Catholicism Exposed: How Man-Made Traditions Betray the Word of God

The Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest and most influential institutions in the world, and claims to be the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ, however, over the centuries, many of its teachings and traditions have strayed far from the clear and simple truths found in Scripture. While the Catholic Church often claims that its doctrines are rooted in both the Bible and sacred tradition, a closer look reveals that many of its core beliefs directly contradict the Scripture.

This article isn’t meant to attack Catholics as individuals — many Catholics sincerely seek to follow God. However, it’s crucial to examine whether the doctrines of the Catholic Church align with the Bible, especially when it comes to matters of salvation, authority, and worship.

1. Authority of the Church vs. Authority of Scripture

The Catholic Church teaches that authority is found in three places: Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium which is the teaching authority of the Church, headed by the Pope.

According to Catholic doctrine, tradition and the Church’s interpretations are equal in authority to the Bible.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word of God.” (CCC 97)

But the Bible itself says:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Notice that Scripture alone is what equips the believer — not tradition or church hierarchy.

Jesus also rebuked the Pharisees for placing their traditions above God’s Word:

“Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.” — Mark 7:13

If Jesus condemned man-made traditions in His time, why would God be ok with them now?

2. The Pope as the Vicar of Christ

The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ — the representative of Christ on earth — and claims he has infallible authority when speaking on matters of faith and morals.

However, no such office or position is ever mentioned in Scripture. Peter, whom Catholics claim was the first Pope, never claimed such authority. In fact, Peter called himself a fellow elder (1 Peter 5:1) and warned against holding status over others.

Jesus Himself said:

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.” — Matthew 23:8

The idea of one man ruling over the entire Church contradicts the New Testament model of servant leadership, where Christ alone is the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

3. Mary as Co-Mediator and Co-Redeemer

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary plays a special role in salvation and can intercede for believers. Some Catholic prayers even refer to Mary as the Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces — titles that place her alongside Christ in the work of redemption. Catholics also refer to Mary as “Queen of Heaven”.

Yet the Bible clearly states:

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

Jesus is the only mediator between God and man — not Mary, not the saints, and not the Church.

While Mary was undoubtedly a faithful servant of God, she was still a sinner in need of a Savior, just like everyone else:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” — Luke 1:46-47

If Mary needed a Savior, how could she be sinless or play a role in anyone else’s salvation?

4. Praying to Saints

Catholics are taught to pray to saints, asking them to intercede on their behalf, however, nowhere in the Bible are believers instructed to pray to anyone but God.

In fact, the Bible condemns any attempt to contact the dead:

“There shall not be found among you… one who calls up the dead.” — Deuteronomy 18:10-11

The Bible consistently teaches that we should bring our prayers directly to God:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6

5. Purgatory

The Catholic Church teaches that after death, many souls go to Purgatory — a place of temporary suffering where they are purified of their sins before entering heaven.

This doctrine directly contradicts the Bible’s teaching on salvation. Scripture says:

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27

Jesus declared on the cross:

“It is finished!” — John 19:30

If Christ’s work on the cross is finished, then there is no further purification needed after death. Those who trust in Christ are completely forgiven and made righteous by His sacrifice — not by suffering in some temporary state. To say that a place like Purgatory is needed to purify someone of their sins is to say the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross was not enough.

6. Salvation by Works and Sacraments

The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a process that involves faith, baptism, good works, and participation in the sacraments.

The Bible, however, teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

No amount of church rituals or good deeds can add to what Jesus has already done.

Conclusion: The Truth Will Set You Free

The Catholic Church has built a massive religious system that often keeps people bound in fear, rituals, and man-made traditions — all while claiming to speak for God. But the Bible says:

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32

The truth is that Jesus Christ alone is the Head of the Church, the only Mediator, and the only Savior. No church, no pope, no ritual, and no human tradition can add to the finished work of Christ on the cross.

If you’re a Catholic reading this, I encourage you to open the Bible and search the Scriptures for yourself. Don’t take my word for it — let God’s Word be the final authority as it should ALWAYS be..

It’s time to break free from religious systems that enslave people and return to the simple, life-giving truth of the Gospel:

Jesus is enough.

If you’ve been bound by religious traditions, I challenge you to dive into the Bible for yourself. Start with the book of John and let the Word of God speak to your heart.

If you’re seeking to know more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus, reach out to us at Old Truth Ministries — where we’re rediscovering the faith that changed by man over the centuries.

Truth isn’t found in systems — it’s found in Christ ALONE!