[bdeaner]

Why do I get the feeling you want to give the Church the “credit” from writing the Bible? Is it because you want to set the Church up above the Scriptures?

No, but I would say that the Church, as Christ's body, through the Holy Spirit, with Christ at it's head, has the purpose of preserving/guarding and teaching God's Word. I would include not only written Scriptures, but also Sacred Tradition, per Catholic teaching. I realize the latter point is not going to go over well with a Protestant. But, nevertheless, that's what I believe.

If the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, why not also the Councils? Is that such a stretch? The Biblical evidence supports this contention, I would argue, and, in addition, it was Sacred Tradition that canonized the Bible, distinguishing inspired from non-inspired Scripture. And so, it seems to me, the inspired nature of tradition is implied by the claim that scripture is inspired.

The above is probably the primary reason I became a Catholic. Not the only reason, but a big one.

[PetroniusMaximus]

“If the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, why not also the Councils? Is that such a stretch? “

Jesus had a very low view of “tradition” versus Scripture. If you haven’t done so, I urge you to look us all instances of the word “tradition” in the Gospels. Tradition, unlike Scripture is easily subject to human modification.

Have you considered the changeableness of tradition in your own Church? 50 years ago is would have been a mortal sin for you to eat meat on Friday. If you had eaten meant and died before confession you would go to hell for that. This was a solid Catholic tradition. Now, of course, that has changed. Traditions can change and shift and move. Scripture, being in black and white is much more difficult to openly modify.

In the end, it is an issue of authority. Who has the final authority... the Word of God or human beings?

[PetroniusMaximus]

Hey - I’m gone for the night. I am enjoying our conversation and would be glad to pick it back up again should you be willing. I just didn’t want to seem rude by not replying again this evening. Have a good one!