A rather kind and measured response.
I was not trying to be clever, but rather represent my theological perspective.
To my intentions...It is not that I believe the Catholic Church has gotten too large, and is no longer doing God’s work. It is that I believe that the Scriptures describe the Gospel in a way that is quite different than the Catholic Church describes it. Consequently, the Catholic Church is burdened with a number of difficult situations that the biblical Church does not carry. The biblical Church is not a monolithic organization headed by a single man on earth, irrespective of what that organization now claims.
The Church is referred to as the Assembly of believers, congregating in homes, tunnels, cemetaries, halls, and really anywhere that the Gospel according to the Apostles could be taught. There they fellowshipped (encouraged each other), broke bread (ate together and celebrated the resurrection), prayed (entreated God to teach them and increase their faith), and listened to the Apostles teaching (had the men gifted for teaching tell them about the unfolding story of Christ).
You can tell from the letter to the Romans that there was not a central headquarters that directed the “organization”. Really, there were hundreds of these small groups everywhere. The Roman influence began to compel these to acquiesce to their leadership, rather than the groups elevating Rome. Additionally, Rome, while it did recognize a small number of correct doctrines, departed the Gospel on the big issues, such as...
1. Does a man choose God or God choose men? Augustine tried to argue this from Pelagius, but semi-pelagianism has captured the hearts of the RCC leadership.
2. Are men then predestined or do they have “self-will”? This became a hated topic, because it removed the authority of Rome back to God (connected with the first point).
3. Do Priests have to be instrumental in the process of salvation of a man? The priesthood was a product of the Mosaic Law. Yes, they existed before the Law, but so did sacrifices. This sacerdotalism of Rome is a holdover from the Law and, although the book of Hebrews clearly explains the passing of the Law and its accoutrements (sacrifices, holy days, etc.) the RCC continues to demand it to retain the “control” over believers. This is just what the Reformers fought and denied. There is now just One Priest, the Man Christ Jesus who sprinkles any man whome He desires. That man was at war with God, but then comes to faith.
4. They believe they have the “keys” to the kingdom of Christ. This is nonsense. The “keys” to the kingdom is this recognition that Jesus is the Messiah, the Rescuer of Israel first, then the Gentiles. If you see that, you hold the keys. If I see that, I have the keys.
There are others, but as you can see, I think the RCC has departed the real message of Christ sufficiently to be considered teaching “another gospel”. They have said their organization is the central matter, not Jesus. They claim He authorized them to be central, but that is more nonsense. And the 17 Senator problem is just more of the fallout of this “organizational” mentality that you have to be “in their group” to belong to Christ. Again, nonsense. But, the RCs around here will send in the dogs now to “prove” they are the chosen.
So, let me be clear, many RCs are likely saved, but not because of good teaching, but in spite of it. Christ knows who are His own. That is why I said, it is more important that He know me, than I recognize Him.
I hope grace is extended to you.
That being said, your understanding of the Catholic Church and its history is limited by the typical slant of those who grew up in a protestant faith. Because of that, I forgive you for the common misconceptions that you posted at the end, which I might otherwise have considered lying. Again, theology has no place in this thread or in this forum. If you must contiue this discussion, start a vanity, and ping me in. That being said:
1) Is an historical attack against the Church that ignorant protestants have made for centuries. Pelagius found some favor in his early life, but the Chuch condemned him later, along with his teachings. Again, I have not wish to discuss this with you further here. You made your point, I have made mine. Pelagius has not place in Catholic theology. Sorry you didn't know this.
2) The Catholic Church reaffirms the central concept of free will constantly. Predetermination has no place in Catholic doctrine.
3) The Church positions ordained priests only as counselors and administerers of the sacraments. Nowhere does the Church suggest they must to be instrumental in the process of salvation of a man. Another lie often repeated by the ignorant with only those at war with the Catholic Church as a source of information. Even before the Reformation, lay missionaries were venturing out to places where they would likely never encounter another priest for the remainder of their lives. Did they go to hell for their troubles?
4) Another lie. Catholics believe that good people of all faiths may be saved. Including your own. And of course we believe our way of worshiping is best for us. For that matter, we believe that members of non-Christian faiths may also be saved. From the way you have been talking, its very likely yours does not, which is, of course, a completely illogical and motiveless concept for the God I love and honor.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Your understanding of Catholicism is decidedly limited and one-sided. If you want to continue posting negative things about a religion that encompasses the core beliefs of more people than any other, the least you could do is educate yourself a bit more before proceeding. Peace be with you my brother.
Your God-given free will permits you to be just as wrong as you might care to be.
Consequently, the Catholic Church is burdened with a number of difficult situations that the biblical Church does not carry.
The Catholic Church IS the Biblical Church.
The biblical Church is not a monolithic organization headed by a single man on earth, irrespective of what that organization now claims.
The Catholic Church is headed by Jesus Christ, as He designed it.
This is how the very young Catholic Church survived, as He willed it.
...and listened to the Apostles teaching (had the men gifted for teaching tell them about the unfolding story of Christ).
Each of the Apostles were Bishops of the young Catholic Church who actually knew and met Christ while he walked the earth.
It had not yet been built, as His Church was very young.
Really, there were hundreds of these small groups everywhere.
Now there are tens of thousands.
The Roman influence began to compel these to acquiesce to their leadership, rather than the groups elevating Rome.
Nonsensical as I read it. Rome had very little to do with the Catholic Church then.
Additionally, Rome, while it did recognize a small number of correct doctrines, departed the Gospel on the big issues, such as...
Rome was pagan, I'm sure it made many departures. The Catholic Church, however, made none, just as Christ willed it.
Thank God Almighty the Catholic Church has not been implicated in what you report. Every man in the Catholic Church has chosen God. This is why He created the Church.
Neither. They have free will. Rome never had any authority, it was a pagan republic. The Catholic Church has been His instrument on earth since His Ascension.
Christ commands us in John 6 to partake of Holy Eucharist.
The priesthood was a product of the Mosaic Law.
No. "A priesthood" was.
This sacerdotalism of Rome is a holdover from the Law and, although the book of Hebrews clearly explains the passing of the Law and its accoutrements (sacrifices, holy days, etc.)
It is still surpassing difficult to understand why you continue to weave pagan Rome into these discussions, let alone mentions of the Jewish priesthood which Christ replaced with His Church.
...the RCC continues to demand it to retain the “control” over believers.
Good thing the Catholic Church is not implicated in this latest bizarre charge.
This is just what the Reformers fought and denied.
They were an egotistically beguiled and misdirected lot.
There is now just One Priest, the Man Christ Jesus who sprinkles any man whome He desires.
Such is another lie of the heretics.
Nope. The keys of the Kingdom were given to Simon Peter, Pope Peter I, at Christ's founding of the Catholic Church.