Replies

“The problem is disobedient bishops who don’t hold themselves bound by either authoritative Constitutions nor Canon Law. “

On the bright side, instead of multiple catholic denomination created by separating from those in sin, you can claim just one!

:-)

You’ve identified one of the major reasons why Protestant denominations are many. They separate from liberalism, low views of inspiration and sin.

[Admittedly, they also historically separated from others based on stupid reasons at times. I remember hearing of a church that divided once over women wearing pants. Yet, if they prefer to organize around a non-essential, but get the core of the faith correct, I wish them well. It is simply a “protestant rite.”]

I think, historically, in Catholicism when a guy (or gal) thought, "Such-and-such desperately needs to be done and the Church ain't doin' it ---or ain't doin' it right" this person started a new religious order. Most of the Church's splendid religious orders were founded by people who said "Yikes, looks like the Holy Spirit wants ME to do this."

In Protestantism, such an inspired person would likely start their own denomination/ Ministry.

In terms of small-group sociology, there's something to be said for each model. Mr/Mrs Inspired Protestant can get a quick start: all that's needed is a storefront, a P.O. Box and a Web Page. Mr/Ms Inspired Catholic gets off to perhaps a slower start, but preserves the visible unity of the Church. Plus maybe, gets restrained before they do something truly whacko, e.g. doing faith healings by the invocation of pagan gods, or getting married to a divorcee by Sun Myung Moon (just recalling the excommunication of the former Abp Milingo of Lusaka Diocese.)

Yeah, it can get rocky.