THE PERFECT TRAP by BIBLIOTECA JUAN MANUEL OCHOA TORRES

THE PERFECT TRAP DECEPTIONS INTO WHICH RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAVE FALLEN THROUGHOUT HISTORY

JUAN MANUEL OCHOA TORRES SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFÍA Y ESTADÍSTICA, A. C.

ACERCA DEL AUTOR

About MANUEL the author JUAN OCHOA TORRES es miembro de la SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFÍA Y ESTADÍSTICA, A.C. que es la sociedad científica JUAN MANUAL OCHOA TORRES is a y cultural más antigua del continente americano, Certified Public Accountant with Postgraduate al haber sido fundada en el año de 1833 por el studies inPresidente International entonces de Commerce. México don Valentín Gómez Farías. He is a member of the Sociedad Mexicana

El autor forma parte del Consejo Académico de Geografía y institución, Estadística, A.C. como (Mexican Nacional de dicha al fungir Presidente de sus Academias, y ha escrito Societydeofuna Geography and Statistics) and una gran cantidad de libros sociales, económicos, is the author of a large number of books on cívicos, ecológicos, demográficos, históricos y de social, economic, ecological, civic, religious análisis diversos; algunos de los cuales han sido and demographic traducidos al idiomaissues, inglés.some of which have

been translated into English.

www.juanmanuelochoat.blogspot.mx/

THE PERFECT TRAP

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres Original title in Spanish: La

trampa perfecta

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: © Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres FIRST EDITION: OCTOBER 2010 ISBN: 978-607-7944-10-2 Registration number: 03-2014-050913192700-01 Copyright © Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres To correspond with the author: Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres: mailjmot@gmail.com www.juanmanuelochoat.blogspot.com SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFÍA Y ESTADÍSTICA, A. C. Justo Sierra 19 Centro Histórico Telephones +52 (55) 5542 73 41 & 5522 2055 México 06020, D.F. MEXICO Typography and book binding: Luis Tovar Carrillo tecnografica64@gmail.com Translated to English by: TLS Bureau and Marie-France Fortoul marifrance60@hotmail.com The total or partial reproduction of this book is prohibited without the authorization of the authors.

The perfect trap

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE..........................................................................................................

Page 5

Introduction. ................................................................... 7 CHAPTER I........................................................................... 11 TRAPS Background.................................................................................... 11 12 Different procedures........................................................................ 16 Ways of deceiving.......................................................................... CHAPTER II.......................................................................... 19 RIGHT DIRECTION Importance..................................................................................... 19 Biblical perspective......................................................................... 23 Pontiff........................................................................................... 30 Apostolic succession and its history................................................... 33 Creation of the papacy.................................................................... 41 Personal consequences.................................................................... 43 Social consequences....................................................................... 48 CHAPTER III......................................................................... 61 INTERCESSORS Placebos........................................................................................ 61 Intercessor..................................................................................... 62 Saints............................................................................................ 80 One saint, two visions..................................................... 85 CHAPTER IV........................................................................ 91 COMMUNICATION Importance..................................................................................... 91 The right way.................................................................................. 93 False routes?.................................................................................. 98 The rosary and its true origin............................................................. 102 3

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CHAPTER V......................................................................... 107 THE WAY The common denominator............................................................... 107 Way.............................................................................................. 110 Projection towards our world............................................................ 112 Disorder........................................................................................ 116 Order........................................................................................... 123 EPILOGUE....................................................................................................

127

APPENDICES APPENDIX A........................................................................ 133 ONE OF THE MOST LIKELY PLACES WHERE PETER ALSO

PRACTICED HIS MINISTRY

APPENDIX B......................................................................... 135 THE “DONATION OF CONSTANTINE” APPENDIX C........................................................................ 141 BACKGROUND OF THE “ROSARY” APPENDIX D......................................................................... 145 SYNOPSIS OF THE MORMON CHURCH OR “CHURCH OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS” APPENDIX E......................................................................... 151 THE “LOSER SYNDROME.” PERSPECTIVES AND MOTIVES IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION............................................................................ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................................

155 158

“THE PAINTER WE DO NOT SEE”................................................ 159

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PROLOGUE

You have surely wondered on more than one occasion why things do not work properly in the world. What is the reason for wars, hatred, envy, racism, hunger and other countless problems? Could it be that our world is badly designed? Or could it be, as others say, that there is no God in the universe because, if he existed, everything would work perfectly? Why are there so many problems, even in our own lives? Throughout this book you will be presented with a different perspective on these and other questions. I must warn you, though. It might make you see things differently.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

The perfect trap

INTRODUCTION

Do not expect this book to contain a philosophical message. You have surely already realized that while philosophy raises questions, it is religion that proposes the answers. And though, through philosophy, we have been able to learn interesting philosophical theories—within a merely human context—the real answer and authentic meaning of life cannot come from any human being, nor from all of us put together. The reason for this is very simple. The real answer can only come from God. Therefore, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ will consider that the only, true way comes from Him alone. Why? Because Jesus Christ was not merely a wise man, as some say. Nor was he merely an outstanding philosopher, as others assure us, or a kind of visionary. He was God himself, who acquired a human nature with a single specific purpose: you, I and us all. The force of his message is such that it could have transformed the world completely and fully. Nevertheless, a superficial observer of the current situation might think that our world “does not function as it should,” which encourages many to think that things “were badly planned” or even worse, as others say, “perhaps there is no God.”

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

What happens is that for reasons unknown to the human being, a series of apparently positive forces interacts in our world together with other negative forces. Furthermore, if we analyze things a little more deeply, we will realize that the world, as we now know it, is a kind of “work in progress,” in other words, something unfinished. In the face of this situation, I will try, through this book, to show you a different perspective, which you may not have considered. What do I mean? Allow me to explain. That interaction of negative and positive forces has a specific purpose we can begin to see only partly because their full repercussions and scope are only known by our Creator. But inside those elements considered “negative,” an entity that has performed a very unique role throughout creation occupies a key place. And, while many in the modern world, albeit supposedly considered “so developed,” have assigned it a more mythological than real role, we must reassign its true significance and risks to this malevolent character. Why? From the moment we believe in Jesus Christ, and given that He spoke clearly to us of both his existence and his way of acting, the thing changes completely and cannot be sidestepped. Now, what is his preferred way of acting? How does he act to set a trap for even the best intentioned? It is possible to protect oneself from his deceptions? What are his objectives? Throughout this book, in a very well founded manner, I will describe many of the key tricks that have been employed throughout human history, as well as some of the consequences this has caused. 8

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“He who does not know history is condemned to repeat it” was not said in vain, therefore, let us find out more about his tricks and this will help us take care of the different key elements in everyone’s life.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

The perfect trap

Chapter I TRAPS BACKGROUND The word “trap” comes from two regions and this term could have been influenced from both of them. On the one hand, it comes from German, specifically from the word “tramp,” and it also derives from the Latin term trappa.1 In olden days, this word meant “contraption for hunting animals, through something that was activated by being stepped on.” But words evolve with the passing of the centuries and this term was extended and also applied to some tricks to be used against human beings. That is why “trap” today means something like “plan for deceiving someone.” Earlier on I said that this deceitful procedure is the basic reason why things don’t work well in our world and, believe me, I meant it. Throughout his book, I will try to explain what I mean and you will have the last word.

1 BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA CASTELLANA (ABRIDGED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF CASTILIAN SPANISH), Joan Corominas, EDITORIAL GREDOS (Spain) and BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA ESPAÑOLA (ABRIDGED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE), Guido Gómez de Silva, EDITORIAL FONDO DE CULTURA ECONÓMICA (Mexico).

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

But before I get down to business, let me tell you that when God designed our world, He wanted and wants the best for us, but as I also said, a trickster wanders around, enemy of God and of man, and what he wants is precisely the opposite. Why does it happen so?

DIFFERENT PROCEDURES The differences between our God and that enemy are vast, since both are intrinsically different from each other. On the one hand, we will see that the source of Truth is God and, in contrast, the true father of lies is this entity I speak of, since even the Lord himself defined him as the true father of lies.2 Let us look at it from several points of view. If we analyze the objectives of one and of the other, we will see that they are radically opposed. God wishes the best for man. Christ defined the action of God as a generator of life in abundance. Conversely, that enemy—as Jesus Christ also said—has come to steal, destroy and kill.3 Now, if we look at it from the perspective of the power each of us holds, we will realize that he who has the true power and absolute authority is God. Conversely the enemy, while he does also have power, it is very inferior to that of God. Gospel according to St. John 8:44 “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” 2

Gospel according to St. John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

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By way of an example, let me mention an occasion where both powers came face to face. Observe closely the total subjugation this evil entity manifests before God. On that occasion, Christ faced a demon-possessed Gadarene, an event described in the first three Gospels,4 where we read how this entity first questions the Lord with the following words: “What is your issue with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here early to destroy us?” And there you will see that a little later, and just so you can see the total subjugation they have before God, Christ asks him with authority: “What is your name?” Let me emphasize something: had there not been total subjugation of these entities before God, do you know what? They could not have even answered him, or they could have said something or other, but analyze the terms used to reply: “My name is Legion because we are many.” And so that there is no doubt of their total subjugation, look how they ask for his permission before taking the next step: “If you throw us out, allow us to go to those swine…”

Episode referred to in the Gospels according to St. Matthew 8:28; St. Mark 5:2; and St. Luke 8:26.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

And I insist, it wasnÂ´t until the Lord permitted it, that they could enter. I mean, there is no doubt that there is total subjugation before God, though it must be highlighted that for some reason only the Lord knows, He allows those entities to still act in our world. But one very important thing that must be highlighted is that the way of acting of both is also completely different, you see, God plays clean, speaking truthfully and openly, while the evil entity operates in a sly, treacherous and lying manner. Another difference we can observe is that this enemy is not even intelligent, since if he were, he would have realized from the start that all true life comes solely from God and all authority in the universe should be only His. And by being so different, their weapons or procedures will also be different. Some of the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weapons are the strength of reason, love and conviction towards those who follow him, but guess what the enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main weapon will be: traps and deception. Let us analyze a little more the main characteristic of a trap, taking the case of a physical trap from olden days. A deep pit would be dug and some very sharp stakes would be fastened, pointing upwards, to its lower part and the upper part would have to be hidden with branches, leaves or some earth. I mean, the basic distinguishing feature of a contraption of this nature is that it must not look like a trap, and 14

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seen from above should give the impression of being something absolutely and completely harmless and must look like a simple path. What’s more, it must look like a smoother and more attractive path than the other. If a mouse happily walks through a basement and suddenly sees a seductive piece of cheese, half tied to a piece of wood and some wire, it definitely does not imagine that this little board is called a mousetrap. He just sees it as a golden opportunity to eat a very delicious piece of cheese. As a test of this, I invite you to see how that enemy has placed different traps for humans throughout the centuries. If we go to the very beginning of the Bible, Genesis, when the enemy tempts Eve through the serpent, we will see that he obviously did not speak truthfully to her. If he had spoken honestly to her, he would have said something like this: “I invite you to make an enemy of God, that you disobey him and thus all the earth will be cursed because of you, so that you have to confront death and suffering, both for you and for your descendents.” Did he say it like that? Not at all. Look at how he sets out the matter.5 “So the serpent said to the women: you will not die; but God knows that the day you eat of him your eyes will be open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil…” Analyzing this way of acting, we will see that it contains the basic characteristic of a trap: that it does not look like one. 5

First book of Moses, GENESIS 3:4.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

It looks like something attractive and innocent, thus wanting to do a favor for that person who is being deceived. If we had been wiser, we would have realized that the orders of God are not to be questioned, since if something had been good for man, the Lord of Heaven himself would have told us beforehand. And when He prohibits something, it is because that something is damaging and harmful for man. And something that is often forgotten is that while God is concerned that man comes to harm, the enemy is not. He could not care less about harm to humans. He wants God’s work on earth to fail and for his plan not to work. And I repeat, while God’s weapons are truth, justice and love, the enemy’s weapons are lies, deception and TRAPS.

WAYS OF DECEIVING Analyze the following case: when the enemy wants a person to take someone else’s life, no less, if he spoke to him truthfully, he would have to say something like this: “I invite you to commit one of the most abominable acts before God and Man. Take the life of that person. With that action, you will carry that blame forever on your conscience and will lose peace for the rest of your days.” Do you think he would put it like that? No way! On the contrary, he will say something similar to this: “Look, if you take that person’s life you will be doing good for society, and no one will even realize. What’s more, be quick because that person wants to take your life.” Look at this other example: if the evil entity tried to get someone hooked on drugs and spoke truthfully—which is 16

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not the case—he would say something like this: “I invite you to destroy your mind, your body and your future. That substance will make you lose consciousness, leading you to commit acts that are even criminal, which you will then regret. And to top it all, you will be trapped with those substances, which will not only damage you in a way you cannot imagine, but will also hurt your family, work and pocket.” Would he put it like that? No, because that wouldn’t work for him. He is going to put everything in such an attractive way that he will convince many. He will say to his future victims that this substance will bring them true happiness and that they will be stronger, and who knows what else. And heaven help that poor person who heeds him. And he will do something similar whenever he wants someone to indulge in lust, robbery, greed, pride and countless things where, of course, he will not tell the truth, but will rather present everything in a deceitful manner because that is precisely the characteristic of a trap: that it must not look like one. Remember the case of a physical trap from olden times. The sharp stakes at the bottom of the pit were perfectly hidden so that from above everything looked attractive and safe. The better hidden the trap, the better it works. And, so, now that Jesus Christ has come to the world with his extraordinary message, what will the enemy do? Is he going to retire, or will he go somewhere else? No. And since he cannot get a property deed or something similar, his only weapon will be: to carry out countless more tricks. 17

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That must be why one of the main recommendations of the Apostle Peter was:6 “Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.” This warning basically refers to his attitude because, in terms of his physical form, believe me, he would be much less dangerous if he were to physically walk like a lion, since that would enable us to identify him because what makes him extremely dangerous is that he is disguised. And very craftily, he lays traps everywhere and where you least expect. That will be the exact objective of this book, which is why I will try to briefly expound on these traps in the following chapters, as well as several of their effects. The following cases will show you how the basic characteristic of a trap is used: it does not look like one and its victims at the time see it as harmless and even innocent. Though, if we are observant, we will notice that in all these cases there was a difference. It was always necessary to make improper modifications—albeit apparently “slight” on occasion—to that specified by God. What you will also notice is that they were presented as a “better path,” a shorter, more “practical” path. Analyze, then, the following chapters and at the end you yourself will be able to express your opinion.

1st Letter to St. Peter 5:8.

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CHAPTER II RIGHT DIRECTION IMPORTANCE If someone wished that a certain boat did not arrive at its destination, tell me, how do you think he could proceed? It is very simple. He would just make sure that it went in the wrong direction. I remember once seeing a documentary on a cargo boat that had left a port on the west coast of America and was due to head to an island located halfway across the Pacific. Due to an unfortunate circumstance, someone placed an electronic appliance next to the compass, which caused certain magnetic interference, which in turn made the boat involuntarily go off course, which at the time was not detected. After several days, the more experienced sailors were wondering if the sun should be in that position at that time of day. They went to the captain and the steersman, who confidently pointed to the compass, saying, “I’m following the direction and exact degrees shown by the compass. You can check for yourselves.” At that point, someone removed the electronic appliance that had been accidently placed next to it and what a surprise! The compass positioned itself in a different direction, which in this case was the correct one. They all realized that for many hours they had been going in the wrong direction—due to interference in the 19

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compass—which caused a loss of time, fuel and other inconveniences. In the case of a journey like that one, the consequences, though significant, were not so serious, given that the error was detected on time. However, if we talk about an error in terms of the direction of an entire life, the situation would be disastrous. Continuing with the example of the boats, if someone tried to make a vessel not arrive at its destination, he surely would not say, “It’s not in your interest to arrive at the expected port” because he’ll surely be branded a crazy person. Rather he will slyly want it to follow the wrong route. And as well as ensuring that this false route cannot be corrected, if that cunning character managed to get the steersman declared infallible, that would represent the ultimate aspiration of all tricksters. Why? As I mentioned in the example of the boat, some experienced sailors realized the mistake and fortunately had the chance to point it out and were listened to, which avoided the worst case scenario for all. Let us imagine for a moment what would have happened if it had not been possible to appeal against the decisions of the steersman or captain? What would have happened if they had declared themselves “error-free?” We said earlier that a trickster wanders around our world, whose objective is for things to fail, and the worst of it is that to, a large extent, he achieves this. Now, how does he think he could achieve his evil objective most effectively? 20

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He would try to influence whoever was in charge of key decisions. What? Was our God really not aware of this possiblity or about the existence of this harmful character, who loves deceiving and destroying? Did our Lord not realize the huge risk a mistake on the part of management would represent? Of course he knew, and that’s precisely why, knowing very well the enemy’s twisted intentions, he expressly and clearly ordered us to call no man our father on earth, and that we should all consider ourselves brothers, an order that is in the following phase:1 “Call no man your father on earth, for only one is your true Father, who is in heaven.” Parrallely, he left us something better than a functioning compass: his teachings, laid out—incredibly clearly and simply—in the four Gospels. On many occasions someone might wonder: How could the enemy make someone get involved in an Gospel according to St. Matthew 23:9. The version shown above comes from the Catholic version, though the other versions (Christian and Catholic) basically say the same thing, as you can check for yourself: 1

Reina-Valera Version: “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” People’s Version: “And call no man your father on earth, for only one is your true Father, who is in heaven.” American Standard Version: “And call no man your father on earth, for only one is your true Father, who is in heaven.” Peshitta Bible (Not taken from Greek, but directly from Aramaic): “Call no man your father on earth, for only one is your Father, who is in heaven”.

Given the importance of this text, which contains a direct order from Jesus Christ, we are comparing these five versions that say the same thing. We are doing this because some people, when they question inconsistencies with respect to that specified in the Bible, argue that this is due to “different translations,” which is not correct, since all the Christian and Catholic translations basically say the same thing.

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open transgression to that ordered by none other than Jesus Christ? The father of lies’ subtlety and ability to deceive knows no bounds and I am convinced that he did not raise the matter as a clear transgression, since if he had, he would have had to express something similar to this:2 “I invite you to go over the words of Jesus Christ and, thus, if you are mistaken in different respects you will drag everyone along with you.” Might he have put it like that? No way! I rather think that he expressed it in a manner similar to the following: “It’s not right to be controversial with regard to the words of Jesus Christ. He is already in heaven, but you are here on earth and have to face people who even say how things are becoming different. Therefore, it’s better that only one constitute the guide or father of all, and the others should adhere to him, and that person could be YOU, since you are so prudent and, thus, you will guide everyone in an admirable manner. And if that bishop, in turn, argued that that prohibition is clearly described in the Gospels and, therefore, anyone who read them would realize that disobedience. Perhaps the enemy suggested to him: “Leave the Bible complete in other languages that almost no one knows, and also completely prohibit its diffusion throughout the world, and you will thus become an extraordinary leader for all Christian people without Obviously no human being could know the precise “arguments” the person must have had who decided—as we will later see—to start making use of “papacy,” “universal bishopric” or “pontificate.” However, taking as a base the actions that followed, surely the motivations were similar to those now set out. 2

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receiving uncomfortable questions from anyone. It is true that Jesus Christ prohibited that, but He did not know, like you, all the reasons of a practical nature.” But, a frequent problem is how can one suddenly be constituted as a kind of “representative of God on earth” when an express prohibition for it exists, by none other than Jesus Christ? Let us analyze this from two perspectives, first from a Biblical point of view and then from a historical point of view.

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE The best way Catholic theologians aimed to support the figure of the “pontificate,” papacy and “universal bishopric” was by turning to a paragraph found in the Gospel according to St. Matthew 16:18, which says: “And I [Jesus] say to thee: that thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.” They confer great importance onto that part, since they consider that it holds the same fundaments as the papacy, however, if we analyze said paragraph a little more carefully, we will see things differently. The first thing that stands out in this paragraph is the person to whom it is addressed and it clearly specifies Jesus: to You (to Peter) and never mentions the possibility of any kind of successor, not will we find the slightest 23

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hint in this respect, nor of Peter, nor of anyone in the entire New Testament. Now, if there had been “successors”—something not mentioned ever by Jesus, Peter, Paul or any of the Apostles— who might they be? Because in reality, all the world’s Christian groups assure that they are the true successors of Peter. If they had existed, they would definitely be those who acted like Peter acted, and who followed his directions, don’t you think? And among many other things that we will see in this and in subsequent chapters, is that Peter would not allow respect towards his person, as we can see when on one occasion Cornelius3 (a Roman centurion) kneels before him and Peter immediately pulls him up and not only that, but shows him that he himself (Peter) is a man just like Cornelius. If that were not enough, Peter never proclaimed himself to be infallible, since if you open the Book of Galatians,4 you will note that Paul publically points out that Peter made a mistake that is accepted by Peter. As for the naming of the authorities, it should be mentioned that, at this time, they were called elders (plural) in each church, as we can easily see in the actual letters from Peter and throughout the New Testament.

3 Acts 10:25: “As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 4

Letter from St. Paul to the Galatians 2:11.

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But does he (Peter), in a personal capacity, consider himself like the Pope, universal bishop, pontiff or similar? It is also easy to find this out, so let us read what he said, in reference to its own person. Let us go to the first universal Letter from Peter 5:1, where we will first see in whom he confided his authority: to the elders; and second, how Peter considered himself: simply as one of them. “I ask the elders who are here among you, I, an elder with them and witness to the sufferings of Christ, I also participate in the glory that shall be revealed. Teach the flock of God that is among you,5 looking after them, not by force, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but with spirit; not by having domination over those who are in your care, but by being examples to the flock.” The Catholic version says this: “As Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said. ”I am only a man like you.” Someone might ask: did the Apostle Peter make any reference to any potential successor or later guide? He did, but he also warned us 6 of the risks of false guides who The term “elder” appears in the Bible in two senses: 1.- Persons of advanced age, and 2.- The guides and shepherds of the congregation, in accordance with Judeo-Christian tradition. In this paragraph, we can see that they are referred to as authorities or guides because it asks them: “Teach the flock of God that is among you.” And I repeat: Peter considered himself to be one of them.

Though there is not even the slightest mention in the New Testament to assume that Peter was located in a Christian community, as a kind of “sole leader,” “universal bishop” or something similar, there are many other parts that describe him as one of the Apostles, though very active in his ministry. Analyze the following paragraph (Acts 8:14): “When the Apostles (plural) in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.” Note that the person who decided said dispatch was not actually Peter, nor another person referred to by name, but “the Apostles.” How could St. Peter have designated a “sole guide” as “successor” if he did not even consider himself as such? 6

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would deceive the Christian congregation. Good grief! Where does it say that? If you open the 2nd Letter from Peter 2:1, you will see that he expresses himself thus:

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” Now, if Peter never located himself in a place of preeminence, perhaps Paul did? Nothing of the sort. Again I ask you to read between so many quotes from Paul himself, where you will see how he considered his role in service to the Lord:7 “I was appointed herald, apostle and teacher of the Gentiles.” Analyze the “title” or the “charge” considered by Peter himself for himself, which is, by way of introduction, at the start of the 2nd Letter from St. Peter 1:1: “Simon, Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained equal faith with us in the justice of our God …” (In the 1st Letter from St. Peter 1:1 he introduces himself in a similar way). This term is fully consistent with the name used by the Lord Jesus Christ: “When it was day, (Jesus) called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also called apostles.” There are 42 quotes relating to the “Apostles” in the New Testament. This word “apostle” derives from the Greek “apostolos,” which means “the sent one.”

And in regard to authority, how would Paul refer to them? In a similar manner to Peter, Paul also referred to the ecclesiastical authorities as the “elders.” Analyze it for yourself:8

2nd Letter from Paul to Timothy 1:11; something similar is in the 1st Letter to Timothy 2:7, in the Letter from Paul to Titus 1:1 and in countless other parts.

1st Letter from Paul to Timothy 5:17.

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“Let the elders9 who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.” Analyze this other quote from Paul along the same lines:10 “For this reason I left you in Crete [to Titus], that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you; whoever was irreproachable, husband11 of only one woman …” And if Peter never saw the possiblity of “successors,” perhaps Paul did? Yes, he did, but also by way of a warning on false guides that would be created. Analyze their own words quoted in the Book of Acts of the Apostles 20:29: “Because I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Tell me something: do you think that if neither Peter, Paul nor any of the Apostles had never named themselves popes, pontiffs or something similar, they would have named a future sole successor, going above what Jesus Christ has ordered? In some translations, this word is replaced by “priest,” which means exactly the same, since it comes from the Greek “presbyteros,” which means “elder” or “the eldest” or “the most experienced.”

Letter from St. Paul to Titus 1:5. It is important to mention that this is also considered a “pastoral” letter, that is, addressed to the guides or leaders of a church. 10

Note how Paul, in this and other similar mentions, recommended that the “elders,” “guides,” or bishops (and also deacons or ministerial aides) of each church, be married. When he recommends voluntary celibacy—as he says that he himself practices it—he does so for the congregation in general, though indicating that those who wish to can marry. 11

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On the other hand, what might be one of the reasons for Jesus Christ not warning us of the dangers of granting leadership of the church to a single person? When there is only one person as a guide, we make it incredibly easy for the enemy because he only has to confuse him and that person will take everyone else in the wrong direction. Now, would it be possible for Satan himself to influence someone as close to God? Of course! Let me mention what happened in front of Jesus Christ himself. On one occasion, together with Christ, Satan entered Peter and tried to make him desist from suffering in Jerusalem. However, if the evil entity can deceive you or I, he cannot deceive the Lord, and Jesus Christ immediately identifies him and reprimands him harshly. Where is that? If you open the Gospel according to St. Matthew at 16:23, you will see that it says the following: “But he [that is Jesus] turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” But returning to the paragraph we are now unpicking, with which some try to justify “successors,” we will see that Jesus continues to say to Peter that he would give him the ‘keys to the Kingdom of Heaven’. What are they? Those keys are perfectly exercised by Pedro in the Book of Acts 2:38, when the people, at that point very confused, ask him about the path to follow once Christ had died and he answers thus: 28

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“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ.” Believe me that both at that moment of confusion and with his indication to follow Jesus Christ all his life, Peter makes perfect use of those keys to Heaven. And in the last part of the paragraph we are analyzing, we will see that he continues thus, when Christ says to Peter: “And whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” This last section is interpreted completely wrongly. It is understood as a prerogative of acting freely, and not what it really is: a very serious call to attention on the great repercussion of all human acts, where each good or bad action will have repercussions in our present and future life. Proof of this is in the same section, where the Lord Jesus Christ repeats it, not only for Peter, but for all those who were listening at that moment [Matthew 18:18], corroborating that, rather than a kind of concession or franchise directed only at Peter, it is a warning to all of the extraordinary repercussions, both in the current world and in the future one, of “binding” and “loosening” correctly, in the sense of the Gospels. But then, if, from the biblical perspective, there is not even the slightest fundament to situate a person above the rest, and not only that, but there are signs to the contrary, what might Christian history tell us about this? As we start to introduce ourselves a little to the history, let us analyze a word that has performed a very important role throughout the centuries. 29

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

PONTIFF The world “pontiff” comes from Latin, but has a very different origin and meaning from what most people think. “Pontiff” comes from “pons” or “pontis,” which means “bridge” and this word, in turn, derives from another that is “ponton,” which means “passenger boat with no bridge.”12 The curious thing is that many people take it for granted that this word belongs to our Judeo-Christian tradition, when the reality is that it comes from totally unrelated sources. The word “Pontifex Maximus”—or in English “Supreme Pontiff”—is much older than the coming of Jesus Christ and was used within Paganism with a very singular figure: a kind of “king-priest” who was something like a ‘bridge’ between those who they considered their gods and human beings. That was how it was regarded from the time of the Babylonians13 and later the Persians, specifically in the city of Pergamon, a city that was very important for four centuries. Subsequently, as Greece conquered Persia in the 3rd century before Christ and this city of Pergamon was

BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA CASTELLANA (ABRIDGED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF CASTILIAN SPANISH), Joan Corominas, EDITORIAL GREDOS (Spain) and BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA ESPAÑOLA (ABRIDGED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE), Guido Gómez de Silva, EDITORIAL FONDO DE CULTURA ECONÓMICA. (Mexico) 12

HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, Editorial El Camino de la Vida

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designated the capital of the Seleucid Empire, which was one of the divisions of Alexander the Great’s Empire, it happened that in the year 133 before Christ, on the death of King-Priset Atalo III, his will bequeathed his kingdom to the nascent Roman Empire. But a curious thing is that when Rome came into contact with these new Pagan rites, the Roman emperors, who were considered as those who headed all the religions of the State, were considered as judges or arbiters of divine and human things. Therefore, this new title of “Pontifex Maximus” fitted them like a glove to be constituted in a kind of ‘bridge’ between their gods and human beings. And it was thus that this ancient figure of king-priest used for centuries by Persians and Babylonians was transferred to the Roman Empire to become a kind of God on earth. Also, by the way, one of the sources of conflict between the early Christians and leaders of the Roman Empire was precisely that: the Christians only recognized one God and did not share the idea that the emperor was considered an earthly divinity. Julius Caesar, from the year 63 before Christ, was recognized as Pontifex Maximus or “Supreme Pontiff.” Therefore, the early Roman emperors, including Constantine—4th century after Christ—bore this title. The Christian churches, in the early years, were disseminated throughout the Roman Empire and outside of it. The most important bishops were those from Jerusalem, Antioch, Carthaga, Alexandria and others and the Bishop of Rome was by no means the most important. 31

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

But, returning to the title of “Pontifex Maximus,” observe something curious: despite being Roman emperors and “inheriting” such a title, one of the emperors, named Gratian, in the year 382 of our era, voluntarily renounced such title because he was a Christian and considered it incompatible with his Christian principles. Now, if, within “earthly” parameters, it would be unthinkable and completely unsuitable to establish a “pontiff,” that is, if there were a single person as a “bridge” between God and men, what could we say about something similar established within Christianity? Looking at it from a human context, if a country, social or religious organization, political party, company or family made the huge mistake of having the opinion of a single person make every decision, that human group would limit its thinking capacity to an extreme degree, since it is only from collective participation that real solutions can emerge in practically everything. Nevertheless, that which sociologically speaking we surmise, in other words, the great disadvantages of singleperson decisions make us understand why, in the spiritual field, if the Lord knows about them in advance, he not only gave us the exact route, but expressly warned us that we should NOT proceed thus. But in the face of doctrinal or biblical support, and once we know the Pagan provenance of the figure of “pontiff,” how can we support the theory of a pope, pontiff or “universal bishop?” There is a theory that has been repeated for centuries. It is stated that there was a kind of “apostolic succession,” insisting that Peter was the first Roman Bishop—or Pope, 32

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supposedly—and that from there all the rest came, which does not coincide with the reality. 14 While those who prepared a similar hypothesis—of the supposed “apostolic succession”—considered that perhaps due to the darkness of the times it would not be possible to prove neither one thing nor the other, they were greatly mistaken. Because from the historical vision, and not so much from external sources, but from within the historical context of the Bible itself, we can elucidate that such “apostolic succession” simply does not exist because it all seems to show that Peter was not even in Rome.

APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION AND ITS HISTORY The first thing we would need to do to assume that the Apostle Peter was the first Roman bishop, would be prove that he was there. But the evidence—from the Bible itself—goes against this.15 What do I mean? I invite you to analyze in detail the following evidence. 14 The title of “Pontiff” that had been rejected by the Roman Emperor Gratian because he was a Christian, and which came from Pagan sources, after having been constituted “universal bishop” in Rome, which happens later, was misappropriated by the leaders of the papacy.

In their eagerness to try to prove such a supposition—that Peter was in Rome—some have gone to the extreme of using the “apocryphal gospels,” but as their name shows, the word “apocryphal” means “false” or “falsified.” It would be absurd to try to found something—even insignificant things—on something that is recognized as intentionally fake or falsified.

Most of the “Apocryphal Gospels” are known to definitely have been written in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries by some sect such as the “Gnostics” and furthermore, it is also known that those who wrote them did not have the opportunity to know about the events they aimed to describe.

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In the times of death, from which the first martyr of the Christian church—Stephen—is known, the Apostle Peter was in Jerusalem.16 On the other hand, take into account that the Apostle Paul, no less than 17 years after his conversion, which occurred several years after Christ’s death, arrives in Jerusalem again and finds that Peter—who by the way was not a young man, since from the times of Christ he was still there, in Jerusalem, exercising his Ministry. It is perfectly described in the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians 1:18 and in that same letter, in the next chapter, it is agreed17 between Paul, Peter and the rest of the Some media, throughout the 20th century, presented some of the documents as supposed “discoveries,” when their existence was known for a long time. It should be mentioned that the extraordinary Dead Sea archeological discoveries (at Hirber Qumbran) were not related to the Christian movement. The documents found there can be classified into three groups: A.- Biblical (Some books of the Old Testament), B.- Agnostic, (not those that refer to the Christian group) called: Book of Jubliees, Pseudo Jubilees, the Books of Noah, Enoch, Tobias, the Testament of Levi and a piece of another unknown apocryphal called Genesis or Lamej; and C.- Books of the Esenia Community. But the apocryphal documents from other sources referring to the Christian movement are assigned no credibility both due to their lack of historical support and the very low quality of their writing, since almost every page of this book has serious errors in regard to customs and events.

LOS EVANGELIOS GNÓSTICOS (THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS), EDITORIAL LECTORUM, (Mexico); EVANGELIOS APÓCRIFOS (APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS), EDITORIAL PORRÚA, (Mexico); PALESTINA Y LOS ROLLOS DEL MAR MUERTO (PALESTINE AND THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, Editorial El Camino a la Vida (Mexico). Book of the Acts of the Apostles 7, 1:60 and 8:20, which shows in many parts the presence of Peter in Jerusalem. This Book of Acts, according to the experts, was probably written in the year 63 by St. Luke from Rome. HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, EDITORIAL EL CAMINO A LA VIDA. 16

This same agreement in regard to the ministry of Peter to the Jews and of Paul to the non-Jews is widely referred to in a great many parts of the New Testament.

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Apostles that Peter would dedicate himself to ministering to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles, in other words, to the non-Jews.18 On the other hand, when the first Council of the Christian Church was held, Peter was in Jerusalem, which is detailed in the Book of Acts, Chapter 15. To better back up that I am saying, when Paul wrote his Letter to the Romans, which is thought to have been around the year 57 or 58 from Corinth, and physically carried by Febe,19 not even the slightest mention is made of the Apostle Peter, since that letter contained greetings to many people.20 Obviously, if Peter had been in Rome, or even more obviously, if he had have been the Bishop of that city, he would have at least been mentioned, don’t you think? When Paul comes to Rome, which occurs around the year 61, 21 several people go out to meet him, none of which included Peter. If that were not enough, we must consider that the charge that Paul went to the “Gentiles” was not a product of a mere agreement between the Apostles, but a direct indication from the Lord. See the Testimony of Ananias, who was charged by Jesus Christ to return Paul’s sight, when Ananias says to the Lord that Paul is a “persecutor” of believers.

“Sister Febe,” bearer of the letter, is mentioned in the actual Letter from Paul to the Romans 16:1. 19

This letter contains affectionate greetings to those who were in Rome, mentioning by name the following: FEBE (Bearer of the Letter), PRISCILLA, AQUILA, EPENETUSM MARY, ANDRONICUS, JUNIA, AMPLIATUS, URBANUS, STACHYS, APELLES, ARISTOBULUS, HERODION, NARCISSUS, TRIPHENA, TRYPHOSA, PERSIS, RUFUS, ASYNCRITUS, PHEGON, HERMES, PATROBAS, HERMAS, PHILOLOGUS, JULIA, NEREUS AND OLYMPAS. The following send their own greetings: PAUL, TIMOTHY, LUCIUS, JASON AND SOSIPATER. It even mentions who writes the actual letter: TERTIUS. (Letter from Paul to the Romans, Chapter 16). 20

Book of Acts, Chapter 28:14.

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(as if the Lord had not known) Jesus replies to Ananias: “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.” Book of Acts of the Apostles, 9:15, as well as other similar mentions.

Here is another piece of information: when Paul was in prison in Rome, he wrote several letters, including letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon. 22 And none of them make the slightest reference to Peter, neither to his person nor to any of his works, which is understandable because this great Apostle was not there. One more reference: in the final part of Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, written, as I said, from prison in Rome he writes:23 “Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him) and Jesus who is called Justos. Those are the only Jews [or men of the circumcision, in some translations] among my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” The only Jews who helped him? Was Peter really not a Jew? Or perhaps he did not want to help him in his work for the Kingdom of God? No. Peter simply was not in that city. Another piece of evidence is the following: Chapter 18 of the Book of Acts of the Apostles, written around the year We said “including” because there is a letter written by Paul that is lost, which is deduced from the New Testament, which is the Letter to the Laodiceans. Its existence is presumed from that mentioned in the Letter from St. Paul to the Colossians, 4:16. 22

Letter from St. Paul to the Colossians, 4:10.

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63 by St. Luke, makes the following reference, which is key for what we are discussing: “After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met a Jew called Aquila,24 whose family came from Pontus. He and his wife Priscilla had recently left Italy because an edict of Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome.” Therefore, I ask you: do you believe it is possible that, if it had been agreed that Peter—as evidenced in a large amount of parts—practiced his ministry among the Jews and Paul among the non-Jews, and if the majority of Jews had been expelled from Rome, would it make any sense for Peter to move there? What would be the purpose of Peter—or the rest of the Apostles charged with ministering to the Jews—neglecting such important bishoprics of those other regions, to go to a place from which the Jews had been expelled?25 One last comment on this: when Paul is going to be beheaded by Nero, which is somehow visualized between the lines in what is thought to be his last letter—the Second Letter from Paul to Timothy—written from Rome, 26 you and I will be able to see in that entire Remember that “Aquila and Priscilla” were two people Paul sent Greetings to in Rome in the Letter to the Romans (described in a previous note).

If anyone should assume that Peter could have perhaps been in Rome before the quoted references, that is not viable either because, aside from that mentioned in the previous points, the Roman Emperor Claudius, (whose full name was Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, who was born in the year 10 BC and died in the year 54 AD) and decided to expel the Jews during his reign, that is before the year 54, an additional piece of information that would make the presence of Peter in a place where there were almost no Jews completely illogical, considering that Peter’s ministry was to the Jews. VIDAS DE LOS DOCE CÉSARES (LIVES OF THE TWELVE CAESARS), Suetonio, EDITORIAL GROLIER (Mexico). 25

2nd Letter from St. Paul to Timothy 4:6.

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letter that Paul does not make the slightest mention of Peter, which obviously would not have happened if that great Apostle had been in that city.27 And remember to take into account that such Letter to the Romans was written in the year 57 or 58 and the Book of Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke in the year 63, therefore, the mention of these two people in the Book of Acts is AFTER that made in the Letter to the Romans. But listen to this: if you visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, you will find that in a semi-basement there is a place where they say the remains of the Apostle Peter lie. The problem is that there is no anthropological, archeological or historical basis to prove it, 28 therefore, some are of the opinion that perhaps those remains come from someone of the same name (Peter) who was removed from Roman tombs, since that name was and is very common.29 Now, those who think that Peter was the “first Supreme Pontiff” should mentally situate themselves in those farIf the reader wishes to learn about one of the most likely places where Peter also exercised his ministry, I invite you to read Appendix A. 27

In any case, “the burden of proof” is the responsibility of those who state a similar thing. Every researcher, archeologist, historian and the general public are waiting and wishing to analyze any piece of proof there might be in that respect.

That name is very common not only for a man, but also for a woman. As an example of this, I include an inscription from one of the Roman tombs: PETRONIA, WIFE OF A DEACON, MODEST TYPE, HERE LIE MY BONES; RETAIN YOUR TEARS, DEAR WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF MINE; AND BELIEVE THAT IT IS PROHIBITED TO CRY FOR THOSE WHO LIVE WITH GOD. BURIED IN PEACE AND IN THE COMFORT OF THE FESTO CONSULATE” Quoted in the book HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres. EDITORIAL EL CAMINO A LA VIDA.

This letter also constitutes a test of the fact that ministers and deacons of the era were married.

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away years, when the early Christians were persecuted in different cities of the Empire for, among other things, refusing to recognize the “divinity” of the Emperor. Tell me something: do you believe it is possible that Peter or, rather, those who had been the true Bishops of Rome in the early centuries, could have even imagined the possibility of using a single person with the title of “Pontifex Maximus,” which the Roman emperors did possess? The mere idea of thinking about such a thing seems completely aberrant and out of place to us, both doctrinally and politically. Moreover, Christ not only prohibited any situation of preeminence between brothers but, on several occasions, made recommendations such as the following:30 “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Precisely for these very Christian principles it was, as we have said, when the Roman Emperor Gratian himself, still with—politically speaking—the authority to use such title, felt motivated to renounce it. During earlier centuries, the Bishop of Rome, without having originally been among the greatest or most important, was acquiring increasing strength, not for any reason 30 Gospel according to St. Mark 10:43 and St. Matthew 20:26, this response from Christ was made at the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee—James and John—who wanted her sons to sit in heaven, one to his left and the other to his right.

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of a doctrinal nature, but for one more circumstantial or prosaic: he was geographically located in the same place of political power of the era, that is, the capital of the Roman Empire.31 But I would like to highlight a curious fact: the Roman Emperor Constantine, in the 17th century, created two political axes in his empire, one in Rome and another in the city that used to be called Byzantium, which from then was called Constantinople.32 The Bishop of Constantinople made an attempt to become a kind of “universal bishop,” but at that time there was another opposing declaration from another bishop, who wrote: “None of my predecessors has consented to bear this profane title because when a patriarch [that is what Christian bishops were called back then] repeals the title of “universal,” the title of patriarch is discredited, it is not the Christian custom to want to give themselves a title that discredits their brothers.”33 As an additional piece of information which corroborates that in the early centuries there was no one in Rome who carried out the duties of a Pontiff, “universal bishop” or Pope, note how at the first seven Councils (aside from the first Council of Jerusalem described in Acts 15) and in fact the only ones that were universally recognized by all the Christian churches in the world, which were: Nicea (351 AD), 1st Constantinople (381 AD), Ephesus (431 AD), Chalcedon 451 AD), 2nd Constantinople (553 AD), 3rd Constantinople (680 AD) and 2nd de Nicea (787 AD) and were called by emperors and personnel completely unconnected to the Bishopric of Rome and that from there Rome started to call councils, which were incorrectly called “ecumenical,” since they no longer had the participation of the rest of the Christian churches of the world (“Ecumenical” means “universal” 31

and derives from the Greek “oikumene” [“the inhabited earth”]). 32

And is today called Istanbul and belongs to Turkey.

HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, Edward Emily Gibbon Volume 4, Page. 596. British historian (1737-1794) Published in 1776 and 1794. Also quoted in the book HISTORIA ECLESIÁSTICA (ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY), Eusebio de Cesarea, In Note 41, Volume II, Book VI, EDITORIAL CLIE (Spain). 33

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Do you know where the bishop who was categorically opposed to the idea of there being a “universal bishop” and who issued the previous declaration was from? You will be amazed: from Rome. But the situation did not end there. The Bishop of Rome sent a letter to the Roman Emperor, which included the following text: “I confidently state that anyone who calls himself “universal bishop” is the precursor to the antichrist.”34 If these apparently simple declarations had been issued by some other bishop, they would not have such significance, but coming from the Bishop of Rome himself, the situation changes categorically. Why? Not only does it demonstrate a position consistent with the Gospels, but the situation goes much further: it is highlighting the fact that at that point there was still nothing similar to a “universal bishop” or “pontiff” in Rome. So, at what point did the figure of pope or pontiff emerge as an institution?35

CREATION OF THE PAPACY In the late 6th century and early 7th century the Bishop of Rome, Gregory I, also called “the great,” was succeeded by another bishop called Sabinian, who occupied the position from 604 to 606 and was succeeded by Boniface 34

Item. Vol. 4, Page 596.

If on any occasion you have wondered: how did that original timid Christian church of the early centuries evolve into a powerful institution that aimed to siituate itself above the kings for many subsequent centuries? In Appendix B you will see a document that was very influential in that respect called The Donation of Constantine.

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III, who was in the position for only a short time from 606 to 607. Shortly before that brief period of Boniface, a singular political event took place.36 The Roman Empire being in full fall in 602, a Roman Emperor called Maurice was detained by a centurion called Phocas. At that time there was a coup d’état and Phocas killed not only Emperor Maurice, but also his sons, proclaiming himself Emperor. But many people, including the Bishop of Constantinople, Ciriaco, did not acknowledge him as Emperor, but stated—rightly—that he had arrived at that post by means of a murder. Given this lack of acknowledgment, some years later in 606, during the time of Boniface III, with whom Phocas had a good personal relationship, in a skilled—albeit illegal—political maneuver, Roman emperor Phocas, who knew about the ecclesiastical rivalry between Rome and Constantinople, proposed the following deal to his friend, the Bishop of Rome: that Boniface should acknowledge him as emperor and he, in turn, would acknowledge him as “universal bishop.” Boniface accepted, which gave rise to the centralization of bishops in Rome, not without winning the disapproval of other bishops, though such opposition did not prosper a great deal, since the Bishop of Rome—now “universal”— had the support of the Emperor himself. But regardless of the political or moral legality of such a maneuver, the serious thing of the matter was that this 36 HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, Vol. I, (Boniface III, 607, Phocas).

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step constituted an open transgression to that indicated in the Gospels and, in my opinion, that was merely the product of a simple trap, designed by the trickster par excellence. That is what I was referring to at the start. Believe me, I do not doubt for a second the excellent good intentions of the vast majority of people who believe in the legitimacy of the pontificate, and perhaps the wonderful Lord in Heaven, in his vast goodness, and whoever acts without knowing the real facts could be exonerated in this kind of deception in to which several people from other eras fell. Nonetheless, I would like to make a very respectful exhortation to those who believe in Jesus Christ, in the sense that they consider that if the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no lessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;tells us not to place anyone in a situation of moral pre-eminence over others, it must have a very powerful reason for being. What could one of them be? Regardless of the fact that merely doing things differently to what the Lord orders must be reason enough to obey him, this alone will not be enough. I remind you that if the Lord prohibits something, that will translate into significant inconveniences for all.

PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES The list of errors derived from the arbitrary imposition of a single person, in the form of pontiff or universal bishop is very great, and its consequences have been very negative throughout the history of Christianity. If someone asks me about what I consider the main negative aspect, I think it was not having widely and openly diffused the Gospels to all the people of the world, since 43

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in almost all the centuries of Christianity, the Gospels could not be read by an overwhelming majority of inhabitants of the planet. One of the reasons—among others—why Islam advanced so quickly was because the Koran was widely diffused to wherever it could be. Many people of that age even knew this religion as “the religion of the book.”37 Conversely, I invite you to analyze the following case from the 13th century. When Niccolo and Maffeo Polo— father and uncle of Marco Polo—travelled to China, they had the unique opportunity to be received by Kublai Khan, emperor of that country. Khan asked them about religious belief in Europe and they talked to him about Christ, who came to the world as God. How do you imagine the Emperor reacted? He asked that to convince him and many of his people, they send “100 people to his country to talk to them about that.” Therefore, on returning to Italy,38 they raised this important matter with the ecclesiastical authorities, but Pope Clement IV was immersed in other activities, some of which were of a political nature. Nevertheless, his successor, Pope Gregory X sent TWO monks with the Polo Family—by the way, on that new voyage they would be accompanied by Marco Polo, barely a young man—and they all travelled together on that next voyage to China.

LA HISTORIA DE LOS ÁRABES (THE HISTORY OF THE ARABS), Albert Hourani, EDITORIAL JAVIER VERGARA (Mexico).

MARCO POLO, Marco Antonio Gómez Pérez, GRUPO EDITORIAL TOMO, (Mexico).

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Unfortunately, these two monks, before arriving at that far-off country, received an order to return.39 Regardless of the fact that the desirable thing would have been to send a great many people there, what occurred to him as the best gift for the emperor? Without thinking twice about it, I consider that the best imaginable gift would have been the New Testament translated into Chinese. It is true that the printing press40 had not yet been invented, but it was perfectly viable to have translated and sent a significant number of copies, as the Muslims had done many years earlier with the Koran.41 Instead of this, do you know what was sent? A little oil from the lamp from the place that it is believed was “the holy tomb” of Jerusalem. And both the missionaries and the copies of the Gospels were conspicuously “absent.” Another small demonstration of this grave omission was what happened when Friar Luis de León,42 one of the most distinguished professors of the University of Salamanca, “dared” translate part of the Bible into Spanish: A that time it was definitely possible to displace a large group of people to other far-off regions, which was proved by the fact that during the sad “Crusades” many thousands of people were moved, albeit with another purpose.

With mechanical steel exchangers because the wooden ones was being used on a small scale in China at that time. 40

Even the Muslims ended up giving many of their followers a “pocket” version of the Koran. The cost of any of the Crusades was a great deal higher than what the translation and production of thousands of copies could have cost, which could have been sent to many countries. LA HISTORIA DE LOS ÁRABES (THE HISTORY OF THE ARABS), Albert Hourani, EDITORIAL JAVIER VERGARA (Mexico). 41

42 Friar Luís de León was a prisoner in the dungeons of the Inquisition for four years, eight months from 1572 to 1576. Since he was also an expert in Hebrew,

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He was held captive by the Holy Inquisition for several years and, had he not promised to not do any more translations, he would have been added to their list of victims. We cannot forget that one of the most important tasks of the Lord was the diffusion of his Gospels and, I repeat, during most of the previous centuries, not only did the pontiffs not carry out this extremely important order, but they tried to prevent it being done. Other proof of this was the following: when around two centuries ago, some organizations called “Bible Societies” were formed to do what had not been done, that is, to take the message of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, they tried to obstruct this at all costs. Analyze the declaration of Pope Pius VII43 with regard to such Bible Societies: “…they are an artificial deception through which the same fundaments of the religion are mined, a plague that has to be cured and abolished.”

he “dared” make some observations on the Hebrew to Latin translation of part of the Old Testament, of the only ‘authorized’ version of the Bible of that time (the so-called Latin Vulgate written in LATIN) and it is important to mention that the Council of Trent, in open opposition to that ordered by Jesus Christ, had prohibited the Bible being translated into vernacular languages, that is, the actual language of each country. As an example of a poem written by him: “Here is where envy and deceit / Held me behind a prison gate / Happy is the humble state / Of he who wisely finds retreat / Away from this world’s evil fate / And with poor room and board makes do / Amidst the scenic wilderness / With only God to answer to / And all alone lets life pass through / Unenvied and unenvious.” LA INQUISICIÓN, EL LADO OSCURO DE LA IGLESIA (THE INQUISITION: THE DARK SIDE OF THE CHURCH), Primitivo Martínez Fernández. EDITORIAL LUMEN (Colombia-Mexico).

43 DIEGO THOMSON Y LA BIBLIA EN MÉXICO (DIEGO THOMSON AND THE BIBLE IN MEXICO) and JUÁREZ Y LA BIBLIA (JUÁREZ AND THE BIBLE), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, EDITORIAL EL CAMINO A LA VIDA (Mexico)

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That so called “plague” of Bible Societies aimed to bring the Bible to everyone, in their own language.* And a little later that century, Pope Leo XII44 continued with the same attitude against the diffusion of the Gospels by Bible Societies. See what he put in a letter he sent to some Bishops in Ireland: “It is no secret to you, venerable brothers, that a society vulgarly called ‘Bible Society’ is being audaciously spread throughout the world.” “After rejecting the traditions of the Holy Fathers, in opposition to the well-known decree of the Council of Trent, the [Bible] Society has joined forces and used all its means with a single objective: the translation, or rather, the perversion of the Bible into the languages of all the nations…” If you have never been curious about it, I exhort you to do the following: compare a Catholic Bible with a Christian one, and you will see that they are the same thing, which makes us think that what they did not want was it to be widely and openly read. We were saying that on one occasion, Christ said something to Peter,45 which I think is a crucial warning of the great transcendence of every human act:

“And whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

* It was not until the late 20th century that groups of faithful were permitted to attend Bible study. Perhaps that incipient opening enabled the following more significant step: to pass from being “listeners” of The Word to “doers” of The Word. 44

Item.

Gospel according to St. Matthew 16:19.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Unfortunately, as I also said, this phrase was taken as a kind of prerogative of free behavior, or as a kind of “ecclesiastical franchise” and not as what it really is: an extremely important call to attention on the great scope and transcendence of our personal actions, which will have repercussions not only on this earth, but in the afterlife for many people. As I was explaining, if we have the chance to undo mistakes and teach the largest message the world had received , and it is not done, that will have—as in fact it has had—very serious consequences in the present and future life of those who could have receive this message and did not. But if we talk about only one of the most recent inconveniences, let’s say of the 20th century, due to that apparently insignificant fact of having put a person in a place of pre-eminence, I would like to set out the following case.

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES There is an element that many people do not associate with the socio-economic wellbeing of a country and this is the demographic question. Therefore, given its importance, I would like you to do some reflecting in this regard. By way of some background, I will say that several centuries ago, and due to the deficient medical and health conditions of those years, of every 1,000 children born, only around 250 survived.46

46 LIBRO DE LOS HECHOS, CASOS, COSAS (BOOK OF ACTS, CASES, THINGS). Isaac Asimov EDITORIAL LASSER (Mexico).

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In the 20th century, with the fortunate advent of better medical care, 47 of every 1,000 children born, an average of around 950 survive around the world.48 But this new socio-demographic profile that took place, among other things, due to the advent of medicine, made family planning necessary for couples.49 And many analysts from different parts of the world, having been aware of the significance and consequences of this change in the socio-demographic profile, alerted different international governments and organizations to the matter. Therefore, this ethical or moral approach, given its extraordinary importance, went all the way to the Vatican in the mid-20th century.50

Including the appearance of antibiotics in the early 20th century. HISTORIA DE LA MEDICINA (HISTORY OF MEDICINE), Dr. Manuel Barquín Calderón, MÉNDEZ EDITORES, (Mexico). 47

POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU Table of the world population. (Washington, USA)

Just so you have an idea of what it would mean to not plan population, we can make the following mathematical projection: if the current population of the “developing’ world”—which is the one that primarily grows—had an average of 2.7 children per woman, and an annual growth of 1.4 per cent, the world population (which by 2010 was 6.87 billion), in only 100 years, would reach 24.7 billion, and in a further 100 years (200 years from 2010) would reach 97.7 billion.

Obviously the socio-economic balance and, above all, the ecosystem would be destroyed a very long time before reaching such a figure, but that tells us of the urgent need for family planning. As you will understand, the dilemma is not whether or not growth should be planned or not, but rather: whether it occurs when we still have time to do it. It is imperative to stabilize the number of children per woman to around 2.2, which can be achieved if most couples have 2 to 3 children. In 1950, the total world population was 2.7 billion. UN. PICTURE OF THE WORLD POPULATION.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

By virtue of which, in 1968,51 the then Pope Paul VI appointed a committee formed by 16 theologians and experts on the subject and asked them to issue their opinion in this regard, that is, to analyze the suitability—or lack thereof—of a new Encyclical about to be published52 including a “prohibition” on the use of prophylactics as a means of birth control. After a profound analysis by this committee, once it evaluated the consequences of the change in the sociodemographic profile, as well as the notorious global inability to provide the basic satisfiers to a population that was growing too quickly, the committee obtained the following vote: One abstained, four voted to include the prohibition of the use of prophylactics and eleven voted for contraceptives not to be banned. In other words, almost 3 of every 4 voted against the inclusion of prohibition. With that, this committee—appointed by Pope Paul VI himself—granted validity to the medical, scientific, economic and environmental opinions of the different experts in each field from different parts of the globe. However, to their and many international experts’ surprise, Paul VI put the ruling of his own committee to one side and DID include said prohibition in his new Encyclic HUMANAE VITAE, publishing it in July 1968. What was his main argument? That such family planning methods are “artificial.” But many of us thought: isn’t

51 52

By 1968, the world population was already 3.5 billion. This would bear the name HUMANAE VITAE and would be issued by the

then Pope Paul VI.

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medicine—which encouraged the demographic explosion in the 20th century—also artificial? Would a mother, on seeing her small child with a high temperature that puts his life at risk, not allow him to be given an antibiotic because this medication is “artificial?” Are telephones, computers, televisions, cars, electric light, radios, tractors, vitamins, disinfectant, clothing, houses and almost everything around us not artificial too? Many people might rightly tell us that we could all be wrong. It is true, we are all subject to mistakes and precisely for that reason the extremely wise Lord of Heaven categorically prohibited us from designating one above all others, like a supposed father. There are two crucial aspects that I would like to highlight. If the Lord had been obeyed and no one had been put above all others, that enormous demographic error would not have happened. Why? The committee itself—appointed by the Pope himself— ruled against the papal intention of prohibiting contraceptives, but since Paul VI was elevated to the category of Pontiff or Pope, he could have perfectly well imposed his personal opinion.53

We are not trying to say that the papal opinion has been the only factor that influenced this issue, but it did definitely influence one very extensive sector of the world.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

But the second and most serious part of the matter is that said action had serious socio-economic consequences in many parts of the world, and if I may, I will explain some of them. Obviously, the most valuable element known on the planet is the human being, but if we grow at a quicker rate than our ability to generate the necessary satisfiers, we create a society with very serious shortages. Some people of good faith say: “I know many countries that have a large population and are very developed.” It is very important to establish a key difference: one thing is the elevated population density and another completely different thing is a high rate of demographic growth. And the dangerous thing for any nation in the world is the second one. Why is a high rate of demographic growth harmful? For the simple reason that population duplication takes place within too short a time period. And during that same period the necessary satisfiers are not successfully duplicated, which will create a multitude of serious shortages for a large amount of people. To understand this better, let’s analyze a specific example. If a country like Mexico in 1976 had 54 million inhabitants and by 2010 it had already 108 million54—double— what does that mean from a practical point of view? Regardless of which political party governed Mexico, if, in only 34 years the population doubled, this means that Even subtracting the great amount of people who emigrated during that period to the United States. INEGI National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Mexico). Vital Statistics.

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during that same time period the necessary satisfiers, such as access to drinking water, drainage, electricity, urban roads, housing, jobs, gas, police, food supply, education, communications, green spaces, wood production, absolutely everything would also have to double. If that were not enough, all the accumulated deficits must be solved over decades or centuries and moreover, a certain percentage of the infrastructure that with the passing of the years is becoming obsolete. As you will understand, that is a goal that cannot be met, not in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru, Bolivia, India or any country in the world, since no one would have the capacity—even with the best government in the world—to create what in practice would be another new country—plus the accumulated deficits—in that short time period. The speed factor performs a crucial role, not only in this, but in anything that comes to mind. Let me put it to you with a very simple example. A fundamental element for human survival is without a doubt food. We all agree that food is not only good, but indispensable for life, don’t we? Take a moment to recall the food you ate yesterday. Now let’s imagine for a moment that this same amount of food is multiplied by two or by three on that same day and that we do the same thing each day for seven days. I can assure you that before the end of the week, you, I and anyone would be in hospital, regardless of the significant fact that “the food is good.” 53

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

What happened? Something very simple: the food was ingested in a quantity greater than the ability to digest it. In the case of the population, something similar happens. It is not enough to state to the media the importance of human life, but it is indispensable to take the necessary steps to favor the development of a stable society that is able to provide the necessary satisfiers to all its members. Let’s return to the practical example of Mexico, where I mentioned that if its population doubled in 34 years— even when emigration is taken out of the equation—what also had to be done? To double all the satisfiers at the same time in that very short period. Now I ask you: what happens if in that same period it is not possible to double housing? We will have a significant segment of the population living in makeshift houses with dirt floors, no drinking water or drainage and perhaps even located in high risk zones. What will happen if Mexico is not able—as no country in the world would be able—to double capacity to provide the jobs required? The need to emigrate will drastically increase, the amount of street stalls will grow and violence and insecurity will rise. What will happen if its ability to generate sustainable wood products does not grow proportionally (as we will see in all countries with similar growth)? It is logical to think that the deterioration of forests will reach levels that will put the ecological balance of the country at great risk. 54

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What will we be the situation if urban roads are not doubled? Obviously, there will be congestion, with slow traffic and angry drivers, which in turn will have a negative influence on production and other key elements. And something similar will occur with absolutely all the necessary satisfiers that have not been able to grow at the rate required. And another thing: many of those areas are influenced negatively by others, producing a dangerous mix. But observe a curious fact: the first impression of the inhabitants of both Mexico and any country with such conditions will be to blame the “government” without analyzing that perhaps there were hidden forces that surely caused these things to occur. And what we see on the scale of a single country will also be seen on an international scale, and I invite you to judge for yourself. The “developing” world population reached around 3 billion by 1970.55 But you see, by 2010 the population of that same developing56 segment had practically doubled and I’m not even going to ask if the necessary satisfiers were doubled because the answer will obviously be no—the period was too short—and the conditions are even more deplorable now for a sector increasingly more extensive. POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU, Table of the world population 2009. (Washington, USA.) The population considered “developed” was around 25% of the total world population at that time, which was 4 billion.

56 Item. World population picture. The population increase from 1970 to 2010 basically occurred in the segment considered “underdeveloped,” therefore, by 2010 the proportion between developed and underdeveloped changed and only around 15 of every 100 persons (2010) were in the “developed” world.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

And observe how curious it is that there are other people who naively, albeit with good intentions, say “we need education” without focusing so much on family planning. Obviously, education is a crucial element, but currently, the truth is that both things have to be done because, if a family from Africa or a highly marginalized area of Latin America has five children, probably one or several of those little ones has already had to leave school—if they even have that option—to help support their family. A simple recommendation to “educate” will be more utopian than realistic. But returning to the topic occupying us today, that is, regarding the consequences of doing things differently from what the Lord says. Believe me, the social repercussions have also been immeasurable. I will give you a few figures so we have more facts on the magnitude of the damage. The whole world was affected by the confirmation, after the Second World War, of the terrible events that took place at the Nazi extermination camps. It is inconceivable that, due to the almost demented mentality, prejudice and ignorance of a tiny group of fanatics, a large country like Germany could be convinced—and practically blinded—by a “Ministry of Propaganda” to exhibit racist attitudes towards another group of fellow citizens of the world. And already immersed in that blindness, another “select” group of them was able to implement clandestine death factories at which over six million people were erased from the face of the earth. But I have some very bad news for you: according to the socio-demographic situation of previous last decades, in 56

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less than 10 years all the deaths from that terrible conflagration (50 million) were surpassed by what I have just set out. Do you know how many children die in the world population segment considered “underdeveloped” as a consequence of deficient medical and food conditions? Over six million children a year.57 I remember that on one occasion I was listening to an interesting lecture on the extremely important scientific and cultural contributions the world had received from outstanding people. But the unfortunate thing about the situation is that the main cultural works and contributions are those that were never done, those that were NOT done because of the astronomical number of people that lacked an adequate environment of culture, medical care, food and family and, therefore, could not develop all their potential. Therefore, they returned to the earth—many prematurely—with almost all their potential intact and of course not unused. On whom does this responsibly fall? On those of us who did have this possiblity, but were not sufficiently skilled to create the appropriate conditions. But, how could we create such conditions if restrictions are imposed that negatively influence society? And if, to top it all, such impositions are contrary to the religious and human principles they state they are defending?

POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU. World population watch. (Washington USA) 57

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

As I mentioned, I do not doubt for a second the excellent good will of many people who believe in the figure of a “pontiff,” but would it not be better and safer to follow the instructions of He who is not mistaken, that is, God? Let us analyze for a moment and take a different path. Might it not be a simple trap and a guaranteed route to arrive at another place that is not the right one? If we go back in history, we will realize that this mistake made by guides from other eras of Christianity was not casual, but a product of ambushes and traps cunningly designed by the father of lies. His objective to deceive us thus had a perfectly delimited and precise aim. You see, if we return to the example of the boat, where if that boat wanted to get to its destination, the only viable option was to follow the route and exact coordinates. Another direction—any direction at all—would obviously take it somewhere else, don’t you think? In our world, like the best compasses or maps, the Lord has also left us a route, which is in His Word. There is no second or third option. But what I am saying, my esteemed reader, about the enemy of God and man—who I spoke of at the beginning—is that he knows this perfectly well, but wants God’s project to fail and also knows that the sure route to derailment is to have things done differently. That entity knows very well that if things on earth are done according to limited human parameters—even with supposed good intentions—the route and destination will be different from those traced from above. 58

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That is why when Jesus Christ was on earth he left us precise instructions, one of which is included in that wonderful example of prayer, known as “Our Father.” You will recall that in one part the words are the following: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”58 I am fully convinced that one of the reasons why things work perfectly in Heaven is because everything is done according to the Word of God. There is no second route in the universe, believe me. I could give you so many quotes, but will just say the following: On one occasion that enemy of whom I speak dared to tempt the Lord Jesus Christ himself when he knew he was hungry after a prolonged fast, 59 and said to him: “If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread.” But what I am more interested in now is in highlighting the response he gave. Observe: “Man will not live from bread alone, but from all the words that come from the mouth of God.” That, esteemed reader, is not only the route, but the complete future of man and the entire universe: the Word and the Will of God. The rest are tricks and false routes that will lead somewhere else. And one difference between a mistake and a trick is that the mistake is involuntary, but the trick is deliberate; it is a despicable trap that pursues other purposes.

Gospels according to St. Matthew 6:10 and St. Luke 11:2.

Gospels according to St. Matthew 4:3, St. Mark 1:13 and St. Luke 4:3.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

That is why I believe that what is described in this chapter was a trick, a despicable trap with other intentions and some other ambushes, which will be outlined in the following chapters.

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CHAPTER III INTERCESSORS PLACEBOS Earlier on, I had set out the hypothetical case of a ship that believed it was going in the right direction. In that example I had asked you to imagine that, had there been a sufficiently evil character to plan for that ship to never arrive at its destination, the only thing he would have to do would be to provide a false route or faulty compass. But let us say that on the ship the steersman and captain are usually guided at night by the stars, and as the stars cannot be moved by human will, tell me something: what do you think that evil person could do to confuse them? If that person knows that sailors, when they are in the northern hemisphere, are guided by a star called “polar star” and when in the southern hemisphere by a constellation known as the “southern cross,” and given that, as I was saying, it is not possible to change the location of said stars at will, what could he do? Make them think that they should use other celestial objects as their basis. They must somehow be made to take different stars as their basis on the assumption that they are the right ones. I will not deny that the trick is very simple and effective, don’t you think? Even though the problem whoever is doing it has will be to look for something that, to limited human sight, is similar to what the person is looking for. 61

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

And this is where something we could call ‘placebos’ comes into play. You surely already know its dictionary definition: “substance or thing without value, which one deliberately tries to pass off as the original.” How do I make something false pass as something original? In medicine, a placebo must be given the same appearance and consistency as the original substance. In other fields, the behavior will be similar, even though for such trick to work, it must be made to look like the same thing it aims to replace. You could tell me that on spiritual terrain, things change, since no one could present one thing for another. Good grief, you will think. I’d practically need to be a magician to trick people like that. However, if we take a look back in history, we will see that in reality it has been very easy to do that, simply by saying that it was going to arrive at the same place, albeit—and this is important—via a different, supposedly better, even “quicker” or more effective route, by using so called “intercessors” or “mediators.” But they don’t exist, you will say. The problem for the trickster is not whether or not they exist, but rather that someone believes in them. Ingenious, isn’t it? There is no doubt that the trickster I was talking about deserves his title of master and father of lies. But let us analyze the trap par excellence that has been created in this respect.

INTERCESSOR History has shown that one of the best ways of successfully manufacturing placebos—especially in believers 62

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who are not very familiar with the Bible—has been through the creation of “intercessors.” Obviously, that intercessor function, outside the Lord Jesus Christ himself, does not exist in the Word of God. It is limited to the Lord, as you will see from his own words: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man come tho unto the Father but by me’.1 Here we need a small clarification. Though among live beings, the job of intercession is recommended through prayer (invoking the name of Jesus Christ), in the case of a person on our planet, who addresses an angel or any other person who is not with us (outside of the Lord Jesus Christ) believe me, that is something contrary to what is stipulated in the Word of God. And let me add something else, both in that and any other respect. If something is done differently from what God says, that action becomes an extraordinary risk because it can be a simple trap, though, as I was saying, it will surely be disguised as a “shorter” or “more effective” route. Nevertheless, before I continue, let’s take a tour of the best guide for human beings—the Bible. The most notable thing about this “intercessor” phenomenon is that those who say they are “successors of Peter” recommend things that are different from what this great Apostle said, and I can demonstrate this to you. On one occasion, the Apostle Peter2 clearly and conclusively expressed the following: 1 2

Gospel according to St. John 14:6. Book of Acts of the Apostles 4:11. In this case the person talking is St. Peter

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

‘This is the stone which you, the builder, rejected but which has become the cornerstone. Only in him is there salvation, for of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.’ I wonder, how could someone pretend he is a “successor of St. Peter” if he is not even proposing to do things as he said? If Jesus Christ says, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me’ and Peter, in turn, corroborates with all his letters that there is no other name under Heaven given to men, under which someone can be safe, other than the name of Jesus Christ, how can someone dare think of adding another?

Nevertheless, someone might say, perhaps St. Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles—of whom you and I would be—gave us a recommendation or the slightest of hints for us to get close to God through the other “intercessor” or “mediator” outside of Jesus Christ? On the contrary my esteemed reader, and as proof of this, I quote from his own words:3 ‘For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ Nevertheless, such has been the insistence of some to recommend intercessors, that if I may, I would like us to delve deeper into the matter. The word “intercessor” comes, like the vast majority of Spanish words, from Latin, specifically from the word intercedere, which means ‘to put oneself in between.’ 1st Letter from St. Paul to Timothy 2:5. And I repeat that this is a “pastoral” letter, that is, addressed to the guides and pastors of a church.

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And what could be the Biblical fundament for this supposed intercessor role? It does not exist. And as I mentioned, not only is there nothing in this regard, but it is excluded. So, would there be any practical fundament that justified the manufacture of characters of this nature? If someone—anyone at all—in Heaven or on earth decided to make the extraordinary mistake of trying to do things differently from what God says, I would feel obligated to tell him he is making the most important mistake of his life.4 But if, despite that, someone insists anyway on analyzing this intercessor role, with the aim of finding some supposed “advantage” to it, let us, then, analyze the matter. The first requirement for a supposed intercessor to work effectively would be to know in advance whether the “proposed matter” is suitable or worthy of being presented to God, and for this, it would be indispensable for it to be very familiar with a series of factors that would be out of its reach. What do I mean? Well, on certain occasions our wonderful Lord of Heaven allows—perhaps much to his regret—an apparently “adverse” or negative situation in a person’s life, but this has a specific purpose known only to God himself. To the people who fall into this transgression, I present two quotes from the New Testament:

a.- ‘Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.’ Words of Jesus Christ quoted in the Gospel according to St. Matthew 5:19.

b.- ‘For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it’. Words of the Apostle Santiago, Universal Letter from Santiago 2:10.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

And that apparently adverse situation can perform a certain purpose to make someone react in a certain way. For instance, I know a person for whom, when he had a problem, that same juncture “of conflict” was the determining element to get closer to the Lord, which also transformed his life. I can assure you that had that person not gone through that conflict, this mysterious catalyst that only God knew about would not have come into play. And I know of many such cases. But, let me give you another example, this one based on the same historical context of the Bible. At a certain time, the great Apostle Paul suffered a great conflict, which is detailed very clearly in his 2nd Letter to Corinthians.5 I quote it literally: ‘By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively’. ‘Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ‘Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong’.

2nd Letter from St. Paul to Corinthians 12:7.

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When we see this clear and profound thought of Paul, we realize the great capacity the Lord had placed in his understanding, because he understood this Apostle perfectly, the catalyst role performed by the weaknesses or the problems which, on occasion, the wonderful Lord of Heaven allows in certain cases. And observe, my esteemed reader, how human beings are so fragile that when things go wonderfully we are foolishly filled with pride and we forget key aspects—to guide everything around the Lord. Believe me, we are so flighty in this respect that we look like a paper kite even the slightest breeze could take away flying only to be lost in space. Therefore, this kite needs to be tied to a stone, and that stone is kindly placed by the Lord. And do not think that this singular human characteristic is limited to the spiritual context. Let me mention a case from universal history. When a Roman Caesar entered Rome along the main street, feeling acclaimed by the crowds and wearing a crown of laurels on his forehead, a slave had to get into his carriage, whose only peculiar mission was to whisper in his ear,6 “Remember you are mortal.” On countless occasions, that slave—in the figurative sense—gets into the carriage of our life through certain conflicts to highlight other more important things. That fulfills a specific function.

LIBRO DE LOS DOCE CÉSARES (BOOK OF THE TWELVE CAESARS), Book I., Suetonio. Editorial Grolier. (Mexico)

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Now, I ask you: can anyone pretend to be wiser than God, to the extent that they can decide—better than Him—when it could, or not, be justifiable to put a person to the test? Could a supposed intercessor—if he exists—dare “put himself in between” God and man in order to ask him—or impede him—to carry out his Holy Will on someone or something, thus interfering in his plans? If we delve a little deeper into this specific case of Paul, you will remember how the Lord called him on the way to Damascus. And Paul, or Saul, was not even remotely an admirer of Christ, much less a believer in the Lord. On the contrary, he was a fierce persecutor of the Christian cause. Nevertheless, the Lord called him to his service, not without first—and this is important—giving him a little wake-up call and leaving him blind7 for three days, during which he did not drink or eat. And it was only when this time has passed that the Lord sent a third person to return his sight. The Lord knew exactly how much time Paul needed to reflect and to spiritually see all that he was blind to before. Now, let us imagine for a moment that a third person intervenes—a so called intercessor—and, without the Lord’s authorization, tries to influence and “put himself in between”—the etymological meaning of the term—and tries to make the Lord not act in this way. Do you honestly think that this intervention would have been to God’s pleasing? Acts of the Apostles 9:9. Paul’s conversion is described in the whole of Chapter 9 of this same book.

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But then another question arises. If you and I are immersed in a serious problem, are we going to ask God for help? Of course! The Lord foresaw these kinds of things before our time, but he also established the precise way to do it, addressing Him directly, not through third persons. Analyze the best example we human beings have, which is none other than the life of the Lord on earth, which is described in the Gospels. As we turn to the scriptures, tell me something: when the Lord asked his Father in Heaven for something—as happened in the prayer in the orchard—did he make his request by asking for the intervention of Moses, Abraham, Elias, the Archangel Gabriel, John the Baptist8 or any other character from up there? No, he asked God directly, but note that before everything he fully submitted to his Will. That also constitutes an example for us, since the only one who in reality can know everything and know all the implications and consequences is God. I can assure you that no one could be wise enough to know all the implications of any matter because let me tell you something: on occasion there could be cases where a supposed “good” thing could lead to an “evil” thing and vice versa. What do I mean? Allow me to mention a case from history in this respect. Christopher Columbus had already managed to convince the Portuguese Crown to finance his westbound voyage to the Indies.

John the Baptist was already dead by that time. (Gospels according to St. Matthew 14:10, St. Mark 6:27 and St. Luke 9:9.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

At that point, the Portuguese receive some news that is not just good, but pretty extraordinary: a new route is discovered to the Indies bordering Africa via the south. Due to this good news, they decide to cancel Columbus’ project.9 So Columbus, disappointed, is obligated to turn to the Spanish Court, and the Portuguese, spurred on by such “good” news—their new route—got lost without realizing it, which would represent for them the most extraordinary event of their entire history.10 Now, let me give you some “news.” One of Columbus’ caravels was faulty, therefore, they lost many days on an island repairing it. Columbus complained bitterly about this problem, but we now know that had it not been for that, instead of arriving in America—the Caribbean region—on October 12, he would have arrived in early September, when there are more cyclones, which would have increased the chances of failing, considering the fragile vessels they used.11 One more case: on one occasion I met someone who tried to improve the financial circumstances of one of his clients, who was in a desperately bad financial situation. And as his efforts to help that client were crowned by a resounding success, the person whose financial situation THE ADMIRAL OF THE OCEAN: The Life of Christopher Columbus. By Samuel Eliot Morison. Editorial FONDO DE CULTURA ECONÓMICA. (Mexico) 9

It was not until this event that the Portuguese, through the Treaty of Tordesillas, originally signed by representatives on June 7, 1494 and ratified later—before Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia—that they could compensate part of that extraordinary loss they had suffered and, thanks to said agreement, could seize only part of the new lands discovered (Brazil). Item. 10

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he transformed also changed his attitude and—surprise, surprise—when his financial situation became surprising buoyant his moral or spiritual behavior dropped, and on the day he died quickly from a stroke, he was with another woman who was not his wife. I wonder, and I ask you the same thing: can any human being be more knowing than God, to the extent of knowing when a situation of “wellbeing” or “limitation” suits or does not suit such and such a person? Nobody; not on earth or in Heaven. No one can know better than God what is, specifically, suitable in each particular case. And if no one, not even in Heaven, can get close to that great ability to judge, what can we expect from the extraordinarily limited knowledge of a human being? Just to give us a slight idea about the levels we human being are used to, compared with those who are in Heaven, I’ll mention a case quoted by the Lord Jesus Christ himself.12 ‘Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’ At the time that phrase was expressed, my esteemed reader, Peter, Mary, John, Santiago and all mentioned in the New Testament had already been born and Jesus Christ was placing them all as “less” than John the Baptist.

Gospel according to St. Matthew 11:11.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Now, let us consider that, if not even John the Baptist or anyone in Heaven is assigned the role of intercessor or mediator for humans and, most importantly, if that is the Lord’s desire, we would need to be sufficiently foolish to act in another way. I must warn you too that one of the deceptions most used by the trickster is to appeal to an apparent “earthly kinship” with Jesus in order to thereby try to justify to some that supposed “intercessor” labor. But, you see, the Lord again, as if anticipating such an eventuality, expressly clarifies that earthly kinships are below the following of His Word and, if you like, I will quote the specific part where it is mentioned.13 ‘While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee’. Responding to this being said to him, he said: ‘Who is my mother and who are my brethren?’ And offering his hand to his disciples, he said: ‘Behold, my mother and my brethren. Because whoever does the Will of my Father who art in Heaven, is my brother and my sister and my mother.’ In other words, those three Gospels, in a clear and specific manner, perfectly establish the fact that following God’s will is high above any “kinship” of an earthly kind. This episode is quoted in the first THREE Gospels: St. Matthew 12:46, St. Mark 3:31 and St. Luke 8:19.

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But to reiterate it even more, on another occasion there were plenty who wanted to highlight this kind of kinship, however, when it happens, the Lord makes things clear.14 “And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bear thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.’ But he said: ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’ I am completely convinced that Mary herself was the first to realize the true situation: that the true Father and creator of all is God alone. She also knew of the pre-existence of Jesus Christ since before the world existed, and also realized that only she had been a medium—created by God—so that the power and mercy of the Lord could be manifested among us. I am going to predict something. More than one person will try to confuse you. There is someone who assures us that it is necessary to address Mary because she is the “mother of God” and this confuses many. But the real situation is different. One of the arguments they will give will be the following: ‘Was Jesus Christ God? Yes or no?’ And you would obviously have to say yes. And the next question will be: ‘So, if Mary was his mother, Mary is the mother of God’. And with that, they try to stop justifying the intervention of Mary in “her mediator role.” Nevertheless, as I said, the real situation is different.

Gospel according to St. Luke 11:27.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Human nature certainly coexisted in Christ alongside his divine nature but the key to all that—so as not to confuse you—lies in the following: Man was not first to later become God—in which case those who called her ‘Mother of God’ would be right—but exactly the opposite. He was already God since before the creation of the world,15 and only “became smaller” by turning into a man to reach us, to be among us and to pay a kind of price so that you and I could have an afterlife. He himself already knew that human nature—or in other words flesh—is not the greatest thing, and what we see is not truly valuable. Remember what he himself said on one occasion: ‘It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life’”16 Even though in reference to a hypothetical situation of “human kinship,” he himself assigns no value to that, as I have shown. But let us just analyze how wrong the supposed intercessors are. Let us return to the requirements that a supposed

Among so many parts we could mention, just look at a quote relating to the preexistence of Jesus Christ (Gospel according to St. John 17:5): ‘And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world wash’.

And as for the true creator of all, I will quote two more: (St. John 1:3): ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made’. And (St. John 1,12) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God’. 16

Gospel according to St. John 6:63.

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intercessor should have. Another essential condition would be goodness. I wonder, do you think that there could be someone kinder than the Lord, so that he could “advise him” or influence him in our favor? I’d like us to turn to the actual scriptures. On one occasion there was a great multitude that had followed the Lord and as there was little chance of eating, did the disciples really intercede with Jesus so that he would help them? Carefully analyze their behavior in the following text.17 ‘And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the Kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, [observe: the twelve] and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the town and country around about, and lodge, and get victual: for we are here in a desert place.’ Surely you have already seen that those possible—for some—“intercessors,” instead of begging the Lord on behalf of the multitude, instead of advocating for them, they asked him to send them away. It was only the Lord’s kind attitude that got them out of trouble. But, let me quote another case, also from the New Testament. On one occasion, a woman of Canaan approaches the Lord and says:18

Gospel according to St. Luke 9:11.

Gospels according to St. Matthew 15:21 and St. Mark 7:24.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil’. At the end, after putting her to the test, the Lord helps her but what I want to highlight is the attitude or willingness of those who surrounded Christ, who were his own disciples, no less. What did they do? Did they advocate or intercede for her? Let me literally describe what they said: ‘Send her away; for she crieth after us’. Analyze this other case: some children were taken to the Lord for him to bless them, but the disciples, instead of advocating or interceding for the little ones, tried to banish them. But the Lord of goodness realized this and reprehended them.19 ‘Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’. Therefore, my esteemed reader, if there is no one better than the Lord, it is incomprehensible how someone could even consider the possibility of turning to a third person. But, if that were not enough and, continuing with the practical impossibility of this supposed intercessor labor, I will set out one more requirement that is indispensable for the performance of this labor. He would need to fully know the matter on which he aims to intercede, because if he does not know it in depth, huge mistakes can be made. 19

Gospels according to St. Matthew 19:13, St. Mark 10:13 and St. Luke 18:15.

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And to know something as it should be known, it is necessary to have the authority of the “allknowing.”20 Because if the entire context of any matter is not fully known, the brilliant intercessor could do more harm than good. And even worse, because it is not only indispensable to know the whole case in the present, but in the past and future too, and to interrelate it with all its external circumstances or elements. In all honesty, who could even dream of being able to do such a thing, apart from God? The first interested party someone would choose to support himself in his work of helping human beings would be precisely the Lord, but—and this is important—if He does not arrange it thus, this is for a specific reason: that only He can do it. If that were not enough, an additional requirement for any intercessor or mediator—if permitted, which is not the case—would be to have the gift of OMNIPRESENCE, that is, to be present in several places simultaneously, and be able to attend to many matters at the same time. For a moment let us suppose, without granting, that such and such a person constitutes a kind of intercessor and receives, in a second, 2,000 requests at the same time from different corners of the globe. This word has Latin roots: OMNI: All, and SCIRE: Knowledge. BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA CASTELLANA (ABBREVIATED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF CASTILIAN SPANISH), Joan Corominas, EDITORIAL GREDOS (Spain) and BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA ESPAÑOLA (ABBREVIATED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE), Guido Gómez de Silva, Editorial FONDO DE CULTURA ECONÓMICA. (Mexico) 20

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Would this hypothetical “mediator” have the ability to listen, evaluate, judge and decide on the supposed provenance, or lack thereof, of a certain request in order to then channel it to whomever it may concern? I think that considering such a possibility is simply foolish because I do not know in your case, but personally, I cannot even speak on the phone with two people at the same time. Nevertheless, the Lord in heaven does have the power of OMNIPRESENCE, and when the time is right we will find out more about it, but in the meantime the best we can do is to behave as God tells us, don’t you think? Do not think, my esteemed reader, that this labor of “mediating” is simple because, aside from the attributes I have mentioned, and the many others that this book would not manage to describe. Let me mention another: it must be truly infallible21 and not be subject to making mistakes or being tricked. Why am I telling you this? Imagine for a moment that our brilliant mediator is raising a deliberately falsified matter; in the best case scenario, a matter containing significant errors.

I mean true, not false INFALLIBILITY, such as was artificially fabricated with Pope Pius IX at the First Vatican Council called in 1869, where, at an first vote, the participants of the Council DENIED the possiblity to be declared infallible, but in a cunning maneuver they would leave the most skillful politician far behind, a second vote was carried out when almost all the opponents had retired, and that was how they obtained it.

EN EL NOMBRE DE DIOS (IN THE NAME OF GOD), David Yallup, EDITORIAL DIANA, (Mexico). A more complete description on the matter can be found in another book by the same author called LA RELIGION SECUESTRADA (SEQUESTERED RELIGION), written under the pseudonym of Giovanni Torricelli. SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFÍA Y ESTADÍSTICA. (Mexico)

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So the intercessor naively and diligently prepares to present that “cause” before the throne of God. Don’t you think that is absurd? A person is subject to being wrong, as all human beings are—we may make mistakes, thereby dragging others down the wrong path. That is precisely the objective of the enemy I mentioned who, knowing this, tries to make humans think we would be excellent guides. Since we are now talking about the possibility of making mistakes, there have been deliberately forged cases, both from the Biblical point of view and the historical or anthropological point of view, such as the case of the supposed “apparitions” of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico where, not being “infallible,” they made the mistake of considering said event to be real, which is what happened to Pope John Paul II. So, how did he make such a mistake? What happened was the following: given that the “sanctifying” reasons were already fallible and intrinsically inadmissible, Pope John Paul II, in order to supposedly make them simpler, “simplified” them by removing requirements. Therefore, from his papacy a true stream of people and cases, which beforehand were rejected for lacking, on occasion, even historical support—as in the case of the Virgin of Guadalupe—suddenly received “approval.”22 Therefore, that mistake stemming from the understandable lack of “infallibility” resulted in the fabrication of a new “saint” or possible “intercessor” in the person of Juan Diego. A more detailed and complete description of such events can also be found in the book by this author indicated in the above note.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

But now that we are talking about “saints,” let me tell you that this custom, which lacks Biblical bases, has constituted an excellent source of intercessors.

SAINTS The word “saint,” in the strict sense, comes from the Latin term sanctus, but the curious thing is that this term is, strictly speaking, a verbal form in the “past participle” of sancire, which mean “sacred,” “sanctified” or “remote.”23 The first observation I would like to make is the following: it is important to note the verbal form. Why? When we talk about a “past participle,” this means that a third person or external action participated. What do I mean? Well, “to clean” (infinitive) is not the same thing as “cleaned” (past participle), nor is “to purify” the same as “purified” or “to transfer” the same as “transferred.” I said that in this case the verbal form is very important because, even though from the etymological perspective, the use of this verb in the “past participle” is more common—where a third person participated—from a doctrinal point of view, using the formal verb quoted is even more suitable. Why? The reason is obvious. Outside of God24 no one is “saintly” by themselves, nor are the rest of human beings, which BREVE DICCIONARIO ETIMOLÓGICO DE LA LENGUA CASTELLANA (ABRIDGED ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF CASTILIAN SPANISH), Joan Corominas, EDITORIAL GREDOS (Spain).

24 As proof of this, look at how the Lord answers when someone addresses Him as “good master” where, as you will understand, he preferred not to give evidence on himself at that moment, but it does apply to all the rest:

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includes all those who would have effectively achieved that condition of “sanctified,” which only God knows. Do you know something? None achieved that condition by themselves, much less intrinsically. Rather, they reached it through the power and mercy of God. If someone had become a “saint” by himself, that is, intrinsically, among other things, that person would not even have required redemption to be able to be considered a “safe” person.25 And to better exemplify this need for redemption of all human beings, I will set out the recognition of herself that Mary herself makes. Through her own voice, Mary declares the need to be safe herself. Carefully observe what she declares in her own words:26 ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? So he said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but One, that is, God’. (Gospel according to St. Matthew 19:16 and it is also referred to in that of St. Mark 10:17 and St. Luke 18:18).

25 Aside, obviously, from following the commandments of the Lord. As it is said in many parts of the New Testament, only three of which we quote:

a.- Gospel according to St. John 8:51. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (Entering the Kingdom of the Lord is the equivalent of “not seeing death,” that is, “being safe.”) b.- Gospel according to St. John 14:23. ‘Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him’. c.- Gospel according to St. Matthew 7:21. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.’ As you can see in these three and in many others, it is not only clear that salvation is received from God, but that it is on condition of the fulfillment of his Word or Will. 26

Gospel according to St. Luke 1:46.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

‘My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, because he has placed his eyes on the vile deed of his servant…’ And if Mary herself is declaring her own need to be safe, believe me, if all the rest, whoever they are, manage to achieve that condition, this is due first to the grace and goodness of our God. But—and this is important—what we must never allow is that the enemy, in a lying manner, make use of that grace granted to some who, furthermore, only God knows, in order to fabricate us a kind of “intercessor,” since we would be basing ourselves on human parameters and appearances. Aside from everything, I would like to raise some considerations in this regard. Do you think that there is any basis for any human being to judge another in terms of his life’s spiritual behavior and that, in so doing, grant a kind of sentence, be it “sanctifying” or “condemnatory?” If we turn to where we should always turn, which is to the Bible, we will see that from a human or material point of view there is the possibility of judgment—limited to judges and specific authorities—but never in terms of issuing an “approving” sentence through a judge or group of them. For instance, let us analyze what the Apostle Santiago said:27 ‘There is one lawgiver and judge that is able to destroy and to deliver. But who are thou that judgest thy neighbor?’ 27

Letter from the Apostle Santiago 4:12.

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And if, despite this and other kinds of similar prohibitions, someone were still to wonder about the reason for the establishment of such juries, it is something completely aberrant. Let us analyze the following considerations. The first of them would be to reflect on whether it is valid to judge—even from a human context—without having full knowledge of the behavior of a person. I invite you to analyze the following: If a judge is going to issue sentence, what would be one of the first conditions for this? To know the facts. If you do not know the facts, you are judging blindly. And that judge would need to have impaired mental faculties to issue a sentence under such conditions, don’t you think? Now, given that no human being on earth—not even everyone together—could know what Juan or Juanita Pérez did or did not do one year ago at 3 pm, we know that we’d be judging them completely blindly. But the situation does not end there. Let us assume, which is not possible for any human being, that someone might know what a person does for 24 hours, 365 days of the year of his life. Tell me, could that supposed judge be familiar with and evaluate the thoughts, circumstances and different internal and external factors that determined his behavior? I think that you are thinking the same thing as me: the mere idea of judging one of our peers under such limited conditions is as absurd as it is ridiculous. Shall I tell you something? That is exactly what would be happening now, in addition to improperly abrogating a prerogative that only God has the right to. 83

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Nevertheless, what for man is impossible from any point of view, the Lord does simply because he DOES know his past, future, motivations, circumstances, potential and all he needs to then issue his judgment. I ask you, why does such a foolish thing not surprise us more? Aside from many people’s lack of knowledge of the New Testament, its influence has been that we have “always” seen that behavior as a “normal” thing and has been considered a kind of tradition. Nevertheless, as happens with all “traditions,” it had a principle, but the curious thing is that history shows us that this principle did not originate in Christianity, but rather in Paganism. Some peoples in olden times, such as the Romans, had a custom of “deifying” or elevating to the category of deity some supposedly celebrated persons, such as Livia,28 wife of Augustus Caesar—mother of Tiberius Caesar—or Julius Caesar himself after his death.29 When Julius Caesar died, there is a record that a comet appeared, visible when it got dark, and it was taken for granted that this heavenly object was nothing less than Julius Caesar, who had been received in the gathering of deities, as they believed the stars to be. The error of this tradition is one thing, but another completely different thing is authentic Christianity based on the Word of God. I invite any reader to try to find the Livia Drusila Augusta, wife of Augustus Caesar and mother of Tiberius Caesar, was “deified” by Claudius, receiving the title of Augusta, once her own son Tiberius Caesar refused to elevate her to such “category.” LIBRO DE LOS DOCE CÉSARES (BOOK OF THE TWELVE CAESARS). Suetonio, EDITORIAL GROLIER (Mexico). 28

Item.

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slightest hint that supports this process of “sanctification” that is currently carried out. The only feasible reason I can find for this is to give cause to the enemy so that some naive believers step over to another side that is not the right one. If the desire is to help the enemy in his process of icon and lie fabrication, this is the path. If we want to look for the Lord, the road is in doing what He says. Let us analyze just one of these cases where some human courts judged a character from previous centuries a “saint.”

ONE SAINT, TWO VISIONS As Alexander the Great said: “For that God gave us two ears; with one we listen to one version and with the other we listen to the other version.” Though in this case, it is also a good idea for us to see an example of sanctification from two points of view. Let us analyze the case of Roberto Belarmino, 30 and see first what the authorities that proclaimed him a saint say. For those who consider him a saint, Robeto Balramino was an archbishop and Jesuit cardinal, who admirably and tenaciously defended the faith and doctrine of the Catholic Church during and after Protestant reform.

Roberto Francisco Rómulo Belarmino was born on October 4, 1542 and died on September 17, 1621. His “saint’s day” was set for September 17, He was declared a “saint” by Pius XI in 1930 and the “doctor of the church” the following year. www.catholic.net/santoral/articulo.php?id-507 30

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

From a very young age, he stood out for his great intelligence. He decided to follow religious life, but always lived by the principles of simplicity recommended in the Gospels, since his mother inculcated in him from a young age the importance of scorning the ephemeral nature of luxuries of earthly life. That is why he opted for a religious order where he could not be appointed Bishop or Cardinal. He taught at the University of Leuven, where he made good use of his time to study the scriptures in depth and the work of the holy fathers. Much to his regret, he allowed himself to be appointed Bishop and Cardinal and, because of his great ability, was appointed very distinguished member of the Inquisition, where he could defend with great commitment and zeal the correct doctrine of the Catholic religion. But as you will imagine, there are also those who think differently, though obviously, such opinions did not at all hinder the declaration of sanctity being granted to Belarmino. Those who see things from a different perspective consider that the rise of this priest to the high posts of the Catholic hierarchy was not due so much to his great intelligence, but rather to the fact that his family had a good relationship with the high clergy, since Balarmino was also the nephew of Pope Marcelo II, who was the brother of his mother. Since he later held such high positions in the Holy inquisition, he had direct responsibility for the death of many people who, even within the stricter parameters of human legislation, science and in particular, the Bible itself, were in no way subjected to being condemned to 86

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death, as happened in the case of Giordano Bruno, and even less in the way said sentence was executed—being burned alive. 31 They say he was elected for said position precisely for the fanaticism and intransigence of his faith, as his own writing shows, since if we carefully analyze his way of thinking in his works, we can see a serious doctrinal distortion, which is contrary not only to the Gospels, but also to the most elemental principles of sociology, human rights and common sense. Let us analyze the following paragraph from one of his works called De Romano Pontífice, which will enable us to better understand his way of thinking.32 “The Pope is the supreme judge in uncertain questions on faith and morals. If he errs, imposing sins and prohibiting virtues, the church must consider such sins as good and such virtues as vices; otherwise, it shall sin against its conscience.” We said that this man burned Giordano Bruno alive, who was one of the most outstanding cosmographers, philosophers and wise men that humanity has ever had and who obviously did not recant—as Galileo did, a process (one of them), in which Belarmino also participated—because Giordano felt that if he did this, he would betray his principles. One of Giordano’s assertions, aside from the fact that the earth was not the center of the universe was the following: “The universe is infinite, as infinite as the power of God.” GIORDANO BRUNO. (THE POPE AND THE HERETIC), Michael White. JAVIER VERGARA EDITOR. (Argentina) 31

DE ROMANO PONTÍFICE, Roberto Belarmino. Quoted in the book LA PUTA DE BABILONIA (THE WHORE OF BABYLON), Fernando Vallejo. Editorial PLANETA (Mexico) 32

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

Nevertheless, if we analyze the declaration of Belarmino I have just quoted, we will realize that it does contain serious transgressions to the Gospels, given that it not only ponders the opinion of a human being above all, but also categorically and in an anti-Christian manner establishes that the Pope has the power to turn virtues into vices and vice versa. Obviously, neither you nor I will be able to issue an absolute or condemnatory sentence on Belarmino since that, as we have established, can only be done by the supreme judge. What is clear to me is that a human declaration of sanctity is not only superfluous, unnecessary and subject to serious errors, but also usurps the power of God’s judgment. And if that were not enough, it is helping many believers of good faith to turn erroneously to these kinds of characters, believing they could assume the controversial role of intercessors or mediators when, to begin with, no human being could assure or deny that a certain man or woman could pass or fail before the only valid, supreme judge, who created heaven and earth. Like I said at the beginning when I gave you the example of a ship, that is, if someone wanted to make it get lost, the “solution” would be to make the people navigating it believe that the basis of their orientation was different and not the true one. So, here I have provided the perfect example of this—creating intercessors and mediators and trying to use them as an “easier” path to get to God. And the worst of it is that in many cases, the trick works and there are a great many believers of good faith who fall for it. 88

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I also said that—etymologically speaking—intercessor means “he who puts himself in between” and now I will ask you another question. If you wanted to address your spouse, would you like to do it through a person who, without you asking, puts himself in between the two of you? Or if you wished to address your son, daughter, father or brother, would you like it if, instead of doing it directly, you had to depend on a mediator? What you are feeling now as you experience this possiblity was also known by the Lord before our time, which is why by anticipating this trick of the enemy, a direct, clear route to address Him was established. As a display of God’s love for us, in the following chapter I will describe what the Lord created for each of us so that, in an amazingly simple manner, he could not only listen to us, but help us. But on that way established by God, you will see that the enemy also made his way through deceit since, as I mentioned, his objective is to break the relationship between man and his God. If I may, I will describe it on the coming pages.

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

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CHAPTER IV COMMUNICATION IMPORTANCE Earlier on, we highlighted the crucial role of communication. I also said that intercommunication is so important in every sense that even in the case of our own brain, we will realize what its development has been able to achieve thanks to its neurons connecting via tiny nerve ramifications. And since we are discussing the topic, I do not know if on any occasion you have wondered why it is so important for there to be that flow of interneuron information? You see, a single neuron gets lost, but with the due issue and receipt of data from all of them, access to the superior powers of a human being, such as thought, speech and other things, admirably takes place. I can assure you that, without that neuron intercommunication, our life will be reduced to that of a vegetable. But there is something else. If intercommunication at biological, social, political and other levels acquires a similar significance, and if we talk about communication between human beings and their Creator, its significance increases to extreme levels. This is why God, knowing so much about this and the great number of human needs, provided us with a suitable path that is none other than prayer. And it is important to highlight that an absence of communication would not harm God, but rather man, since it is us who need Him. 91

Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

But as I also said, there is an enemy who goes around, who wants things in the world not to work as they should. Therefore, even though that evil entity is perfectly aware of the extraordinary importance of communication between man and his Creator, he will seek to make use of the means at his disposal so that this link is broken. To do so he uses traps that, believe me, you cannot even imagine. While he will say to some that God does not exist, he will assure others that human beings have their “great intelligence” so they can solve their problems, or he will suggest “alternative routes” to the best intentioned that he knows perfectly well do not lead anywhere. In order to try to explain myself better, let me continue with the example of the boat. Where an evil character wants said boat to never arrive—because he wants to steal it entirely along with its crew and cargo—he will say to them that they do not need to call the port, since they are sufficiently astute to find the way by themselves, or can also suggest a wrong direction. But the ideal complement to this would be if he managed not only to break communications with the port, but also something much better: to make them believe they have a communication, when in reality this is not the case. And how can their communication be broken? It is very easy: any way that is not the right one, is wrong. He can tell them to use a different radio frequency or convince them that, as the harbormaster’s office is “too busy,” other alternative routes must be used, supposedly much quicker and more effective. The traps he will present will be unlimited. But before I tell you one of these supposed “quicker” or “more effective” ways of communicating with God, let us reflect on the way established by the Lord. 92

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THE RIGHT WAY If we are convinced that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and that we only come to God through Him, tell me, who could, in Heaven or on earth, show us another route? No one. There is no being in the universe who can tell us something better than what He says. Simple, isn‘t it? Any other route or suggestion that comes from whoever, regardless of how attractive it seems, must be put to one side—believe me—since it is a simple trap. But, despite knowing this, the enemy sows countless doubts, one of which is the following: “God already knows what you are going through. He does not need you to tell him.” Let me tell you something, my esteemed reader. Do not believe it. The Lord prefers you to tell him in your own words. Let me also add that the word “to pray” comes from the Latin term orare, which means “to talk,” “to ask” or “to express oneself in one’s own words” and this is precisely how the Lord wants to listen to every one of us, regardless of the unquestionable fact that He already knows. And to show that desire of the Lord, in the sense that he likes listening to things we say in our own voice, let me discuss a case taken from the Gospels. On one occasion, two of Christ’s disciples were going to Emmaus, 1 which was located around 7 miles from Jerusalem, and while they talked amongst themselves, without acknowledging it, the Lord himself approached

Gospel according to St. Luke 24:13.

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them and walked with them. But look at what is described in the actual Gospel text: “Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk? And why are you sad?’” “Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’” And to reiterate this, so you can see how God, even if he knows everything, for some reason unknown to man, prefers us to tell him in our own words. Because look at what the Lord, in turn, answers: ‘What things?’ I ask you, do you think he did not know if he himself had experienced it? Of course he knew! But he wanted to hear it from them. And I could cite a multitude of similar cases. In the particular case of the way to pray that He himself recommends, He also wants to hear it from each one of us in our own voice. And as far as the physical way of doing it goes, as we said, the best example we have is that of Christ’s own life. He prayed with his own words and out loud. Proof of this, among many cases, is that at the prayer in the orchard, his disciples could hear what he said, despite being removed from him by several feet.2

2 Gospel according to St, Luke 22:41: ‘And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.’

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On occasion, when he wanted to do it in private, he took himself to the mount to pray alone. And he recommended that when we pray, we do so in the privacy of our own room.3 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” And as far as the content of our prayer goes, he even gave us an example4—known as the “Our Father”—and if we analyze said example, we will see that with the wisdom and simplicity of only God himself, he shows us the key parts of all kinds of ways to address the Lord. Look how it begins: “Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed by thy Name.”

If we are observant, we will see that the cornerstone of a prayer is to direct it in the only correct direction: towards God through Jesus Christ, or directly to Jesus Christ, which is the same.5 It is important to say that any other form of prayer that is not directed to the Lord, is out of place and does not proceed as He says. Then continue that example of prayer with the following words: “Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come…”

Gospel according to St. Matthew 6:6.

Gospels according to St. Matthew 6:9 and St. Luke 11:1.

Gospel according to St. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.”

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With that phrase we express our sincere desire that the wonderful name of God be exalted throughout the universe, and somehow we are unconditionally at his service so that he may use us as instruments so that his Work and His Word come into our life wherever we are. We also express our desire that his kingdom of peace, love and life come into our world.. In any case, as I was saying, we put ourselves at his service as messengers of His Word. It then continues: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” One of the things that tell us about the greatness of the Gospels is that with a few words they say so much. Observe what that very short phrase says. It exhorts us to put ourselves unconditionally in God’s hands in everything. We should put our time, resources, future, body and practically everything before him, subject to his Will. And with those same twelve words he also tells us something that we sometimes lose sight of, but that is fundamental: that up there—where things work perfectly—all those who are up there act exactly and precisely as the Lord wishes. Shall I tell you something? I do not see any other possible way for things to work perfectly up there. I do not see any other viable option other than following His Will precisely. Let me add something else. That is and will be what makes the Kingdom of God triumph throughout the universe in its time. With these twelve words, by exhorting us to do His Will on earth “as in Heaven,” he also says, though very dis96

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creetly and we could say even pleasantly, that His Will is NOT done here which, as I said, explains in passing the reason for the world’s current situation. That same phrase—amazing that it says so much—is put to us by the Lord Jesus Christ as an objective or goal on earth to do things as they are done in Heaven, since it is the safe route of future life which, among other things, highlights the reason for our failure, which is the error of our false route. Now, where is His will? Might it be hidden in some secret place? Might it be codified and only within reach of a few? No, it is clearly, freely and openly in the Gospels for all to read. But, let us continue with that wonderful example of prayer. We will now see what it says next. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Here it also shows that simplicity and profundity go hand in hand. We are reminded of our gratitude to God, for our “daily” bread, as well as for all the gifts received. And with those two words, “this day” we are taught something else—to not be greedy. Because, believe me, there are people seeking, with sick eagerness, sustenance for many years, when there are people who do not have bread for today. That gives more importance to other words of his:6

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 6

Gospels according to St. Mathew 6:33 and St. Luke 12:31.

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And in regard to our capacity to forgive others, we are also surprised by the simple and profound manner in which it is described. Observe: “And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors.” That phrase not only exhorts us to forgive all but, wisely and intelligently, the forgiveness of God our Father is conditioned to our own capacity to forgive our fellow men, including our supposed “enemies.” And as a corollary, it says: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.” By making this request of our Father, that he keep us away from evil, we are acknowledging that the true source of sanctity in the universe comes only from God. He is the only one who can prevent a situation of evil of harm happening to us. This is why this example of prayer, known as ‘Our Father’ and established by none other than Jesus Christ, is a perfect prayer, since it includes all the key elements with an astonishing simplicity. And the reason for such perfection is not casual, since its provenance is divine. But could there be ways of praying that are not appropriate?

FALSE

ROUTES?

It will get better in each particular prayer, provided we focus on the basic points contained in this wonderful example we have just quoted. 98

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Though everyone can pray using their own words and personal way of expressing themselves, depending on which particular juncture they find themselves at in that moment. And on the contrary, if someone asked me about the safety of following a false route, I would say that it would be to say a prayer to any other place that is not directly to our Lord. If anyone wondered who is interested in us not communicating with our God, I would remind you of the example of the boat, where someone wants that ship to get lost, since his goal to keep both the boat and its contents. He attempts something similar in the boat of life. This is why he will propose, by many means, “better” and “quicker” routes, arguing that God—he will say—is very busy and it is, therefore, indispensable to follow those alternative ways. One of those routes is a prayer known as the “rosary,” which has been widely recommended by different Popes and “Saints.” Before I talk about its provenance, let me mention something important. The term “to pray” is not the same as “to orate.” “To pray,” as I said, is to express oneself with one’s own words and, “to orate” comes from the Latin word recitare, which means “to recite,” “recitation” or “repetition out loud,” that is, a different action. If Don Juan Pérez in traveling and wishes to speak with his wife and children on the phone to find out how they are, and they, on picking up the receiver, instead of saying something about their particular situation using their own words, start reciting out loud a verse of Amada Nervo, that expected communication is not going to take place. 99

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Furthermore, if the person calling knows said verse very well, it will be disconcerting to listen to these things over and over again. Juan would rather know if they need anything, about their experiences or projects, or to see how he can help them. But if every time Juan phones them he receives the same verses, the situation for him will be frustrating and perhaps even uncomfortable, given that Juan himself had recommended that they do not act like that. Juan knew beforehand that a nosey neighbor would try to break up his family by interrupting their communications. And with that cunning objective would seek to convince his wife and children, when they talked with Juan, to not do so naturally, but by repeating phrases said by other people under different circumstances. But, returning to the desire of the Lord, I said that the “rosary” is contrary to what He recommends. Why? If we read St. Matthew 6:7, we will see that it says the following:

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like Pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

In other words, the Lord, rather than repetitions of something expressed by other people in completely different circumstances, would like to hear out loud whatever each person wants to express. If that were not enough, this repetitive prayer that is the rosary is mostly addressed to Mary—that is, it is directed elsewhere—through a prayer of human provenance known as the “Ave Maria.” Where did this prayer come from? The word ave comes from Latin and means “greeting.” Many will recall the greeting in 100

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the Roman gladiators’ circus before combat: “Hail, Caesar, those who are about to die salute you.”7

And what does said prayer contain, aside from being wrongly directed? Its first part contains an almost literal repetition of the greeting the Angel Gabriel makes to Mary, 8 when he announces that our wonderful Father in Heaven will carry out his extraordinary rescue of the human race by using one of his own creatures, that is, Mary herself. Then, the same first part continues with a portion of the greeting that Elizabeth makes to Mary when she comes to visit her.9 The second part of this prayer puts Mary in the complete and unrequested role of mediator10 and, though we must acknowledge that she was undoubtedly an extraordinary woman and that all believers are convinced that God must have a very special place in Heaven for her, forcing her to carry out an intercessor role without God or Mary having asked for it is an action without the slightest Biblical or doctrinal fundament. I would like to respectfully ask that, if any reader finds the slightest hint in the words of Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul or any other Apostle, or any quote from the Old or New Testament containing the possibility both of this prayer

7 8

“AVE, CAESAR, MORITURI TE SALUTANT.” Gospel according to St. Luke 1:28.

Item. 1:42: “And she exclaimed [Elizabeth] with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’”

“Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

(Text from this prayer)

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and of the role of mediator for anyone else, outside of Jesus Christ, that they show it to us. So, where did this emerge from?

THE ROSARY AND ITS TRUE ORIGIN I would like to turn to the biography of a controversial character, who was proclaimed a saint by the Catholic church. His name is Friar Domingo de Guzmán. This friar, born in Spain around 1170, died on August 6, 1221. He grew up in a Spain divided into several kingdoms, some of which were ruled at that time by the Arabs, who were called “the Moors.” Domingo de Guzmán was the founder of the order of the preachers11—the Dominicans—who some time later, due to their great doctrinal zeal, came to be in charge of a sadly celebrated institution known as the “Holy Inquisition,” created to safeguard the “correct doctrine” of the Catholic Church. His congregation stated that one night this priest received a revelation directly from the Virgin Mary, where she confided that the rosary would become a powerful weapon to gain alms. This statement was backed up by a great many papal documents. He was canonized Friar Domingo de Guzmán by Pope Religious order approved by Pope Honorius III on January 21, 1217, as the order of the preachers and commonly known as the Dominicans. HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCHOF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, EDITORIAL EL CAMINO DE LA VIDA (Mexico). LA INQUISICIÓN, EL LADO OSCURO DE LA IGLESIA (THE INQUISITION: THE DARK SIDE OF THE CHURCH), Primitivo Martínez Fernández. EDITORIAL LIMUSA (Colombia-Mexico). 11

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Gregory IX in 1234, with the Pontiff saying, “I am as certain of the sanctity of this man as I am of the sanctity of St. Peter and St. Paul.” But there are also those who see things from a different point of view. Friar Domingo de Guzmán, having grown up on the Iberian Peninsula, was on the one hand very influenced by Arab culture, and on the other by the inevitable transfer of customs between Europe and North Africa as a result of the atrocity known as the “Crusades,” and must have been familiar with an article called the tasbih, which was often used by Muslims and consists of a closed chain of small beads. In some way, that article known as the “rosary” is none other than a bad copy of the tasbih made for Catholics. And I say it is a “bad copy” because if it can have a function or reason for being in Islam—it is said that as you pass along each bead a thought on Allah must be issued—for a follower of Jesus Christ it would not have the slightest doctrinal fundament. And to top it all, something that Friar Domingo de Guzmán surely did not realize either is that the tasbih is in turn a derivation of a Buddhist practice that is 2,500 years old, known in that religion—or philosophy as some consider it—as malla.12 Nevertheless, the basic problem does not reside so much in clarifying its true anthropological background, but rather in that such custom or prayer—or means of communication with God, no less—has no doctrinal base.

12 In Appendix C you will find more information on this. HISTORIA DE LAS CREENCIAS E IDEAS RELIGIOSAS (HISTORY OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND IDEAS), Mircea Eliade (1907-1986). EDICIONES PAIDOS (Spain)

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I do not seek in any way to minimize the figure of Buddha or Sidartha Gautama, whom I consider an outstanding philosopher, nor Mohammed, but they were human beings like us. Conversely, the Lord Jesus Christ, for those who believe in Him, is something else: God, no less, who came down to earth. That difference is so vast. You see, one of Buddha’s recommendations to his followers was “Keep searching for the truth.” But the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as being God, is Truth himself.13 I wonder and I ask you, too, my esteemed reader, might this way of praying—the rosary—not be a route deliberately designed so that many believers of good faith think they are addressing Heaven, when in reality it does not happen thus? What consequences might modifying the way of praying or communicating with the Lord have? Can this artificial modification have a negative effect on our world? What will its personal and social impact be? Believe me, though it seems to be an innocent modification, its basic problem is that is prevents true communication between the believer and his God and, of course, the consequences will be huge.

Gospel according to St. John 18:37: “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a King then? Jesus answered, ‘Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.’”

If only Buddha and the world’s other great philosophers had known that Truth, because I think they would have been the first to adhere to it. But why would those of us who have known it through his Word have to change our Christian teachings for something else?

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When Edgar14 was full of anxiety and in a spiritual vacuum, not knowing the correct route to God’s true peace, he sought refuge in drugs, which almost destroyed his life and that of those around him. Do you think that finding the correct way to address God could have been helped him? And would finding the true way of addressing God through prayer have helped Enrique15 and his wife and children, who he left to live with another woman? How many completely destroyed lives and unsatisfied needs could have been prevented if people had been able to follow the direction shown by God? Do you think that interpersonal and even international relationships would improve if we did everything according to God’s orders? For a very large percentage of the world’s population, things are not done that way. And if this is phenomenally unfortunate for the planet and causes misery and a deluge of problems, this makes one person, with different goals, happy. His objective is the complete opposite of what God, you and I want.

Fictitious name of someone who was about to commit suicide—along with his girlfriend—having become completely trapped in a drugs problem.

Item. Fictitious name of another real case.

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CHAPTER V The way THE COMMON

DENOMINATOR

The list of transgressions that has been presented in different congregations throughout history is very extensive. You must not think that such doctrinal deviations are limited to the Catholic Church, but rather to a large amount of groups.1 This book has underlined the mistakes of the Catholic Church, given the significance it still has in Latin America. But let me add something else. It is not the author’s intention to harm that congregation, but rather to basically exhort its leaders to truly, and in the name of Jesus Christ, rectify their mistakes. One of these cases of fanaticism and intolerance strangely does not come from the Catholic Church, but from Calvinist Protestantism—fortunately there were few cases. It was the execution of Miguel Servet, who was burned alive in Switzerland in 1553. 1

Servet had managed to first escape the French Inquisition thanks to the help of a guard and since the “court of the holy office” could not judge him in person, he was sentenced in absentia and, therefore, was only strangled and burned “as an effigy.” He fled and sought refuge in Switzerland, where Calvin had a great deal of influence and with whom he had a very serious theological confrontation that culminated in his execution. The unfortunate sacrifice of this scientist—who discovered blood circulation through the lungs—highlights the great danger of religious intolerance and fanaticism, from whichever side it may come from, since we must always be aware that God himself, even though he shows us the correct way, grants us all freedom of belief and if the Creator himself acts this way, human beings must not act differently, and even more so considering that we have been prohibited from acting differently. LA INQUISICIÓN, EL LADO OSCURO DE LA IGLESIA (THE INQUISITION, THE DARK SIDE OF THE CHURCH), Primitivo Martínez Fernández. EDITORIAL LUMEN (Colombia-Mexico).

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And even more so if we consider that said doctrinal deviations were committed by their guides from other previous generations, and that current leaders and faithful have no reason to endorse them, since they would go above the only one who is not mistaken, who is God. Aside from everything, I have had the pleasure of knowing countless very valuable people in the Catholic Church, who could become important elements for the Christian cause, once they adjust their wayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with respect to the Gospelsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for the benefit of not only them in particular, but also the entire world community.2 I extend a similar invitation to that religious community who believes in Jesus Christ and does not adhere to that shown in His Word. Among other congregations that have deviated in several aspects from the way, I will only mention one other church, due to space limitations, which is known as that of the Mormons,3 which also can retake the way of Gospels and of history, since neither man or prophet can replace it. You might be wondering what the parameter for detecting with certainty whether a certain congregation is or is not heading in the right way might be. As you will understand, we could not think of any other parameter other than the Gospels themselves, where the words of Jesus Christ are written incredibly clearly. 2 Throughout the centuries, there have also been very sincere and outstanding friars and people, whose actions will be valued by the only true Judge. The list consigned by history is very extensive, but surely the number of those of whom there is not even the slightest human memory will be longer, but nothing escapes the memory of God. Nevertheless, the basic doctrine of that congregation must be adjusted with respect to the Gospels for its own benefit and that of its faithful. 3

I invite you to read a synopsis of this church in Appendix D.

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Therefore, I exhort you to become familiar with them and you will be easily surprised at how we can do so many things perfectly well. You will also realize whether your own particular congregation faithfully follows the Word of God as it should. What we must safeguard under any circumstances is that in relationships between Christians, regardless of the name of their congregation, we always maintain the spirit of understanding and consideration that the Lord has ordered:4 â&#x20AC;&#x153;A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.â&#x20AC;? The reason for our insistence in preserving the exact sense of the message is due to the fact that if its content is modified only a little, that will bring us to some other completely different place, and will trip us up. The only sure way is precisely that one, which must become the common denominator or cornerstone of all believers in Jesus Christ. When you have seen a locomotive you will realize that the viable option for it is none other than to follow the tracks. In the life of man, those tracks were wisely designed for our benefit from above. Following is so important that, by way of an example, if we take a retrospective look at history, we will see that in absolutely all cases of large mistakes made by humans, there was ALWAYS a lack of following what God says. To put the importance of following Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will more clearly, I will turn to a very simple example from everyday life.

Gospel according to St. John 13:34.

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Now that I am writing this book, I am using a computer, which must digitalize and record onto the disc the exact precise keys I press on the keyboard. Imagine a different situation for a moment, if you will. What kind of project, book, lecture or essay could any of us write if you type something and your computer decides to record something else? What would happen if you typed “m” and your keyboard recorded “z” or you typed “e” and it recorded “o?” Could you or anyone do a moderately coherent job under such conditions? It would seem a little aberrant and laughable, but that is exactly what happens in our world. And if we, being so limited and subject to so many mistakes, wanted to write or design something and the tools at our disposal did something else. What would we say about a perfect Being such as God, who designs something only for it to do something completely different? Believe me, only God’s infinite goodness could have tolerated us thus. I cannot understand it any other way. Imagine the following for a moment. If every one of us, with our behavior, reflected in all our actions what we were told to do, our world would be different. But the great drama of the world, which explains the sad current situation, is a simple reflection of the fact that God’s great project on earth is not being carried out as the Creator wants.

WAY That is why, my esteemed reader, I frankly say to you that the only viable option for man lies not in finding some new philosophical route or scientific discovery, 110

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because true science is that which is portrayed in the Universe around us, most of whose function we do not even understand. The true way lies in doing things as the author of all wishes; any other direction means making a mistake. I also feel obligated to tell you something: the desire of our Lord will be fulfilled with or without us. What would be put at risk is not the final result of God’s project, but rather our personal inclusion in it. Why? If I may, let me return to the example of the computer that records different letters to those typed. What would you do? If your keyboard or any other tool you have does not work, are you going to give up your project because of this? Or rather, will you replace your keyboard with another? Something similar will occur in our world. The Lord kindly invites us to join his work. He, as our Creator, who knew every one of us before our time, invites us to join his project. But I can assure you that his final work will be done with or without us. It is true that there is someone who wonders about who wants things done differently from how God desires, but we must not listen to him. In time, this entity will have to be put completely to one side and the enemy himself knows this perfectly well.5 He knows it so well that on one occasion, a possessed person says to the Lord Jesus Christ, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” Gospel according to St. Matthew 8:29. From these three words “before the time” we can deduce that the enemy already knows that they will be destroyed and that his plan will not work, but his only option is a desperate measure to try to bring down God’s work on earth. 5

A more extensive explanation on the motives and strategies of he who is conscious and will lose, and already possesses something we could call “the loser syndrome” is found in Appendix E.

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Now, for human beings, where does the reason for being, or the ‘why’ of doing things according to what God wants derive? In the previous chapter, I said that in the example of the prayer commonly known as “Our Father,” one of its central parts goes like this: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” These apparently simple words contain no less than the key to the transformation, harmony and very future of the world. If I may, I invite you to reflect on the extraordinary importance of doing things precisely and accurately.

PROJECTION TOWARDS OUR WORLD I would like to reiterate to you, first, a passage containing a key answer provided by the Lord Jesus Christ himself.6 “And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’” Why—some will say—might the simple Word or the Will of God would be so important? The reason is the following: the heavens and earth, you and the entire universe were made because of his Will and his Word. And when we talk about His Will, the matter is not as simple as it seems, since it is the exact operating guide-

6 Gospel according to St. Matthew 4:3 and there are also similar references in the Gospels according to St. Mark 1:12 and St. Luke 4:1.

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line of the entire universe. I will try to explain it first from a physical point of view. If we go to the first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, we will see that it says the following:7 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth is formless and empty.” When we talk about something “formless,” my esteemed reader, it is the unique and wonderful guideline of God that somehow has not yet been fully fulfilled. And we do not know the exact degree of the physical following of the atoms, gravity, photons (of light), neutrons, neutrines, positrons, etc. to that divine Will. Because from the moment when these or any type of particles that make up matter, DO NOT follow a certain set of rules, the most absolute disorder will reign. Now, the fact that all the things in the universe are made to operate under certain guidelines, according to a certain Will—that of God—what follows not only orders it all, but if that Will is wisely designed, it will even enable life in the universe. Why? There are very interesting studies that reveal that the laws of physics seem to have been adjusted specifically to enable life8 because if the expansion of the Universe had been developed slightly differently from how it currently occurs, complex elements could not have existed and, therefore, life could not exist, at least as we know it now. First Book of Moses, Book of Genesis 1:1. There are some believers who do not take this and other similar passages from the Old Testament literally but rather symbolically, but in some cases, the effect will be same for that which I want to set out to you now. 7

THE ATHROPIC PRINCIPLE, Lee Strobel. ZONDERVAN (USA).

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And let me emphasize something important. Not only is an “order” required that enables the operation of the key elements of the universe, but also a certain specific and exact order becomes indispensable, in other words, of the way it operates now because, otherwise, life as we know it would simply not be possible. Nevertheless, while an atheist will say to us that this specific order, perfectly and wisely designed so that life was “accidentally” created for me and for you, too, I hope, it is very clear that it was deliberately designed and ordered by the Will of a Supreme Being who is God. But returning to the words of Christ, when he says that our objective on earth is for things to be done “as in Heaven,” I will tell you: do not think that he is basically alluding to the physical because that was already ordered by God. He is in fact referring to our actions. Someone might ask: will things truly be done in Heaven exactly as the Lord says? From the moment the Lord put it to us as an objective to be done on earth, the answer is obviously “yes.” Furthermore, as I said in the last chapter, there is no other viable option for things to work perfectly up there, other than by following the wise direction of He who created everything. And to try to clarify a little more, if in effect things up there are followed to the letter, I invite you to look more attentively at certain events, not without first clarifying that this reasoning is mere speculation and a product of the author’s imagination and that the following case is not described in the Bible. 114

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Imagine for a moment that an angel witnesses a murderer about to commit another crime. He gets ready to strangle a poor old lady with an electric cable to take what little money she has. Perhaps one impulse of this angel would be to turn that murderer into dust in a fraction of a second, but he does not do this. Why? For the simple reason that he has been ordered—for now—not to intervene for reasons only known to the Lord. This angel knows it is not his place to judge, but to only obey and not participate. Now I will give you an extreme example from Mount Calvary, no less, on the day of the Crucifixion and death of Christ. The scene was as follows: the Lord suffered to an extreme degree at levels unknown to man. To exacerbate his suffering even more, those standing below him mocked him and also challenged God to release him9. For a moment, let us imagine that a group of angels were present though invisible to humans. On viewing a similar spectacle of mockery, suffering, cruelty and injustice at those levels, would you not have wished with all your might to intervene to release the Lord and destroy in a matter of seconds all your enemies? Now, why do you think there was no intervention? The reason is very simple. They respected the Will of God and knew perfectly well that above all, it was NOT what they wished for, judged or wanted, but—and this is important—was ordered from above. But, I insist and excuse me for repeating myself, but even the strong forces of nature seemed to feel an extraordinary tension before such act. Event described in the Gospels according to St. Matthew 27:39, St. Mark 15:19, St. Luke 23:35 and St. John 19:17.

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Why am I telling you this? Let us remember that darkness fell, stones broke, there was an earthquake and even the temple was torn down. But what was the key element that contained everything? The Will of the Lord. And as you know perfectly well, the Lord of Heaven knew what he was doing because after that apparent defeat, God transformed him into a triumph that reached humans. Now, let me ask you something. Would it have been to God’s liking that a celestial being appeared of its own accord. Of course not and this, my esteemed reader, highlights that in Heaven the Holy Will of God is followed to the letter. For that exact reason, the Lord Jesus Christ challenged us to do his Will on earth just as it is done in Heaven. And for the record, this recommendation must be followed, not only as a mere show of obedience—which in and of itself is sufficient—but rather because if He says it thus, it is because that is the route that suits us all. And so, let us look at things from a different perspective: God’s Will in our world.

DISORDER Could it be so important to do what the Lord orders down here? Well, the faithful following of God’s Will is not only important, but it is everything. But the problem for us is that not even we realize the extraordinary importance of following him faithfully. I cannot let myself get carried away with all the examples that would perfectly illustrate what I am saying, so I will 116

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limit myself to two real situations, both discussed from a sociological point of view. The first of these is the following: There have been authors10 who have stated that human being have two types of underlying interests. Some are called “rational interests” because they say they are parallel, that is, the good of one is automatically the good of the other, and the example given is of a father and his son or a husband and his wife, where the interest of one runs parallel or goes hand in hand with the interest of the other.11 But there is another kind of social interrelationship—according to them—called “irrational interests,” where the interests are in a kind of “confrontation” since—supposedly—the interest of one harms the other. And at that time, these sociologists set out the case of an “irrational interest” of a boss and a worker, where the interest of one, they said, harms the other, since the boss wants to pay less and get more work done and the worker wants exactly the opposite. Is this real? Do these kinds of “opposed” interests really exist amongst human beings? There are those of us who think not. Though I clarify that we cannot blame said sociologists for coming to these kinds of conclusions because—and this is important—superficially speaking, this might seem to be thus. Nevertheless, if we analyze this interrelationship a little more deeply, things change.

Opinions from authors such as William G. Ogburn, Eldridge and Asociados, Erich Fromm, Lauretta Bender and J. S. Sullivan quoted in the book SOCIOLOGÍA (SOCIOLOGY), Luis Recasens Sitjes. EDITORIAL PORRÚA. (Mexico) 10

In some way, this vision is not exclusive to these sociologists. They simply put that particular thought on an extensive sector of the population in writing, and not very well analyzed it has to be said.

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I mention—in parenthesis—that granting validity to such conclusions has led to the proliferation of false social, economic and political theories that generated many subsequent conflicts. A deeper analysis of this interesting social interrelationship will incontrovertibly show that all the interests of a human being on earth, at a certain subsequent time, will become a “rational’ interest,” that is, they will be parallel—using the actual terminology of said sociologists. And the interest of anyone on our planet, sooner or later, will undoubtedly become the interest of all others. But the problem in our world is not that this social phenomenon operates thus, but rather that most do not perceive it thus. Because, as I said, looking at it superficially gives the impression that there are in effect “opposing” or “irrational” interests. To this I must add that the trickster of which I spoke does not act over real situations, but rather over appearances and he is only interested in superficial perception. Let me give you a few examples of what really happens. If a boss pays an employee badly, in the immediate term, the worker would surely seem to be to only party harmed. However, such act will revert back to the employer himself in many very different ways and, on the contrary, if the party seeking to harm the other is the worker. Another case is when a politician harms his constituency by doing a corrupt job and causing social damage—thinking that he is “very smart.” Of course he will harm his community in the first instance, but such behavior will also, in time, revert back to him. A similar interrelationship, though in a positive sense, will exist if that politician acts impeccably. The good 118

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generated will benefit the entire community, of which he himself and his descendants form part. And the interests of all will go hand in hand. If a manufacturer of a certain product swindles the public with something defective or low quality, thinking that he is “pulling their leg,” said harm will undoubtedly come back to him in a multitude of ways, including harming his own country, of which he and his children form part. And exactly the same thing will happen, though in a positive sense, if he behaves responsibly. He and his family, employees and country will reap the benefits. I could give you thousands of similar examples which would show that all interests of man on the planet are “rational” interests, and run parallel, and I repeat, the drama is not that this interesting sociological phenomenon operates thus, but that the vast majority do not even realize it. It is as if in one’s own body a group of sick cells do not understand that the good—or bad—in the cells of any other tissue will irretrievably influence the rest. Of course, the good in one’s brain cells or muscle cells will benefit the rest and, on the flip side, the harm a group of cells suffers in, for instance, a left toe, right retina or part of one’s digestive system will harm them all. This—inexorable interrelationship—will occur in any society, or even in the world. The aberrant thing it that it is not understood thus, don’t you think? You see, it is very common—unfortunately for us—that people believe that someone can harm others when, not only does this in effect damage them, but also such harm will come back to them. 119

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Why does this erroneous perception exist? The human analytical capacity is very limited and the vast majority of our actions are analyzed myopically and superficially. This is why I perfectly understand the symbol also described at the beginning of the Book of Genesis, 12 where God tells Adam and Eve not to open the doors of knowledge of good and evil. Why? God knew perfectly well that when our eyes were opened, on seeing humans, on being superficial and limited, we would not make wise decisions, but rather be guided by mere appearances, as in the case quoted and many others. Here we have a perfect example of what I was saying: a distancing from the Will of God generates a multitude of adverse effects and not only in the field of human relationships, but also in all our behavior. With respect to that example I have just given, think for a moment about this: had we been sufficiently obedient to do things according to the Will of the Lord, seeking “the good of our fellow man,” let me tell you that this good would not only have been beneficial to others, but would also have been disseminated in all respects, irretrievably coming back to everyone. But from the moment when these two elements join, a.- a limited understanding generates a poor capacity to make decisions and b.- a certain dose of “malice” is created due Book of Genesis 3, where you can see that the enemy starts acting through the serpent. Observe the deceptive manner of its ancestral behavior: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” 12

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to the supposed “knowledge” of good and evil, and the result is completely different from that designed by the Creator with very visible consequences. But now let us move to a second example, which illustrates even more the negative consequences of following different ways from the one ordered by the Lord, as well as some of its collateral effects. In some forums we have been told that we “should not be so literal or take what God orders so literally,” but believe me, I do not conceive of any way of following what the Lord commands, other than trying to adhere to His Word. But you yourself decide, taking as a base this second case from real life. When we combine—as I said—the limited human vision of our surroundings with a certain dose of “malice” that superficially “explains” things and, to complete the picture, the sowing of discord by the enemy, what will it give us as a result? Judge for yourself: We have created all kinds of divisions between people and, where they had no reason to be, we have manufactured barriers of all kinds, invoking ‘racial,’ religious, economic and political reasons only limited by our imagination. It, in turn—logical consequence—created an element that was erected as the most formidable obstacle to progress and advance throughout time, which was all the interminable series of battles and conflicts we have fallen victim to. These led to an extraordinary number of resources being used to “protect ourselves” from each other, instead of being channeled into development, which fed back hatred and social damage. Such has been the number of conflicts that human history, instead of constituting, as it should, a chronicle of 121

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the progress of man through the centuries, seems an interminable relationship of absurd wars and conflicts, where we have fought, as I said, for all kinds of imaginable reasons, even over the “racial” question. Today, human science tells us that all inhabitants of the planet—without exception—descend from the same genetic ancestor13 and the different characteristics of each human group are merely a biological response to certain external determining factors, such as climate, food, lifestyle and others. But you see, unfortunately, human reason, in and of itself, does not possess sufficient force to convince us that we are members of the same team we call the world. I confess that a few years ago I thought that if human reason was not sufficient to favor the integration of what never should have been disintegrated, perhaps need could achieve it. I thought that perhaps a growing global need to together confront the phenomenal challenges of economic destruction, palpable malnutrition in a significant sector of the world population, insufficient education, sources of polluting energy and many other problems would be the catalyzing element that would drive global integration. Now I doubt it. And for us to have a superficial idea of the damage we have done with our short sightedness and superficiality—which, in turn, caused disunity—I repeat what I told you earlier on. 13 Fortunately, what in olden times people had barely realized, is now, since Aristotle and later Hernando de Soto and others, possible to solidly and incontrovertibly scientifically prove thanks to the discovery of the human genome map, which proves that all living beings are descended from the same genetic ancestor.

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The greatest works and contributions to human development and growth were not those that effectively existed, since they constitute an insignificant part, since in a few people, circumstantially, the basic elements of health, food, education, proper attitude and other key elements combined. The bad thing about the matter is that the greatest works are those that were never made; the greatest scientific and cultural contributions are those that were never made and remained latent in all those billions of fellow citizens in the world, who returned to earth with almost all their potential unused. This was primarily due to our inability to provide the basic elements to everyone for their proper development. Because, believe me, the mind of every human being contains an underlying wealth that is unexploited in some respect, which our clumsiness did not let see the light of day. While that was happening, humans remained occupied by their conflicts for all kinds of reasons.

ORDER As a member of the European Parliament said on one occasion, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no future without a common future.â&#x20AC;? This is a reality of the size of the world. But I also said that with human reason on the one hand, and global need on the other, plus mutual convenience, the limited sense of human solidarity and other positive factors would not be sufficiently strong in themselves to include what should never have excluded. What, then, could achieve this? 123

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There is a basic element, not only on earth, but throughout the universe, that is the only wonderful guideline that transforms all. That element was foolishly put to one side by man, which led to the current state of things. What is it? If I may, I am going to dust down the centuries old wise words of an old prophet, Isaiah, no less, who in his time said the following:14 “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their Young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.” “They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain: for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” These words, written around 2,700 years ago with the powerful Spirit of God, foresaw not only the coming of the Messiah, but also, if we are observant we will see that those words: “the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together” also coincide with the following: “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, ‘as the waters cover the sea.” If this situation has not happened in previous centuries, it is precisely because this condition has not existed due to

Book of Isaiah 11:6.

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different situations, some of which have been described in this book. An exception is made for a minority of the world’s population, which has remained faithful to the Word that came in its time to the world. Earlier on, I gave the example of a human brain, where I said that only when all its neurons intercommunicated with each other could its true dimension be achieved. What do you think could have prevented interneuron integration and union, which would have caused irreversible damage or mental retardation? It is very simple: if someone had made the neurons believe they are “different” from each other and should not be integrated. That apparently insignificant position would have caused them to act in accordance with other patterns of development different from those designed by their Creator. In the case of our world, exactly the same thing happens and the enemy feels that he possesses a kind of perfect trap to prevent there being order, harmony and universal development, which would disseminate extraordinary opportunities for all, which is why he fosters divisions, hate, discord and countless problems. Do not think that this lying entity needed much imagination or intelligence to arrive at that “formula for failure” since, as I was saying, just as a locomotive has no other viable option than to follow the tracks, for human beings, believe me, no other road exists either, other than to follow the instructions of He who created everything. Though, when we see countless tricks to make us do things differently, we must understand that this is the route of personal and social failure. Nevertheless, know that if it was very easy for the enemy to design that false road, it is even more simple and safer to follow the only and perfect guideline of the universe. 125

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Therefore, I dare to assure you that we have not paid much attention to that kind of cell of limitations into which humanity has fallen, but outside there is a key that is activated and could constitute the key to personal and social transformation. That key consists of following what we always should have followed.

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EPILOGUE

One of the manifestations of living in a plural world is the diversity of opinions we can, fortunately, hear in all their different forms. On one occasion I was talking with a writer who did not believe in God, who said to me, “I don’t believe in God because if he existed, he would be almighty and would have destroyed the devil so that he wouldn’t cause problems.” Could this be so? Not necessarily. Personally, I have a different opinion which, if I may, I will describe to you via a story from my far-off childhood. On one occasion, when I was walking with my father through a farm field, I was looking, with great curiosity, at a man who was working in a very peculiar way. He had in front of him a large pile of wheat and for a long time had been shoveling it up and just letting it fall , and repeating this movement again and again. I thought that this did not make sense. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked my father. “What’s that man doing? He’s been shoveling that wheat into the air for a while and lets it fall only to do the same thing again…” “He’s cleaning it,” he says. “By shoveling it upwards, the wind removes the chaff and after a while the wheat is clean.”1 1 It is very likely that this procedure has been used for centuries or millennia. If we look at the Bible from a historical perspective and open the Gospel according to St.

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In our world, my esteemed reader, the Lord in Heaven, in his infinite and surprising wisdom, tolerates—for now— the action of this negative element so that it makes use of the wind and, as in the story I mentioned, removes the chaff eventually leaving only the wheat. In other words, that action is tolerated—we do not know for how long—in this process of purification or selection that, among other different elements, makes up the world we now see. On another occasion, also at a ranch, I remember that I was analyzing the operation of a threshing machine, into which large bunches of already dried plants containing beans were inserted. The selected beans came out at one end, and the chaff at the other. I wondered: how could this machine make that selection so quickly? After covering myself in dust, including my eyelashes, I began to see that everything passed through small sieves that had holes of a certain size, where only the beans would fit, leaving out any stones or twigs. Then I thought that if those stones or twigs could talk, they would say, “That machine is badly made because I, a stone, do not fit.” They had not realized that it was the exact objective.

Luke 3:16, we will see that John the Baptist, referring to whoever would come later (Christ), would clean the wheat by using a similar device, observe: “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the holy spirit and fire, His winnowing fan is in his hand and he will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor and gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

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At the start of this book I said that the world, as we see it now, is only part of a process. But what would be one of the differences between a successful and an unsuccessful process? It would be the ability to select useful and useless elements. For instance, if at a car factory, where thousands of parts, such as lamps, windows, seats, brakes, etc. are assembled, only one of those small parts fails, for example the transmission or brakes, the user will not say, “the supplier of such and such a part didn’t check its quality properly,” but rather will say, “this car is not good quality.” So, what does an efficient assembler have to do? Subject each prototype part to an extremely rigorous operating test so that if there is the slightest possibility of a fault in its design, the error is detected by the laboratory and not the end user, when it would already be too late. Believe me, though many do not interpret it as such, our world is not just part of a wise selective process, where in a certain sense and, among other things, it operates like a test laboratory. I can assure you that this apparent “obstacle” or test, which many now go through in life—which some interpret as “errors” or the “twisted lines of God,” as someone else said—are nothing other than events permitted for carrying out that wonderful selective process. In whatever follows life, there will not be enough room for all those who, at the time of the test, were not up to the challenge of the circumstances. At the start of this book, I also gave another example where someone tries to steal a boat with its entire crew and cargo and deliberately sends it in a different direction. 129

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What that enemy does not know is that, at the time, said boat was to be redirected by its owner in the right direction. He will even appear personally on the actual boat. The apparent crisis inside will merely be used to evaluate and select the personnel who will continue working with him in the future. Notes are being taken on who is and is not behaving correctly. In other words, neither the boat nor its cargo will be lost, only the current situation is used to know who will be able to work in any future project once all personnel is subjected to a crisis situation. One of the things most worthy of admiration of the owner of the boat is that each person will be evaluated individually, regardless of the behavior of those around him. Those who abused their position of captain or steersman will be evaluated separately by paying attention to voices that “advised” on a different direction, along with those who were convinced that it was necessary to be guided using other parameters, and those who assured that it was necessary to address supposed leaders or intermediates. And do not worry, they will be judged in a fair and balanced manner. But, you see—for better or worse—the voyage is still not over. The boat keeps making progress and the behavior of the personnel is still significant. Therefore, if I may, I will make some suggestions. One of the owner’s basic rules was consideration and respect for his fellow man. Because the enemy of all, who feels like a true genius of discord and lies, will try to take advantage—surprisingly—of the same traps he set in order to divide all personnel and to ruin the voyage. 130

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For example, those who believe his lies will try to harm them with deceptions against those who are strict in their original instructions. And paradoxically, on the other hand, in a dual labor, those who remain faithful to the Will of God will be told they must consider those who were victims of traps as their enemies. All positions are lies since, if anyone observes the original order, he will see that it says that those who end up falling into traps must not be attacked or despised, but considered to be what they are—victims of a deception— and must be helped. One of the things that must be taken into account is that the owner is interested in a direct, personal relationship with each one, established for everyone as a form of communicating with him, because he wishes to help them individually with their difficulties or tests. I cannot end without first saying that you, as in the example of the boat, I and everyone also have a basic and simple instruction manual left by the Lord in his own words, which can be found it the Gospels. His word is waiting to surprise you with the exact solutions you have been eagerly seeking in many other places. That Word, ignored by many, contains the power to transform you, your family, your country and the world—much more than you can imagine—and not only that, it also contains the guidelines of something much more important: access to his other projects, which must surely must be great, like Him.

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APPENDIX A ONE OF THE MOST LIKELY PLACES WHERE PETER ALSO PRACTICED HIS MINISTRY Once historical evidence shows that the Apostle Peter was not in Rome, in which cities might he be more likely to have practiced his apostolic ministry? You will remember that in Christ’s time, Aramaic was spoken. Why Aramaic and not Hebrew? In the 6th century BC, the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews were captured and taken to the region of Babylonia, where the “official” language—by decree—was Aramaic. Once the Assyrian Empire was destroyed by Alexander the Great, (3rd century BC) a significant percentage of the Jewish people remained in Babylonia and another part was displaced to the region of Jerusalem, but continued speaking Aramaic, which was also the language spoken by Peter. But the significance of Babylonia as an urban center and a religious education center of the Jews did not decrease until much later than the 5th century AD (probably up to the 9th or 10th century) since, even after Titus destroyed the temple of Jerusalem in the year 70 AD and other subsequent conflicts, many Jews emigrated to other regions including Babylonia. Proof of this is that the “Babylonian Talmud” was not completed until the 5th century AD and that extremely important book of the Hebrew people is considered even more important than the one of Palestine (or also known as the one of Jerusalem). Though if we consider that Paul dedicated himself to ministering to Gentiles, the logical thing would be that he went to places where they would congregate and Peter, in turn, would minister to Jewish communities. Peter must have carried out a large part of his ministry, in that exact city, where his own language was also spoken: Aramaic. 133

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Paul, for his part, could practice his ministry in different Gentile cities because he spoke several languages well, and not only that, he was a Roman citizen by birth. As an additional piece of information, observe how in the First Letter from the Apostle Peter 5:13 Peter himself says goodbye: “The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you, and so does my son Mark.”

Now, many might wonder: why, then, did no one object when the myth emerged about St. Peter supposedly being in Rome? First of all, let us remember that in most past centuries very few people could read the Bible in their own language, and did not realize things such as what I have shown in this book. Had they been able to read it, the enemy would not have been able to confuse so many people with regard to “pontiffs,” intercessors, saints, images, indulgences, supposed “apparitions,” and countless other things because his leaders would have been openly questioned by the entire congregation. Furthermore, if we want to understand why this great mistake was not detected on time, consider the following: the “papacy” was created in the 8th century and the consequent fabrication of the myth that Peter lived in Rome, trying to make him—without his consent—the “first Pope” was even later, when Babylon had lost all the importance it had as an urban center and religious education center for the Jewish people, and in those centuries no one considered his presence there feasible. Source: HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE, ELI BARNAVI SCHOKEN BOOKS, NEW YORK, USA.

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APPENDIX B THE “DONATION OF CONSTANTINE” The “Donation of Constantine” was used for the first time in 752 by Pope Stephen II when he arrived in France to ask for help against the Lombards. The presentation of such document fulfilled its mission and in both this case and many others that followed, it managed to convince the vast majority of kings and emperors for just over six centuries. As an example of this, I cite the case of Pope Gregory VII (Hildebrand of Tuscany, who was Pope from 1073 to 1085 and was later declared a saint). This pontiff wrote a letter to “all the princes who want to travel to Spain”—ruled at that time by the Arabs—to exhort them to recover those lands from the hands of “infidels and Saracens and return them to their rightful owner, St. Peter, that is, the Pope.” “We know very well,’ he said, “that the Kindgom of Spain since olden times was the jurisdiction of St. Peter and that territory, though it has been occupied for so long by Pagans, still belongs by the law of justice to the Apostolic Holy See only, and not to any other mortal.” Then, this same pontiff sent another letter addressed to the King of Castille and León, Alfonso VI, warning him that God the Almighty has given Peter and his successors “all the principalities and powers of the land.” And you might wonder: what was that and other similar aims based on? In an imperial decree attributed to Constantine I, drawn up around 315 AD, through which not only is the Pope 135

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recognized as sovereign, but Constantine the Great donates the city of Rome, along with the provinces of Italy and the rest of the Western Roman Empire—no less—to the Pope and “his successors” in gratitude for having cured him of leprosy. For several centuries, as I said, such document contributed to increasing the power of the papacy in political and material matters. The problem arose when it was discovered that said document was fake and that everything had been a product of a phenomenal fraud, probably fabricated in the mid-8th century. Today, it is estimated that this decree was one of the greatest frauds in history. In 1440, the then papal secretary and canon Laurenzio Vall (or Lorenzo Valla, as he is also known) discovered that said document was just a clumsy fake. Nevertheless, due to fear of reprisals by the Pope, his report did not see the light of day until around 1519, more or less around the time that Martin Luther also pointed out a lot of the Catholic Church’s errors. Nevertheless, despite this denouncement, the Catholic Church continued defending the authenticity of this document until the 19th century, when its defense became untenable. Lorenzo Valla who, despite not having current advanced scientific procedures—such as carbon-14 analysis—at his disposal to prove the falsity of this document, maintained that said “donation had been a fraud,” since it contained serious inconsistencies. Among them, many historians have cited the following: when said document was issued, supposedly “from 136

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Constantinople,” the city had not yet been founded and still bore the name Byzantium. Furthermore, in the 4th century, the Bishop of Rome was still not considered to be the “Pope.” That happened almost three centuries later. If that were not enough, said “decree” made reference to temples that did not yet exist. Furthermore, Constantine never had leprosy, along with many other inconsistencies. From any perspective, the falsity of this document is patently obvious since, among other things, Constantine, judging by his actions, was far from the sincere and convinced emperor of the Christian faith that some have aimed to portray him as. We can deduce from his actions that he was an ambitious, merciless military man. He came to power through an extensive series of internal struggles and murders. He was even baptized a few days before dying. He continued to celebrate Pagan festivities his entire life and some say that when he was baptized, at the request of some people close to him, this was done with the intention of cleansing many of his past actions, including the murder of his wife and child. On one occasion, before a battle, he stated that he had had a kind of Christian revelation. But many historians say that these kinds of “revelations” are common in some leaders, who use them to try to instill trust and bravery into their troops since, on another occasion, Constantine had used this same recourse, stating that he had received a similar message from the God Apollo. The list of inconsistencies in the supposed decree is long. During the years it was supposedly being written (around 315), Constantine was not absolute emperor, but rather his reign consisted of three periods. From 311 to 313, political power was shared by three emperors. From 314 to 326, through a plot between 137

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Constantine and Licinius, only those two remained, and from 326, Constantine, once he ordered Licinius—his brother-in-law and co-governor, whose life he had publically promised to respect—to be strangled, he became absolute emperor. But putting the historical inconsistencies to one side, if we just consider his ambition for power and total political rule—common in those kinds of people—we can see that he stopped at nothing, not even killing a close family member. Tell me, do you think it is possible that Constantine could have made such a “donation?” But in the 15th and 16th centuries, the discovery of such deceit highlighted that the objective of such a forgery was something else: to increase the material and political power of the Catholic Church. But the most serious thing was not so much the documentary or historical inconsistency, but rather the total inconsistency with regard to the attitude of generosity, commitment and love that Jesus Christ always showed, not only with his Words, but also with his own life. Nevertheless, this and other serious mistakes made by leaders of other previous generations do not need to be rectified by today’s leaders or faithful in good will, since an overwhelming majority of them do not even know of the existence of such a fraud, nor of its purpose and, therefore, would not have endorsed it. And the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Lord of love, forgiveness and peace, would receive with great pleasure both the leaders and all the faithful of good faith of the Church, who accept to faithfully follow the way shown in the Gospels. 138

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Therefore, here is my sincere exhortation to those people: the labor of sincere commitment that many undertake at this time will be exponentially used if it is done on the true way: that shown by God.

Sources: HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST), José Luis Montecillos Chipres, EDITORIAL EL CAMINO A LA VIDA (Mexico). LA INQUISICIÓN, EL LADO OSCURO DE LA IGLESIA (THE INQUISITION: THE DARK SIDE OF THE CHURCH), Primitivo Martínez Fernández, EDITORIAL LUMEN (Mexico, Colombia).

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Appendix C Background of the “Rosary”

APPENDIX C BACKGROUND

OF THE

“ROSARY”

MALLA. Age: around 2,500 years. It consists of 108 beads for meditation. It is still an instrument used in the Buddhist religion in the Tibetan tradition. Its 108 bead are used to invoke a “mantra” for each bead that is passed. Mantra is a word of Sanskirt origin made up of two terms: manah and trayate, which are translated as “mind” and “freedom” respectively, that is, the mantra would be an “instrument to release the mind from the constant flow of thoughts that confuse it.” 141

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TASBIH. Age: around 1,300 years. It is also known as a masbaja or misbaha. It is traditionally used by the faithful of the Islamic religion. It is thought that the tasbih was inspired by the malla of the Buddhist religion. The tasbih consists of 99 beads and each one represents one of the names and attributes of God (Alรก or Allah). For example: 1. Allah: God; 2. Arrajman: The Benefactor, the merciful; 3. Arrajim: The compassionate one; 4. Al-malik: the King; 5.- Al-quddus: The Saint; and so on. 142

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THE ROSARY. It is thought to be around 800 years old and was inspired, in turn, by the tasbih. It consists of 55 beads in its central part, 50 of which are for the “Ave Marias” with the other five for the “Our Fathers” said repetitively through 15 “stations” in three series of five stations each. In the final part a “litany” is prayed with different names, though the vast majority of them are not addressed to God, like the tasbih, but to Mary. 143

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APPENDIX D SYNOPSIS OF THE MORMON CHURCH OR “CHURCH OF LATTER DAY SAINTS” Obviously, as you will understand, a church that calls itself ‘Christian’ will not be such just by using the term, and even less so because it is outside the Catholic Church, but rather because it is operates inside evangelical parameters. As proof of this—since it is not possible to show many similar groups—I invite you to become familiar with the Mormon Church which, while there is no doubt about the good will of many of its members, does not adhere sufficiently to not only the Gospels, but also to the same history. But I invite you to analyze this for yourself. The founder of this church was a North American man named Joseph Smith (1805-1844). His parents belonged to the congregation of the Presbyterian Church and when this young man was a little older than 10 his family was living near New York. He was always a very peculiar boy, since his family said that he loved looking for hidden treasure, based on visions he said he had. There is no proof that at any time he found something by using his gift for divination. On September 21, 1823—aged 18—he directed his rather unsuccessful gifts elsewhere and said that an angel called Moroni had appeared before him, who supposedly told him that the true Gospel would be restored through him. According to him, the Angel Moroni told him that at a certain place a book written in a language called “reformed Egyptian” was hidden, which contained the 145

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“eternal gospel” in full, as Jesus Christ had taught it to the inhabitants of America since, according to him, Jesus Christ had also been to several parts of America. This barely 18-year-old boy, with supposed, albeit unsuccessful gifts for divining the location of treasure, also said that together with these golden tablets were some precious stones called urim and tumim, and that these stones had to be placed on the eyes as glasses so he could translate the hieroglyphics of “reformed Egyptian.” So, this young man put himself behind some curtains and without showing anyone the supposed book with the golden tablets or the glasses to translate them, started reading out loud what he said this book contained. Joseph Smith must have had great powers of persuasion because he found six people who believed his story and helped him write down his dictations, and that was how one of the books that forms the basis of Mormonism was born, which is known as the Book of Mormon and was finished on March 26, 1830. Ten days after that date, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints was officially established in a city near New York. Due to the cool reception it was given and the animosity displayed against it, which stemmed from supposed revelations on polygamy, they had to move to different cities, and with the passing of the years their final destination would be Salt Lake City in the current State of Utah. But the divine manifestations—as Joseph Smith said— continued and he said he had received more revelations with more questions relating to polygamy, so he wrote one more book called Doctrines and Agreements. Those and 146

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other positions were directly opposed to Christian theory, therefore, in 1844 the jail where he had been imprisoned was attacked by a mob and he died. Nevertheless, his death led his followers to consider him a kind of martyr. After that event, they were ordered to leave the state, which is how they came to Salt Lake City which, at that time, was outside the United States. However, due to the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Peace Treaty between Mexico and the United States, signed in February 1848, that territory again became part of the United States, whose government was not convinced by Mormon ideas on polygamy. The government was pressuring them on this matter and in 1899 they decided to observe North American law and renounced polygamy. It should also be mentioned that after Smith’s death, this congregation split into several groups. There are several questions that arise. Once young Joseph Smith decided to “combine” his failed divination gifts with issues of a religious nature, would he not have realized that the Bible expressly prohibits those kinds of things? Everything seems to indicate that he was not even very familiar with it, because if he had been, he would have realized—as in all the other doctrinal deviations of other groups throughout time—that both his revelations and other practices were in opposition to what was set forth in the Bible. A simple reading would have shown him that any revelation, even if it supposedly comes from angels, that promoted a different Gospel is strictly prohibited. That can be clearly read—among other parts—in that expressed by Paul in his Letter to Galatians 1:8, which literally reads as follows: 147

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“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” And why was this different? Just considering the matter of polygamy, I quote another letter from Paul (1st Timothy 3:2) and remind you that this is a “pastoral” letter, that is, addressed to the guides or pastors of the Churches: “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” In other words, the most serious part of this church is its doctrinal transgression, since it even puts the “Book of Mormon” above the Bible itself. Other serious mistakes made by this congregation include the large amount of lies they tell their followers that do not stand up to the most superficial historical, archeological or anthropological analysis, such as when they state that there was a certain earlier civilization in America, of which no archeologist or sociologist has the slightest idea. It must be said that a civilization could not just disappear like that without trace, as in this supposed case. For those people who say: “Where are his remains? Where are the books used as a basis for the ‘Book of Mormon’?, would that evidence, the most important archeological proof in the world, not increase the number of its faithful to an unbelievable amount? Why do they not display it?” Because it only existed in the fertile imagination of young Joseph Smith. Now, why might Joseph Smith have chosen that language— “reformed Egyptian”—to invent his story, instead of choosing languages that did exist, such as Hebrew or Aramaic? 148

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There is a very simple explanation for that. At that time Egyptian was fashionable. If we go back to 1823, when the restless imagination of Joseph Smith came up with the idea of creating all this, the Rosetta Stone had recently been discovered. What was that? On an expedition by Napoleon to Egypt in 1799, in a little town called Rashid (which the French pronounced as “Rosetta,” which is where the stone’s name comes from), a stone measuring 39 inches long by 28 inches wide and weighing around 1,676 lbs was found. At first sight, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but the important thing about his archeological piece was not only its age, but that it concerned a decree by Ptolemy V, but translated into two languages—Greek and Egyptian—and written in three different types of writing: hieroglyphs, demotic and Greek capitals. That archeological piece was the cornerstone of the translation of a large amount of ancient hieroglyphs, BUT, note that even though it was discovered in July 1799, it was not deciphered until… what year do you think? 1822. But when it was successfully deciphered, this generated a wave of news that crossed the entire world and, because of its importance, it made all matters Egyptian “fashionable.” That happened in 1822, but if we relate this to Mormonism, you will remember that it was in 1823 that the then young Joseph Smith invented the apparition of the Angel Moroni and, since Egyptian hieroglyphs were so fashionable, he liked that language and declared that those “golden tablets” were in “reformed Egyptian,” a language that no archaeologist or anthropologist in the world knew anything about. 149

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And what was the Church’s leaders’ response to all the objections of a doctrinal, archaeological, anthropological and historical nature that were quite rightly made? What did their leaders answer? The best response they came up with was that “each person should judge from his heart whether what they say is true or not.” In other words, they invoke the credibility and good faith of its members and many accept their statements. This is why I dare to say the following to them: it is the obligation of every Christian to carefully analyze his doctrinal fundaments, because what is at stake is much more than you and I can imagine to simply leave it in the hands of a kind of intuition or preference taken with a pinch of salt. If this Joseph Smith were watching us now, do you know what one of the things he would most desire would be? That his errors—or traps the enemy set at his feet—had not been followed by anyone. He cannot do anything to correct such a situation, but you can. Therefore, if you are part of that congregation, I exhort you to analyze that it is the perfect time to make the right decision and discover how the original Gospels hold the true answer to all your questions.

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APPENDIX E THE “LOSER SYNDROME” PERSPECTIVE AND MOTIVES In an electoral, military, commercial or any other kind of contest, there is a type of conduct that is unfortunately very frequent on the part of the leadership. When things are not going well, despite the fact that the leaders are, deep down, almost certain they will not win, they still pretend to everyone else that they will. The reason for this kind of behavior is understandable, albeit not justifiable. It is understandable because if they did acknowledge—or even hint—that everything seemed to be lost, not only would their despondency increase, but they would also lose their strength as a group and internal cohesion. But it is not justifiable because in some way it constitutes a kind of deception, since on many occasions the unreasoned trust of some could be disastrous. Let me give you an example. In electoral contests—hopefully those of a military nature will one day be erradicated from the planet—the candidate who knows he is going to lose commonly does not act honestly and we do not see him making pronouncements, such as: “We are down in the polls and if we don’t have your support we’ll most likely lose.” Have you ever seen a statement like that? Not many, I’m sure, and that is a consequence of a series of psychological and political motivations.

Therefore, the most common thing for them will be to present to the public a slightly unreal situation, on occasion even altering polls to try to show everyone that victory will be theirs. 151

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Though this lack of honesty can appear anywhere in the world, it is more common in underdeveloped countries where, on occasion, even when voting has closed, the count has been done and the victory of the winner has been determined by the competent authority, the loser still insists that â&#x20AC;&#x153;he is the victorâ&#x20AC;? and has been the victim of a robbery. Given that it is impossible to comment on many cases that could tell us something about this interesting sociological phenomenon, in which leaders are perfectly familiar with the real situation, and despite this, present another panorama to their followers, I would like to just discuss one such case concerning a military contest: the attitude of Hitler during the Second World War (1939-1945). Though at the start of this unfortunate outbreak, Hitler was convinced deep down that they were going to win the war, this perception had to change. Why? In late 1942, the situation had already changed. Once the United States had joined the war, and throughout that same year, they were able to help the then Soviet Union with very significant amounts of key supplies and the Russians, showing extraordinary heroism, successfully stopped the German advance on the then city of Stalingrad, causing them to retreat. I very much doubt that from that winter of 1942 the German leader was thinking they could win the war. I think that, deep down, they had a presentiment that they had lost and that it was only a question of a little more time. And if some were still not certain of defeat at that point, their perception must have changed in the following months. But the most important thing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;d like to do now is invite you to observe the attitude of the leaders and, more spe152

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cifically, the person who had the political situation of his country in his hand: Adolf Hitler. Did this dictator come to accept the slightest possibility of defeat? No. He always maintained that they were temporary problems and that they would eventually be victorious. Nevertheless, I think that his discourse did not agree with his internal perception. A simple arithmetical calculation by a high school boy with the necessary information could have shown him that they were heading towards complete catastrophe. I have a question: would such dishonest behavior with his followers be the product of a reasoned decision? Or would it rather be a simple automatic self-defense mechanism? Many of us would lean in either direction. But, putting aside any internal motives a future loser may have, what is clear is—and this is important—his extraordinary effect on third parties. The consequences of those who decide to follow causes that are not only lost, but also unjustifiable from an ethical and human perspective, will be that they will pay dearly for their error—sometimes the price will be too high—for trusting those they should not. Earlier on, I gave the example of an enemy who at any cost tried to derail the project of the owner of the boat, where I said that those who believed his tall stories could not imagine that that enemy believed—or said he believed—that he could achieve something with his deceitful behavior, when the only thing that happened in reality was that he was imbued with that same sociological phenomenon that we could call—among other things—“loser syndrome,” which, unfortunately, manages to hook many in. 153

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Nevertheless, if on human land, in any conflict, one of the contenders might actually have at least a slight chance of changing the final result—with the occurrence of an unexpected event—when we are talking about a confrontation where the Lord of the Universe participates, I can assure you that whoever stands in opposition does not have the slightest chance of achieving something. And if, at the moment, that entity is permitted to intervene in a certain sense, this is due to the fact that the Owner of all is probably putting his own people to the test so that each of them rates their own behavior. But putting these considerations to one side, it is not just as simplistic as being on the side of the winner, but rather truly following the one who believed in us, who has tolerated us with our countless mistakes throughout the centuries and then rescued us. But the decision on the side that everyone must take—and it has been determined thus by the Lord—is completely personal.

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IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

The vast majority of the observations that have been made with all due respect throughout this book have mostly been directed at mistakes made by the Catholic Church. This does not mean that the risk of falling into these kinds of traps is limited only to said Church, since if the Church of Christ had had another name, the enemy would also surely have tried to do his thing there among them. But, what would have been the determinant element that would have allowed them to make similar mistakes? The distancing or neglect of faithfully following—in everything—the Will of the only being who is not wrong: God. Anyone who distances himself from what God says—even if it is in seemingly insignificant things—exposes himself to experiencing similar problems. That is why I most respectfully exhort that we all go in only that direction. I also trust that my indications are not misinterpreted, nor much less taken as a form of aggression. I act thus because I feel obligated to reiterate to you what you already know, though let me remind you of something: The enemy, inside his evil objectives, aims to use anything, arguing any “difference”—real or imaginary— among humans, to do what he usually does: sow more seeds of discord with the aim that things to not work. Nor is the enemy permitted to say that if anyone tries to follow the indications of God, this is due to “that person believing he is better than you” or other such errors. 155

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Personally, I declare myself to be the most insignificant of the Lord’s servants, having been subject to mistakes and all the limitations of anyone. The only difference is that I have had the chance to know and recognize the wonderful Word of God and that fact has transformed my life in the same way as it can change yours. On the other hand, also consider that many enemies will try to tell you that you cannot “betray your traditions” when the truth is different. Let me give you an example. If someone’s ancestors had perished as victims of some kind of trap, does this mean that the descendents would be obligated to perish in the same way? I think that the situation is exactly the opposite. What an already dead person would least want would be that his descendents make the same mistakes or fall into the same traps. But that person, who no longer possesses the gift of life, wherever he is now, can do absolutely nothing. A passage from the New Testament1 comes to mind about a person who is no longer with us:

“And he said: Then, father, [Abraham] I beseech thee, that thou wouldst send him [Lazarus, who when he was alive was a beggar] to my father’s house, for I have five brethren. That he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torments...” But he was not permitted. Believe me, the great desire of all those persons who came before us—even those who, having been tricked, caused 1

Gospel according to St. Luke 16:27.

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mistakes—is that we do not follow them, no matter how much they espouse “traditions.” I am convinced that their desire would be that we follow not so much a human person in particular, and much less what the author of this book says, but rather that indicated by God, while there is still time. One of the distinctive features of a good congregation guide is precisely that people do not follow him as a person, but that they follow Jesus Christ through His Word. Therefore, having analyzed this from different perspectives, I have taken the liberty of giving you my point of view: the way is in the Word of Jesus Christ that is in his Gospels. That is the only route that can transform you, your family, your country and the world.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to the historians José Luis Montecillos Chipres, Antonio Muñiz Pajín and Jacobo Konigsberg, to the physicist Juan Pedro Ochoa Ricoux, to Griselda Samaniego Barrón and to the graphic designer Luis Tovar, without whose valuable help this book would not exist.

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THE

PAINTER WE DO NOT SEE

What kind of painter is that Who, making something from nothing Had prepared with love A painting full of stars? What kind of painter is that Who let a strangerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands Paint the light black On a finished painting? What kind of painter is that Who on fixing his destroyed work Sees a chance to separate Good material from bad? And on that ruined painting Uses his science so well That with love and great patience Promises a changed painting! What kind of painter is that Who transformed death into life Dresses black in white And changes tears into laughter? If lies distress you If evil harms you Trust the painter Who transforms death into life! If you wait a little You will see a changed painting And will enjoy forever the color The trap had robbed! Juan Manuel Ochoa Torres

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The SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFÍA Y ESTADÍSTICA was founded in 1833 by Valentín Gómez Farías. Its members have included many of Mexico’s most distinguished intellectuals, scientists and politicians, such as Andrés Quinta Roo, Mariano Otero, Melchor Ocampo, José María la Fragua, Manual Orozco y Berra, Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, Leopoldo Río de la Loza, Ignacio Ramírez (El Nigromante), Gabino Barreda, Santos Degollado, Justo Sierra, Joaquín García Icazbalceta, Luis Bolland Kumackl, Vicente Riva Palacio, Félix Palavacini, Miguel Schultz, Guillermo Prieto, Antonio Caso, Emilio Portes Gil, Jesús Silva Herzog, Jesús Reyes Heroles, Daniel Cosío Villegas, Julio Zamora Bátiz, Ignacio Chávez, Miguel Alemán Valdez, José Clemente Orozco, Alfonso Reyes, Adolfo Ruíz Cortines, Adolfo López Mateos and a large number of distinguished characters, by virtue of which this meritorious institution is considered a precursor to the nation’s cultural independence. Its founder, the physician Don Valentín Gómez Farías, while Interim President of the Mexican Republic, dedicated part of his free time to attending to the victims of a cholera epidemic that invaded Mexico City.

Gustavo Cruz Santiago

Juan M. Ochoa T.

Why do things not function well in the world? What might be the reason for wars, hatred, drug addiction, hunger, violence, ecological damage and countless other problems? Could it be that the world is badly designed? Or maybe, as others say, there is no God in the Universe, because if there was, everything would work perfectly? Is it right that I have setbacks and problems in my own life? In this book, you will find a point of view that you perhaps had not considered on these and other questions. But we warned! After reading it, you will see things from a completely different perspective.

4 SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE GEOGRAFĂ?A Y ESTADĂ?STICA, A. C.