Posted on 07/31/2007 4:19:37 PM PDT by NYer
Lesson 16 of 43.
So in Catholics view, should you obey the Church over Christ, The Word?
Would this be the same church that burned John Huss at the stake? Or is it the same church that can’t seem to discipline Cardinal Law? Or the same church that countenanced “Mary, I’m yours” as a papal banner? I know there are many good Catholic Christians, but to call this institution the only true church is to do a disservice to all those servants of Christ who march on in His name in other vineyards. This is Romanist Supremicism.
The Catholic Church is the Only True Church
[I'm sure the Orthodox might have a point or two they would want to contend.]
This is not a winnable argument, it is fractious and arrogant and about a generally welcome as a fart in a funeral.
Therefore, since I'm not at all interested in getting in a holy hand grenade tossing contest:
I am resolved to know nothing while I am here with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (ref 1 Cor 2:2)
If you have read through this post in its entirety, then you recognize that Christ established one Church and gave His authority to His disciples to rule and teach. His word is carried on through that Church:
"He that heareth you, heareth Me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me, despiseth Him that sent Me."
(Luke 10:16)
He never commanded anyone to write down His words. Everyone must obey the Catholic Church because She alone has the authority of Jesus to rule and to teach.
Amen NYer.
Jesus promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail against His Church. He did not promise that its members would be free from sin. They are human, like you and me. In its 2000 year history, despite some bad priests, bishops, cardinals and even bad popes, not one pope has ever erred in doctrine! That is testimony to the gift of the Holy Spirit that guides the Church through time. No other human institution or government has survived 2000 years! The life expectancy of most protestant sects is 200 years, at most, before it begins to split and divide.
“His word is carried on through that Church:”
Which is CHRISTIANITY, NOT THE ROMAN VERSION ALONE!
Any church founded by a true disciple (regardless of era) is a true church of Christ! Many predate the Roman church! (Eg: Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Coptic) So, knock it off already!
Climb off your high horses, and repent you of your arrogance!
Uh, Christians have been in Rome since before Paul wrote his letter to the Romans.
So???
There were Christians in Jerusalem, Damascus, Antioch, Corinth, Alexandria, etc, before there were any in Rome. Your comment is ridiculous!
“Does everyone have to obey the Catholic Church?
Yes, because She alone has the authority of Jesus to rule and to teach.
To disobey the Catholic Church knowingly is just as much a sin as to disobey Jesus Christ or His Apostles.”
Arrogant words such as these have started wars in the past. Shame on whoever uttered them.
The Church is Christ. They are one. Christ is at the head, we are the members of His Body.
Moreover, The Holy Spirit guides the Catholic Church in her Magisterial (Teaching and Sacramental) Role. This the belief of the Catholic Church: that the descendants of the Apostles (bishops) receive anointing by and through the Holy Spirit to transmit unaltered the Truths that Christ revealed and to continue the Church through the ages by ministering the Sacrament of Orders, established by Christ at the Last Supper.
All the Sacraments are direct actions of Christ Himself working through those whom He anoints through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In short, to claim the Church is merely an earthly institution and not His own gift to those whom He has called is to deny all that Christ taught. It is disingenuous to claim that a thing called the Bible transmits truth more authentically than persons anointed in Christ to teach what the Bible contains.
One thing I’d like a Protestant to prove: That the Bible is the Word of God. How could you know? (Quoting the Bible to prove it’s own authenticity really proves nothing.)
Do the Catholic, Orthodox and Oriental Churches recognize the Anglican Church as Apostolic?
Freegards
Thanks.
Freegards
“It is disingenuous to claim that a thing called the Bible transmits truth more authentically than persons anointed in Christ to teach what the Bible contains.”
Shame on those Bereans.
“One thing Id like a Protestant to prove: That the Bible is the Word of God. How could you know? (Quoting the Bible to prove its own authenticity really proves nothing.)”
Easy, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
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