Do you honestly think those who learned from the Apostles themselves and who passed on their teachings would have embraced heresy and allowed it to take root in the Church?
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Have read some such.
Yes, I absolutely believe the above—I’ve seen it happen in within a matter of weeks to months after a great congregational pastor moving on or graduating to Heaven.
‘Tis human. happens chronically in human groups—ESPECIALLY RELIGIOUS human groups.
First you must understand we believe the Church is protected against teaching heresy not because of any personal holiness or inerrancy of her clergy or members. But because of Christ’s promise and because of the Holy Spirit’s protection.
Secondly yes there were Church fathers even who taught things later rejected by the Church. Individuals (with the exception of the Pope when speaking Ex Cathedera) are not protected against teaching heresy. Even Peter fell into error and was called Satan by Christ.
But just as Peter was protected from writing error when he penned his epistle so were the Councils protected from error when called to defend the faith against heresy. Christ knew too well that humans are sinful, weak creatures who are too easily swayed by culture and whose natural affection is for sin. So He sent the Paraclete.
That is why we call Pentecost the birthday of the Church. You may believe the Holy Spirit abandoned the Church, we do not.
This is why we differ so greatly in so many of our beliefs. Many Protestants believe there is no visible Church. That each believer is given the Charism to be protected against the error of heresy. That all Biblical passages need no interpertation by anyone outside of the reader. You would never, ever agree on the Catholic definition and understanding of Church. Because of this you are unable to separate the acts of sinful men within the Church from her claim to having the fullness of Truth.
All the Church claims and teaches rests on the foundation of Christ. We understand that. We will not reject Her just because so many do not grasp this.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and testimony, dear brother in Christ!