream, the captain of the ship—representing the Pope—guided it through the war-torn and stormy seas of this world. The ship was then anchored between two pillars, representing the twin pillars of the faith. The twin pillars he saw were the Eucharist and the veneration of Mary:

This stately vessel is shielded by a flotilla escort. Winds and waves are with the enemy. In this midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a short distance apart, soar high into the sky: one is surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Virgin at whose feet a large inscription reads: Help of Christians; the other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a [Communion] Host of proportionate size and bears beneath it the inscription Salvation of believers.i

The Eucharist

The Catholic Eucharist is the symbol of a defeated Christ. As the mass is taken, Christ's sacrifice is commemorated and, according to the doctrine of transubstantiation, actually repeated when the bread is eaten.

Christ is killed again and again during the mass, but His resurrection, acension, and life are minimized. This can also be seen in the use of the crucifix in Catholicism. The crucifix—an icon of the cross with Jesus still hanging on it—only commemorates the death of Christ, ignoring the resurrection that proves His victory over death and Satan. 

Mary

Mary is worshiped as the queen of heaven and co-redeemer with Christ:

The sinner that ventures directly to Christ may come with dread and apprehension of his wrath; but let him only employ the mediation of the Virgin with her Son and she has only to show that Son the breasts that gave him suck and his wrath will immediately be appeased.ii

She is also seen as "immaculate," or sinless like Christ was on Earth. However, she obtained this sinless statues without the blood sacrifice of atonement, thus making the death of Christ unnecessary in her case. If God would choose to declare ordinary humans sinless, then why did Christ have to die on the cross? This is another example of how the Roman Catholic system has minimized the role of Christ in our salvation and put another idol in His place.

Mary is the modern version of the ancient Babylonian sun god, or one of the female personifications of that deity such as Isis, Artemis, Venus, or Astarte. This is the same goddess worshiped in New Age circles as the great earth mother, as we can see in the following examples.

New Age proponent and psychologist Ken Wilber writes this:

Great goddess Kali...when viewed in her highest form as the wife of Shiva, is a perfect example of the assimilation of the old Great Mother image into a new and higher corpus of Great Goddess mythology.iii

Author V. S. Agrawala writes this:

Mother Earth is the deity of the new age...the modern age offers its salutations to Mother Earth whom it adores as the super-goddess...Mother Earth is the presiding deity of the age, let us worship her.iv

The Catholic worship of Mary is identical. Read more on paganism and Mary, the worship of Mary in Catholicism, or the use of the rosary in Mary veneration.

Biblical Pillars

In contrast to Don Bosco's mystical pillars, the Bible's pillars of faith rest on an entirely different foundation: obedience to God and faith in Jesus Christ. Revelation 14:12 tells us the identifiers of God's true people:

Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Read about spiritism in the Jehovah's Witness movement

 

 

i. Don Bosco's Prophecy of the Two Pillars, Theotokos Catholic Books website.

ii. Catholic Layman (July, 1856).

iii. Ken Wilber, Up from Eden: A Transpersonal View of Human Evolution (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 2002): 196

iv. V. S. Agrawala, as quoted in Klaus K. Klostermaier, A Survey of Hinduism (Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1989): 276.

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.
Print this document
Science Deceptions
Media Deceptions
Reformation
Spiritual Deceptions
Health Deceptions
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 papal 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
If you want to use this article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Amazing Discoveries™ is required.
© 1993-2012 Amazing Discoveries™