Papal Call for New World Order
The Pope has published the third encyclical of his papacy. Entitled Caritas in Veritate (Love in Truth), it is a lengthy document in which Ratzinger gives, according to one report, “a detailed critique of modern social, economic and environmental problems” and sets forth Rome’s social doctrine.
The most provocative passage, say some, is the one in which Ratzinger calls not only for reform of global institutions but also for the development of what he calls “the family of nations”, that is, a kind of world government with the power to preside over political and economic affairs. His words are: “In the face of the unrelenting growth of global interdependence, there is a strongly-felt need, even in the midst of a global recession, for a reform of the United Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth” (para 67).
What is the place of Rome in this new order? That is seen earlier, in paragraph 59, where Ratzinger says, “The Christian faith [which, of course, always means Roman Catholicism in Rome-speak], by becoming incarnate in cultures and at the same time transcending them, can help them grow in universal brotherhood and solidarity, for the advancement of global and community development”. He said something similar last January before a gathering of diplomats in Rome: when he propounded the idea that a sound global economy must have a “religious basis” – based, that is, on the religion of Rome.
One Roman Catholic commentator says, “What is proposed here is nothing less than the creation of a UN socio-economic security council to stand alongside the current Security Council. While one is dedicated to peacekeeping, the other will be concerned to enforce the principles of social justice. And enforced they shall be, for what otherwise is the purpose of calling for a world council ‘with real teeth’ if it cannot bite?”
Another noteworthy point is Ratzinger’s claim that “the Church does not . . . interfere in any way in the politics of states” (para 9). The history of Rome shows that the Pope’s statement is patently false. For example, in a speech at Ben Gurion Airport last May, in the presence of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, he called for the establishment of a Palestinian state, which would be carved largely out of Israel’s present territory.
Whatever valid points are made in the encyclical about family life and certain moral evils, the statements of doctrine which emanate from Rome are fundamentally defective in being based on tradition mingled with Scripture. To some, it appears that “truth” and “love” permeate the encyclical, especially when both words are so frequently used (a word search shows that “truth” and its equivalents are used at least 116 times and “love” and its equivalents 182 times).
But there is no denying the fact that it is devotion to power and not to “love in truth” which motivates the Papacy. One scripture brands that false system as “the mystery of iniquity” and “that Wicked”, and states that its “coming is after the working of Satan with all power” – then makes this telling statement: “They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thes 2:7-10).
The increasing power of Rome calls us to vigilance, prayer and a tenacious grasp of the truth, “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph 4:14,15). NMR
Luis Palau and Rome
Our readers are already aware of Luis Palau’s rank Arminianism, which attributes to man what belongs to God alone as the God of salvation, and deludes sinners into thinking that they have some innate ability to “open their hearts to Jesus”.
It is less well known that the Luis Palau organisation has been enlisting Roman Catholic activists in its campaigns. For example, Ryan Lewis, a Roman Catholic priest in the USA, said a few months ago that he had been approached by the Palau Festival organizers, who clearly communicated their desire for Roman Catholic involvement in an outreach festival at Omaha. In explaining their subsequent involvement, the priest said, “The thinking was that we [Roman Catholic priests and volunteers] really need to be a part of this festival if for no other reason than to make sure that the large number of Hispanic Catholics, who for sure will show up, are brought back to their faith – the Catholic faith. . . . If you’re Catholic, he [Luis Palau] wants you to be an energetic Catholic. If you’re Protestant, he wants you to be energized in your Protestant faith – whatever your denomination is. He’s not out to proselytize people to a particular church. . . . The timing is right for this type of ecumenical festival.”
Palau’s attractive and persuasive communication skills and his use of biblical phraseology and other orthodox statements should not blind anyone to his unbiblical methods and his errors in doctrine. “Beware of false prophets” (Matt 7:15). NMR