The answers to the issue i brought up regarding the harmony of the Catholic Church and the Bible are all much appreciated. Thanks to all who responded, and i know, in one way or another, this discussion is helping all of us.
Now, since the replies are not so few to address, i would like to try my best to sum up some of the points that, in my opinion, needs more pondering and clarification;
- The bible, though it is said to be a “product” of the Church, (i’m more inclined to believe that it is God’s will that the “book” be produced, not just a simple book that is written and can be ignored in anyway…), should not, in any way, contradict the teachings of the Church, or vice versa. Suffice to say, that both should be true, no one belittling or denying the other. So, i see no problem in basing our faith in the bible. Unless, the Catholic Church would admit that there are things written in the bible that they now neglect. Is the Catholic Church then is saying that her bishops and priests are more credible than the bible? Then, how do we reconcile it with Apostle paul’s admonition that if there is one apostle, or even an angel from heaven, that will preach something different from the gospel that they already taught, that apostle, or angel must be cast away.
1.1 Thus,
- The admonition to call no man your FATHER is not without significance. Jesus and everyone else fully understand that the title FATHER is being used to our biological fathers, and other men on earth in many other ways. But the verse is basically and explicitly refers to the title as being used to God, our Father. And GOD is the FATHER, the ONLY FATHER OF OUR SOULS. In this manner that no one should call any man in earth FATHER. But as we can see in Catholic doctrines, it is explicitly saying that the POPE is the HIGHEST FATHER OF SOULS HERE ON EARTH. Apostle Paul never used that title to refer to him or to any apostle. Abraham was also called FATHER but there was never any claim that he is a FATHER OF SOULS. Hence, the assertion of ROBHOM in his reply #121 is in question here:
“…And neither do Catholics. Nor do Catholics place any person on earth on the same level as God. For anyone to even begin to imagine that is the case is simply wrong.”
For it is no less than a Catholic Priest, Juan Trinidad, in his book with Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur by catholic Authorites, says otherwise.
Code:
2.1 Concomitant to this, I would like to pose this question; Then, how do catholics reconcile with the admoniton "call no man your father..."? How do you view such a commandment?
2.2 And to address the SD CATHOLIC in reply # 123 that says:
“Since this is off topic for the thread I’ll end with this… You seem to agree that the word “father” WAS used for others in the Bible… so then you’re only argument can be that we put priests and the Pope on the same level as God when we call them “father”… well we don’t… does this help… Paul’s relationship as father to the ones he taught is how we see our fatherly relationship with a priest.
Whether you believe it or not isn’t my job… you’re initial concern was the word “father”… I showed you that others were called “father” also… so to switch to assuming you know what we mean when we say father is something completely different and all I can say is that when we say “father” to a priest or parent it is completely different than when we call God “Father”… plain and simple.”
Does the Catholic Church now denies their publications with their “NIHIL OBSTAT” and “IMPRIMATUR” as if those are not the real stand of the Church? Then we shall be obliged to respond to the next breath… why does the Church allowed the printing of such publications?
- JKRH say:
“The Catholic Church, which has existed unbroken since Pentacost is the institution on earth that assembled the Bible and has kept, copied, translated, and protected for 1500 years since it’s codification around 400 AD. Why then would The Church allow such a Clear and Blatantly antibiblical title to exist if your interpretation is correct?”
Two points I want to raise here:
First, as JKRH is saying, that the Catholic Church ASEMBLED, KEPT, COPIED, TRANSLATED and PROTECTED the BIBLE, then why neglect its significance? What’s the protection for? If the “book” will not be regarded as basis of faith?
Second, on your question why would the Church allow such a CLEAR and BLATANTLY ANTIBIBLICAL TITLE to exist, that’s precisely what we are discussing here. Sirs, I have no intentions to offend anyone, but if you’ll let this discussion benefit us all, let us open our hearts and patiently share our thoughts, as to arrive to the truth. I am not giving my own interpretation here, but plainly stating what the bible teaches. In fact, the very question that you posed should be addressed to the Catholic Church. Why the need for such a title? Why teach the the POPE is the HIGHEST FATHER OF SOULS HERE ON EARTH? And priests as fathers of souls, too?
- If indeed, MARY is without sin, I would like to know why? For it is also written that all men sinned. What is the Catholic Church’s official stand about this?
Brothers and sisters, please bear with me, for I am in deep search for truth. I do hope and pray that the full knowledge about salvation be revealed to each and everyone of us. God bless everyone!