[jo kus]

It's awfully convenient to say SCRIPTURE defies the ability to be understood by any believer, but only by your hierarchical church. I guess that printing press really messed things up for you guys.

I urge you to read a book on the development of doctrine in early Christian history. You will find that those declared as heretics used the very same Scriptures to prove their points of view as being correct, much as you do today. Even in the Second Century, Catholics were writing about Gnostics who were "appropriating" the Scriptures to suit their fanciful theories. Today, we see this with the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons - who aren't Christian. If Scripture was so obvious and could only be taken one way, why do people of good will completely disagree on so much of it?

Regards

[wmfights]

"I urge you to read a book on the development of doctrine in early Christian history. You will find that those declared as heretics used the very same Scriptures to prove their points of view as being correct, much as you do today."
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As soon as I have to depend on your "Tradition" I will be prey to false doctrine.

BTW, have you ever wondered if some of those "heretics" were actually right and our MARTYRS that we will meet in heaven?

[HarleyD]

I urge you to read a book on the development of doctrine in early Christian history. You will find that those declared as heretics used the very same Scriptures to prove their points of view as being correct

While I believe it is worthwhile for people to read and understand history, our Lord Jesus warned us about following the tradition of men (vis-a-vis Pharisees). I can't recall any such warning about reading scripture, can you?

Those who hold false views of things were always meant to hold false views. God separates the sheep from the goats. It is God who gives us our knowledge and understanding. At least that's what the scriptures states.