Perhaps you would like to hear the reaction of a Roman Catholic?
I agree with many here who think it too lengthy and scholarly for laypersons to understand. I disagree with your statement that such refinements of doctrine are not just for theologians and pastors, but for every believer. I am an educated man, and I myself am struggling to understand just what is in dispute here. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
I have seen that the emotionals aspects of the rift between Catholics and Protestants have been brought about, not by major doctrinal differences, but by intolerant statements made on both sides.
If I may offer a couple of examples: Most don't realize that most of the hostility toward Catholics today had been generated by the works of E.G. White, a founder and prophetess in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Such books as
The Great Controversy have depicted Roman Catholicism as "the whore of Babylon" and the pope as "the antichrist." Any serious Bible scholar who has researched scriptures concerning the antichrist rejects this notion out of hand. The church continues to promote these books to mainline protestantism while attempting to hide their origin, for indeed the Seventh Day Adventist Church has a long history of heretical teachings.
On the other side the Roman Catholic Church produces such divisive works as Vatican II, that declares "anethema" anyone who preaches "sola fide" or "salvation by faith alone." This has been a horrible affront to Christian unity and has caused a lot of misunderstanding and hurt between us. In fact, a close examination will reveal only minute differences between our doctrines about the role of works in our salvation. (I would at some point like to discuss this in more detail) You should understand that many Catholic, clergy and lay, strongly disagreed with the language of Vatican II, but as can often happen, we feel that we've been hijacked by the hardliners of our faith.
Such strife may cause us to forget that we both support the sanctity of life, and have taken the gospel of Christ to the far reaches of the world, with hospitals, schools, libraries, and many more of the blessings we benefit from as a result of our faith. We both have a common love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and a common hope for our redemption from this corrupt world.
I would say that Satan rejoices to see the divisions that cause bitterness and strife between us. The importance of correct doctrine not to be disputed, I can assure you that I feel just as certain about the accuracy of Catholic teachings as you feel about Reformation teachings. Seeing as neither will budge, it behooves us to focus instead on our common bond in Christ Jesus.
You have covered much more material than I can possibly respond to in one post. Can I look forward to the opportunity to address these points in more detail?
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.eph 6:24
catholicsoldier <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/takethat.gif" alt="" />
