jkag89 said:
Have you even considered Catholics don't ignore Scripture but simply understand it differently than you? This is why I suggested simply trying understand the Catholic perspective from the Catholic perspective. It might help in whatever you are trying to accomplish on this board.
I believe that both are true. Catholics do interpret some things differently. They also have to ignore a plethora of scripture to hold true to their theology.
I LOVE when Christians respond with scripture. The scriptures SHOULD be the basis of our theology. The Catholic Church has gotten around that by correctly claiming that "tradition" has been a part of teaching God's word from the beginning.
Indeed, the Catholic Church did, with a little nudging and guidance by the Holy Spirit (my belief, not scriptural), compiled the scriptures into a book that we call the Bible. Today, the Catholic Bible has some books that tat Protestants don't accept.
It is my belief that the original church founded in Rome was true to God's word. At some point later, it is evident to me that the church became corrupted and began teaching doctrines that don't exist in the original scriptures. Catholics cite "tradition" but then I ask, where is the "tradition" of praying to Mary or "venerating" Mary or praying to dead saints? Where is the "tradition" of NOT immersing people fully underwater when being baptized and simply sprinkling a little water on their heads? Where is the "tradition" of baptizing infants as opposed to waiting until they are of sufficient age to make that decision for themselves?
Paul warned us:
1 Timothy 4:1-6
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and
follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
Who is banning marriage and telling us not to eat meat during Lent? The Catholic Church. And when I point out these contradictions with God's word, as verse 6 above commands me to do, I am criticized.