Personally, this has got to be one of the most stupidest arguments of the Catholics (e.g. "The Bible is infallible because we say it so.") This rises to the same level as saying the Pope is infallible. Even the Orthodox laugh at that one.
The Bible is infallible because the Church/church has accepted it as the word of God throughout history based upon set criteria. The early church fathers could understand the difference between "infallible" writing and writing from everyday individuals. Otherwise they would NOT have said, "Hey, this writing looks infallible." And one of those criteria of the fathers was NOT that we say it's so. Otherwise why not just say everything that we put out is infallible? This is essentially what you say with the pronouncements of the Pope.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder if there are ANY thinking Catholics. IMO, Catholicism has developed into nothing more than a cult. If this sounds harsh, please read carefully the warning signs of a cult put out by independent observers.
No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
The group/leader is always right.
The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.
Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.
Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".
Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.
Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.
A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.
Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.
Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.
Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.
Excellent.
Thanks.
Well, I do take exception with the spontaneity, as Catholics so often seem to be speaking off the cuff.
However, the lack of sense of humor is dead on......