Greetings ... Jo kus
I have already told you that the Bible tells us that the Apostles, the leaders of the Church OR the entire Church have been given that charism, not the individual.
Where do the scriptures say the the understanding of the scriptures is only given unto Christian leadership ... and not to the individual christian.
Paul says that the wisdom of God is given to the spiritual, ... as opposed to the carnal.
I believe that includes both christian organisms ... and christian individuals.
Christian individuals and organizations can be more carnal ... or more spiritual, ... and, thus closer to ... or further from God's truth.1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.Your "relationship" with God is through an invisible idea, while mine is through the medium of people and things that I can see. I personally prefer the Catholic way. Yours is too subjective and emotionally driven for me.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
So ... it seems that the Protestant walk ... is more of faith ... and less of sight ... like Paul's.2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)In the end, the discussion of Protestant vs Catholic comes down to "who is the final authority"? Myself or the Church? The Bible is not the final authority because it is a book subject to interpretation. God no doubt knows this and certainly doesn't place man as the final authority. Thus, we see Christ forming a leadership that WOULD be guided. This is all Scriptural. Individual bible reading is NOT.
I don't believe that you can find scripture which indicates that individual Bible study is not led by the Holy Spirit.
I would say that any study (whether corporate or individual) which is pursued by the spiritual ... will reveal the truth of God.
Whatever study is pursued by those with carnal hearts ... will seem to reveal whatever those carnal hearts desire.
Where do the scriptures say the the understanding of the scriptures is only given unto Christian leadership ... and not to the individual christian.
It is implied everywhere! For example, the Pastorals clearly tell us that the Apostle Paul had left Timothy and Titus as leaders of their respective communities with the warrant to protect the "traditions once given". It is also in John's epistles, Jude, and Peter. The author of Hebrews tells us also to obey our leaders. Since the Scriptures were part and parcel of the teachings of the Apostles, we can assume that this included the proper interpretation of Scriptures. St. Irenaeus makes it a major theme in "Against Heresies" vs. the Gnostics.
I am certainly not saying that we, as Christians, cannot interpret or read Scriptures. Heaven's forbid! However, when we look to CORRECT interpretation (when the various factions of the community disagree on interpretations), the community looks to the leaders to give the definitive reading. Does that not make sense?
So ... it seems that the Protestant walk ... is more of faith ... and less of sight ... like Paul's.
Clearly, you are not considering that the Sacraments are based entirely on faith! Do you think that when I see a piece of bread and a cup of wine that I naturally SEE Jesus? It is based ENTIRELY on faith, brother! I realize that God works through nature to show Himself, culminating in the "showing" of a Man in the flesh. The Church of the incarnation is visible and utilizes natural elements - bread, wine, oil, water, rituals, etc...This is all based on faith, because we don't SEE the granting of graces. The sacraments are based on faith!
Regards
Where do the scriptures say the the understanding of the scriptures is only given unto Christian leadership ... and not to the individual christian.
It is implied everywhere! For example, the Pastorals clearly tell us that the Apostle Paul had left Timothy and Titus as leaders of their respective communities with the warrant to protect the "traditions once given". It is also in John's epistles, Jude, and Peter. The author of Hebrews tells us also to obey our leaders. Since the Scriptures were part and parcel of the teachings of the Apostles, we can assume that this included the proper interpretation of Scriptures. St. Irenaeus makes it a major theme in "Against Heresies" vs. the Gnostics.
I am certainly not saying that we, as Christians, cannot interpret or read Scriptures. Heaven's forbid! However, when we look to CORRECT interpretation (when the various factions of the community disagree on interpretations), the community looks to the leaders to give the definitive reading. Does that not make sense?
So ... it seems that the Protestant walk ... is more of faith ... and less of sight ... like Paul's.
Clearly, you are not considering that the Sacraments are based entirely on faith! Do you think that when I see a piece of bread and a cup of wine that I naturally SEE Jesus? It is based ENTIRELY on faith, brother! I realize that God works through nature to show Himself, culminating in the "showing" of a Man in the flesh. The Church of the incarnation is visible and utilizes natural elements - bread, wine, oil, water, rituals, etc...This is all based on faith, because we don't SEE the granting of graces. The sacraments are based on faith!
Regards