Posted on 12/08/2006 8:12:09 PM PST by Joseph DeMaistre
I have read the entire Catholic catechism, and while I don't object to any of it, I also feel no personal need for much of it. Maybe others, with different sorts of minds than mine, need that, but I feel that the Apostle's creed is a clear enough statement of belief for me. With that, my prayers, the bible, and the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life, I am content. I read the bible daily (I'm just about to finish my second trip through the whole thing) but don't pretend to understand much of it, or to understand the significance of much of the rest. I do it as a discipline, because I do believe that if left to our own devices, we will unconsciously read only the parts we like and ignore the parts we don't, which is how I believe people go wrong and end up creating a God more to their liking than the God that exists. Once again, however, I figure if there's something in it I need to understand, God will clarify it for me. I guess I'm just simple-minded.
And, I don't try to read the bible with an open mind, I try to read it with an empty mind-- to understand what is truly there, and not to impose upon it my own preferences. God is who He is, and He has revealed Himself in history and scripture. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
The kernel of Catholic ponderings on the Mother of God is rooted in Luke Chapter 1. Besides, although the original deposit of faith closed with the death of the last apostle, the Holy Spirit never has ceased to give the Church a deeper understanding of the Sacred Mysteries found in the pages of Scripture.
Christianity is all about meeting your personal needs according to your own personal tastes. Really, it is all about you. Keep shopping around till you find exactly what *you* want. /s
But when you figure out that Church is about serving and worshipping God, then send me a note.
-A8
Did a voice speak this to you from heaven? Where are you getting this belief?
-A8
First, show us where in Scripture it is documented that other children, i.e. brothers and sisters of Jesus, were born of the Virgin Mary.
Second, show us where in Scripture the doctrine of Sola Scriptura is specified.
Nice.
I personally can't document #2, sola scriptura. Others around here seem to be comfortable arguing the point. But I do accept it.
If I don't, I have to determine who is right regarding many extra-scriptural pronouncements. That would give me a colossal headache. (Case in point, do you accept every point that every Pope has claimed as from God? I am assuming you are Catholic.) So I do rely on Scripture alone as my guide. (I will admit, there are so many interpretations of scripture floating around that that in itself is a slippery slope.)
As to point one, while there may be no evidence that Jesus' brothers (and sisters?) were born of Mary, you cannot show me scriptural evidence they were not. The fact that Jesus' family is referenced in Scripture seems to me to be inclusive.
I am not a Catholic, so I do not necessarily accept the Catholic interpretation of God's Word nor its doctrines. But I would never engage in Catholic bashing.
At least those very few declared as infallible teachings on faith and morals because I believe the church is the pillar and ground of the truth.
As to point one, while there may be no evidence that Jesus' brothers (and sisters?) were born of Mary, you cannot show me scriptural evidence they were not.
So as far as point one, to declare Mary gave birth to additional children cannot be determined conclusively one way or the other from Scripture alone. To claim that she did is extra-scriptural.
I personally can't document #2, sola scriptura. Others around here seem to be comfortable arguing the point. But I do accept it.
If I don't, I have to determine who is right regarding many extra-scriptural pronouncements.
Regarding point 2, Scripture does not declare Sola Scriptura as doctrine, and since you believe in it but can't document it, you've determined that someone was right regarding this extra-scriptural pronouncement.
Non-Catholics accept a number of non-Scriptural teachings as doctrine and it always amuses me when they criticize Catholics for doing the same (note that I am not saying you personally are criticizing Catholics).
I have too much respect for the opinions of any Christian than to engage in arguments that can not end, without the subjugation of another.
I don't yeild on my points, nor would I demand that you yeild on yours.
On this I won't yeild...my salvation is dependant solely on the sacrifice of Our Saviour.
On that I hope we can agree.
I have been far too Nordic tonight...
Yeild = Yield.
For goodness sake.
I have been far too Nordic tonight...
Yeild = Yield.
For goodness sake.
Some really well-researched stuff here:
http://www.ntrmin.org/Luthers%20Theology%20of%20Mary.htm
FYI
BTTT!
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