[metmom]

If the scripture is silent on the subject, of course we cannot test the decisions of the Holy Church with the scripture directly, and the decision stands simply because the Church in her wisdom took it.

Self-declared authority is meaningless.

[annalex]

Self-declared authority is meaningless.

Depends to whom. It is not meaningless to me because I believe in the historical facts described in the Gospel and so I trust the Church because I learned these life-saving facts from her.

If I had no faith, then, of course, that would be meaningless authority, -- it would be over something that does not concern me.

[terycarl]

Self-declared authority is meaningless. says the person who declared the Catholic church in error, established her own way of seeking salvation, made up the rules as she went along, denied 2,000 years of history, and can't imagine why everyone doesn't understand.....