I have heard some Protestants redefine what Sola Scriptura is, but never the above. But I'll take your word on that for now, as that is not our current issue.
Most of the mainline Protestant denominations rely on creeds, Confessions, and catechisms that have been handed down through many centuries. These are not whimsical interpretations, but precepts that have been debated and discerned throughout the ages (much akin to the RC church).
OK, so some Protestants rely on Tradition. However, what is the SOURCE of this tradition? It is men like Luther and Calvin, men who interpreted the Sciptures out of line with the Traditions of their Fathers in Faith. Thus, eventually, you must posit your faith on the interpretations of a private person, and sadly, at odds with what came before for 1500 years or more (such as the Eucharist)
It has ALWAYS been the accepted idea that Christ would guide His Church into truth - that the Spirit would guide them when they came together and defined the faith. For example, Acts 15:28 - "...and it seemed good to us AND THE SPIRIT". Ephesians 2 says that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets - meaning that we rely on their accurate passing down of the teachings of God, whether they be from the OT or directly from Christ in the NT. God is guaranteeing us men that the faith we have received is accurate. God doesn't protect Church men from sin, but He does protect His Church from error - the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth. If we can't trust the Apostles and their successors, HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE GOD'S WORD IN THE BIBLE???
That is one of the many questions where I had to answer - either I would be Catholic, or not Christian at all. You either trust these men who gave us the Scriptures and oral teachings from Christ, or you don't - and then the Bible can't be trusted either. That is the inexorable conclusion that comes from refusing to become Catholic.
Brother in Christ
Kind of says it all!
jo kus: "That is one of the many questions where I had to answer - either I would be Catholic, or not Christian at all."
Is this a personal statement, or do you believe that only those in the Roman Catholic church are saved?
Interestingly, your hint of exclusivity reminds me of the Jews in the early church...
The Jewish people also thought that they had a corner on the market of salvation. "We are God's chosen people!". But as Paul so aptly preached, the gospel is for the Jew and the Gentile alike. Do you not think God can communicate the Gospel through many means? And many churches? You seem to have placed a very limited definition to God's Church. You have defined God's Church to be the RC Church. I am convinced that the Church of God, of which Christ is the head, is the entire body of true believers - regardless of which doors they pass through on Sunday morning (or perhaps Saturday evening, in your case).
Through the fist thousand years of the church, it does seem that the Roman Catholic Church was akin to the Jews of the Old Testament. God preserved his word and teachings through the RC church. But the reformation (in my humble opinion) was very much like a second Pentacost. It was a renewing of the Holy Spirit and His role in the lives of believers. Many of the RC Church forget the promises made whole at Pentacost that Christ will head the church and God's Spirit will guide it.