[metmom]

Christ stated that the Church, not Scripture should be the final authority: "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:17 )

Another verse Catholics take way out of context to support their doctrine.

That verse is not Christ giving blanket authority to the church to dictate the lives of the adherents.

In context, it has everything to do with dealing with conflict between believers.

Christ did not state to refer to or consult Scripture for disputes and correction.

Absolute and total nonsense.

Jesus used Scripture authoritatively when dealing with Satan in the wilderness, to CORRECT him.

And what do you all do with THIS statement of Jesus? How are you going to mangle that one to tell us that He didn't mean what He said?

Matthew 22:29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?

In addition, St. Paul states that the Church, not Scripture is "THE pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) Since the Church alone is mentioned as the pillar of truth, then It alone has the right to discern the truth and interpret Scripture.

But not TRUTH itself. Only that which supports truth, and that truth is Jesus and His word.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

[CynicalBear]

>>Another verse Catholics take way out of context to support their doctrine.<<

Springing from a totally corrupted translation of the word “assembly” in Greek to give it a meaning that was never intended.

[daniel1212]

He likely tried this before, but besides the fact that Mt. 18:17 is referring to personal disputes, the fact is that judgment in all cases must rely on something greater than itself, unless it is God.

And the fact is that the church actually established His Truth claims upon scriptural substantiation in word and in power, as did the early church as it began upon this basis. (Mt. 22:23-45; Lk. 24:27,44; Jn. 5:36,39; Acts 2:14-35; 4:33; 5:12; 15:6-21;17:2,11; 18:28; 28:23; Rm. 15:19; 2Cor. 12:12, etc.)

Both men and writings of God were recognized and established as being so before Rome, and without an infallible magisterium, and it is abundantly evidenced that Scripture was the transcendent supreme standard for obedience and testing and establishing truth claims as the wholly Divinely inspired and assured, Word of God.

And that both the instruments, discerners and stewards of Holy Writ are subject to it, unlike Rome.

And as Scripture testifies (Lk. 24:27,44, etc.) to writings of God being recognized and established as being so (essentially due to their unique and enduring heavenly qualities and attestation), and thus they provide for a canon of Scripture (as well as for reason, the church, etc.)