Believer, At the first council of Jerusalem, how did the Apostles come to an infallible decision? They discussed it, but Peter gave his opinion with authority as leader of the Apostles and it was from HIS DREAM. He didn't refer to scripture, since this wasn't scriptural was it? He gave his decision because of his dream given by God. James, being the leader of the Local Church in Jerusalem affir...more

Believer,

At the first council of Jerusalem, how did the Apostles come to an infallible decision? They discussed it, but Peter gave his opinion with authority as leader of the Apostles and it was from HIS DREAM. He didn't refer to scripture, since this wasn't scriptural was it? He gave his decision because of his dream given by God. James, being the leader of the Local Church in Jerusalem affirmed it. This is how doctrines were decided.

Scripture, Tradition of the apostles and the teaching authority of Apostles are the three areas of authority clearly seen in SCRIPTURE. All three have equal authority and all three must agree.

I do understand you disagree with some of our interpretations, but then again an individual like yourself has no Apostolic authority so your opinion is irrelevant. What is relevant is what the Apostles and their successors define as Truth, since they have the Keys and you and I do not.less

Believer, of course the Apostles didn't shoot from the hip. They didn't need to as they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to be lead into all Truth. Yes, they had the Old Testament but those books cannot save you, but rather they are a prefigurement of the Good News. Most Christians at the time couldn't read and so only the Apostles and Bishops read the letters if there was time. The most imp...more

Believer, of course the Apostles didn't shoot from the hip. They didn't need to as they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to be lead into all Truth. Yes, they had the Old Testament but those books cannot save you, but rather they are a prefigurement of the Good News. Most Christians at the time couldn't read and so only the Apostles and Bishops read the letters if there was time. The most important thing on Sunday was the Eucharist, not the readings. The readings were always fruitful, but not the center of worship.

As a former evangelical I know that while we accept all 27 books of the New Testament, most denominations pick and choose what they want to believe. Pentecostals read one set that focuses on their beliefs, while Baptists and Lutherans and Calvinists focus on others. As a Catholic now, I accept all of the New Testament and I read everything and accept everything which gives a more complete context. You see the bible is one book made of many stories. None of the stories can conflict and yet denominations have begun like baptists and Pentecostals that choose not to read certain texts especially James, for example.

When I was at Seminary, I had two professors that had opposing views on scriptural interpretation and yet they both agreed that the Catholic Church gave these books to us. You can read any of Calvin or Luther's writings and they all say that the Catholic Church defined these glorious Words of God.

All the Reformers and the most astute Professors all concede the Catholic Church gave us the New Testament and yet you illogically reject this.less

Online, Hello. I don't believe it is a misrepresentation since all the history books and systematic theology books I read in Seminary all pointed to the fact there was but one church Jesus founded in scripture. This church continued from Jerusalem through her Apostles. The Apostles set up "Sees" of Authority from where they would spread the faith and have authority over a specific area. History a...more

Online, Hello. I don't believe it is a misrepresentation since all the history books and systematic theology books I read in Seminary all pointed to the fact there was but one church Jesus founded in scripture. This church continued from Jerusalem through her Apostles. The Apostles set up "Sees" of Authority from where they would spread the faith and have authority over a specific area. History and scripture shows this clearly with the Epistles and Acts. You see the church of Antioch, Rome, Ephesus and others. These were all the Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church has always existed and has a historical and scriptural Patrimony. No thoughtful Protestant scholar would ever debate this.

The Burden of proof you mention is interesting. If you take the most basic logic course whether it be Platonic, Socratic or Aristotelian, the burden of proof is actually on you. Why? Well, logic tells us that what comes first and is accepted is the rule of faith and those who seek to change it have the burden of proof. I am delighted to say that there is not one Catholic belief that goes "AGAINST" God's word in scripture. Now, our beliefs were defined through the Apostolic process of holding a council, as we see the first council of Jerusalem. The Apostles had authority by God to create and define our beliefs as they understood it guided by the Holy Spirit.

The average person without Apostolic authority has no right to create doctrines. Rather, they do have the right to read scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them to be a good Christian equipped for every good work, but without Apostolic authority they have no gift to be lead into "All Truth". For this gift was given only to the Apostles and then to their successors.

What came first the Church or the Bible? Answer the Church. Where did Christ give His authority. Answser to Men(Apostles). What does scripture say when you have a fault against your brother, bring him to Truth, bring Witnesses and then bring him to the Church. The Church has the final say because she has God's authority. 1Tim 3:15 scripture says the Church is the foundation and bullwark of Truth and scripture says that Peter has the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I think what irritates you most is that you love Jesus Christ so much, but that you reject His Church's authority at the same time. Psychologically this must be tough.less

Rfwitt, You must not be a protestant or an evangelical then since all Protestants and Evangelicals accept the doctrine of original sin as defined by the Catholic Church. Here is the scriptural proof of Original sin: The doctrine of original sin is that "in" Adam all have sinned. This parallels the doctrine of justification that "in" Christ all are righteous. We can begin to understand this ...more

Rfwitt, You must not be a protestant or an evangelical then since all Protestants and Evangelicals accept the doctrine of original sin as defined by the Catholic Church.

Here is the scriptural proof of Original sin: The doctrine of original sin is that "in" Adam all have sinned. This parallels the doctrine of justification that "in" Christ all are righteous.

We can begin to understand this parallel—namely, through the first Adam all have died and through the second Adam (Christ) all have life—by looking at Romans 5. Verse 12 says that "sin came into the world through one man and death through sin." And look at the evidence throughout verses 15–19: "Many died through one man’s trespass. . . . For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation. . . . Because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man. . . . Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men. . . . By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners."

Look at verse 16: "For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation." Who did it bring condemnation for? Adam only? No—verse 18 says, "Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men" (emphasis added). This is stated even more clearly by the King James rendering the same verse: "Therefore, as by the offense of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation."

These passages are all about the Church’s doctrine of original sin. Because of Adam’s sin, all men were made subject to sin and death. That is Scripture’s teaching on the doctrine of original sin.

All evangelicals and Protestants accept this understanding of Original Sin except some fundamentalist groups including some Baptists, Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons.less

Darshan, Hello. I'm not sure what your educational background is, but your information is very flawed and out of context. As an assoc pastor at my dad's church I believed much of what you wrote above. I believed it completely. The problem came when I went to Seminary at a very conservative evangelical college. You use many dates when some of the Catholic beliefs were either formalized or restat...more

Darshan,

Hello. I'm not sure what your educational background is, but your information is very flawed and out of context. As an assoc pastor at my dad's church I believed much of what you wrote above. I believed it completely. The problem came when I went to Seminary at a very conservative evangelical college. You use many dates when some of the Catholic beliefs were either formalized or restated, but the problem comes when you do research and see that the Catholic Church believed all these things since the time of the Apostles and their successors.

The term "Vicar of Christ" means "mouthpiece of Christ". This saying was used by Ignatius in 107ad and many other church fathers who were personally discipled by the Apostles. In fact, the term Vicar of Christ was something that all bishops were given but that Peter or the bishop of Rome was the final Vicar of Christ. The College of bishops made up the Vicar or mouthpiece of Christ "Those who hear you hear me" sound familiar.

The more you study early church history, the more you will want to convert to the original church of Jesus Christ as I did last Easter. The original church was not sola scriptura, nor were they sola fidei. These are the two major hallmarks of protestantism and none of them are apostolic.less

You can be catholic, meaning a part of the universal church of Christ because you are baptised into this trinitarian faith, but you are not CATHOLIC because you do not belong to a church with valid apostolic orders, valid sacraments, etc. The Anglicans have but one valid sacrament and that is baptism. None of their other rituals may be called sacraments because without Apostolic authority these...more

You can be catholic, meaning a part of the universal church of Christ because you are baptised into this trinitarian faith, but you are not CATHOLIC because you do not belong to a church with valid apostolic orders, valid sacraments, etc.

The Anglicans have but one valid sacrament and that is baptism. None of their other rituals may be called sacraments because without Apostolic authority these rituals cannot convey or infuse Grace needed for salvation.
For by Grace we will be saved, and so I became a Catholic where I can receive the fullness of Grace. As a former evangelical assoc pastor and third generation pastor, we evangelicals loved God's word but our lives can become more fully transformed by the light of Christ in scripture, tradition and the Eucharist.

I would have given up anything to truly eat His flesh and drink His blood, so that I may have His life in me to the fullness and be lifted up on the last day. Only the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist can transform. A peice of bread alone as a symbol cannot do anything.

I encourage all evangelicals to open up your bible, history books and learn about the church fathers and you will realize as I did at an Evangelical Seminary that the Catholic Church is the original and we are not. I would also encourage you to pray deeply for God's reunion of His church especially with the Orthodox. All other houses of worship are built on sand, because they are not built on the rock.

The Reformation failed because it did not reform, but rather split and formed its own peculiar entity outside of Christ Church. While Christ church is not perfect, no situation is worth leaving no matter what because only this one Church of Christ was given the power to bind and loose, forgive sins and make doctrines. Only this church received the gift of the Holy Spirit to be lead into all truth. None of the apostles were perfect, but God is. The Catholic Church is not perfect because men and women are its members, but she can never fail or fall into error because Christ promised.less

If you ask anyone in our country about "Touch Down Jesus" they will refer you to the grand mosaic at the University of Notre Dame, where Jesus is seen directly behind one end of the stadium by the Goal post raising his arms in the air like he is confirming a touchdown. This is the True "Touchdown Jesus" that everyone knows. No one thinks of Solid Rock Church when you say Touch Down Jesus, and i...more

If you ask anyone in our country about "Touch Down Jesus" they will refer you to the grand mosaic at the University of Notre Dame, where Jesus is seen directly behind one end of the stadium by the Goal post raising his arms in the air like he is confirming a touchdown. This is the True "Touchdown Jesus" that everyone knows.

No one thinks of Solid Rock Church when you say Touch Down Jesus, and in fact I would imagine only locals of this town know anything about this church. Very poor reporting.less

Soon, praise God the Orthodox will reunite with us and the Anglicans who are true to the Apostolic faith will come home too. When this happens 75% of the world will be Catholic and will be even more equipped because of our unity of faith to preach the fullness of the Gospel. The body of Christ is made up of the individuals who hold the faith with the hierarchy established by Christ. In Scriptu...more

Soon, praise God the Orthodox will reunite with us and the Anglicans who are true to the Apostolic faith will come home too. When this happens 75% of the world will be Catholic and will be even more equipped because of our unity of faith to preach the fullness of the Gospel.

The body of Christ is made up of the individuals who hold the faith with the hierarchy established by Christ. In Scripture, the word "Apostles" means to send out. As the Father has sent me, so I send you..to the Apostles. Those Apostles sent out more men called Bishops and so on to today. Each bishop is replaced the same way Judas was 2000 years ago, by a vote and the laying of hands by someone who has Christ Authority.

Tom, my father and my grandfather love Christ but they were not given His authority. They were not "sent out" by God through his Apostolic ministry. They basically got up one morning and wanted to serve God. This is great and I know many people have come to Christ through them, but they do not have Christ authority. They cannot expel demons, offer the Eucharist, forgive sins or give the annointing of the sick, confirmation, etc. They have no apostolic mandate.

If you believe the bible and the bible clearly shows this is how you receive Christ authority through apostolic succession and the laying of hands, then why would you join a church that doesn't have this biblical authority? Moreover, you say you don't believe something but the question is...Who are you? Do you have God's authority to intepret scripture infallibly? I didn't see your name in scripture where you received it, so I cannot believe it.

The average individual is guided by the Holy Spirit in many ways, but no individual has the right to interpret by themselves unless they are Peter's direct successor and hold the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Without binding and loosing authority, you are just a free agent working for God but without His direct authority.less

Mariner, my grandfather and father were both Pastors of evangelical churches. I was an assoc. pastor at my dad's church. You know why they are not one church, because they actually think they have the authority to interpret scripture on their own and my dad and granddad don't agree on what scripture says. I was received into the Catholic Church last Easter and I praise God that He brought me in...more

Mariner, my grandfather and father were both Pastors of evangelical churches. I was an assoc. pastor at my dad's church. You know why they are not one church, because they actually think they have the authority to interpret scripture on their own and my dad and granddad don't agree on what scripture says.

I was received into the Catholic Church last Easter and I praise God that He brought me into the fullness of Truth. I hope to be a Catholic Priest someday soon. I learned the Truth of the Catholic faith at a very conservative evangelical seminary called Gordon Conwell.

Tom, I must agree with Mariner that you did not properly learn your faith. For example, giving your confession to a Priest is biblical and apostolic.
Jesus says in Mt 9:2-8 that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins, then in John 20:22-23 Jesus says to the Apostles, "WHOSE SINS YOU FORGIVE THEY ARE FORGIVEN, WHOSE SINS YOU RETAIN THEY ARE RETAINED." He breaths on them to give them this special gift. Paul to the corinthians says that he was given the "Ministry of Reconciliation" and in James 5 we see the prayers of the presbyters forgives sins and that we are to confess to one another. So, this is just scripture giving proof of confession to a Priest as the "Ordinary" way. Going to a Priest is going to directly to God because the Priest has HIs authority from the Apostles. If you can't get to a Priest before you die but you are truly sorry for your sins, God will forgive you but this is the "Extraordinary form". Both are acceptable.

Lastly, historical record slams the door shut on this for evangelicals because we see that the Apostles taught this to their successor Bishops; Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Irenaus, etc. In fact, you will never see any writing against going to a Priest for confession because this was what the Apostles taught. The Apostles taught that you must go to a Priest and that is why EVERYONE DID IT WITHOUT EXCEPTION. As an evangelical, this troubled me a lot because my church did not have this authority.

I will keep you in my prayers so that you will see the Truth of the Holy Catholic Faith. The only Church founded by Jesus with His authority. Whatever church you are in right now, does not have Christ authority. They do not have Apostolic succession and without that, you cannot trust what they teach. I'm glad you love the scriptures like I do being a former evangelical. Knowing that these scriptures were decided by the Catholic Church shows the church's authority by God.less

If you love riches and wealth, please don't become a pastor. Benny Hinn is paying for it today.

My dad had the opportunity to become a Mega Church pastor but declined to stay in a smaller church where his salary was in the middle of most the families who attended the church. My grandfather who also served as a Pastor would not take more than $30K a year, no matter how big it grew. Now, that I converted to Catholicism I look forward to taking my vow of poverty so I can live more intimatel...more

My dad had the opportunity to become a Mega Church pastor but declined to stay in a smaller church where his salary was in the middle of most the families who attended the church. My grandfather who also served as a Pastor would not take more than $30K a year, no matter how big it grew.

Now, that I converted to Catholicism I look forward to taking my vow of poverty so I can live more intimately with the cross of Christ and serve the poor. It is easier to serve the poor taking the bus or driving a beat up truck and wearing a $20 dollar watch, than it is to drive a Mercedes Benz or Range Rover and be wearing a Rolex.

If you are going to be a Pastor or a Priest, then please try to immitate Christ who is our ultimate role model and pick up your cross.less

I wonder if the pastors and the staff took a vow of poverty if that would help? The Fact that most of the pastors who run these churches are all Muli-Millionairs really leaves a bad taste in most people's mouth. St. Francis fought against rich Pastors in the 13th century and all Pastors after that had to take a vow of poverty. Most did before this, but then it became mandatory so that people d...more

I wonder if the pastors and the staff took a vow of poverty if that would help?

The Fact that most of the pastors who run these churches are all Muli-Millionairs really leaves a bad taste in most people's mouth. St. Francis fought against rich Pastors in the 13th century and all Pastors after that had to take a vow of poverty. Most did before this, but then it became mandatory so that people didn't serve Christ to get Rich. If you want to follow me, pick up your cross ...NOT give me the keys to the Benz.

Mega Churches in America wouldn't exist if the pastors lived on average means. Money can be very evil.less

Those Christians who live in Israel and live in Palestine are majority Catholics and Orthodox. There isn't even a percentage of non-catholic Christians in the area. Israel constantly mistreats, kills and jails many Christians because they think just because they are Arab that they are all Muslims. Remember, my Protestant and Evangelical friends and family that the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven...more

Those Christians who live in Israel and live in Palestine are majority Catholics and Orthodox. There isn't even a percentage of non-catholic Christians in the area.

Israel constantly mistreats, kills and jails many Christians because they think just because they are Arab that they are all Muslims. Remember, my Protestant and Evangelical friends and family that the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are with Peter and the Pope has God's authoritywith binding and loosing authority with all the bishops in communion with him all over the world. Jesus gave His authority from the Father to the Apostles and then to their successors. Who speaks for God today? Jews or God's Church founded by Christ?

Faithful Jews have a divine right by God to their lands and they must treat the aliens to their lands with respect, which they do not. God gave all this land to the faithful Jews and it belongs to them, but let us listen to what the Pope has to say first before judge it. I have been to Israel. Faithful Jews and not secular Jewish pagans represent only 7% of the total Jewish population. God will only reject those who no longer serve him and do not believe in Him. God has not given this land to an entire nation, but rather to a people who are still faithful.

For those Jews like Abraham, their land is given by divine right. Unfortunately, there are little to no faithful Jews in Israel. God's covenant is with faithful Jews, not unfaithful secular Jews who worship anything but God. Let us pray for Israel to come home to the Lord and may God bless this holy land.less

Scripture attests to only men as ordained ministers: Bishop, Priest, Deacon. The Church has no power, despite binding and loosing authority from God, to change God's will. The Catholic church will never bend on allowing women in clergy, despite their gifts and many talents. It is simply not their job. They are helpers and will never have headship over men. While many churches today debate and ...more

Scripture attests to only men as ordained ministers: Bishop, Priest, Deacon.
The Church has no power, despite binding and loosing authority from God, to change God's will. The Catholic church will never bend on allowing women in clergy, despite their gifts and many talents. It is simply not their job. They are helpers and will never have headship over men.

While many churches today debate and vote on women in clergy, gay blessings, gays in clergy, abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, In Vitro Fertilization, Contraception, etc. Isn't it nice to know there is one Church that will never change its mind from God's will to man's will?
Welcome home to the Catholic Church. www.catholicbridge.comless

This is one of the many reasons why I became Catholic. Faith and Reason are like the meat and potatoes of the faith. Can't have one without the other. I'm a new Catholic, so many things are still different. Like for example, no one after Mass is saying "What did you get from pastor's sermon?". The sermon, while important, pales in comparison to receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist. I always...more

This is one of the many reasons why I became Catholic. Faith and Reason are like the meat and potatoes of the faith. Can't have one without the other.
I'm a new Catholic, so many things are still different. Like for example, no one after Mass is saying "What did you get from pastor's sermon?". The sermon, while important, pales in comparison to receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

I always thought it was funny as an evangelical when we would say, "Did you get fed?" Which we meant, did you learn something. I can say that question is given new meaning becoming a Catholic, because now it means eating the flesh and drinking the blood of my savior so that He lives in me.

If you ask what is the most important thing about your church to an evangelical they may say; does the pastor break down the Word well, Is the Pastor charismatic, Does the church I go to hold my views, how is the fellowship, is it good music, how is the childcare and is it fun for the kids, how do we live out our call in our community, when are the bible studies and small groups.

If you ask a Catholic what is most important in their church they would say; Holy Eucharist, is the pastor Christ-like and Holy, Is the Liturgy holy and worthy of God, Are we all 100% following the Church's doctrine in faith and morals, when are Bible studies, is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament open 24 hours a day, a Rosary said daily for the sick and dying and those who have recently passed into God's glory, Confession and finally how do we live out the beatitudes in our local and global community.

Peace be with you. www.catholicbridge.comless

Before entering the Catholic Church after being an Evangelical for my whole life and serving as an assoc pastor in my dad's church, I met many presbyterian pastors who became or are becoming Catholic. Scott Hahn, Marcus Grodi and many others who were staunch Calvinists and many who were anti-Catholic came to see the Truth of the original Christian faith. They converted because they saw the Pres...more

Before entering the Catholic Church after being an Evangelical for my whole life and serving as an assoc pastor in my dad's church, I met many presbyterian pastors who became or are becoming Catholic.

Scott Hahn, Marcus Grodi and many others who were staunch Calvinists and many who were anti-Catholic came to see the Truth of the original Christian faith. They converted because they saw the Presbyterian boat sinking and did much homework, study and prayer and wanted to know where to serve and many are coming home to the fullness of Truth in the Catholic Church.

Read books like "Rome Sweet Home" or "Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic". Great reads! When I went to a conference for Pastors coming into the Catholic Church there was standing room only. I met Pastors from every tradition and background and all of them after studying the Early church fathers compared to scripture and seeing the fullness of the Sacraments had to convert.

I pray for all Presbyterians and all those who have totally surrendered themselves to Christ, to see how the Holy Spirit is guiding millions out of many of these man made traditions into Christ, Holy Catholic & Apostolic Church. Once you eat His Flesh and Drink His blood, Christ will truly abide in you and you will be raised on the last day. You can only get the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Welcome home!less

Sorry Online and Believer, but you are both wrong. You see Presbyterians do hold to Sola Scriptura but it is their intepretation of it that is wrong. Baptists hold to dedications of the mosaic law versus baptism of infants and children seen implicit in the bible and explicit in historical record, so it is their interpretation that is wrong. No children were ever dedicated in the early church who ...more

Sorry Online and Believer, but you are both wrong. You see Presbyterians do hold to Sola Scriptura but it is their intepretation of it that is wrong. Baptists hold to dedications of the mosaic law versus baptism of infants and children seen implicit in the bible and explicit in historical record, so it is their interpretation that is wrong. No children were ever dedicated in the early church who were Christians nor were children given any ceremonial circumcision.

The point of all this is Authority. Who has it and who doesn't. We see clearly in scripture who had it; The Apostles. The Apostles were in charge of interpretation, defining doctrines, etc. Not the random joe blow.

You know why my dad's church and my grand dad's church are not the same Church? Well they are both evangelical, but one holds to predestination(Once saved always saved) and the other does not. One dedicates babies, the other baptizes them. This is all in the same family. When their is no final judge or judges like in the Old Testament or in the New Testament you interpret scripture however you feel lead. Problem is there is only one right answer. So, in the end my father and grandfather split their churches. Sad to see this disunity so close to home. I was fortunate to have served in both churches.

The Catholic Church, being the church founded by Christ, has Christ authority through Apostolic Succession. You can clearly see Apostolic Succession in the Bible and yet you ignore it. As a former evangelical I realize you can't ignore scripture especially when it is so explicit. If you have succession from the Apostles you have God's authority, if you don't you don't.

Baptists, Calvinists and any other Evangelical or modern restorationists group has no authority to interpret scripture. The early church was not sola scriptura since there was no defined scriptures, so sola scriptura is completely illogical and moreoever scripture doesn't even attest to that false doctrine.

Catholic Tradition are Apostolic in nature. These Traditions from the Apostles we hold on par with Scripture since God gave these men the oral tradition and told us to stand firm in these traditions. We have many other traditions with a small "t" that are more disciplines and practices, which are pious but not mandatory for belief.
Traditions are either good or bad, but they can never usurp or contradict the Word of God.less

Ahh, the Fruits of Sola Scriptura. :(

Christ does need you or anyone else to restore his church, when the gates of HeII will never prevail against it. These Restorationists groups are so predictable; current church is dead or in apostacy, then a charismatic preacher will write a book, gain followers, say he speaks directly wth God and God tells him the new way. Mormonism, Scientology, Church of Christ Scientist, Jehovah Witnesses, ...more

Christ does need you or anyone else to restore his church, when the gates of HeII will never prevail against it. These Restorationists groups are so predictable; current church is dead or in apostacy, then a charismatic preacher will write a book, gain followers, say he speaks directly wth God and God tells him the new way.

Mormonism, Scientology, Church of Christ Scientist, Jehovah Witnesses, are all Restorationists. There are probably another 10,000 more smaller groups as well. We see clearly the fruits of sola scriptura and Protestantism.

I am so thankful after being an on fire Evangelical pastor in my dad's church and helping with my granddad's church that I have come to the fullness of Truth. Jesus Christ in scripture gave His Authority to the Apostles, those apostles gave their authority to their successors(Judas to Mathias-apostolic succession) and so on. Individuals did not interpret the bible for themselves, but rather the hierarchy had councils to discern the Holy Spirit's guidance into ALL TRUTH. THANK GOD I BECAME CATHOLIC!less

The Catholic Church was preaching this 1500 years before there were Protestants. As a recent convert from being a Evangelical Pastor and son and grandson of Baptist and Calvinist Evangelical Pastors, this document on Faith and Reason will truly give you something to sink your teeth into if you enjoy an erudite composition. http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_...more

The Catholic Church was preaching this 1500 years before there were Protestants. As a recent convert from being a Evangelical Pastor and son and grandson of Baptist and Calvinist Evangelical Pastors, this document on Faith and Reason will truly give you something to sink your teeth into if you enjoy an erudite composition.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_15101998_fides-et-ratio_en.html

This was written by Pope John Paul II and is read and studied in almost every Protestant and Evangelical Seminary in the country. The wisdom in this encylical led me to read other encylicals of almost every Pope for the past 2000 years. The Truth in these encylicals will give you goose bumps because it will speak to you as if Christ himself is speaking to you in modern terms interpreting His Will for our lives.

If you love scripture like I do, then these encylicals and the Catechism of the Catholic Church will aid you in interpreting God's Holy Word. The Benefit of using the encyclicals and the Catechism is that you get the benefit of all the earliest Church Fathers, Pious Traditions handed down by the Apostles and the infallible teaching of Holy Mother Church. This is the way God designed it, Perfect. After all, no prophesy of scripture is open to private interpretation but rather Holy Spirit will lead those who have His authority into all Truth.


http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm This is the Online Catechism. Before I converted, I visited many pastors of different evangelical backgrounds and the Catechism of the Catholic Church is always in their book collection. I asked many of them why they would have a Catholic book? They responded, "Because its good".less