RE: Why is your interpretation of the Bible more believable than the Vatican’s? Did God speak to you directly and tell you that you have been chosen to “educate” others and that you are more knowledgable?
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Roman Catholicism claims to be the only true church, and that it is the repository of God’s word and tradition. In fact, the Roman Catholic Church claims to tells us what the Bible really means and its members are not allowed to interpret scripture in a manner contrary to what the church says.
Non-Catholic Christians decry such a claim and point to Scripture alone (sola scriptura) as the final rule for everything it addresses. Roman Catholicism responds by saying it has dipped into the well of Sacred Tradition and drawn out truths that have been passed down from the apostles through the corridors of time in its halls, and since it is the “True Church” descended through Apostolic succession, it possess the authority to guide Christianity into the fullness of the faith. That is the claim. Is it biblical? No, it isn’t. But the problem is that the Catholic Church rejects sola scriptura and appeals to its own authority and tradition, Sacred Tradition that is.
So, it is the Roman Catholic church alone that tells the Catholic what the Bible “really” means, and no one is allowed to interpret it apart from its eccliastical guidance. But, let’s look at Romans 14:1-12 for a bit.
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God,” (Rom. 14:1-12).
Notice the above verses.
God tells us that people are allowed to have differences of opinion on debatable issues.
What are those debatable issues? They are dietary and worship days, two highly significant topics.
If Paul tells us that each person should be convinced in his own mind, then how can it also be true that the Vatican has to tell you what to believe?
There is a problem here. If Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, really understood that the Church was to tell people what to believe, why did he write that each person should be convinced in his own mind — on debatable issues? The answer is simple.
The Roman Catholic’s claim to be the only true church, that has the only right to interpret scripture, and reveals “new” doctrines via its Sacred Tradition, is nothing more than a fabrication not based in scripture. It is not biblical. In fact, it is against Scripture.
The Roman Catholic Church is the only Church founded by Christ Himself. They not only claim it to be so, it is. Sorry you don’t belong. You’re missing out on a great experience. I’ll pray the Rosary for you.
the fact that both of you decided to go nasty and go “behind my back” so to speak to mock me tells me that neither of you have the moral authority to quote any scripture. A true Christian tries to pattern his/her life after Jesus. Jesus did not mock others. Therefore, you are not acting like a true Christian. It’s too bad the Catholic Church intimidates you so much. That is your problem.
If Paul had stated the position that one must look only to himself for interpretation or truth then your position might have some merit, but that is not what Paul stated. As a Catholic I look to the teaching authority of my Church for clarification and meaning, within the context of the Gospels, Scripture and Tradition for Truth. That is my decision to do so and that is not debatable.