The Reverend Harold A. Linn, Pastor

Does John Paul II Teach the Saving, Biblical Gospel?

By Dr. Richard P. Bucher

Pope John Paul II has now completed his "historic" five day trip to Cuba. Described by the Pope as a "pastoral" visit, he told reporters that he hoped to strengthen Christianity in Cuba by his visit. But as each of his previous trips has done, this latest one raised the question, "Is Pope John Paul II teaching the Biblical Gospel or is he teaching `another Gospel?'"

I don't wish to offend sincere Roman Catholics. I certainly do respect the Pope for many reasons. I applaud his energy: His 81 visits to foreign countries towers above what any other pope has done. His reaching out to the world is something that Christian pastors should emulate. I admire his ethics and his unflinching position on the dignity and worth of human life.

John Paul also sounds many Christian themes in his speaking and writing. He preaches often about Christ, about reconciliation, about faith, hope, and love, even about the cross. He ends his comments with the words "praised be to Christ." Yet none of this allays my concerns; none of it by itself indicates that he is preaching the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How are we to evaluate this Pope? Certainly not by the typical media coverage. By the time we hear what the Pope "said" via the Associated Press, Newsweek or CNN, his comments have been suitably and mercilessly edited. Nor dare we judge him by appearances. Yes, he has a kind face, yes, he has a charisma about him, yes whenever he comes, he comes in great pomp and circumstance. But none of this is helpful in answering the question, "Is John Paul II preaching the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ?"

What about examining the homilies and speeches that he gave in Cuba? Wouldn't this be a good place to start? Yes and no. In all, John Paul spoke 12 times in the five day trip. Unfortunately, the complete transcript of these messages are not available. Yet even if they were, given that the Pope was working in a very delicate situation, I'm not certain that these talks would be an accurate representation of his teaching as a whole.

In my opinion, the fairest way to answer the above question, is to examine the definitive statement of Roman Catholic Church beliefs, authorized by the Pope Himself: the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church. After examining this document, it is clear to me that Pope John Paul II does not teach the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of course, all this begs the question, "What is the Gospel?" For an article on this, click here. For a Brief Examination of the Catechism of the Catholic Church click here.