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The big question I have, is without someone to be the final authority on something, how does anybody know a particular belief is true?

For example, there is the truth and not the truth. Either Christ’s church on Earth is true or not true. If everybody is on their own to make that determination, and believe it is done by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does everybody thus know the truth?

The answer is no. A person is a member of a religious tradition because it believes that tradition teaches the truth to the exclusion of others.

A serious Presbyterian is not Baptist because they don’t believe as Baptists believe. There may be similarities, and some shared beliefs, but in the end, a person chooses one over the other.

Starting at Matthew 16:18, Peter is specifically called out among the Apostles. We then see him in the Council of Jerusalem leading the elders to decide the dispute of circumcision and other dietary/morality issues.

It is interesting that Peter had nowhere near the education of Paul, yet it was Peter Jesus appointed. James also showed himself a smart cookie, however, Peter was the leader.

As we look to the Reformation period, we see different factions (denominations) declaring they were not only different from the Catholic Church, but also from other denominations.

Back to question, if Luther believed what he taught was true based upon the Bible and the Holy Spirit, and others such as Zwingli, Knox, etc., also believed they themselves were right, then who is right, and why?

We know the Holy Spirit doesn’t lie, so the difference in beliefs must come from interpretations of Scripture. If everybody has a right to their own personal interpretation, then their is no “truth.” Rather, it is Relativism.

BTW, the Pope is currently Francis, and Benedict XVI is Pope Emeritus. More accurately, Benedict XVI is the retired Bishop of Rome and thus no longer Pontiff.

How do you know the church is true? That's a matter of your own interpretation as well. You've decided that the church is right based on what?

It's the same dilemma whether you are trying to determine the truth using Scripture, or using the church.

The very weaknesses Catholics like to try to point out when people rely on Scripture, are the very same weaknesses that exist when people try to rely on the church.

Who interprets the church to you?

Who interprets the catechism to you?

Who interprets the magisterium to you?

Who interprets the priests homily to you?

Who interprets the interpretation of the interpreter to you.

And so it goes.

What's true is NOT the church. Nowhere in Scripture is the church ever called the truth or are we told to look to the church for the truth.

On the contrary, this is what the Holy Spirit in Scripture is the truth.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

So tell me, what's so hard about that to understand that I need someone to *interpret* it for me? That I can't understand that on my own?

"The big question I have, is without someone to be the final authority on something, how does anybody know a particular belief is true?" 1. Christ is always the final authority. Not a human. 2. Having any human leader doesn't guarantee a particular belief is true. You can look at many groups, but since we are talking about a "pope" on this thread, I point out that many popes have been wrong historically about all kinds of things. Many were evil humans. "For example, there is the truth and not the truth. Either Christ’s church on Earth is true or not true. If everybody is on their own to make that determination, and believe it is done by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does everybody thus know the truth?" Everybody isn't "on their own." The Word of God is inspired. The Holy Spirit indwells in every believer to guide them into truth. God has given pastors and teachers TO the church to teach and guide. "The answer is no. A person is a member of a religious tradition because it believes that tradition teaches the truth to the exclusion of others." This may indeed be your belief, but I will disagree. I came to CHRIST because He alone offers eternal life. I worship at a church that teaches His Word and the Gospel. "A serious Presbyterian is not Baptist because they don’t believe as Baptists believe. There may be similarities, and some shared beliefs, but in the end, a person chooses one over the other." You call your denominations "rites." Others call them denominations. People worship where they believe God wants them. The groups you mention share core beliefs. They differ on minor issues. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” ― Augustine of Hippo "Starting at Matthew 16:18, Peter is specifically called out among the Apostles." Peter had a role he was chosen for. It was not "pope." "We then see him in the Council of Jerusalem leading the elders to decide the dispute of circumcision and other dietary/morality issues." He did not lead. He testified. James led. The Council as a whole implemented it. You should really do it again. "It is interesting that Peter had nowhere near the education of Paul, yet it was Peter Jesus appointed. James also showed himself a smart cookie, however, Peter was the leader." Peter was not the leader. James was the leader. "Back to question, if Luther believed what he taught was true based upon the Bible and the Holy Spirit, and others such as Zwingli, Knox, etc., also believed they themselves were right, then who is right, and why?" They all had commonalities in core beliefs. What was wrong was animosity between them. What was right was the core beliefs. Best.

A person is a member of a religious tradition because it believes that tradition teaches the truth to the exclusion of others.

Not necessarily. I was a member of a certain denomination because it gave me voting privileges being part of the congregation.

Additionally, it's wrong in that Christians don't look to tradition as Catholics do, they look to Scripture and are going to join a congregation that puts Scripture ABOVE tradition.