We are not so bold as to be able to create our own theologies and wave them around.
***Do you do as many works as you can, hoping that they are good enough to get you into Heaven, all the while in fear and trembling? ***
We follow the teachings of Jesus and the Church. We are told that it is the state of our souls that count. Works for good are what is required. Works for evil must be repented from and sins confessed or our souls are in mortal danger. We must repent, confess our sins and receive grace through Penance.
***You are adding your hierarchy to the scriptures where it is totally unsupported by text.***
Jesus created His Church - and that is fully indicated by Scripture.
Don't sell yourself short, the Magisterium has been doing it for nineteen centuries. :)
FK: ***You are adding your hierarchy to the scriptures where it is totally unsupported by text.***
Jesus created His Church - and that is fully indicated by Scripture.
I infer from the above that you think the Church has a license to declare that the Bible means whatever the men of the Church say it means. That's fine, but it does mean by definition that your Magisterium is greater (in your minds) than the scriptures themselves. Remember, for you the scriptures don't have anyone to defend them. Your men move in and declare. Of course, I already knew that this is the true position of the Church, but I've not heard it confirmed by a follower. I saw your statement as leading strongly in that direction.