[GoLightly]

I don't think we will ever find anyone with whom we will agree 100% on everything. However, on matters of the Church, I don't believe the Apostles would have written the Epistles if they weren't looking to conform the churches to objective truth.

Which do you think is more important, conformity or the interaction between us as we work together to figure it out? I'm not saying there is no objective truth, because I believe there is. The Apostles were men, so why should I concern myself with their desires?

There are still great mysteries to be unraveled and a continuing revelation unfolding--much for us to discuss and discern... but upon the foundations of Christendom, we should be in agreement.

Despite all of the attempts by men to make that happen in the past, "heresies" erupt & it began before the foundations of Christendom were laid.

It's sad that, in truth, the Reformation split the Church doctrinally when Martin Luther's disagreements were more about ecclesiastical practices.

The division was already there. The Reformation brought the hardness of heart out into the light, where it could be seen & the community could begin to work together to try to break it down. Willful children that we are, we cling to our hardness of heart & try to prove that our differences are the other guys fault.

Back to the topic of the thread, Martin Luther had a very strong devotion to Mary. I'm not saying that she is to be elevated as this thread is noting, just that many here have called Catholics to the carpet for our devotions and said they are the sine qua non from which this elevation occurs. I merely point out that if veneration of Mary as the Theotokos were the issue of the Reformation, there wouldn't be protestants today.

I agree.

[pgyanke]

Which do you think is more important, conformity or the interaction between us as we work together to figure it out?

Depends. Conformity in the areas of settled doctrine and dogma. Interaction and working together (in cooperation with the Magisterium of the Church) in areas of unfolding revelation. It's very difficult to call all people to the Truth while acknowledging that no one can agree on what that Truth is. There have to common areas of settled doctrine. Thankfully, we have that with our Protestant brethren on about 95% of doctrine. Where we are not in conformity, we are called to lovingly reprove for the strength of the Church.

We were meant to be one Bride and I pray we will be again soon.