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I don't think your problem is with the concept of a magisterium that provides expert insight and opinion. It is with a Magisterium that acts as a theological Supreme Court. Protestants cannot deal with the concept of authority. The entire Protestant movement is one in which each is his own pope and magisterium.

Didn't you just castigate Metmom for making a statement that you said was an unfair characterization of all Catholics? (#3218) Yet here you are presuming to characterize all non-Catholic Christians.

I doubt there are very many at all that spurn authority when it comes to learning about Christianity. I certainly do not believe God left us all here to figure it all out by ourselves. Else why would he have given the Apostles, and teachers and pastors, etc. to the church to build up and edify Christians? By no means does this imply that all we have to do is sit back and swallow whatever they tell us but to study the Scriptures and pray for spiritual enlightening of the deep truths of God's revelation. We should be hearers of the word AND doers.

Does that mean that whatever evil you do (once you have been saved) that you are automatically guaranteed a spot in heaven?

Is that what you believe?

Authority issues?

When we keep appealing to the absolute authority of Scripture over tradition and magesteriums?

From Catholicism which rejects the absolute authority of Scripture but adds “Sacred Tradition” to it and makes it equal in authority to Scripture?

What a hoot....

By no means does this imply that all we have to do is sit back and swallow whatever they tell us but to study the Scriptures and pray for spiritual enlightening of the deep truths of God's revelation. We should be hearers of the word AND doers.

Exactly right. We've all heard Pastors/Teachers instruct who don't know what they are talking about. But we've also heard those who deliver great sermons which cause us to ponder and seek further what God might have to say as we study on our own. It is then I think the Lord enlarges our understanding and drives home to the heart and mind....and oftentimes He reveals even more as we do so....more than on occassion the Lord has taken my breath away and I am in awe of Him.