I'm going to try to remain on topic here.
Pilgrim already provided an excellent link I think -
Tradition: Romish and Protestant I have a problem when "Tradition" breaks with the plain truth of Scripture.
It seems very reasonable that God didn't become completely silent after the Ascension. Or maybe I should say after the Island of Patmos.
I haven't really done a lot of research on my own about God further revealing Himself to the Church after the death of the John.
But, from what I'm fully convinced of by Scripture; is that God doesn't change His mind and or His Character.
So in other words; the reason I'm not Catholic is because Catholic Doctrine goes against the plain truth of Scripture.... even if you accept the deuterocanonical text's.
I have to agree with Pilgrim in that the problem isn't with the Bible alone it's with interpretation.
Something I do agree with the Catholic Church is that private interpretation is very dangerous. The Bible isn't easy to understand; so the Church should have a level of authority in this area, but at the same time, individuals should be comparing the Church's teachings to that of the Scriptures on their own and have a voice towards possible error.
Another thing I like about the Catholic Church is that if something is disagreed with; people don't just "jump ship". The area of possible doctrinal error is addressed over a period of time. It might take several of years but there is the possibility of correction.
Unlike the Protestant Church which has gotten in the bad habit of schism'ing every time someone feels like it.
Again, lack of authority..... I do have to acknowledge the obvious main concern of the Catholic Church during the Reformation in that it was plainly obvious to them that "Scripture Alone" would result in thousands of different independent churches.
While I'll never be Catholic, I have to admit I'm not too fond of the Protestant Church either.
Dave
