Of course I took it personally - you would too if I had said something similar about Protestantism in one of my posts.
I’ve learned many Biblical Principles and how to apply them to my daily life, thanks to Protestantism.
But, doctrinally speaking, it IS faith + works. From just a logical perspective, Eternal Security is a nice thought, but if one does a lot of really bad things, and dies in such a state of soul, and Protestants don’t believe in Purgatory, well, what can I say?
I just don’t see how believing that Mary is the Mother of God demands more faith than believing in Eternal Security.
As long as we’re letting our hair down, I would never be other than a Catholic (or Orthodox Christian) because I am certain regarding the True Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. But, as I’ve said, I’ve learned a lot from the Protestants.
This thread has been really interesting. I have a question though. After Jesus rose from the dead, appeared to the disciples, and then ascended into Heaven, how come the disciples did not instantly begin worshipping Mary? She was still among them was she not? If they believed that she was the “easy way” to the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jesus), then why did they preach only about Jesus. Or did I miss Peter’s words about Mary’s “holiness” and her being our intercessor on Pentecost?