David in NJ
Well-Known Member
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Many of the Catholics I've known personally, and those with whom I've
dialogued online, place far more faith in the Catechism of the Catholic
Church (a.k.a. CCC) than they do the Bible; which is not an uncommon
error. For example: when Christ was here, he condemned elements of
Judaism that the Jews lent more authority than the Bible (Matt 23:23 and
Mark 7:6-13). Well, that being his manner; I've no doubt Christ has a list of
things that he'd like very much culled from the CCC.
Anyway; whether the Bible is someone's sole authority or their secondary
authority makes no difference because in the long run it is still an authority--
a valid authority fully recognized as such by the Roman Catholic Church.
According to the Vatican Council (Sess. III, c. ii) the Scriptures are sacred
and canonical because "having been written by inspiration of the Holy Ghost,
they have God for their author"
There's also this by Paulus PP VI, from the Vatican, September 18, 1970
"In its pages we recognize His voice, we hear a message of deep significance
for every one of us. Through the spiritual dynamism and prophetic force of
the Bible, the Holy Spirit spreads His light and His warmth over all men, in
whatever historical or sociological situation they find themselves."
So then; according to that Vatican Council and to Paulus PP VI; when people
listen to the Bible; they're hearing the voice of God, and also listening to
that which the Holy Spirit utilizes to spread His light and His warmth over all
men.
One of Christ's parables spoke of a farmer sowing seed. The Lord interpreted
the seed to be the word of God (Luke 8:11) which in his day didn't include
the CCC. In other words: the seed in the parable refers to the Holy Bible.
When John Que and Jane Doe pew warmer allow themselves to become
indifferent to the Bible, they become the soil on the path; a location in which
the word of God does not take root; consequently their indifference becomes
a killing field for evil.
"Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and
takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be
saved." (Luke 8:12)
_
Well said = which is the purpose of all religions = salvation through works
"Whoever works on the Sabbath Rest of God will be put to death"