Steve Camp: Is the Catholic My Brother?: What Should Our Theological Litmus Test Be to Define a Professing Christian as a Brother in Christ?

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Steve Camp, well known Christian recording artist, writer of a Grammy Award-winning song, theologically Reformed Christian apologist and founder of audienceONE Ministries will address the theme: "Is the Catholic My Brother?: What Should Our Theological Litmus Test Be to Define a Professing Christian as a Brother in Christ?

In this day and age it has become more and more common for Evangelical Christian leaders to sign documents or participate in public, evangelistic events that imply Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox share the same Faith with the heirs of the Reformation, albeit some differences of little or no importance. But, is this true? Did the Church of Rome proclaim this unity at the Council of Trent? Should we, today, whether we are Evangelicals or Catholics?

Tonight our guest will adress these very controversial questions as the pressure gets greater for participation within the modern ecumenical movement.

RICHARD BENNETT: THE MINDSETS of CATHOLICISM PERMEATING EVANGELICALISM

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RICHARD BENNETT, a former Roman Catholic priest for over 20 years who is now a believer in the Gospel of Free and Sovereign Grace and a Bible-believing Christian apologist, author and popular conference speaker, will address the theme: "THE MINDSETS of CATHOLICISM PERMEATING EVANGELICALISM".

Many Evangelicals in our day know little of what the true Gospel really means. As a result, many New Evangelicals have embraced Roman Catholic ways of thinking. On May 30, 2004, the New York Times carried news of the alliance called “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” (ECT) showing it as a movement that is changing the face of Christianity.

This movement has embraced the Mindsets of Catholicism. The frame of mind is permeating other movements such as “Christian Churches Together,” the “New Perspective,” “The Coming Home Network,” and “The Emerging Church movement.” Since these movements are affecting Christians in the USA and across the world, Richard Bennett believes our topic today is a most important one to discuss.

Richard Bennett: Clergy Sex Abuse in the Roman Catholic Church

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RICHARD BENNETT: DARWINIAN EVOLUTION & THE CHURCH OF ROME

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RICHARD BENNETT, a former Roman Catholic priest for over 20 years who is now a believer in the Gospel of Free and Sovereign Grace and a Bible-believing Christian apologist, author and popular conference speaker, will address the theme: "DARWINIAN EVOLUTION & THE CHURCH OF ROME".

Evolutionism remains one of the major tools of Satan and his cohorts to disparage biblical faith. As the atheistic world celebrates 150 years of Darwinism, Papal Rome’s use of this divisive issue to its own advantage is of grave concern to us in the 21st century. Today Richard Bennett will discuss the Roman Catholic Church's promotion of Evolutionism, and its exclusion of the God of Creation..

Richard hails from Ireland, where he was trained by Jesuits in his early years. He then received eight years of theological instruction and preparation for the priesthood with the Dominicans, completing his education at the Angelicum University in Rome in 1964. He spent twenty-one years as a Roman Catholic parish priest in Trinidad W. I. He had, therefore, the best of academic training in things Catholic, plus twenty-one years of being a parish priest applying Catholic teachings to everyday life. After a serious accident in 1972, in which he nearly lost his life, he began to study seriously the Bible. After fourteen years of contrasting Catholicism to Biblical truth, he was convicted by the Gospel message in 1986. He was then saved by God’s grace alone, and formally left the Roman Catholic Church and its priesthood. He has founded an evangelistic ministry to Catholics called “Berean Beacon” (http://www.bereanbeacon.org/).

RICHARD BENNETT: VATICAN CONTROL THROUGH CIVIL LAW

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RICHARD BENNETT, a former Roman Catholic priest for over 20 years who is now a theologically Reformed Christian apologist, author and popular conference speaker, will address the theme: "VATICAN CONTROL THROUGH CIVIL LAW".

According to Richard Bennett: "Control of civil law and law among European nations is what the Catholic Church thrived on through the Dark and the Middle Ages. This control was the primary underpinning of her power during the six hundred years of the Inquisition and in the growth of her religious power system generally throughout the centuries. Her ability to grow in strength and numbers is always in proportion to her legal agreements with any nation. In the nations where she has legal concordats with the civil governments, she succeeds both in holding down the Gospel and in simultaneously furthering her position as keeper of the ubiquitous, highly sensuous, and most effective sacramental system known to modern man."


Bennett believes things have changed only slightly. He states that the Vatican continues to exercise control by civil law. He has just returned from London where he met Jan Sichula and Ivan Hlavanda from Slovakia. They spoke to him about the effects of a civil agreement the Vatican and Slovakia has had since the year 2,000. Bennett's ministry, Berean Beacon, made a DVD on this situation as more and more pressure is brought to bear on Christians in Slovakia through Slovakian civil law.


Richard Bennett hails from Ireland, where he was trained by Jesuits in his early years. He then received eight years of theological instruction and preparation for the priesthood with the Dominicans, completing his education at the Angelicum University in Rome in 1964. He spent twenty-one years as a Roman Catholic parish priest in Trinidad W. I. He had, therefore, the best of academic training in things Catholic, plus twenty-one years of being a parish priest applying Catholic teachings to everyday life. After a serious accident in 1972, in which he nearly lost his life, he began to study seriously the Bible. After fourteen years of contrasting Catholicism to Biblical truth, he was convicted by the Gospel message in 1986. He was then saved by God’s grace alone, and formally left the Roman Catholic Church and its priesthood. He has founded an evangelistic ministry to Catholics called “Berean Beacon” (http://www.bereanbeacon.org/).

ERIC SVENDSEN: "UPON THIS SLIPPERY ROCK: Countering Roman Catholic Claims to Authority"

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ERIC SVENDSEN, Evangelical apologist, debater, author and director of New Testament Research Ministries, will address the theme of his book: "UPON THIS SLIPPERY ROCK: Countering Roman Catholic Claims to Authority."

"How do you know your private interpretation of the Bible is correct over against the private interpretation of every other denomination?"

"How can you be certain that you are in the truth since all you have to go on is your own fallible private judgment that your church is right?"

"How do you know you’ve picked the right denomination?"

"How can you believe in sola Scriptura, a principle that has resulted in over 25,000 Protestant denominations?"

Sound familiar? If you've ever spent time dialoguing with a Roman Catholic apologist, chances are you've been confronted with these very questions.

Finally, from Eric Svendsen and Calvary Press, comes a layman's handbook for answering the epistemological dilemmas posed by Roman Catholic apologists--one that not only answers these questions and others like them, but also shows you how to turn those same dilemmas back on the Roman Catholic inquisitor himself! Winsome and practical; in-depth yet easy to read; this timely volume will prove to be an invaluable handbook in your dealings with Roman Catholic apologists who attempt to denigrate the Scriptures in their zeal to promote the authority of Rome.

You can also hear 2 "Iron Sharpens Iron" inteviews with Dr. Svendsen on his groundbreaking, 334-page book "WHO IS MY MOTHER?: The Role & Status of Mary in the New Testament & Roman Catholicism" on free downloadable MP3s.:

Part #1 can be heard here

Part #2 can be heard here

Mark Michael Zima: "OPEN LETTER TO POPE BENEDICT XVI REGARDING THE CAUSE FOR CANONIZATION OF MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA"

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MARK MICHAEL ZIMA, author of "Mother Teresa: The Case For the Cause: Is Mother Teresa of Calcuta a Saint?" , will address his "OPEN LETTER TO POPE BENEDICT XVI REGARDING THE CAUSE FOR CANONIZATION OF MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA."

Although Mark Michael Zima is a Traditionalist Catholic in good standing, his controversial views regarding Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a beloved, modern-day hero of countless millions globally spanning denominations and world religions, surely puts him at odds with the vast majority of professing Catholics worldwide. He is a former religious brother of two missionary communities: the Brothers of Our Lady of Reconciliation and the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He has devoted much of his life to theological and philosophical studies as well as the evangelism of Catholicism. He has studied at the Dietrich von Hildebrand Institute in Gradone, Italy. He has also has a comprehensive education in other branches of Christian theology. He has taught Sacred Scripture, as well as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and has been a Catholic youth director at a parish in Oregon. He has been associated with many different Catholic organizations. He has worked to found Catholic monasteries with Catholic priests.

Mr. Zima has written to Cardinal Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict XVI (An Open Letter and Request to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to address the theological problems in the Church. He has met and dialogued with bishops of the western and eastern rites. Today we will discuss Mr. Zima's recent open letter to Pope Benedict XVI calling into question Mother Teresa's eligibility for Canonization.

KEN GUINDON: "HISTORY IS NOT ENOUGH!: Why Do Ancient Churches Attract Evangelicals?"

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KEN GUINDON, a former Roman Catholic who after a twisting and turning journey in search of God's Truth eventually embraced, abandoned, then finally returned to Evangelical Christianity, will give his fascinating testimony and will address the theme of his book: "HISTORY IS NOT ENOUGH!: Why Do Ancient Churches Attract Evangelicals?"

According to Ken Guindon's promotional material for "History Is Not Enough!":

"The number of evangelicals joining the Roman Catholic or the Eastern Orthodox Church has markedly increased during the last thirty years. Church history definitely played an important role in their decision. This phenomenon is noteworthy because many of these converts are well-educated, former evangelical ministers. Following the apostles’ death, how did church life evolve under the influence of sacramental teaching and worship? This study provides a detailed discussion of the two great Christian sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and of the ancient churches’ views concerning salvation, Mary, the saints and their images. Ken Guindon provides us with a passionate discussion of the questions Christians face today as they examine history for foundations for faith. Here, the apostolic and biblical faith confronts the liturgical and sacramental views of both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches."

“Written with a loving heart, this work is worth reading by everyone interested in authentic Christianity and is particularly helpful for anyone who is tempted to think that age and claims to infallibility are criteria of the true church.” —Robert L. Saucy, Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

During this interview, Ken will focus on his own spiritual journey that led him to write "History Is Not Enough!" Raised in the Catholic Church, Ken thirsted for God. He spent 16 years in the Jehovah’s Witnesses and after months of spiritual struggle, Ken found Jesus Christ as his Savior. Baptized in the First Baptist Church of Van Nuys, California and later ordained to the ministry, he began a ministry to evangelize other religions and cults. In 1978, the Guindon family moved to France where he served as a missionary with the Torchbearer Fellowship and later with Baptist Mid-Missions. Ken trained catechists in Mexico and he spoke and wrote programming for Spanish language radio in the Los Angeles area.

After approximately 13 years of being very actively involved in Independent, Fundamentalist, Landmark Baptist circles, Ken became disillusioned particularly with their Dispensationalism, which he could not justify biblically, and returned to the Roman Catholic Faith. On June 19, 1998, while working for EWTN (the Eternal Word Television Network), which is the largest Roman Catholic television network, Ken was interviewed by Marcus Grodi on the well-known Roman Catholic television program"The Journey Home", produced by The Coming Home Network International, which regularly features interviews with individuals who have left Protestantism, the cults or world religions and converted to Catholicism (or returned to it). Ken's interview is, remarkably, still available on Marcus Grodi's web site.

After approximately 11 years in the Roman communion Ken entered Eastern Orthodoxy, where he remained for approximately 7 years before finally returning to Evangelical Christianity at the age of 65, and now professes to be a baptistic Calvinist.

Ken fully realizes that due to his history of apparent instability in his theological experience he is vulnerable to the charge of not heeding the admonishment of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:14: "...we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming", but believes every path he has taken was motivated by a genuine, sincere desire to honor, obey and serve God rightly. He now realizes his greatest error was searching for "The One True Church", rather than seeking out fellow believers in the One True Gospel.

Purchase Ken's book here.

PETER FEUERHERD & PETE SHEEHAN: "HOLYLAND U.S.A.: A Catholic Ride Through America's Evangelical Landscape"

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PETER FEUERHERD, the Editor of "American Catholic" and a widely respected Catholic journalist, and PETE SHEEHAN, Senior Reporter for "The Long Island Catholic" newspaper, will address the theme of Feuerherd's book "HOLYLAND U.S.A.: A Catholic Ride Through America's Evangelical Landscape," winner of five Catholic Press Awards.

As the host of "Iron Sharpens Iron", and as an Evangelical from the Reformed Baptist tradition, I believe it is very healthy and valuable to hear how those outside of Evangelical Christianity view the faith demonstrated by those who do profess to be heirs of the Protestant Reformation today. During this broadcast we will get a glimpse of Evangelicalism as seen through the lens of two Roman Catholic ecumenists.

Here is a description of Peter Feuerherd's book "Holyland USA" from Publishers Weekly:

"A little more than 40 years ago, many Protestants in the U.S. thought that a Catholic in the White House was a sign of the Apocalypse. Now, Catholics and Protestants often find themselves on the same side of political and social battle lines. 'The barriers are breaking down,' writes award-winning religion journalist Feuerherd, a self-described 'liberal New Yorker' who investigates the evangelical Protestant movement in the U.S. Feuerherd begins his exploration at the Holy Land theme park in Orlando, Fla., which boasts a replica of the ancient city of Jerusalem and tour guides who proselytize visitors. Feuerherd also writes about his time at the Protestant-run American Bible Society in New York, where he worked as an editor, and investigates the Willow Creek megachurch in suburban Chicago. He is not afraid to levy criticisms against some intolerant evangelicals, but he never does so at arm's length—he inserts himself into the evangelical world and one can sense his appreciation growing. His daughter's recent decision to forgo Catholicism and attend an evangelical church presents Feuerherd with a new perspective on evangelical hospitality that he generously shares with the reader. Feuerherd's writing style is light and often humorous, which helps defuse many of the Catholic/evangelical tensions he encounters."

During this discussion, an attempt will be made to contrast the ecumenism of the two Catholic guests with the non-ecumenical stance the host of this program takes regarding relations between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics in matters of spirituality, evangelism and worship.

SHANE JACKSON: "THE TESTIMONY OF A 'REVERT" (Encore Presentation)

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SHANE JACKSON, raised in a nominal Baptist home in Northern Alabama who converted to Traditionalist Catholicism 20 years ago, pursued a career as a Catholic apologist, and then, in 2002, after reading the classic book The Roman Catholic Controversy by Dr. James R. White and hearing Dr. White debate well known Catholic apologist Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers on "The Bible Answer Man" radio broadcast, returned to the Baptist Faith, this time with a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, will address the theme: "THE TESTIMONY OF A 'REVERT."

Shane, who has been blind since birth, is regularly involved in ministry outreach to the blind. He has also served on the staff of Solid Ground Christian Books . You can contact Shane at Jack728@gmail.com.

DR. JOEL NEDERHOOD: "CHALLENGING THOUGHTFUL ROMAN CATHOLICS TO EXAMINE THEIR FAITH"

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DR. JOEL NEDERHOOD, Reformed theologian, author, pastor of preaching at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church, South Holland, Illinois, voice of The Back to God Hour from 1965 to 1990, former host of the "Faith 20" television program, and Chancellor of Eastern Ukraine Theological Seminary will address the theme: "CHALLENGING THOUGHTFUL ROMAN CATHOLICS TO EXAMINE THEIR FAITH."

Today, Dr. Nederhood will be largely drawing the content of his discussion from the book Two Men From Malta , which he coauthored with Joe Serge, a Toronto newspaperman and columnist. The two men being referred to by the title, "Two Men From Malta", are the Apostle Paul and Mr. Serge. In this book Serge describes his odyssey from Roman Catholicism to the faith of the Reformation.

Serge invited our guest, long time radio and television teacher Joel Nederhood, to join him in examining primary Roman Catholic teaching such as "the Mass," "Mary," "the Papacy," and the essence of salvation itself. Dr. Nederhood, whose published works include This Splendid Journey and The Forever People , has produced a highly readable and provocative examination of the biblical material that Roman Catholic believers should consider as they evaluate their faith position.

This book conveys the high sense of freedom that Joe Serge experiences now that he has embraced the biblical teachings of salvation by grace alone, apart from works. The book also conveys sincere respect for Roman Catholics who will read it. And there can be no question that Joe Serge and Dr. Nederhood are praying that many who read TWO MEN FROM MALTA will join them in following the biblical teaching that reveals that Christ's works, not ours, will bring sinners into glory.

ERIC SVENDSEN: "MARY: Her Role & Status in the New Testament & Roman Catholicism" (PART 2)

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ERIC SVENDSEN, Evangelical apologist, debater, author and director of New Testament Research Ministries , will return for PART 2 of a discussion on his groundbreaking, 334-page work, WHO IS MY MOTHER?: The Role & Status of Mary in the New Testament & Roman Catholicism .

Renowned Biblical Counselor and scholar Dr. Jay Adams said of Eric's masterpiece: "Until this book there has been no definitive response to the many Roman Catholic myths concerning Mary. Here, at last, anyone looking for it may find more than enough help. Arguments, no matter how outlandish, are considered and refuted; every biblical reference is carefully examined and exegeted, and a devastating (but calm) counter-argument is presented. The book is scholarly, but not difficult to read. I highly commend it!"

ERIC SVENDSEN: "MARY: Her Role & Status in the New Testament & Roman Catholicism" (PART 1)

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ERIC SVENDSEN, Evangelical apologist, debater, author and director of New Testament Research Ministries , will address the theme of his groundbreaking, 334-page work WHO IS MY MOTHER?: The Role & Status of Mary in the New Testament & Roman Catholicism .

Renowned Biblical Counselor and scholar Dr. Jay Adams said of Eric's masterpiece: "Until this book there has been no definitive response to the many Roman Catholic myths concerning Mary. Here, at last, anyone looking for it may find more than enough help. Arguments, no matter how outlandish, are considered and refuted; every biblical reference is carefully examined and exegeted, and a devastating (but calm) counter-argument is presented. The book is scholarly, but not difficult to read. I highly commend it!"

ROB ZINS: "ON THE EDGE OF APOSTASY: The Evangelical Romance With Rome "

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ROB ZINS, founder & director of the apologetics ministry A Christian Witness to Roman Catholics (CWRC), will address the theme of his very controversial book ON THE EDGE OF APOSTASY: The Evangelical Romance With Rome . Rob will also provide an Evangelical response to the interview with Traditionalist Catholic apologist Gerry Matatics on "Sedevacantism" which aired on this program on Monday, April 21st (listen to the MP3 of that broadcast here ). CWRC is dedicated to a Christian witness to those involved in the Roman Catholic religion while maintaining a firm witness to the errors of Rome. To this end, CWRC has written, debated, and produced theological information designed to help Christians witness to Catholics and better understand the intricacies of Romish theology.

SHANE JACKSON: "THE TESTIMONY OF A 'REVERT"

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SHANE JACKSON, raised in a nominal Baptist home in Northern Alabama who converted to Traditionalist Catholicism 20 years ago, pursued a career as a Catholic apologist, and then, in 2002, after reading the classic book The Roman Catholic Controversy by Dr. James R. White and hearing Dr. White debate well known Catholic apologist Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers on "The Bible Answer Man" radio broadcast, returned to the Baptist Faith, this time with a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, will address the theme: "THE TESTIMONY OF A 'REVERT."

Shane, who has been blind since birth, is regularly involved in ministry outreach to the blind. He has also served on the staff of Solid Ground Christian Books . You can contact Shane at Jack728@gmail.com.

GERRY MATATICS: "IS JOSEPH RATZINGER A TRUE POPE?: A Sedevacantist Catholic's View"

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GERRY MATATICS, Founder & President of a Traditionalist Catholic apostolate known as Biblical Foundations International , and the very first ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America ever to convert to Roman Catholicism, who subsequently in recent years has adopted an extremely controversial position adhered to by a minority of self-professed Traditionalist Catholics called "sedevacantism", will address the theme: "IS JOSEPH RATZINGER A TRUE POPE?: A Sedevacantist Catholic's View."

Sedevacantism, a term derived from the Latin "while the seat is empty", referring to the "Chair of St. Peter" or the papal office, is a belief that although the papacy is still an office ordained by God Himself, there have been no legitimate popes for half a century, and that all those bishops alleged to have ascended to the papacy subsequent to the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958 up through the present (which would include John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI) are not only counterfeit popes, but are also counterfeit Catholics, since they have espoused modernist heresies such as maintaining ecumenical relations with Protestants and other non-Catholics, and have perpetuated other teachings and practices upheld by Vatican II which were deemed to be heretical by previous Catholic councils. Sedevacantism received a lot more media attention than is typical several years ago during the publicity surrounding the blockbuster film "The Passion of the Christ", produced and directed by Academy Award winner Mel Gibson, whose father Hutton is a sedevacantist (whether or not Mel Gibson himself could correctly be described as a sedevacantist is debatable, albeit the fact that the church he privately funded, Church of the Holy Family in Malibu, CA, appears to have sympathies with some controversial sedevacantist positions). Although our guest today, Gerry Matatics, was featured providing theological commentary on the DVD of the "Director's Cut" of "The Passion of the Christ," Gerry insists he has no close affiliation with Mel Gibson nor any connection whatsoever with Mr. Gibson's privately funded congregation.

Prior to Gerry's adoption of sedevacantism (a term he only grudgingly uses as shorthand when describing his views), he was one of the most highly sought after Catholic apologists in America, and was one of the most highly praised contemporary defenders of the Catholic Faith by his former colleagues at Catholic Answers , a well known apologetic organization within the mainstream of Catholicism. While Gerry was himself within the pale of the mainstream, he was invited to participate and engaged in frequent public, moderated debates with such noteworthy Evangelical Protestant apologists as Dr. James R. White of Alpha & Omega Ministries .

Although Gerry is still very actively traveling and speaking, it has been extremely difficult finding a capable, noteworthy apologist within the mainstream of Catholicism willing to participate in a public forum with him to debate or discuss the sedevacantist controversy. Many unsuccessful attempts were made to find such a Catholic to oppose Gerry's positions on this radio/Internet program. A more extensive biographical sketch of Gerry can be found at http://www.gerrymatatics.org/aboutgerry.html. Two earlier programs on "Iron Sharpens Iron" on the topic of "Sedevacantism", one with Gerry alone, and one featuring an exchange between Gerry and Evangelical Protestant apologist Dr. James R. White, can be heard on free, downloadable mp3 .

CAVEAT LECTOR: This interview is not to be mistaken as an expression of "modern ecumenism" between the Reformed Baptist host and his Traditionalist Catholic guest on this radio broadcast. The host merely believes that a critical examination of Pope Benedict XVI from a scholarly Catholic perspective is not only something that may rarely be heard or seen elsewhere in the media, but is a valuable topic for discussion in a day and age where the desire to preserve theological purity has been replaced with sentimentalism in both modern Catholicism and Evangelicalism.

MIKE GENDRON: "POPE BENEDICT XVI's VISIT TO AMERICA: A Christian Response" (Continued)

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MIKE GENDRON, Director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry and author of the new book Preparing Catholics For Eternity and the best-selling tract Roman Catholicism: Scripture vs. Tradition will continue the theme that former Roman Catholic priest Richard Bennett of Berean Beacon Ministries began on this program on Wednesday, April 16th: "POPE BENEDICT XVI's VISIT TO AMERICA: A Christian Response."

Mike works through local churches equipping the saints to effectively and faithfully communicate the Gospel of grace. He has taught the students and faculty at The Master’s Seminary , Dallas Theological Seminary , Moody Bible Institute and Tyndale Theological Seminary . Since graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1991, Mike has conducted short-term missions trips and taught in hundreds of churches throughout the world.

RICHARD BENNETT: "POPE BENEDICT XVI's VISIT TO AMERICA: A Christian Response"

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RICHARD BENNETT, a Roman Catholic priest for over 20 years who converted to Evangelical Christianity and the Doctrines of Sovereign Grace and founded Berean Beacon Ministries will address the theme: "POPE BENEDICT XVI's VISIT TO AMERICA: A Christian Response."

Today was the first visit by a pope to the White House in almost 30 years. Pope Benedict XVI was greeted by huge cheers as he and President George W. Bush took the podium, after which the national anthems of the Holy See and the US were played. The Pope will celebrate a Mass for 48,000 people in Washington on Thursday and another later at Yankee Stadium in New York. He will also address the UN General Assembly. On Sunday he will visit ground zero, the site of the World Trade Center attacks by Muslim terrorists in New York seven years ago on September 11th.

Today Richard Bennett will discuss how he believes Bible believing Christians should respond to these newsworthy events.

MARK MICHAEL ZIMA: "IS MOTHER TERESA A SAINT?: A Catholic's Critical Examination of a Modern Day Catholic Hero" (PART 2)

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MARK MICHAEL ZIMA, a Traditionalist Catholic in good standing, returns to "Iron Sharpens Iron" for PART 2 of his interview on the very controversial question "IS MOTHER TERESA A SAINT?: A Catholic's Critical Examination of a Modern Day Catholic Hero". Our phone lines were jammed from beginning to end yesterday, so we wanted to give more of you an opportunity to call in with questions.

Catholics, Mainline Protestants and even many Evangelicals uphold Mother Teresa of Calcutta as one of the greatest heroes of Christendom. Ten years after her death, she still holds the moral imagination of the world. Those who question Mother Teresa’s sanctity are treated as misguided souls who would better their time imitating her virtues than probing for her peccadilloes. The Christian world will praise Mother Teresa feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. But what faithful Christian will praise her for saying:

"I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic."


Quoting Mr. Zima from his new book Mother Teresa: The Case for the Cause :

If this book will be of any profit to you, you must separate the Mother Teresa of shadow from the Mother Teresa of substance. The popular image formed in head and heart of Mother Teresa must be put aside for the objective nonemotional reading of the evidence. Your challenge is to ask yourself the following questions:

1.) If anyone else who was not Mother Teresa said and did these things, what would I think? How would I respond?

2.) Did Mother Teresa follow the faith once delivered to the saints?

3.) By her words and deeds, did Mother Teresa follow in the footsteps of the saints who preceded her?

4.) Did Mother Teresa believe and consistently teach that only in truth can man find salvation?

5.) Did Mother Teresa believe and consistently teach that no one knows God except anyone to whom Jesus wishes to reveal him?

6.) Did Mother Teresa teach another gospel?

7.) Did Mother Teresa believe in a new God?


To further describe the theological perspective from which our guest is making his evaluation, according to Mr. Zima,

"A Traditionalist Catholic is not a Sedevancantist, Neo-Traditional, Neo-Conservative, or Liberal Catholic. A Traditionalist Catholic believes Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. That traditional religious forms are nothing without the traditional faith. That blind obedience to the hierarchy of the Church is not virtue but vice. And that to be a Catholic a person is bound to the official and authoritative teaching of the Church."

Mr. Zima is a former religious brother of two communities: the Brothers of Our Lady of Reconciliation and the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He has devoted much of his life to theological and philosophical studies as well as the evangelism of Catholicism. He has taught Sacred Scripture, as well as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and has been a Catholic youth director at a parish in Oregon. He has been associated with many different Catholic organizations including the St. Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies, the St. Anthony of Padua Chapter of Una Voce, and the Fatima Crusader.

He knew and visited the late Fr. Malachi Martin, a theological expert at the Second Vatican Council and author of The Jesuits and many other popular Catholic books. He has worked to found Catholic monasteries with Catholic priests. He has written to Cardinal Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict XVI (An Open Letter and Request to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to address the theological problems in the Church.


CAVEAT LECTOR: This interview is not to be mistaken as an expression of "modern ecumenism" between the Reformed Baptist host and his Roman Catholic guest on this radio broadcast. The host merely believes that a critical examination of Mother Teresa from a scholarly Catholic perspective is not only something that may never be heard or seen elsewhere in the media, but is a valuable topic for discussion in a day and age where the desire to preserve theological purity has been replaced with sentimentalism in both modern Catholicism and Evangelicalism. In addition to that, when considering the life of a much beloved Catholic figure who is a hero to countless millions worldwide spanning religious boundaries, the host believes if a Fundamentalist or Evangelical Protestant were to provide the critique, many would not seriously evaluate the contents of this broadcast due to a misconception that "religious bigotry" was the underlying motive of this discussion.

MARK MICHAEL ZIMA: "IS MOTHER TERESA A SAINT?: A Catholic's Critical Examination of a Modern Day Catholic Hero" (PART ONE)

MP3 Available Here

MARK MICHAEL ZIMA, a Traditionalist Catholic in good standing, will address the very controversial question "IS MOTHER TERESA A SAINT?: A Catholic's Critical Examination of a Modern Day Catholic Hero."

Catholics, Mainline Protestants and even many Evangelicals uphold Mother Teresa of Calcutta as one of the greatest heroes of Christendom. Ten years after her death, she still holds the moral imagination of the world. Those who question Mother Teresa’s sanctity are treated as misguided souls who would better their time imitating her virtues than probing for her peccadilloes. The Christian world will praise Mother Teresa feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. But what faithful Christian will praise her for saying:

"I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic."


Quoting Mr. Zima from his new book Mother Teresa: The Case for the Cause :

If this book will be of any profit to you, you must separate the Mother Teresa of shadow from the Mother Teresa of substance. The popular image formed in head and heart of Mother Teresa must be put aside for the objective nonemotional reading of the evidence. Your challenge is to ask yourself the following questions:

1.) If anyone else who was not Mother Teresa said and did these things, what would I think? How would I respond?

2.) Did Mother Teresa follow the faith once delivered to the saints?

3.) By her words and deeds, did Mother Teresa follow in the footsteps of the saints who preceded her?

4.) Did Mother Teresa believe and consistently teach that only in truth can man find salvation?

5.) Did Mother Teresa believe and consistently teach that no one knows God except anyone to whom Jesus wishes to reveal him?

6.) Did Mother Teresa teach another gospel?

7.) Did Mother Teresa believe in a new God?


To further describe the theological perspective from which our guest is making his evaluation, according to Mr. Zima,

"A Traditionalist Catholic is not a Sedevancantist, Neo-Traditional, Neo-Conservative, or Liberal Catholic. A Traditionalist Catholic believes Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. That traditional religious forms are nothing without the traditional faith. That blind obedience to the hierarchy of the Church is not virtue but vice. And that to be a Catholic a person is bound to the official and authoritative teaching of the Church."

Mr. Zima is a former religious brother of two communities: the Brothers of Our Lady of Reconciliation and the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He has devoted much of his life to theological and philosophical studies as well as the evangelism of Catholicism. He has taught Sacred Scripture, as well as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and has been a Catholic youth director at a parish in Oregon. He has been associated with many different Catholic organizations including the St. Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies, the St. Anthony of Padua Chapter of Una Voce, and the Fatima Crusader.

He knew and visited the late Fr. Malachi Martin, a theological expert at the Second Vatican Council and author of The Jesuits and many other popular Catholic books. He has worked to found Catholic monasteries with Catholic priests. He has written to Cardinal Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict XVI (An Open Letter and Request to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to address the theological problems in the Church.


CAVEAT LECTOR: This interview is not to be mistaken as an expression of "modern ecumenism" between the Reformed Baptist host and his Roman Catholic guest on this radio broadcast. The host merely believes that a critical examination of Mother Teresa from a scholarly Catholic perspective is not only something that may never be heard or seen elsewhere in the media, but is a valuable topic for discussion in a day and age where the desire to preserve theological purity has been replaced with sentimentalism in both modern Catholicism and Evangelicalism. In addition to that, when considering the life of a much beloved Catholic figure who is a hero to countless millions worldwide spanning religious boundaries, the host believes if a Fundamentalist or Evangelical Protestant were to provide the critique, many would not seriously evaluate the contents of this broadcast due to a misconception that "religious bigotry" was the underlying motive of this discussion.