Thank-you, BB for your kind remarks. It is a pleasant exercise to engage in these discussions. Jousting is fun, particularly in regard to a worthy cause. And what worthier cause than the search for truth?!
I realized earlier that I had left some loose ends dangling, and should like to tie them up. In the course of this thread, questions about a well-known RC encyclical, Unam Sanctam, came up. Unam Sanctam is, by its language, quite sraight-forward and explicit in its assertion of papal sovereignty and the demand that everyone submit to the 'Roman pontiff' in order to receive salvation.
I posed the question, whether or not the RCC has recanted Unam Sanctam. (How delicious for one from the Reformed faith to be able to inquire if the RCC has 'recanted'!! The tables do turn!) Several RC's, including a self-proclaimed 'catechist' responded, more or less explicitly saying that the RCC has indeed recanted Unam Sanctam. As proof, portions of the latest RC catechism were posted. In response, I posted excerpts a few paragraphs down in the same catechism. Those excerpts did not sound entirely consistent with what been presented in support of the recantation. Questions arose about the intent of words, and so forth. I asked for citations to recognized Church authorities bearing the appropriate imprimatur. Someone very kindly posted an official letter, cited to by the catechism in the very section at issue. I read the letter, and mentioned that I would respond after letting things settle for a bit.
My initial reaction, on an emotional level, was really quite unprintable. After being able to reflect for a few days, and return to a more 'level' state, I would now like to share my findings, based upon the presentation and appeal by able advocates for the RCC, as follows:
1. The RCC still claims to be the only true church.
2. The RCC still demands submission to the 'Roman pontiff' as a condition of salvation.
3. Although expressing recognition that there may be believers in other communions, the RCC claims first that such believers cannot have assurance of salvation outside of the RCC and, secondly, that any benefits they may receive flow through the RCC.
4. The RCC asserts that, as to those believers outside the RCC, only those who are earnestly, truly longing to become part of the RCC may have assurance of salvation.
5. The RCC is attempting to revive its influence over secular governments, and for 'the civil authorities' to enact and enforce laws in support of RCC teachings.
I find that the current catechism is an excellent marketing tool. The wording has been changed from the more direct approach found in, for example, the Baltimore Catechism and earlier catechisms. However, the fundamental doctrines have not changed--merely their packaging.
I can envision a scenario which could conceivably happen in real-time, in the not-too-distant future. In this scenario, the RCC does achieve its goal of 'moral authority' directing secular governments in harmony with the Church's teachings. As the financial crisis which we currently are experiencing in the USA grows more severe; and as additional crises face the nation, perhaps the world--crises of terrorism, crises of fuel, natural disasters, and so forth; then the time is ripe for a secular nation to look for spiritual help. At that critical time, I am reminded of Wellington's words as the Old Guard advanced up the hill at Waterloo: "Now Maitland, now's your time!" That will be the hour of triumph for the RCC.
There will be those of us, belonging to the Reformed faiths, who will not go along with the show. We will no doubt rain on the parade. The time will come when such dissidents will be viewed as enemies of the State. Advocates for the new political order will be called upon to present to us the reasons why we should cooperate with the religious and secular authorities in order to save the nation, to explain as well why the RCC was called by God, and like assertions. It will be urged that with respect to those who refuse to comply, it is better for one man to die, than that the whole nation perish."
If I am one who is hailed before such a tribunal, then, speaking on the level of an emotional response, I shall not dignify the proceedings with Luther's response. I will say what the American commander said to the Germans who called for the surrender of his forces at the height of the Battle of the Bulge: "Nuts!"
Scenario? Yes. Will it happen? We shall see. Meanwhile, Jesus Himself admonished His people, "Watch and pray." "Be ye also ready."
Cheers
