In recent history the Pope, and the magesterium, were needed to clarify the following contemporary issues:
1. Abortion is considered to be a form of murder, an act worthy of excommunication.
So how many people has the church excommunicated for having, or supporting, and abortion. Can you name one prominent American political figure who has been excommunicated because of their pro-abortion stance? And if they are “automatically” excomminicated, then name one who has been denied the sacraments of the church.
Deuteronomy 19:10 That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
2. Homosexual acts are sinful.
Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
3. Women are to be afforded the highest regard as mothers and wives.
And because they are created in the image of God, even if they are not a wife or a mother.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
4. Marriage is considered a sacrament and permanent; divorce and remarriage are not acceptable unless the first marriage is annulled.
Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
5. Remarriage without an annulment results in inability to receive sacraments.
John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Do you suppose Jesus would offer this woman a drink of the living water only He can give, and then refuse her the sacraments for being married 5 times without anullments?
6. Euthanasia is sinful.(Terri Schiavo)
Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Did the church excomminicate anyone for the heinous act of Terri Schaivo’s murder?
7. Medical research which destroys fertilized embryos is wrong.
Again, innocent blood.
8. The death penalty is rarely justified.
Not according to God.
Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
The scriptures were quoted to illustrate that God has already clearly spoken about these issues in very simple, direct words, and there is no need of the magisterium to clarify God’s will and intent for those who are willing to abide by His word.
The questions about the action(s) of the church regarding excommunication are intended to ascertain if the church is actually serious about holiness in deed, or merely content with words.
The differences with the magisterium’s decisions are based on God’s word, i.e., Genesis 9:6 which is the God given foundation for human justice. Murder is to be met with the death penalty — Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
There is nothing wrong with the “magisterium” or any other body or individual restating (not changing) God’s word. However, when they claim divine authority (as they do), and contradict, ignore, or “water-down” God’s word then they are in danger of bringing severe judgment upon themselves as well as leading the church into error. We will all face judgment, but I think is is very foolish to claim “God said it” regarding anything that differs with (or goes beyond) what God has already said.
I'm sure you feel more qualified than the 2,000 "Roman Catholic Church" to tell me what scripture means in my life, but I'm also sure you can find enough charity in your heart to understand that some of us would prefer to rely on the wisdom of the Magesterium. I'm sorry if you find that so evil or offensive.
I'm certainly not qualified to tell you that your church is wrong. My intention is only to explain that some people trust the theological scholars of the Catholic Church, and may not be willing to accept everything an anonymous poster claims from his own church, or personal heart. How would you respond if a stranger made claims about you that were complete falsehoods?
I have no doubt you are being honest about your convictions. I questions the source of your convictions. What church do you belong to? I promise I will not make accusations that aren't historically factual.