[metmom]

We don't obey the Ten Commandments because they are Jewish law, but rather because Jesus repeated them (most of them) to us, expanded them and explained them (Mt 5-7). Not stealing, etc. is a good idea and violating the Ten Commandments is a sin, but you are not saved by merely obeying them as law.

Bangs head on desk......

We do. But we don't, until we do.....

Just what, then, IS the criteria for what is *good* if it's not the Law?

You think that the Catholic church can just go and make up any old thing it wants, declare it a *good work*, adequate for salvation, outside of what God has stipulated is good and evil?

Good grief, not only has the Catholic church decided that it doesn't need the Bible because it has *tradition* but it appears that it's decided that it doesn't even need God, because it can determine the moral value of works without Him.

[annalex]

Just what, then, IS the criteria for what is *good* if it's not the Law?

The good works are explained in Matthew 5-7, and in many places by St. Paul. Nearly every letter of his devotes several final chapters to what the good works are. If you want a simple, short rule of thumb, it is "self-denial". Give away what you have and come follow Christ (Luke 18:18-27, Matthew 16:25, Romans 8:13).

Observe that the good works do not have a legalistic definition. When a Protestant asks, at this point, as they habitually do, "when is enough?" they pose a pharisaical question contrary to the spirit of the Gospel.