[Dr. Eckleburg]

I'm sure DrSteve has his own answer to this. My opinion is that, like Steve's paper stipulated, for the 1,200 years prior to the Reformation the words and writings of the Apostles became more and more entrenched in a superfluous hierarchy of human complications surrounding the established church.

When the Bible became available for the masses to read themselves, the Holy Spirit spoke the Word of God to the individual more clearly than the overly-adorned church.

It was no coincidence that as Calvin wrote his Commentaries on the Scriptures, he became more convinced than ever of Rome's error and God's will.

I do remember a time when Catholics were forbidden to read the Bible on their own. Many now deny this, but that's how I remember it.

It's similar to Mel Gibson's church being called "radical," when his beliefs were 100% the Catholic norm (and held by every Catholic friend I had) until the 60's. Some facts just get lost down the memory hole.

[Claud]

I do remember a time when Catholics were forbidden to read the Bible on their own.

You'll forgive me if I don't hold to your memory's infallibility. :)

Perhaps if you can produce a reference to said document....