Questions from a Person of Another Faith

A certain Tiktoker posted this on social media: 

The Catholic Church says it's Apostolic 

 BUT THE APOSTLES DID NOT ... 

1) DIDN'T pray Rosary to Mary 

2) DIDN'T pray to the Dead 

3) DIDN'T do Satanic Processions 

4) DIDN'T go to mass 

5) DIDN'T wear the scapular 

6) DIDN'T do infant baptism 

7) DIDN'T believe, in Pergatory [sic]  

8) DIDN'T use "holy" water 

9) DIDN'T claim Peter a Pope 

10) DIDN'T bow down or worship IDOLS 

These points highlight common objections to certain Catholic beliefs and practices. Below is an explanation of how the Catholic Church understands each of these practices in light of Apostolic Tradition and the development of doctrine over time. 

1. Rosary and Marian Devotion 

The Rosary as it is prayed today developed in the Middle Ages, but devotion to Mary as the Mother of Jesus and the "Theotokos" (God-bearer) has deep roots in Christian history. In Luke 1:48, Mary herself proclaims, “all generations will call me blessed.” The Rosary is a meditative prayer on the life of Christ, structured around Gospel events (the mysteries) and includes the "Hail Mary," based on Luke 1:28, 42. 

Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2678, 971. 

2. Praying for the Dead 

Praying for the dead is seen as a continuation of the Jewish practice of offering prayers for the deceased. 2 Maccabees 12:45 describes prayers for those who died in battle, hoping they would be purified. The practice reflects a belief in God's mercy beyond this life, encouraging prayers for the departed.

Reference: CCC 1032. 

3. Processions and Symbols

I could not understand this part if it refers to 'satanic procession' or 'satanic possession'. Anyhow, Catholic processions are seen as public expressions of faith, not acts of worship of entities other than God. They are often held in honor of Christ, the saints, or in commemoration of Biblical events. The Church has clear prohibitions against any form of satanic ritual or worship (1 Corinthians 10:21). 

Reference: CCC 1674-1676. 

4. The Eucharist 

Early Christians gathered for the “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42), which is foundational to the Catholic Mass. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20), a tradition that Christians continue through the liturgy. 

Reference: CCC 1329, 1345. 

5. Wearing the Scapular 

The scapular is a devotional garment and is a visible sign of commitment to Christ, inspired by the Carmelite tradition. While not a first-century practice, sacramentals like the scapular are expressions of faith that developed over time. The Apostles’ use of handkerchiefs and aprons for healing (Acts 19:11-12) is seen as a precedent for blessed objects used in faith. 

Reference: CCC 1667-1670. 

6. Infant Baptism 

Early Christians baptized entire households (Acts 16:15, 1 Corinthians 1:16), which the Church interprets to include children. Baptism replaced circumcision as the rite of initiation into the community (Colossians 2:11-12), allowing for infant baptism in continuity with Jewish practices of initiating infants into the faith. 

Reference: CCC 1252. 

7. Purgatory 

The Church believes in a process of purification after death for those who die in God’s grace but are still in need of purification (1 Corinthians 3:15). This belief is based on the concept of God’s justice and mercy and developed from early Jewish teachings. 

Reference: CCC 1030-1032. 

8. Holy Water 

Holy water is a sacramental that reminds Catholics of their baptism. While holy water is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, its use echoes Old Testament practices (Numbers 5:17) and symbolizes purification and blessing. 

Reference: CCC 1668, 1185. 

9. Petrine Primacy (Pope) 

Catholics believe that Jesus established Peter as the leader of the Apostles (Matthew 16:18-19), a role understood as foundational for Church unity. While Peter wasn’t called “Pope,” his role as the primary Apostle led to the development of the papacy. 

Reference: CCC 880-882. 

10. Idolatry vs. Veneration 

Catholics distinguish between latria (worship due to God alone) and dulia (veneration of saints). Statues and images are used as visual reminders of holy persons but are not objects of worship. The use of sacred images follows from the Incarnation, where Christ became visible (Colossians 1:15) and “the Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14) . 

Reference: CCC 2132, 1161. 

These practices are understood within the Church as expressions of a faith rooted in the Apostolic teachings, developed to respond to historical and cultural contexts while maintaining the core tenets of Christianity. These practices reflect the Catholic Church’s Apostolic tradition, developed over centuries to embody its beliefs and spiritual expressions. While some may question the historical origins of these practices, the Catholic perspective holds that they deepen believers' relationship with God and reflect a continuity of faith through the ages. 

Above all, it is essential to approach these differences with respect and understanding. Religious practices and beliefs often reflect a community's deep-seated history, values, and aspirations toward the divine. Respecting each tradition fosters a spirit of unity, allowing us to learn from one another and live peacefully alongside each other. This approach strengthens interfaith relationships and upholds the dignity of each person’s journey in faith. 

In conclusion, as St. Thomas Aquinas insightfully noted, "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." Faith is not simply an intellectual stance but a disposition of the heart—a choice to trust and embrace what reason may illuminate but never entirely capture.