[daniel1212]

It is concomitant with that, but i meant that in and of itself, one can believe in it and be saved, esp. a new convert. But to continue to defend it, in the light of the lack of Scriptural warrant and weight against, does indicate thinking of souls above that which is written in Scripture, which is able to make one wise unto salvation.

[boatbums]

I could be wrong but I think the main reason why we see so many Catholics defend this as well as other extra-Biblical doctrines is that to admit the Church was wrong on any point - especially the ex-cathedra declarations - would be to concede they could be wrong about other things as well. Of course, we non-Catholics have no problem with pointing out where they have erred on a number of very clear Scriptural, first-century doctrines, but for most of them they would rather “go down with the ship” so to speak than ever openly admit their “infallible” magesterium made mistakes. They have bet their eternity on trusting fallible men to be faultless based only upon those very men's proclamation of infallibility.