[ScubieNuc]

I don't find New Testament writings to be inspired at all...

Well, then we don't have a common ground, and it would make no sense then to debate about Christianity/sola scripture. Catholics believe that the New Testament is inspired, so on that common ground we can debate.

The only discussion I can see between us would be on what makes the New Testament inspired. I would say the Holy Spirit makes it inspired. You might say prove it. Then I would say I can't prove it because the Holy Spirit proves Himself, and He comes through faith and faith comes from the Scriptures.

Rom 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Sincerely

[wagglebee]

I think a lot of times people confuse "inspired" with "inspirational" and the reality is that the two need not be related.

A recounting of a genealogy may be found in an inspired text (as it is in the New Testament) and such a list might be interesting and informative, but not necessarily inspirational.

In contrast, satan or any false teacher can write something that some or even many will find inspirational (look at "Mein Kampf" or "The Communist Manifesto), but this is not Divinely inspired writing.

However, as ScubieNuc points out, Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox are in total agreement that all of the New Testament is Divinely inspired. And as such, it would be difficult if not impossible to carry on this debate with out having at least that common understanding.