Posted on 05/08/2015 2:03:24 PM PDT by NYer
Many supposed "theological differences" between Catholics and Evangelicals are, I think, founded in semantics rather than in substantial disagreement.
For example, when I was an Evangelical one of the periodic arguments I ran across against Catholic moral theology was that the concept of mortal and venial sin is unbiblical. Sin is sin, say Evangelicals, and there's no good in trying to make out some sins as "minor." To us Evangelicals such nice distinctions smelled a great deal like rationalization and looked like an escape clause from the commandment "Be holy, for I, the Lord, am Holy." After all, James wrote, "Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, 'Do not murder.' If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker" (James 2:10-11). So the forthright and honest Evangelical attitude was "We'll take our forgiveness straight, thanks! Let's have no plea-bargaining at the foot of the Cross."
Such an attitude to purity before God is, I think, entirely commendable. And, truth to tell, it contrasts very favorably to the lax Catholic who really does say "It's just a teensy-weensy little sin" as an excuse for doing whatever they like. Such Catholics need to be reminded that "Whoever can be trusted with a teensy-weensy little thing can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with a teensy-weensy little thing will also be dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10).
(Excerpt) Read more at ncregister.com ...
Evidently, however, you lack the ability to defend it in any substantial way, aside from asserting the authority of your masters. This is no different than the Mormon of JW method of "proving" their cults correct, and is a sad state to be in.
What you think of me is immaterial. I have nothing to prove, as I'm not here to proselytize. I do find it annoying when people think they know all about what Catholics believe, when even former Catholics can be clueless.
Frankly, DIY Bible interpretation, pompous condemnation of other people, based on it, and the compulsion to deem oneself saved above others is to me a major chorus of sounding brass and tinkling cymbals: devoid of charity, puffed-up, and befitting more the Sanhedrin than the One it condemned.
There is a thin line between charity for another's soul, and pride over its potential demise; between genuine love of the Scriptures, and the "study" that picks at the letter, while missing the heart, of what is written therein. Those who take it upon themselves to condemn others to hell are making a decision that is God's alone to make.
If one were having surgery, they would be beyond foolish to be cut open by an amateur who took one anatomy class and calls himself a doctor. A sensible person would prefer instead one with education, years of clinical schooling, decades of experience, credentialing, and a genuine calling to his vocation.
I prefer to have the Scripture and the way I lead my life received through the 3 basics of Catholicism: Scripture, Magisterium, and Sacred Tradition. For me, that's the real deal, not reliance on myself alone. For others, it is different, but their degree of faith, clarity of conscience, kindness toward others and love of God, well, that's a matter between themselves and Him. I am neither. I simply pray for all my brothers and sisters in humanity, without discrimination, and let God decide the rest.
And so, my friend, I shall bid you adieu, and perhaps look some time to see what shall be the 5th religion dissed and doomed in your next post. /sarc.
Sincerely, may you find peace on your road to God - and be blessed by Him with charity for those you encounter along your journey!
You've literally argued that you are correct because Catholicism says you are correct. And the best proof that you offer that you base your teachings on "scripture" is actually the sentence that says you base your teachings on scripture, which you've been unable to substantiate.
What's funny about this too, by the way, that when you say "picks at the letter," you literally mean reading the scripture. The scripture itself uses such phraseology to condemn works-righteousness, which is the doctrine you promote.
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