Continuing upon the topic of 'The Great Apostasy', Part 2

Continuing upon the topic of 'The Great Apostasy', the brochure I had received previously, we come upon the next heading, which states that Vatican II teaches Moslems worship the true God, however the past catholic Church did no such thing, and in fact, condemns it. This contradiction is proof of the invalidity of Vatican II, and the current apostasy.

We are provided with 2 quotes. The first, from the first letter of John.

'Whosoever denieth the Son the same hath not the Father.' (1 Jn 2:22-23)

They also provide a portion of the Nicene Creed.

'I believe in one God, the Father Almighty... and in one Lord Jesus Christ... who was incarnate by the Holy Ghost... and I believe in the Holy Ghost... and in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church...'

In a quick passing, we so no condemnation of the Vatican II statement. Let's review what Vatican II said.

"The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth."

This quote varies slightly from the one provided on the pamphlet, however, this comes directly from the Vatican website, so I am inclined to believe it accurate over what I was provided.

In quick rebuttal to the scripture verse provided, I respond with Romans 10:2

'For I bear them witness, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.'

Paul, in this verse, speaks of Isreal, or, more pointedly, the Jews. Now, it would not be entirely inaccurate to place the Jews on the same level as the Moslems. Both do not recognize Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Yet here, Paul clearly states that they possess a 'zeal' of God.

zeal

1. a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause); "they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor"; "he felt a kind of religious zeal" [syn: ardor]
2. excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end; "he had an absolute zeal for litigation"
3. prompt willingness; "readiness to continue discussions"; "they showed no eagerness to spread the gospel"; "they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority"; "he tried to explain his forwardness in battle" [syn: readiness]

Now, whichever definition of zeal we choose, it is not important. The important fact is, that even though the Jew's did not recognize Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, they still possessed something for God. They may not have grasped the full truth of our Lord, yet they still they worked for God the Father. If such can be said of the Jews, how can the same not be said of the Moslems, who worship the God of Abraham?

Secondly, the Nicene Creed.


We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end.
And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

I see nothing in the Nicene Creed which states that the Muslims can not worship the one, true God. They may not understand him fully, understand his Son, our Lord, but they may certainly recognize and worship the person of God the Father.