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.
Thank you for your kind words and attitude. I appreciate them.
You are correct that we should test beliefs, and if they are found wanting, reject them. The same is true if we find a minister of the Church in some sort of error (with charity).
When people make the claim the Church strayed from Scripture, it often may indicate the claimant disagrees with the interpretation given by the Church, for example, John 6 and the teaching of the Real Presence.
Others make the claim of Sola Scriptura, which in itself is non-Biblical, and features circular logic.
I agree with you, that as believers in Christ, it is our duty to bring as many souls to Christ as possible, by our example, and our teaching. It starts with love. When non-Christians see Christians serving not only each other, but non-Christians as well, they will recognize we walk the talk.
Should a jihadist convert to belief in Jesus Christ because he heard a Pentecostal preacher, good for both of them!
At its core, religious disagreement expresses our inability to truly understand the infinite, omnipotent, and omnipresence of the Divine Creator.
May His peace fill your days, and His Divine Mercy your life.