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FORMAL HERETICS: A REFERENCE LIST FOR CATHOLIC CATECHESIS
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WORKING DEFINITION OF HERESY:
Teaching that contradicts defined Catholic dogma, particularly when done by
educated persons with knowledge of Catholic teaching who deliberately teach
against it.
Material Heresy = Objectively false teaching (the content itself)
Formal Heresy = Culpable rejection of known Catholic truth
This list focuses on those teaching FORMAL HERESY - educated individuals who
know Catholic teaching and deliberately teach against it.
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I. HISTORICAL PROTESTANT REFORMERS
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MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)
Role: Augustinian monk, German Reformer, founder of Lutheranism
Education: Doctor of Theology, University of Wittenberg
Heretical Offenses:
- Sola Fide (justification by faith alone) - contradicts Council of Trent
- Sola Scriptura - rejects Church authority and Sacred Tradition
- Rejection of papal authority and magisterial teaching
- Denied sacrificial nature of Mass
- Rejected four sacraments (kept only Baptism and Eucharist in modified form)
- Consubstantiation (rejected transubstantiation)
- Removed deuterocanonical books from Scripture
- Called Epistle of James "epistle of straw" for teaching works
JOHN CALVIN (1509-1564)
Role: French Reformer, founder of Reformed/Calvinist theology
Education: Legal and theological training, Geneva Academy
Heretical Offenses:
- TULIP theology (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement,
Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of Saints) - contradicts Catholic teaching
on free will, universal redemption, cooperation with grace
- Symbolic view of Eucharist (spiritual presence, not Real Presence)
- Double predestination (God predestines some to damnation)
- Rejected all sacraments as having ex opere operato efficacy
- Theocratic governance rejecting hierarchical Church structure
- Iconoclasm - destruction of sacred images and statues
- Rejection of veneration of saints and Mary
HULDRYCH ZWINGLI (1484-1531)
Role: Swiss Reformer, Zurich leader
Education: University of Vienna, University of Basel
Heretical Offenses:
- Pure memorialist view of Eucharist (mere symbol, no real presence)
- Most radical rejection of sacramental theology among Reformers
- Rejected Mass as sacrifice completely
- Minimalist sacramental system
- Iconoclasm and destruction of Church art/liturgy
THOMAS CRANMER (1489-1556)
Role: Archbishop of Canterbury, architect of Anglican theology
Education: Cambridge University, Doctor of Divinity
Heretical Offenses:
- Rewrote liturgy to remove Catholic theology (Book of Common Prayer)
- Denied transubstantiation and Real Presence
- Rejected sacrificial nature of Mass
- Annulled Henry VIII's valid marriage to enable schism
- Established Protestant theology within Anglican structure
- Rejected papal supremacy and apostolic succession
JOHN KNOX (c.1514-1572)
Role: Scottish Reformer, founder of Presbyterianism
Education: Studied under Calvin in Geneva
Heretical Offenses:
- Imported Calvinist heresy to Scotland
- Extreme iconoclasm - destroyed Catholic churches and monasteries
- Rejected episcopal structure entirely
- Presbyterian polity rejecting apostolic succession
- Anti-Catholic political activism leading to persecution
JOHN WYCLIFFE (c.1320s-1384)
Role: English theologian, "Morning Star of Reformation"
Education: Oxford University, Doctor of Theology
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied transubstantiation (condemned at Council of Constance)
- Rejected papal authority
- Taught Scripture alone as authority
- Denied need for ordained priesthood
- His bones were exhumed and burned posthumously for heresy (1428)
JAN HUS (c.1372-1415)
Role: Czech reformer, influenced by Wycliffe
Education: Charles University in Prague
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied papal authority
- Rejected transubstantiation
- Taught Wycliffe's heresies
- Executed at Council of Constance after refusing to recant
- Precursor to Protestant Reformation
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II. ANCIENT HERESIARCHS (for reference)
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ARIUS (c.250-336)
Heresy: Arianism - denied full divinity of Christ ("there was when He was not")
Condemned: Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
NESTORIUS (c.386-450)
Heresy: Nestorianism - separated human and divine natures in Christ, denied
Mary as Theotokos
Condemned: Council of Ephesus (431 AD)
PELAGIUS (c.354-420/440)
Heresy: Pelagianism - denied original sin, rejected necessity of grace for
salvation
Condemned: Council of Carthage (418 AD), Council of Ephesus (431 AD)
EUTYCHES (c.380-456)
Heresy: Monophysitism - taught Christ had only one (divine) nature
Condemned: Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)
MARCION (c.85-160)
Heresy: Marcionism - rejected Old Testament, Gnostic dualism, false canon
Excommunicated: c.144 AD
MONTANUS (2nd century)
Heresy: Montanism - charismatic excess, new revelations superseding apostolic
teaching, rigorism
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III. CONTEMPORARY REFORMED/CALVINIST LEADERS
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R.C. SPROUL (1939-2017)
Role: Founder of Ligonier Ministries, Reformed theologian
Education: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam (Drs.)
Influence: Massive - millions of books, Reformation Study Bible, conferences
Heretical Offenses:
- Explicit teaching of sola fide against Trent
- Wrote extensively refuting Catholic doctrine
- "Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification" - entire book
teaching heresy
- Rejected sacramental efficacy (ex opere operato)
- Denied Real Presence and transubstantiation
- Called Catholic Mass a "re-sacrifice" (misrepresentation)
- Reformed soteriology contradicting Catholic teaching on grace and free will
Note: Especially culpable - knew exactly what he was doing, trained
theologically, deliberate in opposition
JOHN PIPER (1946-)
Role: Founder of Desiring God, former pastor of Bethlehem Baptist
Education: Fuller Theological Seminary (BD), University of Munich (Doctor of
Theology)
Influence: Massive - millions of followers, books, conferences, online ministry
Heretical Offenses:
- Christian Hedonism (pleasure in God as highest motive) - problematic
theological framework
- Five-point Calvinism (TULIP) - denies free will, universal redemption
- Sola fide, sola scriptura
- Rejection of sacramental theology
- Symbolic view of Eucharist
- Complementarianism extended to reject female diaconate
- Rejection of Church authority
PAUL WASHER (1961-)
Role: Founder of HeartCry Missionary Society, Reformed Baptist preacher
Education: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv)
Influence: Viral "Shocking Youth Message," international preaching ministry
Heretical Offenses:
- Radical Reformed soteriology
- Sola fide, perseverance of saints
- "True vs. false conversion" framework based on heretical theology
- Rejection of sacramental regeneration
- Denial of Real Presence
- Anti-Catholic apologetics
- Leads "serious" Christians into Reformed heresy
Note: Particularly dangerous because appeals to those dissatisfied with shallow
evangelicalism
ALBERT MOHLER JR. (1959-)
Role: President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Education: Samford University, Southern Seminary (PhD)
Influence: Major seminary training thousands of pastors, writer, podcaster
Heretical Offenses:
- Institutional teaching of Baptist/Reformed heresy
- Explicit rejection of Catholic authority
- Sola scriptura, sola fide
- Rejection of apostolic succession
- Active opposition to Catholic teaching publicly
- Training ground for Protestant pastors teaching heresy
JOHN MACARTHUR (1939-)
Role: Pastor of Grace Community Church, founder of Master's Seminary
Education: Talbot Theological Seminary (MDiv, DD)
Influence: Massive - millions of books, MacArthur Study Bible, Grace to You
ministry
Heretical Offenses:
- Cessationism (Holy Spirit doesn't work through gifts today)
- "Strange Fire" conference attacking charismatic Christianity
- Called Catholic Mass idolatry
- Extreme dispensationalism
- Lordship salvation (modified Reformed soteriology)
- Rejection of all seven sacraments
- Denial of Real Presence and transubstantiation
- Active preaching against Catholic doctrine
Note: Particularly hardline and dogmatic in opposition
LIGON DUNCAN (1960-)
Role: Chancellor/CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary
Education: Covenant Theological Seminary (MDiv, PhD)
Influence: Major Reformed seminary, trains Reformed pastors
Heretical Offenses:
- Presbyterian/Reformed theology throughout
- Institutional propagation of Calvinist heresy
- Rejection of episcopal structure and apostolic succession
- Covenant theology opposing Catholic understanding
- Sola scriptura, sola fide
MICHAEL HORTON (1964-)
Role: Professor at Westminster Seminary, host of White Horse Inn
Education: Covenant College, Westminster Seminary (MA), Wycliffe Hall Oxford,
University of Coventry (PhD)
Influence: White Horse Inn radio/podcast, multiple books on Reformed theology
Heretical Offenses:
- Explicit anti-Catholic apologetics
- "Christless Christianity" critiques both evangelical and Catholic practice
- Covenant theology rejecting Catholic sacramental system
- Active propagation of Reformed theology against Catholicism
- Federal headship and Reformed covenant theology
JOHN FRAME (1939-)
Role: Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary
Education: Princeton University, Westminster Theological Seminary, Yale (AM, MPhil)
Influence: Systematic theology textbooks, academic Reformed theology
Heretical Offenses:
- "Systematic Theology" teaches Reformed heresy comprehensively
- Presuppositional apologetics rejecting Catholic natural theology
- Reformed epistemology contradicting Catholic philosophy
- Tri-perspectivalism (his own system) incompatible with Thomism
- Training ground for Reformed pastors
TIMOTHY KELLER (1950-2023)
Role: Founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC), author
Education: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MDiv), Westminster Theological
Seminary (DMin)
Influence: Massive - urban evangelicalism, "The Reason for God," Gospel
Coalition
Heretical Offenses:
- "Sophisticated" presentation of Reformed heresy
- Winsome style obscures heretical content
- Rejection of Catholic Church claims
- Presbyterian polity rejecting apostolic succession
- Reformed soteriology throughout
- Particularly effective at making heresy seem reasonable and urbane
Note: Dangerous because he's "nice" - people don't realize they're being taught
heresy
SINCLAIR FERGUSON (1948-)
Role: Systematic theologian, Ligonier Teaching Fellow
Education: University of Aberdeen (PhD)
Influence: Reformed academic theology, Ligonier Ministries
Heretical Offenses:
- Comprehensive Reformed systematic theology
- Scottish Presbyterian tradition
- Works closely with Sproul in propagating Reformed heresy
- Academic credibility lending weight to heretical teaching
D.A. CARSON (1946-)
Role: New Testament scholar, co-founder of Gospel Coalition
Education: McGill University, Cambridge University (PhD)
Influence: Massive scholarly influence, "New Testament Commentary Survey"
Heretical Offenses:
- Reformed exegesis throughout New Testament scholarship
- Influences how Protestant pastors read Scripture
- Gospel Coalition leadership promoting Reformed theology
- Academic framework supporting Protestant heresy with scholarly credentials
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IV. FUNDAMENTALIST/DISPENSATIONALIST LEADERS
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JOHN MACARTHUR - see Reformed section (he bridges both categories)
CHARLES SWINDOLL (1934-)
Role: Former president of Dallas Theological Seminary, Insight for Living
Education: Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM, ThD)
Influence: Radio ministry reaching millions, author of 80+ books
Heretical Offenses:
- Dispensational theology
- Institutional leadership at DTS training dispensationalist pastors
- Rejection of sacramental theology
- "Grace awakening" emphasizing Protestant understanding of grace
- Populist theology minimizing Church authority
ERWIN LUTZER (1941-)
Role: Pastor emeritus of Moody Church, author
Education: Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM), Loyola University (MA),
Simon Greenleaf University (LLD)
Influence: "The Doctrines That Divide" - explicit anti-Catholic book
Heretical Offenses:
- "The Doctrines That Divide" explicitly attacks Catholic teaching
- Systematic presentation of Protestant doctrine against Catholicism
- Particularly focused on attacking Catholic positions
- Moody Church platform for dispensationalist theology
DAVE HUNT (1926-2013)
Role: Founder of The Berean Call, author
Education: Self-taught, no formal theological training
Influence: "A Woman Rides the Beast" - virulently anti-Catholic book
Heretical Offenses:
- "A Woman Rides the Beast" identifies Catholic Church as Revelation's whore
- Most extreme anti-Catholic conspiracy theories
- Called papacy the Antichrist
- Accused Catholics of paganism, idolatry, devil worship
- Massive popular influence despite lack of credentials
Note: Particularly dangerous due to emotional/conspiratorial appeal
CHUCK SMITH (1927-2013)
Role: Founder of Calvary Chapel movement
Education: LIFE Bible College
Influence: Calvary Chapel network of thousands of churches
Heretical Offenses:
- Founded denomination teaching dispensationalist heresy
- "Distintictive" Calvary Chapel theology mixing Arminianism and
dispensationalism
- Rejection of sacramental theology throughout network
- Contemporary worship movement minimizing liturgical theology
- Institutional propagation of heresy through church network
HAL LINDSEY (1929-)
Role: Author of "The Late Great Planet Earth"
Education: Dallas Theological Seminary
Influence: 28 million copies sold, popularized dispensational eschatology
Heretical Offenses:
- Popularized dispensational theology for masses
- End-times speculation replacing Catholic eschatology
- Anti-Catholic themes in prophetic interpretation
- Made heretical theology accessible and popular
JOHN HAGEE (1940-)
Role: Founder of Cornerstone Church, Christians United for Israel
Education: Southwestern Assemblies of God University, University of North Texas
Influence: Televangelist, author, political activist
Heretical Offenses:
- Dual covenant theology (Jews saved without Christ) - heretical
- Extreme dispensationalism
- Prosperity theology elements
- Rejection of sacramental Christianity
- Political theology replacing ecclesiology
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V. ANTI-CATHOLIC APOLOGISTS (Especially Culpable)
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JAMES WHITE (1962-)
Role: Director of Alpha & Omega Ministries
Education: Columbia Evangelical Seminary (ThM, ThD - degree mill status
disputed)
Influence: Professional anti-Catholic apologist, debates Catholics publicly
Heretical Offenses:
- Career built on refuting Catholic teaching
- "The Roman Catholic Controversy" - comprehensive anti-Catholic apologetics
- Debates Catholic apologists regularly - KNOWS Catholic positions intimately
- Reformed Baptist theology
- Particularly culpable: makes living teaching against Catholicism
- Knows Catholic arguments at their strongest and rejects them anyway
Note: Perhaps most culpable contemporary figure - professional heretic
ERIC SVENDSEN (1965-)
Role: Director of New Testament Research Ministries (now defunct)
Education: Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (PhD)
Influence: Academic anti-Catholic apologetics
Heretical Offenses:
- "Evangelical Answers" - systematic refutation of Catholic claims
- Academic credentials used to attack Catholic teaching
- Specialized in attacking Marian doctrines
- New Testament scholarship employed against Catholic interpretation
- Knew Catholic positions thoroughly and taught against them
WILLIAM WEBSTER (1947-)
Role: Founder of Christian Resources
Education: Colorado State University
Influence: Multi-volume works on Catholic-Protestant issues
Heretical Offenses:
- "The Church of Rome at the Bar of History" - comprehensive anti-Catholic
history
- "Salvation, the Bible, and Roman Catholicism" series
- Uses Church Fathers against Catholic Church
- Professional anti-Catholic ministry
- Extensive research into Catholic teaching to refute it
LORAINE BOETTNER (1901-1990)
Role: Reformed theologian, author
Education: Princeton Theological Seminary (ThM)
Influence: "Roman Catholicism" - classic anti-Catholic polemic
Heretical Offenses:
- "Roman Catholicism" (1962) - systematic attack on every Catholic doctrine
- Propagated anti-Catholic conspiracy theories
- Influenced generations of anti-Catholic Protestants
- Academic credentials lending credibility to attacks
RALPH WOODROW (1933-)
Role: Author, evangelist
Education: LIFE Bible College
Influence: "Babylon Mystery Religion" (later recanted)
Heretical Offenses:
- Originally taught Catholic Church derived from Babylonian paganism
- Later RECANTED and apologized (rare positive example)
- "The Babylon Connection?" corrects his earlier errors
Note: Included as example of someone who recognized and recanted heresy
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VI. EVANGELICAL LEADERS (Mainstream/Moderate)
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RICK WARREN (1954-)
Role: Founder of Saddleback Church, Purpose Driven movement
Education: California Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary (DMin)
Influence: "The Purpose Driven Life" - 50+ million copies sold
Heretical Offenses:
- Minimalist theology ("Mere Christianity" approach)
- Baptist ecclesiology rejecting Catholic structure
- Church growth movement prioritizing pragmatism over doctrine
- Therapeutic approach to Christianity minimizing dogma
- Despite "nice" approach, still teaches Baptist heresy
- Rejection of sacramental theology
ANDY STANLEY (1958-)
Role: Founder of North Point Community Church
Education: Dallas Theological Seminary (MA)
Influence: Multi-campus megachurch, author, leadership conference speaker
Heretical Offenses:
- "Unhitching" from Old Testament (extremely problematic)
- Minimalist approach to doctrine including Catholic teaching
- "Deep and Wide" - broad welcome but shallow theology
- Leadership principles replacing ecclesiology
- Baptist/evangelical rejection of Catholic claims
BILL HYBELS (1951-)
Role: Founder of Willow Creek Community Church (resigned in scandal)
Education: Trinity International University
Influence: Seeker-sensitive movement, Global Leadership Summit
Heretical Offenses:
- Seeker-sensitive model minimizing distinctive Catholic theology
- Pragmatic approach to church over theological fidelity
- Leadership and business principles replacing ecclesiology
- Therapeutic Christianity over dogmatic Christianity
- Baptist theology throughout despite "non-denominational" branding
MATT CHANDLER (1974-)
Role: Lead Pastor of The Village Church, Acts 29 Network president
Education: Self-taught, no formal degree
Influence: Acts 29 church planting network, popular conference speaker
Heretical Offenses:
- Reformed Baptist theology throughout
- Acts 29 network propagating Calvinist heresy through church plants
- "New Calvinist" movement leader
- Hip, urban presentation of traditional Reformed heresy
- Influential among younger evangelicals
MARK DRISCOLL (1970-)
Role: Former Mars Hill Church pastor (fell due to scandal)
Education: Washington State University, Western Seminary (MA)
Influence: Massive before fall - Acts 29 co-founder, "New Calvinist" leader
Heretical Offenses:
- Aggressive Reformed theology
- "Vintage Christianity" claiming to restore early Church (while teaching
heresy)
- Complementarianism to extreme
- Before fall, influenced thousands toward Reformed heresy
Note: Fall from grace due to personal issues, but theology remains heretical
FRANCIS CHAN (1967-)
Role: Founder of Cornerstone Community Church, author
Education: Master's Seminary (influenced by MacArthur)
Influence: "Crazy Love" - millions of copies, speaking circuit
Heretical Offenses:
- Charismatic Reformed theology
- Trained under MacArthur initially
- Rejection of Catholic sacramental theology
- "Radical" Christianity that's radically Protestant
- Popular among young evangelicals seeking "authentic" faith
Note: Some movement toward Catholic positions on Eucharist but hasn't converted
TONY EVANS (1949-)
Role: Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, founder of The Urban
Alternative
Education: Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM, ThD)
Influence: Radio broadcast, author, first African American to earn ThD from DTS
Heretical Offenses:
- Dispensational theology from DTS training
- Baptist ecclesiology
- "Kingdom agenda" theology replacing Catholic ecclesiology
- Rejection of sacramental system
- Influential in African American evangelical community
GREG LAURIE (1952-)
Role: Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, evangelist
Education: No formal seminary training
Influence: Harvest Crusades, radio broadcast, large church
Heretical Offenses:
- Calvary Chapel theology (post-Chuck Smith)
- Evangelistic methodology emphasizing "decision" over sacraments
- Dispensational eschatology
- Rejection of Catholic sacramental theology
- Popular evangelistic approach teaching Baptist heresy
LOUIE GIGLIO (1958-)
Role: Founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church
Education: Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MA)
Influence: Passion movement - massive youth/college ministry
Heretical Offenses:
- Baptist theology throughout Passion movement
- Worship-focused theology minimizing sacramental reality
- "Indescribable" and "How Great Is Our God" popularize Protestant theology
- Influences millions of young people toward Baptist heresy
- Emotional worship experience replacing sacramental life
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VII. CHARISMATIC/PENTECOSTAL/WORD OF FAITH LEADERS
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BENNY HINN (1952-)
Role: Televangelist, faith healer
Education: No formal theological training
Influence: This Is Your Day broadcast, healing crusades
Heretical Offenses:
- Prosperity gospel (separate heresy)
- Extreme charismatic excess
- Word of Faith theology
- Rejection of Catholic sacramental theology
- "Health and wealth" gospel contradicting Catholic teaching on suffering
- Little gods doctrine (humans as divine beings)
Note: Multiple heresies beyond just anti-Catholic positions
KENNETH COPELAND (1936-)
Role: Founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Education: Oral Roberts University
Influence: Major televangelist, prosperity gospel leader
Heretical Offenses:
- Word of Faith heresy (faith as force, positive confession)
- Prosperity gospel
- "Little gods" theology - humans as divine
- Rejection of suffering in Christian life
- Denial of Catholic teaching on sacraments and Church
- Extremely problematic Christology at times
JOYCE MEYER (1943-)
Role: Founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries
Education: Life Christian University (unaccredited)
Influence: Televangelist, author, women's conference speaker
Heretical Offenses:
- Word of Faith theology
- Prosperity gospel elements
- Rejection of sacramental Christianity
- Therapeutic Christianity over dogmatic theology
- Teaching career with minimal theological training
- Influences millions of women away from Catholic teaching
T.D. JAKES (1957-)
Role: Bishop of The Potter's House, author
Education: Friends International Christian University (degree mill)
Influence: Massive - megachurch, author, conference speaker, films
Heretical Offenses:
- Modalist tendencies (Oneness Pentecostal background)
- Prosperity gospel elements
- "Bishop" title without apostolic succession
- Non-denominational Pentecostalism rejecting Catholic structure
- Therapeutic preaching minimizing dogma
- Massive influence leading people away from Catholic teaching
JOEL OSTEEN (1963-)
Role: Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church
Education: Oral Roberts University (dropped out)
Influence: Largest church in America, bestselling author, televangelist
Heretical Offenses:
- Prosperity gospel ("Your Best Life Now")
- Therapeutic Christianity with minimal doctrine
- "Positive thinking" replacing Catholic theology
- Almost no discussion of sin, judgment, or Catholic distinctives
- Rejection of sacramental theology
- Motivational speaking replacing preaching
Note: Perhaps least theological but most popular - leads millions away from
Catholic truth through feel-good heresy
RODNEY HOWARD-BROWNE (1961-)
Role: Evangelist, founder of Revival Ministries International
Education: Unaccredited Bible school
Influence: "Holy laughter" movement, "Toronto Blessing" associated
Heretical Offenses:
- Extreme charismatic excess
- Unbiblical manifestations promoted as Holy Spirit
- Prosperity elements
- Rejection of liturgical/sacramental Christianity
- Emotionalism replacing Catholic theology
BILL JOHNSON (1951-)
Role: Senior Leader of Bethel Church, Redding
Education: No formal theological training
Influence: Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, charismatic renewal
Heretical Offenses:
- New Apostolic Reformation theology
- "Signs and wonders" movement with problematic theology
- "Manifest presence" theology minimizing sacramental presence
- Rejection of cessationism (correct) but charismatic excess
- "Christian mysticism" divorced from Catholic mystical tradition
- Influences thousands through Bethel ministry school
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VIII. CATHOLIC DISSENTERS (Most Serious - Heretics Within)
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Note: These are especially grave because they claim Catholic identity while
teaching against Catholic dogma. They cause more confusion than external
Protestants.
HANS KÜNG (1928-2021)
Role: Catholic priest, theologian, professor
Education: Pontifical Gregorian University (doctorate in theology)
Official Status: Had Catholic teaching license removed by Vatican (1979)
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied papal infallibility explicitly
- Questioned Real Presence
- Rejected defined dogma of Vatican I
- "Infallible? An Inquiry" - direct attack on defined dogma
- Remained priest but forbidden to teach as Catholic theologian
- Used Catholic credentials to undermine Catholic teaching
- Ecumenism that denied Catholic distinctives
Note: MOST CULPABLE - ordained priest, highest theological education,
deliberately taught against dogma he was ordained to defend
CHARLES CURRAN (1934-)
Role: Catholic priest, moral theologian
Education: Pontifical Gregorian University, Academia Alfonsiana (PhD)
Official Status: Removed from Catholic University of America (1986)
Heretical Offenses:
- Rejected Humanae Vitae (papal teaching on contraception)
- Dissented from Catholic moral theology systematically
- Taught proportionalism in ethics (consequentialism)
- Used academic position to teach against Magisterium
- Ordained priest teaching against Church's moral doctrine
- Influenced generation of moral theologians into dissent
RICHARD MCBRIEN (1936-2015)
Role: Catholic priest, theologian
Education: Gregorian University (STL), Catholic University (PhD)
Influence: "Catholicism" textbook used in many programs
Heretical Offenses:
- "Catholicism" minimizes papal authority and doctrine
- Questioned virgin birth
- Minimized Marian doctrines
- Liberal revision of Catholic theology throughout textbook
- Used position at Notre Dame to influence thousands
- Ordained priest undermining Catholic teaching he was ordained to uphold
MATTHEW FOX (1940-)
Role: Former Dominican priest
Education: Institut Catholique de Paris (doctorate in spirituality)
Official Status: Expelled from Dominican Order (1993), became Episcopal priest
Heretical Offenses:
- Creation Spirituality mixing Catholicism with New Age
- Denied original sin
- Panentheism (God is in creation, not transcendent)
- Syncretism with non-Christian religions
- "Original Blessing" denying traditional theology of sin
- Used Catholic mystical tradition to teach non-Catholic theology
- Eventually left for Episcopalianism
TISSA BALASURIYA (1924-2013)
Role: Catholic priest, Oblate of Mary Immaculate
Education: Oxford, Rome, Sorbonne
Official Status: Excommunicated (1997), later reconciled (1998)
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied uniqueness of Christ for salvation
- Religious pluralism denying "extra ecclesiam nulla salus"
- Questioned Marian doctrines
- Liberation theology mixing Marxism with Catholicism
- Syncretism with Buddhism
- "Mary and Human Liberation" - problematic Mariology
- Excommunicated but eventually reconciled before death
MARCEL LEFEBVRE (1905-1991)
Role: Catholic Archbishop
Education: French Seminary, Holy Ghost Fathers
Official Status: Excommunicated (1988) for illicit episcopal consecrations
Heretical Offenses:
- Rejected Vatican II (specifically religious liberty, ecumenism)
- Ordained bishops without papal permission (automatic excommunication)
- Founded SSPX in schism
- Sedevacantist tendencies (questioning validity of recent popes)
- Disobedience to papal authority
Note: Different type - rejected Vatican II reforms as heretical (they weren't)
EMMANUEL MILINGO (1930-2024)
Role: Catholic Archbishop
Education: Ireland, Rome
Official Status: Excommunicated (2006)
Heretical Offenses:
- Married in defiance of celibacy requirement
- Ordained married men as bishops without permission
- Founded "Married Priests Now!" movement
- Rejected clerical celibacy as discipline
- Excommunicated for illicit ordinations
- Undermined priestly vows after being ordained bishop
JAMES MARTIN, SJ (1960-)
Role: Jesuit priest, editor-at-large of America Magazine
Education: Wharton School, Jesuit formation
Controversy: Not formally condemned but creates serious confusion
Problematic Positions:
- Does not explicitly deny dogma but creates confusion on sexuality/marriage
- "Building a Bridge" - LGBT outreach that obscures Church teaching
- Appears to question Church teaching without explicitly denying it
- Uses Jesuit credentials to undermine clarity on sexual morality
- More problematic for causing confusion than explicit heresy
Note: Included because influential in causing confusion, though technically not
formal heresy
LEONARDO BOFF (1938-)
Role: Former Franciscan priest
Education: Oxford, Munich (doctorate)
Official Status: Left priesthood (1992) rather than be silenced
Heretical Offenses:
- Liberation theology mixing Marxism with Christianity
- Ecclesiogenesis - "church from below" rejecting hierarchy
- Minimized distinctive Catholic claims
- Eventually left priesthood after Vatican investigation
- Used Catholic credentials to teach heterodox theology
EDWARD SCHILLEBEECKX (1914-2009)
Role: Dominican priest, theologian
Education: Louvain (doctorate in theology)
Status: Never formally condemned but investigated multiple times by Vatican
Problematic Positions:
- Questioned Real Presence
- Minimized miraculous elements of Scripture
- Christology "from below" problematic
- "Ministry" questioned apostolic succession
- Never recanted but also never formally condemned
Note: Borderline case - investigated but not condemned
ROSEMARY RADFORD RUETHER (1936-2022)
Role: Catholic feminist theologian
Education: Claremont Graduate University (PhD)
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied male priesthood as essential
- "Women-Church" movement - feminist alternative to Catholic Church
- Questioned traditional Christology
- Eco-feminism mixing paganism with Christianity
- Used Catholic academic positions to teach against Church
- Influenced Catholic feminist theology toward heresy
ELISABETH SCHÜSSLER FIORENZA (1938-)
Role: Catholic feminist theologian
Education: University of Münster (doctorate in theology)
Influence: Harvard Divinity School professor
Heretical Offenses:
- Feminist reconstruction of Christianity
- Denied male priesthood as essential
- "In Memory of Her" - feminist revision of early Christianity
- Challenged biblical authority and interpretation
- Used Catholic credentials for heterodox feminist theology
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IX. ACADEMIC THEOLOGIANS TEACHING HERESY
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RUDOLF BULTMANN (1884-1976)
Role: Lutheran theologian, New Testament scholar
Education: University of Marburg
Influence: "Demythologization" of New Testament
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied historicity of Jesus's miracles
- Demythologization program rejecting supernatural
- Existentialist interpretation of Christianity
- Form criticism undermining Scripture's reliability
- Massive influence on liberal Protestant theology
- Influenced Catholic biblical scholars toward skepticism
PAUL TILLICH (1886-1965)
Role: Lutheran/Protestant theologian
Education: Universities of Berlin, Tübingen, Halle
Influence: "Systematic Theology" - major 20th century work
Heretical Offenses:
- "God above God" - panentheism
- Denied personal God
- Christianity as symbols rather than historical truth
- Existentialist theology replacing traditional Christianity
- "Ground of Being" replacing personal God
JOHN SHELBY SPONG (1931-2021)
Role: Episcopal bishop
Education: Virginia Theological Seminary
Influence: Popular author, lecturer
Heretical Offenses:
- Denied virgin birth, resurrection (literally)
- "Why Christianity Must Change or Die"
- Rejected theism for non-theistic Christianity
- Denied biblical authority
- Used bishop title to teach against Christianity
- Influenced many toward theological liberalism
Note: So extreme he's barely Christian by any orthodox definition
MARCUS BORG (1942-2015)
Role: Episcopal priest, Jesus Seminar
Education: Oxford (DPhil)
Influence: Popular author, Jesus Seminar
Heretical Offenses:
- Historical Jesus separate from Christ of faith
- Jesus Seminar - denied most of Gospel historicity
- Non-supernatural Christianity
- "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time" - Jesus as wisdom teacher, not
divine Savior
- Influenced many toward liberal Protestantism
JOHN DOMINIC CROSSAN (1934-)
Role: Former Catholic priest, Jesus Seminar co-founder
Education: Maynooth College, Pontifical Biblical Institute (doctorate)
Official Status: Left priesthood, married
Heretical Offenses:
- Jesus Seminar - systematic denial of Gospel reliability
- "The Historical Jesus" - naturalistic reconstruction
- Denied resurrection as historical event
- Used Catholic biblical training to undermine Scripture
- Influenced liberal biblical scholarship
BART EHRMAN (1955-)
Role: Former evangelical, now agnostic New Testament scholar
Education: Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton, Princeton (PhD)
Influence: Popular author, UNC Chapel Hill professor
Heretical Offenses:
- "Misquoting Jesus" - undermines Scripture reliability
- Denies inspiration of Scripture
- Textual criticism used to attack biblical authority
- Left Christianity entirely, now teaches skepticism
- Massive popular influence leading people away from Christianity
Note: Different category - no longer claims to be Christian, but influences
many away from faith
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X. SUMMARY FOR CATECHESIS
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WHAT THIS LIST DEMONSTRATES:
1. SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
- Millions follow these teachers
- Major seminaries, publishing houses, media empires
- Institutional propagation of heresy
2. TYPES OF HERETICS
- External (Protestants teaching Protestant doctrine)
- Internal (Catholics teaching against Catholic doctrine) - MOST SERIOUS
- Former believers (those who left faith entirely)
3. LEVELS OF CULPABILITY
- Educated, trained theologians: MOST CULPABLE
- Seminary presidents, professors: Training others in heresy
- Ordained Catholic priests/bishops teaching against faith: GRAVEST
4. COMMON HERESIES
- Sola Fide (faith alone) - contradicts Trent
- Sola Scriptura - rejects Church authority
- Denial of Real Presence/Transubstantiation
- Rejection of sacramental efficacy (ex opere operato)
- Rejection of apostolic succession
- Calvinist soteriology (TULIP) - contradicts free will, universal redemption
- Denial of Marian doctrines
- Symbolic view of sacraments
5. WHY IT MATTERS FOR OCIA
- Your catechumens were likely taught by some of these people
- They need to understand: This wasn't just "different tradition"
- These were HERESIES - objectively false teachings
- Conversion means recognizing what they were taught was ERROR
- "You cannot authentically commit your life to someone you don't know"
- Protestant heresy obscures who Christ actually is and what He established
6. PASTORAL APPROACH
- CHARITABLE toward persons (they may be sincere)
- CLEAR about content (the teaching is heretical)
- HONEST about stakes (souls are endangered by false teaching)
- COMPREHENSIVE in catechesis (undo years of heretical formation)
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CONCLUSION
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This list is not meant to foster hatred of Protestants or former Catholics.
Many of these individuals are/were sincere in their beliefs. However, sincerity does not make error into truth.
Participants in OCIA deserve to know:
- What they were taught was HERESY (objectively false)
- Why it matters (truth vs. error, salvation at stake)
- What they're converting TO (fullness of truth in Catholic Church)
- How to think clearly about theological error
The goal: Robust, clear, uncompromising catechesis that respects adult
intelligence while calling heresy what it is - heresy.
"The truth will set you free" (John 8:32)
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Compiled for Catholic Adult Faith Formation
November 22, 2025
Working definition: Heresy = Teaching that contradicts defined Catholic dogma, especially when done by educated persons with knowledge of Catholic teaching who deliberately teach against it.
This document is for catechetical use in helping converts understand the theological landscape they're coming from and the fullness of truth they're entering into.
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