As we have already seen, Catholic customs stem from ancient pagan practices and beliefs. Pagan priests were celibate, tonsured, and received the power of sacrificing for the living and the dead. The same power is given to Roman Catholic priests. Pagan celibate priests are dedicated to the mother goddess, and Catholic priests to Mary the mediatrix.
Elevating Mary
In 1854, the Papacy declared Mary sinless, and in 1951, they declared that she had ascended unto heaven, where she was crowned as the "Queen of heaven." This was called the Assumption of Mary. Since then, the complete system of Babylonian worship, with Mary taking the role of the mediatrix, has thus been established within Catholicism.
The goddess in ancient religions was worshiped as the life giver and nurturer and, as such, this religion was full of sexual undertones. Phallic symbols, as well as symbols of femininity and divine intercourse, were common in ancient temples, as they are in modern temples, particularly in India. These symbols are equally common in Roman Catholic cathedrals.
The breasts of the goddess formed a prominent part of the goddess cult, goddesses often being depicted with many breasts to nurture the world. Even the sun god was depicted nurturing at the goddess’ breast.
Catholicism carries the same mythology. Take for example the Magharet Sitti Mariam, or “Milk Grotto” as it is commonly known, where Catholic tradition has it that Mary spilt milk from her breast while feeding Jesus. This milk supposedly squirted onto the walls of the cave and formed white markings. The grotto has become a shrine, revered today as a place of pilgrimage for healing and fertility.
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.i
Pope John Paul II believed that Mary intercedes for the faithful who honor her during mass:
As they listen to the word proclaimed in the Sunday assembly, the faithful look to the Virgin Mary...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
Read more about the Catholic worship of Mary
i. Catholic Layman, July 1856.
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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.
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Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
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 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
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