While the potential for this is greater among the non RC churches, because they are decentralized in structure, these problems are ultimately corrected because we rely on SCRIPTURE as the measure for all doctrine. The reason many of the protestant churches are in upheaval is the homosexual movement that wants churches to ignore SCRIPTURE. Bible believing Christians are attempting to stop this trend within their churches, or they are leaving and creating new Bible based churches. It's a messy process, but in the end it will work out.
However, in a hierarchy mono bishophric system such as the RCC any doctrine can be introduced and the congregation is compelled to accept it, even if it has no foundation in SCRIPTURE.
The argument that Protestants infused with the Holy Spirit have Him as a guide and therefore are qualified to interpret Scripture also follows to the entity of the Church, does it not?
Doctrine comes from the Vatican, not each area bishop. The system is monolithic, as you have noted, and while certain freedoms intended to be more cultural are given to each diocese, this is not extended to doctrine.
MB: “But every huckster with a new angle on a new assortment of verse culled from any corner of the Bible can hang up a shingle or put up a tent and tithe the rubes.”
WMF: “While the potential for this is greater among the non RC churches, because they are decentralized in structure, these problems are ultimately corrected because we rely on SCRIPTURE as the measure for all doctrine.”
Can you give me some examples? There are heretical churches that have been around since Restoration, or even Reformation times that appear to be flourishing. There have been many who failed, but there are many who haven’t. I would be interested on the correction process since it appears that the errors of the Reformation have been compounded in the Restoration, and geometrically compounded during the 20th Century cultic expansion.