The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Roman Catholicism and salvation

Well, if you are wanting to bow out of a new discussion due to some offense to the word "Romish", you are certainly entitled to do so, although I personally consider it a unwarranted excuse. Perhaps the word has a totally different connotation to you than it does to me? But again, you are free to tuck your tail between your legs and run away from probably the most fundamental issue that divides Rome from Protestantism.

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The only reconcilliation here would be for Protestants to return to the Church they left . . .

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Of course from my perspective, I don't see that the Reformers left the true Church at all, but merely returned to the teachings of the Church which Rome apostatized from over the centuries. To some extent it's a matter of perspective, but in reality it is an entirely different matter which can and has been documented to show that Rome took upon itself a path that departed from the Church Fathers but especially the teaching of the inspired biblical writers.

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My intent was only to present a fuller treatment of the Catholic teaching on this matter - NOT to reconcile Catholicism to Protestantism.

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I can appreciate your "intent" to clarify and to reconcile your personal beliefs with the OFFICIAL teachings of Rome, which it seems is far more difficult a thing for you to do than perhaps you realize due to the obscurity of language used by both you and Rome. Although, I must admit that Trent is far better in stating its position than you are, IMHO. But be that as it may, that's an "in house" problem and not one that I personally have to concern myself with. For regardless of whether you are in total agreement with Rome's position or not, I disagree with both.

Lastly, it would indeed be an exercise in futility to try and reconcile Catholicism with historic Protestantism as they are antithetical to each other. The salient issue is which one is that which is the truth. And once that is determined will the errant party recant, repent and be reconciled to God?