I appreciate your sentiment.
However,
I have a LOT of experience with the magicstericals of a wide variety of denominations.
I’ve NEVER observed any of them—including the RC variety—
to be all that much more reliably accurate in
1. Biblical accuracy, truth, discernment, balance, focused on God’s priorities . . .
2. Biblical application of Biblical truths to specific issues, situations, individuals, . . .
3. Biblical exhortations, counsel, requirements, administrations etc.
We all see through a glass darkly. And far too often, when we do so in groups, the darkness is merely compounded instead of decreased. That’s true of ALL magicstericals in ALL denominations, in my experience. The RC’s have demonstrated over 100’s of years . . . that they are not exempt from such flaws regardless of the dogma claiming such exemption. Their magicsterical bodies have compounded papal and other egregious sins and errors quite as much as any other, and frequently enough more and to worse degrees.
So, I must differ as to the necessity, even the wisdom of such. I think Alamo-Girl is quite correct in clinging to Scripture and the ‘LEADING INTO ALL TRUTH ENLIGHTENMENT OF HOLY SPIRIT’ MOMENT BY MOMENT. That, too may not be flawless on an individual basis—but, in my experience, for each individual, that route is FAR LESS FLAWED than leaning on a magicsterical and THEIR blind-leading-the-blind meat axe applications of THEIR flawed constructions on reality
laid upon a given individual in usually heavy handed ways—and those rather ignorant of the true realities and details in the individual case.
Sooooo, in short . . . no thanks. I’d rather take my chances otherwise. Magicstericals are invited to give me input if they feel so led of The Lord. But I will take such under advisement and NOT automatically as the voice of God to me in that moment. Having done so many times and virtually always lived to regret it—I’m trying to avoid falling for the same dangerous horrors over and over again at age 60.
I didn't say anything about accuracy, especially as determined by you. I was talking about magisterial *authority*. If you think magisterial *authority* is contingent on agreement with you, then you don't understand the concept of magisterial authority. But carry on.
-A8
Indeed, I eschew all the doctrines and traditions of mortal men across the board. Instead I choose to believe God, to trust Him, to count on Him - looking to the Father's revelations in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit, in Scripture and in Creation.
I'm just a plain and simple (and very, very joyful) Christian - throwing all caution to His wind.
BTW, I appreciate all the pings to the sidebars on this thread - but it has become so large, I've been resisting the urge to dive in again. LOL! I do tend to chew up a lot of bandwidth you know.
Amen, Quix. I sent you a couple of e-mails, not freepmails. Mxxx