I would like to comment on your article
"It's Time Roman
Catholics Asked." To begin with-tradition of men placing them on
an equal footing with the Word of God is deceiving the true meaning of what the
bible teaches as well as the meaning of "Tradition."
Tradition as it applies to the bible is the official interpretation of the
teaching Church, clarifying the written teaching of the Apostles. It also
includes the unwritten teaching of the Apostles and the Church, handed down
through the Fathers, the councils, the decisions of the Pope and the Liturgy of
the Church. Scripture is certainly the basis for this Tradition.
Tradition itself is mentioned by St. Paul, "Hold to the form of sound
teaching which thou hast heard from me" 2Tim.1:13. Also "The things
which thou hast heard from me
through many witnesses, commend to trustworthy men, who shall be competent in
turn to teach others," 2Tim. 2:2.
Remember these men were accepted by the whole Christian Church as the supreme
authorities in matter of faith and morals, were teaching before the New
Testament was completed. So, do not think the Church was teaching doctrines
of MEN, or the tradition of men or commandments of men. They are teaching DIVINE
tradition.
Your definition of "tradition" is the official definition. But is it correct to believe that a church that is supposed to derive its authority FROM Scripture, to then be able to ignore the same Scriptures when it suits them? To "clarify the written teachings of the apostles" is one thing, but to CHANGE their teaching is criminal! An example follows:
The Apostle Paul
said in Romans 3:4 "Let
God be true, but every man a liar."
According
to ROME: The Pope's word is
infallible when he proclaims on matters of faith or morals.
Canon 749 -
"The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible
teaching authority when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful ...
he proclaims with a definitive act that a
doctrine of faith or morals is to be held as such." (Sect. 1)
Canon 333 (Sect.
3) - "There is neither appeal nor recourse against a decision or decree of the Roman Pontiff."
MY QUESTION:
Which authority are you willing to stake your future on - God's word, or man's
teaching?
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:5 - "There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
ROME
says: The only ordinary way to have
serious sins forgiven is to confess to a priest.
Catechism 1456 - "Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance."
Canon 960 - "Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary way by which the faithful person who is aware of serious sin is reconciled with God and with the Church;. . ."
Canon 978 (Sect. 1) - "In hearing confessions the priest is to remember that he acts as a judge as well as a healer..."
The only way into heaven is to have all your sins paid for before death. The Church says it is by your works of contrition and penance, while God says it is by faith in the perfect work of Jesus Christ! Shouldn't you be trusting Jesus, who alone gave Himself in your place on the Cross knowing every one of your sins ahead of time?
Concerning the apostle Paul passing on Tradition in your third paragragh, I must say that you have not thought it through. Of course what PAUL said was special. Not "tradition" itself! I follow what God inspired PAUL to write - not what other people want to "clarify."
I agree wholeheartidly with your fourth paragraph about the authority of the apostles. The issue is whether "the church" still contains apostles who are continuing to add to the deposit of faith, or whether the Bible is complete and final as it stands (Jude 1:3).