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Before this gets rolling, let's see a quote from a notable Protestant leader (Luther, Weasley, Calvin et al) making the declaration that "the Bible is God". Or that declaration existing in the Statement of Faith of any major denomination.
I do not think you will find such a statement in any credible denominational statement of faith. But in Christian Forums I have seen it, here, for example. And a thread includes the claim in its title, see here.
That doesn't make it Protestant though. I know of Catholic priests who are universalists, but that doesn't make UR Catholic. And Pope Francis himself is saying things that's contrary to traditional Catholic teaching. So coming up with stuff on your own or going against traditional teaching isn't limited to Protestants. There's Arch Bishop Lazar and Metropolitan Ware who have gone against traditional Eastern Orthodox teaching. There's individualism throughout Christianity.
Indeed, what you've stated is either accurate or sufficiently near the truth to be indistinguishable. Individualism can give rise to peculiar doctrines, which is a concerning element of Protestantism, as some Protestant denominations endorse individualism in the reading and interpretation of the Bible. Conversely, Catholicism does not sanction individualism in either interpretation or doctrine. Consequently, within Christian Forums, there are instances of Protestants espousing quite unusual doctrines.
And when someone espouses a quite unusual doctrine, they get dog-piled by Protestants disagreeing with them, because there is a foundation of orthodoxy within Protestantism. So individualism isn't really sanctioned within Protestantism either. Someone spinning their own individual doctrine is always met with ovrall disapproval and rejection.
The emergence of numerous small groups and denominations, each with unique doctrines, is often the result of individuals interpreting scripture in their own way.
Those with unorthodox doctrine are recognized as cults.
It seems we were not initially discussing popes, but regarding the last three—John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis—each has their unique agenda, approach, and emphasis. They do not teach in an identical manner; their teaching styles, voices, and vocabularies vary, yet they all adhere to the same doctrine. Considering the parishioners, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it's undeniable that there are numerous differences, including some in doctrine. Indeed, there are various orders, each with its distinct charism and message, but all concur on the dogmas and doctrines of the faith.
2 Tim 3:16 "all scripture is given by inspiration from God and is to be used for doctrine and correction"
That is what the Jews said about the Christians.
When I place my Bible in a case, it is the physical book that is being stored, not the divine Word of God, nor God the Father, nor the Holy Spirit. It is a book composed of paper, ink, glue, thread, and a binding cover. While it contains God's revelation and words to guide me in righteousness, it remains a book, not a deity.
Yes, it is silly to say that the Bible is God. God is not a book, nor a collection of books. That is Pantheistic teaching, probably related to the idea that the Bible is the Word of God, and God is the Word?
I was just pointing out popes as an example of a certain extent of individuality and diversity in Catholicism. However I get what you're saying about Protestantism seeming to go off in a zillion different directions. But at the same time I find most churches I visit or watch are pretty much the same. Even Catholic mass that I've attended or watched are pretty similar. What I'm always looking for is a sound edifying message that has Christ at the center. As long as the pastor or priest is building up deciples in Christ.
One distinct aspect of the Mass, compared to a typical Protestant church service, is that the 'sermon' is brief and not the focal point of worship. In the Mass, a typical homily lasts 10 to 15 minutes and often consists of commentary or lessons from the Gospel reading. The central act of worship is the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, which is the second major part of the Mass, following the Liturgy of the Word. It is the act of Communion, rather than the homily, that is viewed as most edifying for the faithful.
The Bible is the recorded Word of Yeshuah and Yashuah, the Son of Yeshuah, is the Living Word. I have never heard a single Protestant declare the Bible to be an Elohim. I also require references.
God reveals himself through the written word ... it is His main vehicle of disclosing who He is. Catholic beliefs are based on both scripture and tradition. Jesus warned us of mans tradition .... because we are faulty the traditions (most of them) are faulty.
Maybe the problem is referring to scripter as The Word OF God. Isn't that tantamount to "God"?
No it's tantamount to the stone tablets being the word of God, as in the words of God in written form.
That's the actual reason why this thread and many other threads like this exist. It's about dogma, tradition and practice that's not found in the bible. And usually while relying on the bible is discouraged because of that, there's still the attempt to apply the bible to qualify it.
Man hasn't changed any. Things that man has made and built has changed. But the nature of mankind remains the same.
