Oh, I agree most heartily, honesty in discussions more than helps, it is a requirement. That's why I initially posted about my views of the last sentence of this OP. To remind you, it said:
On the other hand, many saints and Church Fathers attest to the spiritual effectiveness of penance. It keeps our focus on God; it is reparation for our sins and the sins of the world.
Now, if you are saying this doctrine "doesn't exist", then fine, I gave you the chance earlier to disavow the statement the author made that such a view was attested by "many saints and Church Fathers". I also quoted the CCC that basically said the same thing WRT Purgatory and indulgences, which this idea of penance and its connection to the Lenten period is based upon.
Here's the point, D-fendr, if anything men do can make reparations for their sins or others - and let's be clear about that word "reparations" which means indemnification, atonement, satisfaction, compensation - it certainly DOES minimize the atonement Jesus Christ made for sin by his horrible death on the cross. I didn't say it says Christ's sacrifice is "unnecessary", but just not enough, not sufficient. It ties back to the invented dogmas of Purgatory and indulgences which have NO Scriptural basis and which have perverted the gospel of the grace of God.
I certainly don't expect the Catholic Church to make ANY changes to their doctrine. It has been demonstrated many times that the magesterium, once it has proclaimed a dogma, will seldom admit error and readdress a claim. What I do hope is that individual Catholics might realize that they are being deceived and reject the false gospel that tells them they cannot have assurance of their salvation because it is reliant upon themselves and their actions rather than by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. My eyes were opened, others can be as well.
I didn't say it says Christ's sacrifice is "unnecessary", but just not enough, not sufficient. yada yada yada. Not quite that, just this, but that, then this other thing.
Yeah, right. "Yes, but.."
Either Catholic theology missed an obvious error or is evilly inclined. Or..
Your posts show an ignorance and desperate need to trash the Church somehow no matter how ridiculous the means, whatever twisting it takes.
Those who truly wish to know the Church can read the Early Fathers, St. Athanasius, St. John Damascene, the Councils, Sts. Ambrose, Jerome, Aquinas, Augustine, John OTC..
If they wish to learn of Christ in His Church in a more recent writing, they can read Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict. I strongly recommend this book for all Christians in these times.
Here, they can see Christ Our Savior, His Church - as from the beginning with His Apostles down to today, and learn what the Church really believes and teaches.
Or, alternatively, they can take their information from a internet poster named boatbums.