[BibChr]

But The RC argument is that an individual is — contrary to the testimony of the Word of God itself — incapable of understanding the Word of God. He needs the Magisterium.

But can he understand the Magisterium?

It’s very simple, though I could draw it out if there’d be a point to it.

If the Magisterium can speak so as to be understood by a common person, then it succeeds where God failed.

There really is no honest way around that.

[visually_augmented]

BibChr: “If the Magisterium can speak so as to be understood by a common person, then it succeeds where God failed.”

I had never really considered this aspect of the RC priesthood. It is a very poignant statement that is hard to refute. It proves that even in the RC church that believers must have the spirit of God working in them to truly grasp God’s truth...

[Claud]

But The RC argument is that an individual is — contrary to the testimony of the Word of God itself — incapable of understanding the Word of God. He needs the Magisterium. But can he understand the Magisterium?

I would stipulate that it doesn't really matter if he can or not. It's nice if children understand the rationale behind parental authority, but it's not essential. What is essential is their obedience.

And yes, I think that many, many individuals are incapable of understanding the Word of God correctly. Your theology seems to leave a big hole for children, the mentally ill, the ignorant, the illiterate, and the slow-witted. Those folks all have to trust that *someone* in authority is giving them the straight dope on the Gospel--their parents, pastor Bob, First Baptist Congregation, etc. And I would submit that the 2000 year Magisterial teaching of the Universal Church is far more deserving of obedience than any of those.

[Claud]

But The RC argument is that an individual is — contrary to the testimony of the Word of God itself — incapable of understanding the Word of God. He needs the Magisterium. But can he understand the Magisterium?

I would stipulate that it doesn't really matter if he can or not. It's nice if children understand the rationale behind parental authority, but it's not essential. What is essential is their obedience.

And yes, I think that many, many individuals are incapable of understanding the Word of God correctly. Your theology seems to leave a big hole for children, the mentally ill, the ignorant, the illiterate, and the slow-witted. Those folks all have to trust that *someone* in authority is giving them the straight dope on the Gospel--their parents, pastor Bob, First Baptist Congregation, etc. And I would submit that the 2000 year Magisterial teaching of the Universal Church is far more deserving of obedience than any of those.

[WriteOn]

Are you a Nestorian? Do you believe that Mary isn’t the Mother of God?

That’s what you need the magisterium for...