[Forest Keeper]

[FK to Alex:]"Your view also contradicts 2 Tim. 3, since it would not be the scripture which was profitable, but only the on-high interpretation of it by the hierarchy. The scripture by itself would be virtually useless."

This isn't even remotely true of Orthodox theology. Such dogma as exists, exists because the People of God have accepted it and lived it out, ...

Yes, I was speaking much more of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. I see it as claiming and exerting authority despite what the laity may believe. On the L&E thread I posted some statistics (polls) showing the RC Church in disagreement with a majority of the laity on issues such as contraception (overwhelmingly), marriage dissolution, and (I think) clerical celibacy.

[Kolokotronis]

"On the L&E thread I posted some statistics (polls) showing the RC Church in disagreement with a majority of the laity on issues such as contraception (overwhelmingly), marriage dissolution, and (I think) clerical celibacy."

I am very surprised at the last two.

[Mad Dawg]

Was that polling world wide or just here in the US?

[annalex]

[Catholic] Church in disagreement with a majority of the laity on issues such as contraception (overwhelmingly), marriage dissolution, and (I think) clerical celibacy

Could be but that is a mere indication that western modern culture is profoundly at odds with Christianity.

the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil. (John 3:19)

If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:18f)

the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3:19)