Catholic Church: A Fact Check On Historical Events

A recent popular post circulating around the internet made certain claims about the Catholic Church in order to demonstrate it’s human construct over time and not much divine.

The post claims there are more than 2,500 things invented by this religion to enslave human beings to Christianity.

The post from Toni Wells page on Facebook says;

“Religions and their Gods were created as a means of MANIPULATION and BUSINESS. As part of the EVOLUTION of the human being is the FREEDOM of these means of manipulation.  Although little by little the human being is in the era of AWAKENING, young people are LESS RELIGIOUS every day for two more generations and the Catholic religion will be in its decline. Everything will be part of our EVOLUTION.

It is up to you to continue believing what you now believe to be the absolute truth, because you have not questioned yourself … question yourself and you will see that all religions are an invention … of man.”

So being the investigative type, I did the research to check out these claims.  Basically, I fact checked them.  So let’s dig in shall we?

According the the post, they say…

1. in 325, at the Council of Nicea, Constantine the Great created the Catholic Church after a genocide of 45,000 Christians; where he tortured them to renounce Reincarnation. At the same time the religious books of all the villages of the empire are collected and thus create THE BIBLE.
2. In 327, Constantine, known as the emperor of Rome, ordered Jerome to translate the Vulgate version in Latin, changing the Hebrew proper names and adulterating the scriptures.
3. In 431, the cult of the VIRGIN was invented.
4. In 594, PURGATORY was invented.
5. In 610, the title of the POPE was invented.
6. In 788, worship of pagan deities was imposed.
7. In 995, the meaning of kadosh (set aside) was changed to saint.
8. In 1079, the celibacy of priests is imposed >> a totally Catholic word.
9. In 1090, the Rosary was imposed.
10. In 1184, the Inquisition was perpetrated.
11. In 1190, indulgences are sold.
12. In 1215, confession was imposed on the priests.
13. In 1216, Pope Innocent III’s tale of the terror of bread (a god in Greek mythology), which turns into human flesh, was invented.
14. In 1311, the Batesimo prevailed.
15. In 1439, the non-existent PURGATORY was dogmatized.
16. In 1854, the immaculate Conception was invented.
17. In 1870, the absurdity of an infallible pope was imposed, in which the concept of Contracting was invented

But is any of this true?

Let’s find out!

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1. In 325, at the Council of Nicea, Constantine the Great created the Catholic Church after a genocide of 45,000 Christians, where he tortured them to renounce Reincarnation. At the same time the religious books of all the villages of the empire are collected and thus create THE BIBLE.

The Council of Nicea, convened in 325, was primarily focused on addressing theological disputes within Christianity, particularly the Arian controversy, which concerned the nature of Christ and his relationship to God the Father. The council did not involve the creation of the Catholic Church, as the Christian Church had already been established and was in existence prior to the council.

Additionally, there is no historical evidence to support the claim of a genocide of 45,000 Christians or the torture of individuals to renounce reincarnation at the Council of Nicea. The council’s primary focus was on theological matters and the establishment of the Nicene Creed, which addressed the nature of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity.

The compilation of religious books to create the Bible also did not occur at the Council of Nicea. The process of canonization and the formation of the biblical canon took place over several centuries and involved careful consideration of various texts by early Christian communities and leaders. The compilation of the Bible was a gradual and complex process that extended beyond the timeframe of the Council of Nicea.

In conclusion, the claim that the Council of Nicea in 325 involved the creation of the Catholic Church, a genocide of 45,000 Christians, and the compilation of religious books to create the Bible is not supported by historical evidence. The council’s primary focus was on addressing theological disputes within Christianity, particularly the Arian controversy, and it did not involve the creation of the Catholic Church or the compilation of the Bible.

2.  In 327, Constantine, known as the emperor of Rome, ordered Jerome to translate the Vulgate version in Latin, changing the Hebrew proper names and adulterating the scriptures. Is that True?

The claim that in 327, Constantine the Great ordered Jerome to translate the Vulgate version in Latin, changing the Hebrew proper names and adulterating the scriptures is not entirely accurate based on historical records.

Jerome, a prominent scholar and theologian, was indeed commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to produce an acceptable Latin version of the Bible from the various translations then being used. His work on the Latin Vulgate, a fourth-century Latin translation of the Bible, aimed to create a translation that the church could confidently say preserved the original Scriptures. Jerome’s translation, known as the Vulgate (from the Latin word vulgus, meaning common language), became the standard Latin Bible used by the Roman Catholic Church for centuries .

It is important to note that the process of translating the Vulgate involved consulting the original Hebrew and Greek texts, as well as existing Latin translations. Jerome’s work was a significant scholarly endeavor that aimed to provide a reliable and accurate Latin translation of the Bible for the Western Church.

The claim that Jerome changed the Hebrew proper names and adulterated the scriptures is not supported by historical evidence. Jerome’s translation work was a meticulous and scholarly effort to produce an accurate Latin version of the Bible, and it was highly regarded by scholars and used as the basis for translations into other languages for a thousand years .

In conclusion, while Jerome was commissioned to translate the Vulgate version in Latin, the claim that he changed Hebrew proper names and adulterated the scriptures is not accurate. His work on the Latin Vulgate was a significant scholarly endeavor aimed at providing a reliable and accurate Latin translation of the Bible for the Western Church.

3. In 431, the cult of the VIRGIN was invented.  Is that True?

The cult of the Virgin, particularly the veneration of Mary, has a long history and can be traced back to early Christianity. The Council of Ephesus in 431 played a significant role in the development and sanctioning of the cult of the Virgin as Mother of God. This event marked an important theological milestone in the veneration of Mary. The dissemination of images of the Virgin and Child, which came to embody church doctrine, soon followed

The early veneration, or cult, of the Virgin can be traced back to as early as the second century, as evidenced by apocryphal accounts and the art of the catacombs

The cult of the Virgin Mary continued to develop and gain prominence during the Middle Ages. During this period, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was held in high regard and her cult was regarded across Europe. The medieval mind saw Mary as the perfect woman, embodying many ideals of courtly love, and thousands of statues were placed in churches, showing the Virgin with her child

In conclusion, the cult of the Virgin, particularly the veneration of Mary, was not “invented” in 431, but rather the Council of Ephesus in 431 played a significant role in the theological sanctioning and development of the cult of the Virgin as Mother of God.

4.  In 594, PURGATORY was invented.

The concept of purgatory has a complex and contested history within Christian theology. The idea of purgatory as a place of purification after death is not a concept that was “invented” at a specific point in time, but rather developed over centuries within Christian tradition.

The Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England, produced during the English Reformation, stated that “The Romish doctrine concerning Purgatory…is a fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture”

This reflects the rejection of the doctrine of purgatory by certain branches of Christianity during the Reformation.

The concept of purgatory was addressed by both the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and the Book of Common Prayer in the 16th century, with Article XXII stating that the doctrine of purgatory was “vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture”.

The development of the concept of purgatory can be traced back to medieval Christian piety and imagination, and it profoundly affected Western society during the Middle Ages and beyond

The doctrine of purgatory was affirmed after discussions between Latin and Greek theologians at the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 and was further defined at the Council of Trent in 1545-1563

In conclusion, the concept of purgatory did not have a specific moment of invention, but rather developed over time within Christian tradition, with its theological status being contested by different branches of Christianity.

5. In 610, the title of the POPE was invented

The title of “Pope” was not invented in 610, but rather has a complex historical development within the Christian tradition. The term “pope” was originally used in the early 3rd century as an honorific designation for any bishop in the West. In the East, it was used only for the bishop of Alexandria. The title was first used in the 6th century by Pope Gregory I (590-610) as a response to the Patriarch of Constantinople assuming the title “Ecumenical Patriarch” and claiming power and superiority against the pope. In retaliation, Gregory adopted the title “Servant of the Servants of God” as a demonstration of humility

The title “pope” was formerly given, especially from the 3rd to the 5th century, to any bishop and sometimes to simple priests as an ecclesiastical title expressing affectionate respect. In Eastern Orthodox churches, it is still used for the patriarch of Alexandria and for Orthodox priests. However, from the early 6th century, the title began to be confined in the West to the bishop of Rome, a practice that was firmly in place by the 11th century

In conclusion, the title of “Pope” was not invented in 610, but rather evolved and developed over centuries within the context of the Christian Church.

6. In 788, Worship of Pagan Deities was Imposed. Is that True?

The claim that in 788, the Catholic Church imposed the worship of pagan deities is not accurate. However, it is true that certain traditions and practices within the Roman Catholic Church have been traced back to pagan cults, rites, and deities. For example, the Catholic rite of Holy Communion has been noted to parallel pre-Christian Greco-Roman and Egyptian rituals involving the consumption of the body and blood of a god . Additionally, some Catholic holidays and myths, such as Christmas, Easter, and Mardi Gras, have been linked to pre-Christian fertility festivals

It is important to note that the early Church had to adapt to and integrate with pagan practices and beliefs in order to assimilate into Roman society, leading to the incorporation of certain pre-Christian myths, deities, festivals, and rituals into the rites and symbols of the Roman Catholic Church

However, the claim that the Catholic Church imposed the worship of pagan deities in 788 is not supported by historical evidence.

7. In 995, in regards to the catholic church, the meaning of kadosh (set aside) was changed to saint. Is that true?

The claim that in 995, the meaning of “kadosh” (set aside) was changed to “saint” in the context of the Catholic Church is not accurate. The term “kadosh” has its roots in Hebrew and means “to set apart” or “to be distinct from the rest” . It signifies something or someone who stands out due to a unique characteristic or purpose . This understanding of “kadosh” as “set apart” is consistent with its biblical usage in Hebrew.

The concept of “saint” in the Catholic Church refers to individuals who are recognized for their exceptional holiness and are venerated for their exemplary lives and service to God and humanity. The process of canonization within the Catholic Church involves a thorough investigation into the life and virtues of a candidate for sainthood, and the recognition of miracles attributed to their intercession .

In conclusion, the claim that the meaning of “kadosh” was changed to “saint” in the context of the Catholic Church in 995 is not supported by historical or linguistic evidence.

8. In 1079, the celibacy of priests is imposed; a totally Catholic word. Is that true?

The claim that in 1079, the celibacy of priests was imposed, leading to the creation of a totally Catholic word, is supported by historical evidence. The imposition of celibacy for priests within the Catholic Church can be traced back to the late 11th century. In 1079, Pope Gregory VII issued a decree that prohibited the marriage of priests, as part of a broader reform movement within the Church. This decree marked a significant shift in the Church’s stance on priestly celibacy and contributed to the development of celibacy as a mandatory practice for Catholic priests

The theological developments during this period emphasized celibacy as a value and virtue of outstanding worth, with proponents arguing that the priest, as the representative of Christ, should be celibate to maintain purity and devotion to their spiritual duties

This shift in understanding and practice led to the establishment of celibacy as a requirement for priests within the Catholic Church.

Therefore, the claim that in 1079, the celibacy of priests was imposed within the Catholic Church is accurate, and it marked a significant development in the Church’s traditions and practices.

9.  In 1090, the Rosary was imposed in the Catholic Church. Is that true?

The claim that in 1090, the Rosary was imposed in the Catholic Church is a topic of historical debate. According to some sources, it is suggested that the rosary, a form of prayer involving the recitation of specific prayers and meditation on the life of Jesus and Mary, was introduced by Peter the Hermit in A.D. 1090 . However, other sources attribute the origin of the rosary to St. Dominic, who is traditionally associated with its popularization in the 12th century.

The rosary is a cherished prayer within the Catholic Church, consisting of the recitation of the Creed, the Our Father, Hail Marys, and the Doxology, and is often accompanied by meditation on the mysteries of the faith.

The rosary has been recognized as a significant aspect of Catholic spirituality, and its history and development are intertwined with the devotional life of the Church.

Therefore, while the specific claim of the rosary being imposed in 1090 is not universally agreed upon, the rosary has been an integral part of Catholic prayer and spirituality for centuries.

10.  In 1184, the Inquisition was perpetrated. Is that true?

The claim that the Inquisition was perpetrated in 1184 is supported by historical evidence. The Inquisition has its origins in the early organized persecution of non-Catholic Christian religions in Europe. In 1184, Pope Lucius III sent bishops to southern France to track down heretics called Catharists, marking the beginning of the Inquisition’s activities. These efforts continued into the 14th century, and the Inquisition was permanently established in 1229 at the Council of Toulouse, run largely by the Dominicans in Rome and later at Carcassonne in Languedoc.

The Inquisition was a powerful office set up within the Catholic Church to root out and punish heresy throughout Europe. It is infamous for the severity of its tortures and its persecution of Jews and Muslims. The Spanish Inquisition, a dominant force for more than 200 years, resulted in some 32,000 executions.

Therefore, the claim that the Inquisition was perpetrated in 1184 is accurate, and it marked the beginning of a significant and controversial chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

11.  In 1190, Catholic indulgences are sold. Is that true?

The claim that Catholic indulgences were sold in 1190 is not accurate. The Catholic Church does not now nor has it ever approved the sale of indulgences. This is to be distinguished from the undeniable fact that individual Catholics, such as the German Dominican Johann Tetzel (1465-1519), did sell indulgences, but in doing so, they acted contrary to explicit Church regulations. This practice is utterly opposed to the Catholic Church’s teaching on indulgences, and it cannot be regarded as a teaching or practice of the Church. In 1967, Pope Paul VI reiterated Catholic teaching that indulgences cannot be sold or bought, emphasizing that they are a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins, gained under certain prescribed conditions.

12.  In 1215, confession was imposed on the Catholic priests. Is that true?

In 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council did indeed impose the obligation of yearly sacramental confession of sins and reception of the Holy Eucharist, and it also imposed disciplinary measures upon priest confessors . This council defended the sacrament of Penance and addressed various problems related to it, stipulating the need for the yearly sacramental confession of sins and reception of the Holy Eucharist.

The Fourth Lateran Council’s Canon 21 laid down the obligation of secrecy, stating that priests have a serious obligation not to cause scandal by the way they speak and emphasized the absolute duty of priests or anyone who happens to hear a confession not to disclose anything that they learn from penitents during the course of the Sacrament of Penance (confession).

Therefore, the claim that in 1215, confession was imposed on Catholic priests is supported by historical evidence.

13.  In 1216, Pope Innocent III’s tale of the terror of bread (a god in Greek mythology), which turns into human flesh, was invented. Is that true?

There is no historical evidence to support the claim that in 1216, Pope Innocent III invented a tale of the terror of bread (a god in Greek mythology) turning into human flesh. Pope Innocent III, born Lotario dei Conti di Segni, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1198 until his death in 1216. His influence and power were significant during the medieval period.

The claim about the tale of the terror of bread turning into human flesh is not supported by historical records or reputable sources. It is important to critically evaluate historical claims and ensure that they are based on credible evidence.

14.  In 1311, the Batesimo prevailed. Is that true?

The claim that “in 1311, the Batesimo prevailed” seems to be ambiguous, as “batesimo” does not appear to be a widely recognized term or event in historical or cultural contexts. However, the term “prevailed” can refer to gaining ascendancy through strength or superiority, becoming effective or effectual, or using persuasion successfully

15.  In 1439, the non-existent PURGATORY was dogmatized. Is that true?

The claim that “in 1439, the non-existent PURGATORY was dogmatized” is not accurate. The Council of Florence, which took place from 1431 to 1449, did address the doctrine of purgatory, but it did not “dogmatize” the existence of purgatory as a physical place. Instead, the council affirmed the existence of purgatory as a state or condition of existence for souls after death, where they undergo purification before entering heaven.

The council made no mention of purgatory as a physical place containing fire, and it did not define its nature in terms of a specific location. Instead, the council focused on the theological understanding of purgatory as a state of existence for souls who are being purified. Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI have also emphasized that the term “purgatory” does not indicate a place, but rather a condition of existence .

The concept of purgatory has a complex history, with early precursors found in the writings of Plato and Heraclides Ponticus, and it became a significant aspect of medieval Christian piety and imagination .

In conclusion, while the Council of Florence did address the doctrine of purgatory, it did not dogmatize it as a physical place, but rather affirmed it as a state or condition of existence for souls undergoing purification before entering heaven. The theological understanding of purgatory has evolved over time and continues to be a subject of discussion within Christian traditions.

16.  In 1854, the immaculate Conception was invented. Is that true?

The claim that “in 1854, the immaculate Conception was invented” is not accurate. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was officially defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854, but it was not “invented” at that time. The belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary had been a part of Christian tradition for centuries prior to the formal definition in 1854.

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception refers to the belief that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. It is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. The formal definition of this doctrine occurred on December 8, 1854, when Pope Pius IX, with the support of the overwhelming majority of Roman Catholic bishops, promulgated the papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus,” which defined ex cathedra the dogma of the Immaculate Conception .

The belief in the Immaculate Conception had been widely celebrated and defended prior to 1854. Christian piety introduced an oath to defend the belief in the Immaculate Conception as early as the 15th century, and the feast of the Immaculate Conception was universally celebrated during that time .

In conclusion, the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was not “invented” in 1854, but rather formally defined by Pope Pius IX as a longstanding belief within the Catholic tradition. The formal definition in 1854 solidified the existing belief in the Immaculate Conception as a dogma of the Catholic Church.

17.  In 1870, the absurdity of an infallible pope was imposed, in which the concept of Contracting was invented. is that true?

The claim that “in 1870, the absurdity of an infallible pope was imposed, in which the concept of Contracting was invented” is not an accurate representation of the historical events surrounding the First Vatican Council of 1870. The council did indeed define the doctrine of papal infallibility, but it did not “impose the absurdity of an infallible pope” or “invent the concept of Contracting.”

The First Vatican Council, convened by Pope Pius IX, took place from 1869 to 1870 and addressed several issues, including the primacy of the Pope and the doctrine of papal infallibility. The council’s decree, Pastor Aeternus, defined the conditions under which the Pope is considered infallible when speaking ex cathedra (from the chair) on matters of faith and morals. This means that under specific conditions, the Pope is considered free from error when solemnly defining a doctrine concerning faith or morals for the entire Church.

The concept of papal infallibility was a subject of considerable controversy and debate during the council, and the definition of this doctrine was met with both support and opposition. The doctrine of papal infallibility is related to the concept of indefectibility, which asserts that the grace promised to the Church assures its perseverance until the end of time.

Critics of the doctrine have pointed to historical instances when popes are said to have taught heretical doctrines, such as the case of Honorius I, who was condemned by the Third Council of Constantinople in 680-681. The definition of papal infallibility by the First Vatican Council established the conditions under which a pope may be said to have spoken infallibly, requiring the pope to intend to demand irrevocable assent from the entire Church in some aspect of faith or morals.

In conclusion, the claim that the concept of an infallible pope was “imposed” and the concept of “Contracting” was “invented” in 1870 is not accurate. The First Vatican Council defined the doctrine of papal infallibility amid considerable controversy, and it did not “impose” the concept of an infallible pope but rather established specific conditions under which the Pope is considered infallible when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals.

Source:  You.com – An A.I. Research Tool