Not understanding the need doesn’t make it go away, NL. As I said, the Scripture is the writings/thoughts of the apostles in the NT, and I’d like to see their thoughts on the subject at hand. It seems to me their opinions should be the guide. Thanks
I appreciate the personal need, but there is no ecclesial need. Catholics accept both Scripture and the Sacred Tradition as co-equal sources of Revealed Truth. It is from this Deposit of faith that our doctrines and dogmas are derived.
I also appreciate the different perspectives we have with respect to the role of Scripture in our beliefs. What seems to be so very hard for all to accept is that, regardless of denomination, with few exceptions those who frequent the Religion Forum are people of significant faith. We are all called to God and Faith is the human response to that call.
Faith is, first and foremost, an act of the will. In cooperation with Grace, we must choose to believe. What you may call your "Born Again" experience we Catholics call a conversion. For us it is not just a one and done experience, it the beginning of a process we call conversion. For most it is a life long experience filled with many subsequent highs and a few lows. Faith is the belief in things not known and not knowable and the acceptance of things not understood or even understandable. Understanding is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and as St. Paul reminds us not all will receive this gift or receive it in equal measures. Where we lack this understanding we, in faith look to our Church and its Traditions, Magisterium, and the collective body of knowledge and opinions of those who came before us. Rather than bicker over the errors we perceive in each other, lets us rejoice in the Faith we share.
Thank you for your service. Peace be with you