What it is:
An anathema is a pronouncement of judgment. In the conciliar teachings of the Catholic Church, after a dogma is decreed, anathemas are declared against those who hold to opposing teachings. The wording of the dogmatic canon concludes "If any one says... Let him be anathema." The anathema is a warning to the heretic that holding to or teaching false teaching doctrine, "cuts the person off" from THE ONE TRUE CHURCH. Unless they repent, those holding to such doctrines are destined for eternal damnation.
The Protestant teaching of justification by faith alone and ASSURANCE of salvation are anathematized. Anathemas are also in place for denying the doctrines of TRANSUBSTANTIATION, PENANCE, BAPTISMAL REGENERATION, INDULGENCES, PURGATORY, the VENERATION OF RELICS, and the INFALLIBILITY OF THE POPE.
How it came about:
Anathema is an adjective in the Bible that depicts those people or things that are accursed by God, and often devoted for destruction. For example, in the Old Testament, the Canaanite people were anathema, certain spoils of war were anathema, and someone who is hanged on a tree is anathema. In the New Testament, Paul declares as anathema those who do not love the Lord, and those who teach another gospel. In the early history of the church, anathemas were pronounced chiefly against heretics -- for example, those who would deny the deity of Christ. These heretics would not be permitted to fellowship with the church. Pope Gregory IX (1227-41) went further: he declared that not only should heretics be excommunicated from the Church, but he also encouraged their persecution. And a "heretic" became anyone who did not give complete allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church. The period of INQUISITIONS lasted until the 1809, when Napoleon conquered Spain. At the First Vatican Council, on July 18, 1870 the ultimate authority behind the anathemas was declared infallible by vote of an overwhelming majority. Of course, anyone who voted to the contrary would become subject to the anathema attached to the new dogma!
Why it is wrong:
1) ...because the Catholic Church condemns many truths of the Bible;
2) ...because the Catholic Church condemns those who reject its man-made traditions;
3) ...because of the historical persecution of those who the Church anathematizes;
4) ...because, under the guise of holding "the power of the keys," the Pope usurps the authority that is reserved only for God - to condemn someone to hell.
Warnings from Scripture:
"An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority; And my people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?" Jer. 5:31
"Woe to you, lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered." Luke 11:52
"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengence is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord." Rom. 12:19
"You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you." James 5:6
