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Your sarcasm and disrespect in response to careful instruction on a matter of eternal significance is simply unwarranted.

disrespect? My comment that "I do not believe in yes or no answers" is not sarcasm- I really do not believe in such answers. It is most rare that a true question that has any importance simply has a yes or no answer.

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while churches founded on the biblical doctrine in opposition to Rome are in error

I do not believe I suggested that protestant churches are in error.

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These positions cannot be simultaneously defended.

I have attempted to show you

1. My beliefs and the beliefs of more liberal Catholics
2. The Beliefs currently officially held by the Catholic Church
3. The arguments brought before Vatican II

I am not necessarily defending every position- I am pointing out the beliefs to add clarity.

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Your position is redolent of that of the Pharisees who could not answer Jesus because of their self-righteousness and hid in the lie of ignorance: "We do not know".

We're all ignorant in the long run- none of us could ever hope to truly understand Him. There are many things I accept that I do not know due to the fact I'm human.

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Theirs was a lie because the entire testimony of God in Scripture and finally his own Son had clearly communicated the truth to them, and they rejected it out of unbelief.

I'm getting off topic here but...I would argue they rejected it out of greed. Many of them, I feel, knew Jesus was telling the truth, but they had risen to positions of power in the Jewish religion and they were not about to give it all up to follow Him.

Last edited by Young Catholic; Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:12 PM.
Gloria Patri et Filii et Spiritu Sancti, Amen!

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of affliction, to give you an end and patience. "