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Originally Posted by Peace-be-with-you  Hi Lee,
I don't intend to leave. I do notice though, that I thought I was only answering questions as to what Catholics believe and what the Catholic Church teaches. It appears though that some on this forum want to take it to the next level which is actually analyzing the teachings. I do not object to that, but, because this is a Church of Christ, Sola Scriptura forum board, I hesitate to go in that direction so as to not let things get out of hand with tempers flaring and pot-shots being taken (not referring to myself).
So I do want to stay and answer questions as to what Catholics believe, as I originally intended, but if some on this forum want to analyze those teachings only for the purpose of showing how wrong they view them to be, I would need the latitude to defend those positions, and there my brother, is where things seem to get out of hand because of the possible inability for some to discuss in a reasonable fashion, their own beliefs. I don't want that to happen to this forum because I feel that the admins have a nice thing going here for COC members. I have friends that are COC members, so I do this in respect to them as much as to members of this forum.
I did not intend to have to defend Catholic doctrine, only state what Catholics believe. If you feel I should defend it in order for some here to attempt to disprove it, I am open to that if you feel it would be to the benefit of those that read these threads, but, once again, I would want permission from your admins and would also expect courtesy from those in the discussion.
Peace |
Your presence is appreciated by me. You must understand that we will contend earnestly for the faith. By all means post what the catholic church believes, but you must realize that we will check the scriptures to see if such things are so (Acts 17:11). You also must realize that if we find things that oppose clear biblical teaching we will make that known. It should be done with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15, but it will be done. It is up to you to decide if you wish to defend those teachings.
You are right, we believe in the clear biblical teachings on the sufficiency and finality of the scriptures. So we will appeal to them. If it cannot be proven by the scriptures then we will reject it. What purpose is there for additional laws, rules, or revelations if the scriptures are sufficient for all things? The only reason I see is because someone didn't like the teachings found therein and decided to change them.
I say this with all love. Christ is the one head of His Church. The papacy cannot be found in scripture neither can the organization of the RCC be established from pure biblical teaching. If you must go to some extra-biblical teaching for what you are doing, I will reject that. It has no purpose, in fact it violates God's commands not to add to, subtract from, or in any way alter the all-sufficient word of God which has been once delivered Jude 3. On this we will stand firm.