Based on what evidence do you make the claim that the NT Bible is from God, and not particular Gnostic Gospels? Apparently, you reject these Gnostic Gospels, correct? Why? How do you know that God actually is favoring the Gnostic side, the "remnant Church"? These New Agers are making this very claim, that the Catholic Church rejected the Word of God - the Gnostic Scriptures.
There was participation, but no cooperation.
I see these words as meaning the same thing.
Using your example, you are forced to accept the concept of free will. That, in turn, forces you to interpret hundreds or thousands of scriptures in a particular way. That isn't freedom at all.
How exactly does that differ from what you do with "I am saved by faith alone"? It forces you to ignore or twist numerous Scriptures, even Scripture that is completely contradictory to that concept.
That isn't freedom at all. That is the Church informing you of your opinion. This idea is repeated over and over. With every fundamental principle, there is a geometric progression of forced interpretation of other scriptures.
Is Christianity a REVEALED religion, or a philosophy of man? If you claim the former, than there is no such "freedom" to interpret EVERY possible meaning found in Scripture as coming from God.
please start disagreeing with yourself so I can see how this works. :)
God bases His list of the elect based on what we do. No, He bases it without any consideration of the elect's response...
Happy? either is a suitable Catholic position.
Regards
I know that Gnosticism is wrong because it goes directly against the teachings and writings of the eyewitnesses to Christ. Gnosticism takes a man-centered theology to a new level, and humility appears to play no part of it. Jesus never preached "knowledge is the way to salvation". It is easy for me to dismiss the Gnostics.
FK: "There was participation, but no cooperation."
I see these words as meaning the same thing.
Well, then that could explain much! :) I happen to draw a sharp distinction in defense of my idea of God's sovereignty. But if you see them as meaning the same thing, then OK.
Is Christianity a REVEALED religion, or a philosophy of man? If you claim the former, than there is no such "freedom" to interpret EVERY possible meaning found in Scripture as coming from God.
Christianity is a revealed religion, I just don't believe it is only revealed to a very few of one particular branch of Christianity.
God bases His list of the elect based on what we do. No, He bases it without any consideration of the elect's response...
Happy? either is a suitable Catholic position.
Yes, I'm happy and I'll take it. :) Sign me up with the Catholics holding the latter view.