Why is there a Church?
Perhaps you missed these little tidbits from the Bible:
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church. and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.I could have included many others. I suggest that you read the Acts of the Apostles to see the early life of the church established upon the apostles by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matt. 16:18And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.
Matt. 18:17Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Acts 20:28
It is curious to me that rational folks can read the same stuff and come up with different conclusions.
I think that one distinction is that though reasonable people will sometimes disagree, it is incumbent upon them to maintain civility.
D’accord?