Anathemized:
I would contend that it is you that are more like those groups in that you and your views are what determines what is correct doctrine. That is ultimately the baby that came out of Protestanstism in that rationalism and individualism became the determinant of what is correct Doctrine. Protestantism is ultimately about Sola EGO, in that it is me and the Bible and I will decide what is sound doctrine. In many instances, your philosophical approach to dermining doctrine is no different than Joseph Smith, who was after all a King James Protestant and eventuall “his reading of the Bible” led to Mormomism.
Catholicism is rooted in the ancient Church as expressed by the Creeds and reflects the constant and consistent teaching of the Church Fathers and great theologians down tru the centuries.
You will not find the Protestant doctrine of justification in the early Church in either of the Latin Fathers or the Greek Fathers, whose writings are foundational for the Greek Orthodox Church and their theology on justification is nothing similar to what you are any other Protestant here posits.
One would think that a religion which usurps the name of Christians would at least try to stay a little closer to the Christian Bible...
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Catholicism is rooted in the ancient Church as expressed by the Creeds and reflects the constant and consistent teaching of the Church Fathers and great theologians down tru the centuries.
I would posit that your teaching, creeds and great theologians weren't so great after all...We have the plain, clear words in the scripture that are right from the Source, bypassing the opinions of your great theologians...
And it's ludricrous to suggest anyone in your religion is better qualified to understand what God taught in the scriptures than average Christians sitting in pews of churches thruout the world...That's why so many millions of Catholics left your religion when they read the actual words of God in their own languages...
When your church fathers and great theologians disagree with the scripture I posted, they are not to be believed nor trusted with your soul...
And Joe Smith?, obviously he didn't take to the King James Bible like you suggest since he wrote his own to his liking...Kinda like a catechism...