RCs on these forum threads tend to frame the debate as Roman Catholicism versus Protestantism. On this basis, RCs on FR RF can and do evade and obfuscate the true discussion.
And that true discussion, that doesn’t happen often here on FR, is between the RCC and the Church Founded Himself by Lord Jesus Christ that has always been around in spite of continual persecutions of Christians by carnal despots and their man-made, hierarchical, religious organizations that EACH call themselves the one true church.
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Its not a “church,” but his assembly, which has been here since the time of Adam.
He built (grew) his assembly on the faith of his mighty apostles.
(”wherever two or more are gathered in my name...”)
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Sigh. Muslims at the gate...and we waste our time attacking each other.
Exactly right...
Great Post!
Yes, although God used the Church to spread his Gospel, in many cases he brought the Gospel to us in spite of the Church.
If it had not of been for the roman church we may not have had a Bible but just bits and pieces of the gospel.
But what good is the Bible if only a few of the hierarchy are the only ones who read it as was the case during the holy roman empire.
Jesus said that his Gospel would be preached in all nations.
Up until the reformation the Gospel was not preached but only Church doctrine, (at least that is my understanding of history and the very reason for the split between the Church and the Catholics who believed the Gospel should be preached.)
So while I believe that God had a use for the Catholic Church he also had a reason for the reformation neither one is a tower unto themselves.
The Catholic Church will say that they are the only ones who are allowed to interpret scripture, what part of scripture needs an interpretation?
Here is the scripture they use to supposedly justify their argument.
2 Peter 1
20 Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.
21 For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.
But it really has nothing to do with any one reading the bible for them selves.
If we read the prior verses it shows that peter was saying that the things he and the other apostles wrote about the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus was not their private interpretation.
12 For which cause I will begin to put you always in remembrance of these things: though indeed you know them, and are confirmed in the present truth.
13 But I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.
16 For we have not by following artificial fables, made known to you the power, and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; but we were eyewitnesses of his greatness.
17 For he received from God the Father, honour and glory: this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
18 And this voice we heard brought from heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.
Looks to me like peter was just assuring them that what was written about Jesus was of God and not of them selves.