Well said! I don't think I will ever understand why some want to usurp the authority intrinsic in the word of God - BECAUSE it is the word of God (holy men of God spoke as they were moved/carried along by the Holy Spirit). I mean I know they DO it, but I don't understand WHY they have to do it. If Scripture is only as authoritative as a church deems it to be, then from where does the church base it's authority?
Well, it’s REALLY cynical of me to say this...
But when the question of ‘why’ is asked, the answer tends to be ‘follow the money.’ And if it’s not money, ‘follow the pride.’
The RCC stands to lose a LOT of money, prestige, and power if ever the ‘one true church’ meme loses its power among the congregants. And if the ‘one true church’ suddenly is out and out wrong, and has been wrong for centuries... well...