But there is the problem. YOU cannot interpret scripture, how you like, which is quite clear that nothing impure can enter " the new Jerusalem" . Revelations 21
And since all of us are impure ( and at least most of us admit it) there must inevitably be a process of purgation that " purifies us as if by fire" between leaving here and entering there.
For one and a half millennia , this was believed by all but a few heretics. For sure orthodox ( like other aspects) prefer not to define how, speaking of purgation. Where RCC identifies the intermediate state ( or sometimes characterised as a place )as purgatory. And in that state prayers for the dead have value. As indeed the Septuagint ( the Greek OT the apostles and Jesus quote ) makes reference, and Jewish tradition also holds in Kaddish,
And regardless of that, that is what the scripturally appointed authority of the magisterium tells me is right.
Then along came a few whose logic was not good enough to see the impossibility of sola scriptura, empowering the even more misleading " Priesthood of all believers" ( AKA , we don't want to abolish the pope, we all want to be him) to make up their own interpretation.
The succession was lost and in the inevitable drifting The chaos of ten thousand and counting differing beliefs ensued.
This thread was about Luther, who rightly observed that as a result " there are now as many doctrines as heads" " it is the greatest scandal... every milkmaid now has their own doctrine"
I notice nobody contests that, I am quoting Luther! One of the architects of the mess, who regretted it!
Unlike Luther I wouldn't be rude enough to describe other Christians I disagree with " milkmaids", doesn't alter the fact that in this he was right.
It is also reasonable to conclude that Luther himself believed in purgatory, he questioned aspects of indulgencies, not the state. Luther's core beliefs remained very catholic.
Are you saying , RCC, orthodox ( purgation), Luther and some Lutherans , and others accounting for by far the overwhelming majority of theologians and believers are all wrong, only YOU can interpret correctly? Some would say that is a seriously arrogant position to hold!
