More than half of the world's Christians are Catholic. That percentage represents over 1.2 billion people according to the world population, in 2007 estimated at 6.5 billion. This means one in six people on earth have been coerced into the oldest Christian cult in history.

A religious organization led by an elected Pontiff, the Roman Catholic church was founded between 70 and 320 AD has become the world's largest religious body. With roots tied to the original Christian family started by Jesus Christ, Catholicism has evolved in a cult like movement that offers salvation based on false teaching.

The first use of the expression "Catholic Church" dates back to 107 AD in which Ignatius of Antioch used the term "Catholic Church" as a synonym to describe the universal church of Christ. This term would eventually be flagged as the name for the Roman Catholic cult that officially began in 325 AD.

A religion that embraces an agenda not entirely based on the biblical facts, Catholics are taught a deceptive concept that promises eternal life in heaven through infant baptism and good deeds.

The truth of the matter is the word of God is clear as to the way to God's kingdom. In the gospel of John, Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Notice there is no mention of the Pope or the Catholic church in the above scripture?

Looking further into scripture, a close analysis finds no mentions the word Catholic or any reference to Roman Pontiffs. Further more, scripture clearly reads that Salvation involves faith first, then baptism, a contradiction to Roman Catholic teachings.

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)

While the exact scriptural meaning of "baptism" in the verse above could be debated as either water baptism or baptism in the holy spirit, the message is a simple one described by Jesus in John's gospel.

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3)

A public display of acknowledgement of one's faith, water baptisms symbolize the physical and the spiritual rebirth all at once. Catholics use this sacred symbol as a starting point for their cult members ignoring the fact one must first believe then be baptized to be saved. Clearly, infants are incapable of conscious faith in God and His son Jesus Christ therefore Catholic's salvation is guaranteed based on their baptism as an infant.

The second promise made to and by Catholics involves good deeds. It is said that even non-practicing Catholics will inherit the kingdom of God as long as they were baptized as infants and have performed sufficient good deeds in their lifetime on earth.

While faithless deeds may very well be pleasing to the Lord, the concept of salvation based on such works is not biblical. Scripture tells us more about faith and works in the book on James, the brother of Jesus.

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead?" (James 2:14-17)

Relying on the biblical truth that both faith and deeds are essential to one's salvation, Catholic teachings about salvation based on papal obedience turn out to be pure blasphemy.

The papacy in itself is an obvious sect like organization that authenticates the fact the Roman Church is a cult. Papal adoration, the showily decorated man-god referred to as Father or His Holiness by members of the Catholic church, the idolatrous worship involving kissing his ring or bowing down of all Christians confirms the fact that Roman Catholicism is in deed a cult.

Recent experiences with Catholics have inspired me to explore Catholicism further. To me, the Roman Catholic cult can be summed in a single sentence spoken by a Catholic this past Saturday during a mission trip downtown St Petersburg. As I prompted a young woman to turn to the book of Matthew in the new testament, she proudly justified her inability to find the gospel saying: "I'm Catholic, Catholics don't read the bible!"

Are you Catholic? Have the rituals and promises of the Roman Catholic cult empire blinded you of the truth? On the basis that the Roman Catholic church in deed originates from the community created by Jesus Christ, I invite you to research Catholicism further using the word of God as your guide book. Failure to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, to be baptized in the holy spirit and to live according to the bible will result in your name being scratched off the book of life.

"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:22-23)

The good news is God loves you and longs for you to worship Him, not an elected pontiff man-god wearing a ruby filled gold threaded robe and funny hat. He loves you as you are and awaits your decision to accept and love Him instead of a less than holy cult leader.

Let us pray for all Catholics!