“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.
Of course the Catholic Church cares about the inspired work, that’s why they assembled the Bible!! Good grief.
We agree that we don’t need to know, and should be able to understand His teaching. However, God is unknowable by His perfection, and thus man’s understanding of God will vary.
We do know Polycarp was a disciple of John, and trust and believe John faithfully transmitted his knowledge to Polycarp. Other reported Polycarp’s fastidious nature in doing exactly what the Apostles did and taught.
The short answer to all of this is simple. One group of Christians believe in Eucharistic Adoration, and other groups do not. Both believe Scripture supports their position. As it is a matter of religious principle, don’t expect either side to be swayed.
Personally, I don’t see the point in someone going on a religious thread predominated by an different belief and saying they are wrong. I just don’t get it.