MariaG;2708796]This is a very important thing to do. The difference here is that we interpret the scriptures differently thereby you feel that our interpretation has violated the context of scripture, and we disagree with you.
Also important is that when Christians have disagreements, is to look to scripture. Scripture says take it to the Church. Since we both have divergent Churches, we should and can go back to the Early Church to see what they said about these things like asking Saints in heaven to pray for us, The Real Presence, etc.
What do you say when there is no scripture or witness in the church of Mary’s assumption for example?
Yes, scripture does warn of false teachers. But what does it say about the Church itself?
These false teachers would come into the church itself and decieve many. See 2 Peter 2:1.
That it is a pillar and foundation of truth.
Have you looked at this verse and the context carefully? Here is the verse and notice that it does not say that the church is the truth but rather to be the support of it.
15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and support of the truth.
The Church cannot officially teach error without making that scripture false.
Not so. The scriptures cannot teach error because they are inspired-inerrant by God. Men can pervert their message though. So long as men are fallen and the evil is in the world there will be false teachers in the church.
People can teach error WITHIN the Church. We can see Priests, lay people, people on these forums who do not teach the true doctrine of the Church. But the Church itself, the official teachings of the Catholic Church, must be true, or scripture lies.
This is true in part but it also applies to the catholic church. It has erred throughout the centuries not only in some of its doctrines but practices and application of them.
Many catholics i talk to believe that there have been excesses in marian devotions for example. Even the catholic church has been reluctant to approve some sightings. Would you agree? If not i can show you some specific examples if you wish.
I disagree. They are complex, but since the Marian Doctrines are trying to explain Christ better, they cannot stand alone, but must needs be first explained in conjunction with Christ, since these doctrines are only magnifying the Lord.
I agree that the catholic church tries to do this but they fail miserably. Take Mary’s assumption. Certainly the catholic church beleives this was done by God. The problem is that there is no evidence at all in scripture or history. Its all speculation.
You would need to be specific. And you must also look at them in the light of the teachings of Christ, for the Marian doctrine and devotions do not stand alone, but are fully dependent upon proper understanding of the teachings of Christ.
Lets then look at a couple of statements made by saints in your church on Mary:
Mary is the key to the gates of Heaven.
St. Ephrem
Open to us, O Mary, the gate of Paradise, since you have its keys!
St. Ambrose
God has entrusted the keys and treasures of Heaven to Mary.
St. Thomas Aquinas
No one can enter into Heaven except through Mary, as entering through a gate.
St. Bonaventure
This is the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.
Genesis 28:17
Mary is called “The Gate of Heaven” because no one can enter Heaven but through her means.
St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori
I know catholics who defend this will say this is all dependent on Christ. Saying that it does not make it so. No apostles ever taught such a thing as this. This is the speculations and false teachings of men.
