The Church (which was given to us by Christ for this very purpose) is my conscience (Thank God, because I suspect myself of being a sociopath - without the Church telling me the difference between right and wrong, who knows
what I might think is okay - it’s pretty scary, actually.) The Pope is the Church’s voice in the world. He’s not giving us his personal opinions; he’s giving us what the Church teaches us.
Yes, but one only reasons until a conclusion is reached.
Then, on to the next problem. Not endlessly, round and round and round we go on one thing, where (or when) we stop, nobody knows.
Otherwise, you’re not
reasoning; you’re just
dithering.
Thankyou jmcrae
I agree with your comments re Isa.1:18, in principle atleast. The part where you stated “One only reasons until a conclusion is reached;” simply made me think that a conclusion may have been reached by some Catholics on this issue; but you will likely have to admit that a Protestant is going to need much more reasoning than the average Catholic.
I personally like the way some of the early pioneers of the Catholic faith would approach this “reasoning” with people, by striving to be “all things” to all people…like Paul who said:
**1Co 9:19 **For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
**1Co 9:20 **And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
**1Co 9:21 **To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
**1Co 9:22 **To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
**1Co 9:23 **And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
I wonder what would happen if Catholics and Adventists would take this scripture to heart, and do this with each other>>>
I think that if you could explain to me the difference between “The Church” and “The Pope” when it comes to doctrinal deciphering; we would have more to talk about in regards to “the Church is my conscience,” because right now I am wondering how that if either is your conscience, then wherein do you get to do this “reasoning?”
My understanding is that as long as you have got God’s Word, you would not in all situations need Pope, Church, or “Mary.” I don’t see proof yet anywhere on these forums to the contrary.
Besides; I believe that Mary, like all other humans, has died, and will not live again till the resurrection; like all other people who have, or will die. ( “the dead know not anything” Eccl.9:5).
**Act 24:15 **And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
What is the resurrection for if people, including Mary, are already alive?
The Bible tells us that Satan will appear as an angel of light;
(2 Cor.11:14); so how do we tell the difference between that “angel of light” and what we think is Mary? Or some other “saint?”
Please don’t accuse me of blasphemy or anything; I am quite sincere in my questions and I do not intend to denigrate anything or anyone in particular; but I really would like to know where I am wrong here.
Of course, the standard objections to my last statements will likely be brought forth; but from my understanding, this is what these forums are for. I will appreciate any and all replies.
