“However, I do want to comment on the snide, snarky, antagonistic responses from some, not all, Catholic-defenders on this thread. I’ve noticed that no matter how neutrally a couple of Protestant-defenders attempt to frame a discussion, the response is usually snide.”
Considering you’ve a;ready responded to a few threads supporting the position of Dr Ecklburg et al - - one can’t be surprised at your observation as it appears to be anything but neutral.
“Purgatory” is simply a man-made concept to promote the Catholic Church’s position far earlier in her history for getting scared people to pay the church to get their way out of Purgatory.”
“Yep. Mysticism, tyranny and superstition. Same old/same old.”
“Flee from idolatry, Alex. Rome teaches dread.”
“Such is the length Rome goes to in order to cower its members into submission.”
“Purgatory is not based upon Scripture, and it is an ungodly doctrine.”
You actually wrote a post complimenting a poster who included the last quote in her post. Sorry, but your observations don’t mean much and, in fact, are an involved participant for the “Protestant-defenders”.
I never claimed to be neutral. I am a Protestant. I do not believe the scriptures support the concept of Purgatory. However, because I am interested in why Catholics believe in Purgatory, I am reviewing the document posted and the evidence presented in it and comparing the assertions made to what the scriptures say.
That said, I also didn’t claim that every Protestant-defender on this thread was neutral. I had two specific P-d ‘s in mind, which was why I said “a couple.”
You act as if I tried to hide my beliefs and pretend that I am neutral between C-d’s and P-d’s. I did no such thing.
If my observations mean nothing to you, ignore them. To be clear, I was addressing the issue with the thread owner and not calling out anyone in particular. The fact that you responded and the tone that you used tells me that you felt personally accused. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Furthermore, the “comment “Indeed, sir” is not a compliment and wasn’t intended as such.
One more point about the “Indeed, sir.” Picture a stuffy old proper Brit looking down his nose over his glasses and saying it to an impertinent man many years his junior. Then you’ll get the gist.
(I’m not British or old, BTW)