In my opinion, you miss the point. The argument “That isn’t in the Bible,” is weak on its face. How do we know what books are in the Bible? The Bible doesn’t tell us.
Additionally, we see in Matthew 13:54, and other places, Jesus teaches, but we don’t know exactly what he teaches, as the content isn’t recorded. The same is true when He was in the Temple at age 12, and other places where He teaches the Apostles, yet we don’t know exactly what He taught.
This becomes relevant in the years after the Resurrection and before the setting of the Canon of Scripture. Many late first century teachings came directly from the Apostles, transmitted to and by people such as St. Polycarp. Polycarp was a student of St. John the Apostle, yet many complain some of his teachings are “unbiblical.” That charge is humorous, as the Bible didn’t exist at that time. The Gospels hadn’t been written, nor had many of the Epistles.
And finally, consider the word “trinity” exists nowhere in the Bible. While the concept exists, think how many centuries it took for the whole of Christendom to finally accept the triune nature of God. “God from God, true God from true God, Begotten not made, one in being with the Father.” We don’t see these words or phrases precisely in the Bible, but they are certainly Biblical! And yes, it was the Catholic Church that defeated the various heresies against the Trinity.
Regarding Eucharistic Adoration, the teaching of the Real Presence, from John 6, including all 4 accounts of the Last Supper, are rejected by most Protestants. While the words are clearly and precisely in the text, non-Catholics don’t agree with the interpretation.
As one can see, the argument of “that’s not in the Bible,” is weak. While something as essential as the Trinity isn’t spelled out, it is considered Biblical, yet something that is spelled out, “This is my Body,...” isn’t considered Biblical by a large number. Quite a paradox, is it not?
“How do we know what books are in the Bible? The Bible doesn’t tell us.”
The issue isn’t, what books are in the Bible. The issue is, which writings are inspired. Indeed, Peter tells us Paul’s writings are Scripture. God has acted to inspire, to preserve and to authenticate. Now that we have them, it appears your denomination doesn’t want to recognize the authority of His inspired words and prefers arguments from silence as the foundation of truth.
“Additionally, we see in Matthew 13:54, and other places, Jesus teaches, but we don’t know exactly what he teaches, as the content isn’t recorded. “
We don’t know lots of things - like all God did before creation. We do know exactly what He chose to inspire. He tells us it is sufficient for salvation and maturity as a believer
“Many late first century teachings came directly from the Apostles”
You claim so. We have no proof, nor are those words inspired by God.
transmitted to and by people such as St. Polycarp. Polycarp was a student of St. John the Apostle, yet many complain some of his teachings are “unbiblical.â€
“And finally, consider the word “trinity†exists nowhere in the Bible.
The revelation of the triune nature of a God exists in Scripture and forms the doctrine. The word “trinity” is a short way to refer to our understanding of all that is taught in Scripture of God’s triune nature.
The word “bible” doesn’t appear in the Bible. It is a word we use to summarize the collection of inspired books.
“While the concept exists, think how many centuries it took for the whole of Christendom to finally accept the triune nature of God.”
Taking time to examine what exists in Scripture is a different issue than adding to Scripture.
“Regarding Eucharistic Adoration, the teaching of the Real Presence, from John 6, including all 4 accounts of the Last Supper, are rejected by most Protestants. While the words are clearly and precisely in the text, non-Catholics don’t agree with the interpretation.”
“As one can see, the argument of “that’s not in the Bible,†is weak. While something as essential as the Trinity isn’t spelled out, it is considered Biblical, yet something that is spelled out, “This is my Body,...†isn’t considered Biblical by a large number. Quite a paradox, is it not?”
Once you look at the totality of Scripture’s teaching, it is ironic a whole industry was created that is false.
Which is exactly why we should respect each other’s Christian religion. We are all part of the body of Christ, we are all precious to Him. To “claim” the only version of truth is silly. Why not find our common tenets and focus on them, instead of always bickering? I respect that other faiths do not believe in the True Presence as I do. I don’t believe that makes them spawn of the devil. Neither, does it make me so. /rant
Not intended for you personally, just inspired by your post.