We are not to follow anyone’s teachings blindly. The Bible
itself encourages us to search the scriptures to confirm the truth and expose errant teachings. The Bereans were even given praise for checking the teachings of the apostle Paul himself! Oddly, Catholics are not allowed to do this
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11
While the teaching of the Catholic Church is that the host literally becomes the real physical body and blood of Our Lord, the Bible simply does
not support this.
Hello, a great deal was said to TLM already but I wanted to clarify. I’m not sure which bible translation you have TLM, but the New American Bible I am holding does not say what you have written.
“These Jews were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all willingness and examined the scriptures daily to determine whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11
My first comment is that if I do not accept the bible blindly, then I cannot accept your interpretation that they were “checking the teachings of the apostle Paul himself!” First, the quote you have, which is definitely not the same translation I have word or spirit, does not imply that Paul is in error. Instead, it is like a bright science student first hearing a lecture on black holes. They are excited and are checking all sorts of references to discover this “black hole” concept. If you read into it they were checking for error, you
interpreted the text yourself as an authority. Obviously I do not need to believe your interpretation if you doubt a whole scholarly evaluation in the Magisterium.
Furthermore, the translation you have appears to add as well as alter text. First, the version I have claim “these Jews” not Beroean Jews. In particular if you look at the context both in the scripture and the history, it was in reference to a particular synagogue in Beroea, not all of the Jews in the area. In addition, the text I have does not state they are examining St. Paul’s scriptures. Lastly, scriptures here refers to the Old Testament because the Scripture you have now, including the Acts of the Apostle were not written in its entirety yet. In fact, the Gospels, according to historians were written just before 70 AD to 150 AD. St. Paul died by 63-64 AD, so they were not referring to our NT nor to the letters of Peter and Paul found in the NT.
Lastly, in the line immediately after what you quoted: “Many of them became believers, as did not a few of the influencial Greek women and men.” (Acts 17: 12). They were learning, they sought evidence in the OT as described by Paul of who the Messiah will be and what will be signs fo the Messiah. Then they came to believe.
If you cannot believe in Apostolic succession, you can make up all sorts of interpretations and use all different translations, but if you are arguing against the truth, you’re arguments will not hold water. Catholics are called to develop their consciences and to use reason together with faith. Anything short will be problematic for the individual, but the Church will survive despite individuals.
