Myths and Misconceptions

Things people say about the Church

Each entry starts with the claim as people actually say it. It ends with the strongest objection that is still standing.

• Catholics worship Mary and the saints

  Catholics honor Mary and ask the saints to pray for them. They adore God alone. Here is where the line falls, and where Protestants still disagree.

  Dogma Not yet reviewed

• What papal infallibility covers

  Papal infallibility is a narrow claim defined in 1870. It does not mean the pope is sinless, or that everything he says is certain.

  Dogma Not yet reviewed

• Why do Catholics call priests Father?

  Matthew 23:9 is real, and the rest of the New Testament uses the word father for people in the Church. Here is how the two fit, and where the objection still has force.

  Discipline Not yet reviewed