By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them: Examining the Roots of Catholicism
Introduction
In Matthew 7:16–20, Jesus gives a clear standard for discernment: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” This teaching establishes a simple but powerful principle. The nature of the fruit reveals the nature of the tree. If the fruit is corrupt, the root must also be corrupt.
This principle raises an important question when examining religious systems. If the origins of a system are not grounded in biblical truth, can its teachings truly reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ? This article explores the claim that Catholicism is not rooted in Biblical Christianity, but instead reflects influences from Judaism and ancient religious systems.
The Question of Origins
Among many researchers, it is commonly argued that Catholicism does not represent pure Biblical Christianity. Instead, it is often described as a system that incorporates elements from earlier religious traditions while presenting itself under Christian terminology. While this claim is debated, one aspect that receives less attention is the connection between Catholic practices and Jewish religious traditions.
The idea that Catholicism has roots connected to Judaism is not always widely discussed, but it is acknowledged in certain historical and religious sources. This connection becomes especially clear when examining the structure of Catholic worship and liturgy.
The Eucharist and Synagogue Worship
The Catholic Encyclopedia, published on the New Advent website, explains that the structure of the Eucharist developed alongside earlier forms of synagogue worship. According to this source, early Christian gatherings included readings, psalms, prayers, and teaching that closely resembled synagogue services.
This description suggests that what later became known as the Mass developed from patterns already present in Jewish religious practice. The format of communal prayer, scripture reading, and teaching did not originate in isolation but reflects continuity with earlier forms of worship.
This raises a significant question. If the Eucharist developed as a continuation of synagogue style worship, how should it be understood in relation to the practices described in the New Testament?
The Meaning of Liturgy
The Catholic Encyclopedia also explains the origin of the word “liturgy,” tracing it back to public religious service associated with the temple. The term appears in the Septuagint and later in the New Testament to describe priestly or structured forms of worship.
This historical background shows that Catholic liturgy is not presented as something entirely new, but as something connected to earlier religious systems. The concept of formalized ritual service existed before the development of Christianity as a distinct faith community.
Jewish Influence on Religious Practice
Additional historical sources support the idea that Jewish traditions influenced later religious development. The Jewish Virtual Library notes that Roman Jewish traditions played a role in shaping liturgical customs that spread beyond Rome into other regions.
This suggests that certain patterns of worship, organization, and teaching were not isolated developments but part of a broader historical continuity. These influences are often highlighted to argue that Catholic practices reflect earlier Jewish frameworks.
Testimony from a Convert
Roy Schoeman, a Jewish convert to Catholicism, has described the relationship between Judaism and the Catholic Church in similar terms. In an interview, he stated that entering the Catholic Church could be seen as coming into what he described as the continuation or fulfillment of Judaism after the coming of the Messiah.
He also pointed to similarities between Jewish worship and the Catholic Mass, noting that elements of the Mass can be understood in light of earlier ceremonial practices. This perspective highlights how some view Catholicism as connected to earlier religious traditions rather than entirely distinct from them.
Interpreting These Connections
The presence of historical and structural similarities between Catholic practices and earlier religious traditions leads to different interpretations. Some see this continuity as evidence of development and fulfillment. Others interpret it as a departure from the simplicity of New Testament Christianity.
For those who emphasize a return to the practices described in the New Testament, these connections raise concerns about whether later traditions align fully with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
The Question of the Lord’s Supper
A key point of debate is the difference between the Catholic Mass and the Lord’s Supper described in scripture. The New Testament presents the Lord’s Supper as a memorial centered on Christ’s sacrifice. Critics argue that later developments introduced additional layers of ritual and interpretation that go beyond the original practice.
This issue remains central in discussions about the relationship between early Christian practices and later institutional forms of worship.
Purpose of This Examination
The purpose of examining these issues is not to attack individuals or to create division, but to encourage careful study and discernment. Jesus’ teaching about recognizing a tree by its fruit calls believers to evaluate teachings and traditions in light of scripture.
Understanding the historical development of religious systems can help clarify how certain practices emerged and how they relate to the teachings of the Bible.
Conclusion
Matthew 7:16–20, provides a framework for evaluating religious systems by examining their fruit and their roots. The connections between Catholic practices and earlier Jewish traditions raise important questions about origin, development, and alignment with scripture.
Whether these connections are viewed as continuity or departure depends on how one interprets both history and the New Testament. What remains essential is the call to examine all things carefully and to measure every teaching against the words of Christ and the witness of scripture.