Salt, seek truth and do proper investigation before making bold claims

Tue, May 8. 2012

Editor: Space does not permit me to give a full response to Salt’s letter titled “Freedom does not imply a free-for-all” in last Friday’s edition of the SEARCHLIGHT. I therefore limit my response to two points – the claims of Popes and the Catholic Church and freedom to criticise.{{more}}

If Salt is a Catholic, it is clear that he does not know the teachings of his own church and that would be a shame! I am also wondering what is Salt trying to hide when he seeks to limit our presentation of research on this topic only to a particular time period. Is there evidence that the Popes have repented of their blasphemous claims? Do you realise that the very office of the Papacy is total defiance to Christ’s authority? Now, take note of some historical facts, Salt. Compare your claims (which seem to be based on chosen ignorance and lack of interest in truth) with the claims of Popes et al. You say, “no Pope has ever made himself out to be God…” How do you explain the following?

“The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in Heaven and earth.” Pope Pius V, quoted in Barclay, Chapter XXVII, p. 218, “Cities Petrus Bertanous”.

“…the Pope is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief of kings, having plenitude of power.” Lucius Ferraris, in “Prompta Bibliotheca Canonica, Juridica, Moralis, Theologica, Ascetica, Polemica, Rubristica, Historica”, Volume V, article on “Papa, Article II”, titled “Concerning the extent of Papal dignity, authority, or dominion and infallibility”, #1, 5, 13-15, 18, published in Petit-Montrouge (Paris) by J. P. Migne, 1858 edition.

“The Pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man (…) he is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief of kings, having plenitude of power.” – Lucius Ferraris, «Prompta Bibliotheca», 1763, Volume VI, ‘Papa II’, pp.25-29

“The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, he is Jesus Christ himself, hidden under the veil of flesh.” Catholic National July 1895.

Please check out this link http://www.remnantofgod.org/beastword.htm#earthgod for similar quotes in different centuries.

Consider the Catholic church’s (made up of Catholics) view of itself as being “above the Bible”.

“Sunday is our Mark of authority…the church is above the bible and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.” The Catholic Records, London, Ontario Canada, Sept.1,1923.

What is licentious about the above? Would you wrongly accuse me because I tell you the truth? You see, Salt, wisdom shows that when you hear a person state a claim (e.g. historical facts) don’t be quick to react out of prejudice and hurt feelings. First consider whether the claim is true. This would prevent embarrassment!

It is clear that you do not know the difference between free speech and licentious speech. Legitimate criticism is one dimension of freedom of speech. Licentious speech involves slander, libel, obscenity, inciting (violence) speech. Can you honestly ‘accuse’ Mr Ballantyne and Mrs Baptiste of such? Some people seem to be just interested in smooth words and would rather the truth be hidden under ethics and flatteries, just like they prefer to hide under aliases and pseudonyms. But…the untainted truth must be told “whether you hear or forbear”.

A word of caution, Salt: do proper investigation before making bold claims or you may be guilty of misleading the ignorant (those who don’t know). I bid you to seek truth so that your comments can add value or give savour to the discussion.

Ann-Marie Ballantyne
svgpatriot@hotmail.com