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"In fact, have you read any of Mr. Chick's arguements with an open mind?"

Like 'The Death Cookie'? Yes, I've read some of them. I'm suprised there are so many like you that believe them. I find it sad and discouraging. Would you please read through this article? I think maybe you should read a little more about Mr. Chick.

http://www.catholic.com/library/sr_chick_tracts_p1.asp

I read the Early Church Fathers because they learned from the Apostles. It helps to understand what it was like then. It rounds out the scriptures for me. Puts them into context. Our traditions are scriptural. Our teachings do not have any conflict with the Bible. You use "tradition" as if it were a bad word. What in the world did all those Christians do before the printing press was invented?

"Paul illustrated what tradition is: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. . . . Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed" (1 Cor. 15:3,11). The apostle praised those who followed Tradition: "I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you" (1 Cor. 11:2)."

You see, I can quote scripture as well as you can. The problem lies in the interpretation. When there is conflict to whom do you turn? I listen to scripture and turn to the Church. Maybe you should attend Mass some day. You'll find that the entire thing is scriptural. There are a lot of misconceptions about the Catholic Church spread with the help of Chick and others. It's a pity that so many hate what they think they know of the Church instead of attempting to find the Truth.

I hope you find it someday.

God Bless!

You're referring to this Klan-like document?

Here's an excerpt:

continued...

People actual believe what Chick says? I suppose this says much about the effects of public education on the minds of our citizens...not to mention the impact of trailer park livin'...

I have read that page as well as the tract "Death Cookie". Although it appears a bit contrived - it does contain a significant basis in truth.

The Catholic Church does have a sortid history, with many unscriptural practices and traditions.

And yes, prior to printing, the scripture most believers had access to were either hand-copied epistles, and the Tora which was maintained by the Jews and thus was not really accessable to the "Gentiles".

One question - why did the "Church" fight so strongly against having a Bible in languages other than Latin? Was it because they really believed that the "unwashed masses" couldn't understand, or was it to protect their power?

Notice how things got really interesting when the Bible was made available for people other than the clergy... For that matter, how about clergy who actually opened up thier mind and took off the blinders placed by the church - who realized that not all the Church was teaching was truth - many paid with their lives.

Also note that the "Church History" the Church (Catholic) doesn't exactly line up with actual historical fact. The trouble came, as I posted before, when the Apostles were martyered - men began inserting their own ideas (actually, this wasn't new - thus the reason for the Bible to give a measure of what is true and of God). What we know now as the Catholic Church immerged - but power and strength do not equate superiority or even right.

Many martyrs came about from the power grab by the Catholic Church. The Church was further corrupted when the church and the Roman Government (and indeed most government of Europe) became basically one. Those who more closely followed the teachings and "traditions" to use your own term, were persecuted and even killed for their adherance to the Apostle's teaching - by those who claimed to be the direct successors to the Apostles...

But I don't necessarily think that this thread is an appropriate venue for a complete dissertation on theological error in the Catholic Church.