(June 13, 2014 at 4:55 pm)orangebox21 Wrote: Perhaps the explanation is in which Bible is used and who has the authority to interpret it.The NT is the same. Protestants reverted to the Jewish canon for the OT. So, not much difference relating to the basis for Christian doctrine.
Think of the church hierarchy as arbiters of conflict in interpretation. No different than going to a pastor or reverend or bishop or minister or trusted televangelist. At mass, after the three readings are given, the priest delivers a homily/sermon usually in an attempt to consolidate the teachings. All are encouraged to consider the scripture on their own and not take the homily as gospel (couldn't resist). The Second Vatican Council (if I remember correctly) gives general guidance on interpretation, basically to consider who wrote it, who it was for, and something about the holy spirit. Interpretation isn't making shit up or reading into what is being taught, but an attempt to apply the teachings to your own life.
Quote:Not exactly. They teach the infallibility and openess of the canon through the papal line. So the ultimate inerrancy and authority belongs not with the scriptures but within the papacy.
Papal infalibility ends at scripture, meaning the pope cannot contradict scripture. Scripture holds supremacy. Are you getting your knowledge of Catholicism from Protestants?
Keep in mind that Catholics have been discussing this for 2000 years. Most issues today are typically limited to conflicts with emerging science and ethical issues in changing societies. You likely won't see any sudden doctrinal changes, like the emergence of the prosperity gospel, out of the Catholic church. The hierarchy at least provides some stability; whereas, with many Protestant denominations your at the mercy of the mood of the guy on the riser.
I am by no means defending the Catholic church. I am simply trying to dispel the common misconceptions that keep popping up in this thread.
