What if there is only one Christian Church.

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Kitty Chan:
As for authority it would be Christ, He was the one to tell us to test all things. Im not sure its so much authority as following directions.
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Jesus told us to test all things, but by what standards? Sure, the bible exists and is ‘profitable’ for teaching, but how can we be sure that we fully understand the teaching? Just like the Ethiopian eunich, how can we know what the Bible says unless we have someone to show us? If you do not follow a source that was guaranteed to be guided by the Holy Spirit than you are destined to test all things by your own authority. The bible may be infallible writing, but OUR understanding of the Bible is fallible. So it cancels out the absolute that we can read it without error- you are leaving your conclusions to your own conscience, this could be a problem, because your conscience can easily deceive you if it is not formed correctly. This is one of the reasons that it is important for Catholics to look towards the Pope for spiritual leadership, as he is guided by the Holy Spirit as promised by Christ himself. A flock of sheep left to their own conscience if a flock of sheep that is bound to be persuaded by relativism. Catholics can say without doubt, and without worry, that we understand the Bible, because it is not OUR interpretation, but the interpretation of the Magisterium through the guidence of the Holy Spirit. When we do not know the answer, we have a final authority to appeal to to show us ALL Truth in Christ.

Peace,

Chris
 
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thogg85:
I understand that Catholics sincerely believe that this church is the one and only church that Jesus founded. But what if there truly was only one Christian church - the entire body of Jesus followers. What if God were bigger than our idea of the Catholic church? What if in heaven’s scheme of things he founded the universal catholic church (small c) allowing that in form and function the church would split and change? What if he were more concerned about true faith that comes from a repentant sinner than about what church one belongs to? Do we spend so much time arguing about the right church that we forget that there is a lost world of people going to hell? I wonder which Jesus is more concerned with?
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Two quick points to make… 1)You said: ‘What if in heaven’s scheme of things he founded the universal catholic church (small c) allowing that in form and function the church would split and change?’

Among many passages in the Bible, is this why Jesus prayed that we all be ONE?
  1. It IS important to discuss these things, because denominations teaching half-truth are leading sinners into half-truth, without the full means of salvation at their disposal. Catholics do not argue with Protestants because we differ on our belief in God, infact I wouldn’t consider it arguing in any case - we are trying to bring those who have cut themselves off from the fullness of faith, back into the full picture of Christian devotion. Our fondations are the same, Jesus Christ is the source and summit of our faith, but that being said, as a Christian, wouldn’t you want to know Jesus Christ in his COMPLETENESS? Not just the parts that fit your own idea of Christianity.
When I joined the Catholic Church, I never said to myself, ‘great! another denomination where I can pick and choose my beliefs… I have the freedom of my own interpretation here, FINALLY Christianity for an average student.’… but quite the opposite, I knew I was joining a faith that as soon as I disagreed with the slightest element of Catholic dotrine, I was no longer Catholic. This was not MY will, but GOD’S will… I finally found a place where the authority comes from the Holy Spirit, not my own weak intreprations or false desires. I am completely, and utterly in subjection to Christ - the way we should be. Its amazing that many Protestants believe in assured salvation, and yet the only authority they can appeal to is their own fallible interpretation of an infallible source - thats pretty scary to me, I don’t trust myself enough to hold the fate of my own soul, I prefer that direction to come from the authority that Christ himself established, because then I know there is no way for my own personal will and objection to slip in between the cracks and contaminate my faith from the inside without me even knowing it. When I am in doubt, I consult the Church, and where there is the Church, there is Christ pointing the way to ALL Truth.

Chris
 
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