Posted on 01/11/2007 10:55:59 AM PST by HarleyD
Protestantism isn't monolithic. My church adheres to a written confession which doesn't change.
As with other Neocatholic arguments we have examined so far, this one [transubstaintiation in John 6], even if true, does not prove that Roman Catholicism, as a whole, is true.
Actually it does, or, more precisely, it shows that the Church before the EO/Catholic schizm was the true Church. (whether which one of those is 100% true is outside the scope of this though).
This is because only the EO and the Catholic Church have priests that are able to consecrate bread and wine AND teach transubstaintiation. (the Anglican church does not teach transubstaintiation)
Thus, if transubstaintiation is true (as the author presupposes in that sentence), then that does INDEED prove that the Catholic Church is true, because other than the EO, the Catholic Church is the only one that can do it! In fact, it's my belief that the main reason for the "Reformation" and the "refusal for reconcilliation" is because, if those involved in the Reformation (and later into present day) were to desire the sacrament of the Eucharist, they would need a priest ordained by the Church. Since that is impossible in any Protestant church, for obvious reasons, it remains a large point of contention among Protestants, but again, not because there is/are any solid Scriptural reasons to believe John 6 is "symbolic", but simply because, in the Protestant Churches, there are no priests to consecrate the meal! So put another way, Protestants cling to this "symbolic" notion not because of any solid exegetical reason, but because there remains no other option for a Protestant!
That's my personal opinion about what still keeps us apart (at least one thing). I think it's something to consider though.
Do I really have to go into the praying to Mary, saints, etc? I don't think so. Nothing you can say will convince me.
If you are so closed to hearing the truth, why are we having a conversation? There's very little point in debating someone who is closed to ideas not his own. Notice, I have no problem at all discussing openly... I am not threatened by your beliefs. If you change your mind, let me know.
May God bless you.
No, I am not closed to hearing TRUTH. I am closed to anything that doesn't come out of the Bible. The problem is that you and I have differing opinions as to what truth is. I accept the Bible, you accept the Bible, traditions, and the church. I do not want to get into a fight about all this, it never ends. Peace to you.
I've read it. Still don't change my opinion.
Okey dokey.
Have a nice day.
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