I am catholic. I am not Roman Catholic.

In other words, you accept paedobaptism, the seven Sacraments, the veneration of our Blessed Lady, the communion of the saints, the hierarchial structure of the Church, etc.?

No?

Well, then you aren't Catholic, regardless of your protestations. You see, to be catholic, you must accept that which is "katholicos" (Greek--"universal"). As St. Vincent of Lerins so eloquently put it:

"The Catholic Faith is that which has been believed by all persons, in every place, at all times"

Sorry, the only two faiths which can claim this are the Eastern Orthodox and the 26 rites of the Catholic Church.

Of course. Now could you tell me which hierarchy and give scriptural reference for this procedure? I believe that as long as his beliefs lined up with Gods Word it was truth despite any hierarchy. Gods Word is final and it speaks clearly on the matter.

The scriptural precedent is the promise of Christ to St. Peter that the Church would not be overrun by the gates of hell. The only way this would be possible is to have an infallible leader -- a covenantal head if you please -- over the Church to guide Her into all truth. Then there was also the promise made to the apostles in the Upper Room where Jesus promised them that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth.

How vastly far that is from the multitudes of Protestant beliefs -- all claiming to be led of the Holy Spirit in properly understanding the Scriptures and yet all disagreeing with each other. That does not seem like the Spirit to me. God's word is final -- but it far from speaks clearly on any number of matters. That is why there is such confusion and disagreement within Protestantism today.

Cordially in Christ,

Brother Ed