In the OP the question was asked Is the Bible alone sufficient? simieonhuff does not ask sufficient for what purpose. He states his belief in “sola scriptura” then answers the question on why there are so many differing denominations, by stating that it is a matter of misinterpretation. In doing so, invalidating the doctrine of “sola scriptura”.
If it where a true doctrine all would interpret the Bible in the same way through the guidance of the Holy Spirit without error, so therefore no differing denominations.
His second statement is, no where in the Bible does it say to venerate Mary but just a few words later he goes on to say that in the Bible she was honored.(but not worshiped). Veneration is the act of honoring Mary just as the Bible instructs us to do. Catholics do not worship Mary, we worship God and God alone, often times it is a lack of knowledge that causes misconceptions concerning theology.
There is a very high regard of Mary in Catholic doctrine, due to the fact that she is the mother of Jesus Christ our Savior and we venerate/ honor her as such. God chose Mary to bring forth the Incarnate Word, the Word made flesh, In honoring her we worship God and give Glory to God. In the Ten Commandments, God tells us to honor our mothers. When we honor Mary, mother of Jesus, mother of God; could anyone imagine that this does not please God? Does this not bring us closer to God?
Mary’s sinlessness is a defined Dogma of the Catholic Church and is not explicitly stated in the Bible. To give a full apology of this would take an enormous amount of time and space. To give a very brief synopsis of this I would just like to say, that there is enough biblical evidence for that defined Dogma and it is a part of Catholic theology.
A good place to start studying this is in the fact that God is all Holy and would never allow His Son to be touched by the effects of sin. For God placed enmity between the woman and the serpent. See Genesis 3:15. Mary was sinless because to be otherwise she would have to have cooperated with Satan, God did not allow this to happen.
Jesus said that the way to salvation is narrow and the number would be few, not all that say Lord, Lord will be saved. He left here on earth a guide to help us along the path and that guide is His Church.
The four biblical marks that describe His Church are:
- His Church - Holy
Therefore as the church is subject to Christ: so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and delivered himself up for it: That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life: That he might present it to himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(Ephesians 5:24-27)
Let us be glad and rejoice and give glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb is come: and his wife hath prepared herself. And it is granted to her that she should clothe herself with fine linen, glittering and white. For the fine linen are the justifications of saints.
(Revelation 19:7-8)
- Catholic (Universal)
Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
And they sung a new canticle, saying: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to take the book and to open the seals thereof: because thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation
(Revelation 5:9)
- One (Unity)
So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one members one of another:
(Romans 12:5)
For we, being many, are one bread, one body: all that partake of one bread.
(1 Corinthians 10:17)
For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free: and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.
(1 Corinthians 12:13)
Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
(Ephesians 4:3-6)
- Apostolic
Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners: but you are fellow citizens with the saints and the domestics of God, Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone: In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord. In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:19-22)
The Catholic Church historically meets these four Biblical traits.
Scripture alone is not sufficient in all matters of faith and morals, we must also rely on The Church.