Statistically, the narrative isn’t quite so neat: in recent years,
That is for sure. Far more RCs become evangelical than cross over to Rome.
Most attempts to turn the discussion to Biblical passages result in either a denial that my “private interpretation” is reliable — thus shutting down an exegetical debate before it begins — or lay interpretations shared, as far as I can tell, by virtually no Biblical scholars who study these passages.
For Catholics church teaching is the Supreme Law, under the the novel and unScriptural premise of ensured perpetual magisterial reliability.
But what valid church teaching consists of, and what magisterial level it belongs to - and thus what level of assent it requires - as well as its meaning, are all subject 0 to varying degrees - to variant interpretations by the Catholic.
here are some exegetical reasons I remain Protestant. Off the top of my head: Broadly Protestant notions of justification are clearly taught by the Bible. Pauline church government is authoritarian in some respects but is a distant cousin to the modern Magisterium. NT (and OT) ethics support the implementation of the death penalty in ways that are alien to Francis’s ethical statements and implications. Contra the post-Vatican II ethos, Christ and Paul are utterly unsympathetic to salvation for those who refuse to submit directly and openly to Christ and his Gospel. Biblical unity is defined by adherence to core doctrine. Organizational fealty is never primary in the NT’s exposition of authority and unity. Related: when I read the church fathers, I don’t think many of them would recognize some of the core beliefs of modern Catholicism.
How about the fact that Catholic distinctives simply are not manifest in the only wholly inspired substantive authoritative record of what the NT church believed (including how they understood the OT and gospels), especially Acts thru Revelation. From becoming actually good enough thru Purgatory to enter Heaven to a separate sacerdotal class of celibate believers who uniquely offer the Lord's supper as a sacrifice for sin, to praying to created beings in Heaven ,
Sorry to hear of your discomfort. I’ll be praying for you.
I don’t think this article can honestly be seen as “Catholic-bashing” - though I’m sure some will think so regardless. The author brings up some important points that I agree with and is also why I have no desire to ever go back to Catholicism.
Prayers for your gall bladder pain. Hope medical procedures are in place.
God bless.