Your point is valid. You didn’t judge me personally, on that, I apologize.
My question should have read, by what authority do those outside of the Catholic Church have to call anybody a heretic.
No apology necessary. Between the brethren, we should be able to discuss these matters and I enjoyed discussing them with you.
My question should have read, by what authority do those outside of the Catholic Church have to call anybody a heretic.
If you were to rely solely upon the Catholic church to correct itself, then you most certainly will be waiting an eternity. Martin Luther did his criticism as an ordained priest, but any member of the body of Christ has the right to point out teachings that are contrary to scripture. Catholicism is the largest sect of Christianity and presents the face of the body of Christ to the non-believing as well as the believing world. Where they stray from scripture is enough to cause many to be led away from the faith and can cause them to go to their damnation. This must not be allowed to happen. If, by our dialogue, we can turn back one sheep headed down the path to destruction, Christ will most certainly not look bad upon it.