[Mad Dawg]

I do often say that I eschew all of the doctrines and traditions of men across the board.

Yeah. THAT's the one.

And I usually follow it up to be clear that includes the Pope, Billy Graham, Joseph Smith, Calvin, etc.

And of course we differ on the whole Pope guy thing.

To be all persnickety, I GET why "the doctrines and traditions of men" are a bad thing. Do you think I do not get it, as a principle? Do you think that I have not read that passage eleventy-twelve times, at least?

I feel that I have conveyed my acceptance of your having that point of view, and my knowledge and understanding of the relevant texts, as cited.

I do NOT feel that you have even heard that we don't think the the definitions and such are not, in our view" doctrines of men (and that consequently that passage, excellent though it be, does not apply, in our view, to the Magisterium because it is not "of men".) At least I wonder if you have, because here in a conversation about how we are perceived by one another you put up that passage, and your doing so bewilders me a little.

No offense, just trying to hack through this ....

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!

I do NOT feel that you have even heard that we don't think the the definitions and such are not, in our view" doctrines of men (and that consequently that passage, excellent though it be, does not apply, in our view, to the Magisterium because it is not "of men".)

I do understand that.

But my personal epistemology is such that I do not agree.

The indwelling Spirit has not yet authenticated to me that the words of the Magisterium are His own. If He ever does, then I will receive them that way.

Until then, they remain at a certainty level of 8, 10 or 11 to me.

To God be the glory!