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So if Paul by appropriating the concept of an "unknown God" - or the Catholic church by appropriating the concept of holy water - are doing what God wants, then it is a good thing. If however someone appropriates a pagan symbol of his own will --- he is on very, very shaky ground and it cannot end well. I would venture to say especially so if he teaches others to do the same thing.

Very shaky. I agree wholeheartedly.

That's what the Catholic Magisterium is for - to decide as a God-fearing group inspired by the Holy Spirit, rather than an individual who would be more inclined to follow a whim.

Thank you for your reply and your encouragements!

That's what the Catholic Magisterium is for - to decide as a God-fearing group inspired by the Holy Spirit, rather than an individual who would be more inclined to follow a whim.

I understand your confidence in the Magisterium - not unlike the Jewish confidence in the Talmud.

Personally, I eschew all of the doctrines and traditions of men - whether by the Pope, Calvin, Arminius, Billy Graham, Joseph Smith and so on. That is the leading I have in the indwelling Spirit.

But God did not make us to be "cookie cutter" Christians. Peter wasn't like John who wasn't like Paul who wasn't like Thomas. And the foundation of the New Jerusalem consists of twelve very different gemstones, symbolizing both the differences and acceptability among the apostles.

My function in Christ's body is probably different from yous. So it's plenty ok with me that you are Catholic and I am not.

May God bless you always, dear MarkBsnr!

That's what the Catholic Magisterium is for - to decide as a God-fearing group inspired by the Holy Spirit, rather than an individual who would be more inclined to follow a whim

Our differences are founded in this very thought. Protestants believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to individual believers through Scripture and prayer. To read the Bible is to know this for a fact.

We're instructed to worship God as a congregation of believers, to study Scripture together and rightly divide the word of God, but we are never to doubt the Holy Spirit is leading our study.

It's true that some men think they are being led when they are not. But that does not negate the absolute fact that some men, by the grace and will of God alone, are being led in righteousness to all truth.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." -- Romans 8:14-17

Our job is to read the Scriptures and...

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." -- 2 Timothy 2:15

And in doing so, we will "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).