On the Infallibility of Tradition, Scripture, Magisterium

“I cannot understand why after all of Steelfish’s nonsense you can still “expect better” from him. You must be an extremely optimistic person.”

I’ve interacted with Steelfish enough to know he is sincere and capable of a real conversation. Even though we disagree on many things, we also agree on many things. I consider him a FRiend. I expect big things from FRiends.

I also know I can’t force anyone to seek truth. Or speak truth.

Apparently, you keep digging yourself deeper by citing references to your absurdity by claiming that I am making a “strawman’s argument” when it is the logical consequence of distinguishing “your” beliefs against many mainline Protestant denominations that ordain married gay and lesbian pastors by suggesting “we” do not regard them as Christian.

I would think you are intelligent enough to know what the term “strawman’s argument” means and that this is not enough to deflect from the inherent absurdity of your references to “we” suggesting your know what distinguishes authentic Christian beliefs than those that aren’t? Go tell that to the Joel Osteens, Rev. Sharptons, Moonies, Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Billy Grahams of this world who have made family fortunes with their heresies.

So the truth is not up for grabs but humans make errors? Seriously, where do you get this stuff from?

So the early Church fathers who for two hundred years sorted through various written fragments and assembled the canonical texts in the Synod of Rome in AD 382 possibly got their inclusions and arrangements wrong because they were “humans” and “humans make errors”?

So Peter and his successors who were commanded by Christ to “Go forth and teach..” may also have got it wrong because they were “humans”? And whatever they taught is shaky as quicksand because they were “humans” and references to “building” a “Church” on a “rock” and the “gates of hell shall never prevail against thee” are all nonsense despite a vast constellation of history, tradition, the writings and actions of the early Church fathers, the saints, and martyrs all attesting to the fact that it is the ONE Catholic Church that Christ established?

Sincerely, and with no ill-feeling, I don’t think we can can any further regard your posts as serious. Logical inferences, conclusions from the comments you make are are dubbed as “strawman’s argument” as if this were some magical wand to wave away the sheer absurdities that arise from what you write.

“Sincerely, and with no ill-feeling, I don’t think we can can any further regard your posts as serious. Logical inferences, conclusions from the comments you make are are dubbed as “strawman’s argument” as if this were some magical wand to wave away the sheer absurdities that arise from what you write.”

I concede DeprogramLiberalism, you were correct. I can’t and won’t try to explain the posting behavior.

Steelfish, Based on my previous conversations with you, I expect better. I wish you well, but your posts have become histrionic, filled with logical fallacies and repetitive of slogans. Real conversations do not happen in that environment.

best always.

I had no intention of reply. But I cannot resist. When you find yourself trapped by the very absurdity of the logic you propound, it is what occurs to anyone when they are actually trapped by an indefensible belief within them.

It’s the absurd belief that makes for an absurd defense and hence out of this comes statements like the one you made on previous posts that when taken to their logical conclusion reaches results that shows the caricature of what is amorphously known as Protestantism.

This is why its better to be honest like Dr. David Anders and call Protestantism for what it is even though it took him several years of study as he moved from shallow waters into deeper historical and theological inquiry to realize that Protestantism is one whole mass of conflicting and confusing arguments. Even more he converted to Catholicism. And of course, he is not alone!

Steelfish,
When you have time and some clarity of mind, I encourage you to take time to form a real argument for your position.

At this point, you are repeating slogans and continuing to use logical fallacies. While that is your right, you will never convince anyone who doesn’t already believe in Catholicism to join you, since there is no real argument backed by facts, logic or evidence.

I wish you the best.

Quote from Steelfish >>>Dr. David Anders, a former Protestant theological scholar sums up thus: “I also realized that Protestantism was a confused mass of inconsistencies and tortured logic. Not only was Protestant doctrine untrue, it bred contention, and could not even remain unchanged. The more I studied, the more I realized that my evangelical heritage had moved far not only from ancient Christianity, but even from the teaching of her own Protestant founders.”<<<

I fully agree with this statement. No doubt, as a Protestant Anders thought that the epistle of James was inspired by God, and now as a Roman Catholic he actually thinks he understands Scripture better, while still erroneously believing that the epistle of James was inspired by God.

Ja.1.25a But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom

Ja.2.11-13 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom

James thought that the OC Law brought freedom. Paul disagreed:

Ro.8.1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Ga.3.23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.

Ga.4.9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Ga.5.1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

And Peter agrees with Paul:

Ac.15.5-7a,10 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: 10 “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?”

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