[MarkBsnr]

And yet you could substitute the word "priests" for "pastors" and "Roman Catholic" for "Protestant" and the statement would be entirely applicable and true. Self-aggrandizement, wealth, power, authority, submission of the "laity" were all sins the "Church" was steeped in and which brought about a need for reform.

Yes to the first part, and no to the actions taken for 'reform'. The results of the Reformation were the wreaking of Christendom from its Christian roots and splintering it into the myriad splinters of approximations of Christianity that it is today.

It didn't start with Martin Luther but he, as a Catholic priest himself, recognized the depravity and wantonness of the hierarchy.

Martin Luther reneged on his vows taken before God. The depravity is not contested. Luther's actions are.

Until we recognize that we are redeemed through Christ and not some religion or organization, we will never let go of hostility, suspicion and negativity and we will never be able to let the light of the glorious gospel shine through us.

There was a good excerpt from the Catechism some posts ago which emphasize that Grace comes from God alone; it is the Church that is commanded to spread the Good News to the World and act as a conduit or mechanism for God's Grace.

[RnMomof7]

There was a good excerpt from the Catechism some posts ago which emphasize that Grace comes from God alone; it is the Church that is commanded to spread the Good News to the World and act as a conduit or mechanism for God's Grace.

Mark, what is the GOOD NEWS?