Roman Catholics certainly have made up many of their own rules that they follow and I have no problem with that. However, Jesus never said anything about a special priesthood of men. In fact, as Peter taught, we are ALL "built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:5). Nor did Jesus ever teach that women had no place in the ministry of the Gospel. There were women disciples that initially followed Jesus and the early church had many women that participated in the activities of the local churches. There may have even been women deacons. Certainly, Paul spoke of women that hosted churches within their own homes and supported his many missionary journeys. I agree with Paul, though, that women should not "usurp" authority over a man which, I believe, would exclude women from being pastors or overseers of churches. Now, this may very well have been due to the culture where women were to "keep silent" in the church and to ask their husbands questions about teachings when they got home so there was no interruption. Now days, women are more Biblically literate than men and seem to be the spiritual leaders in the home, which is a shame for Christian men. They SHOULD be the spiritual leaders in their homes.
So, I do not deny that Catholics observe rules and laws set up by their leaders in the Church. I just prefer that they stay honest about what Scripture teaches and what they create outside of what Scripture teaches.
What you call "Protestantism" and its presumed origins, only proves that you have accepted some more of the teachings of your church which do not have a basis in either Scripture or truth. If you, instead, looked at history objectively you would know that the Reformation happened because of the growing apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church and was - rather than as you say an act of rebellion - an act of genuine, God-loving Christians who sought to return the Church back to her Biblical roots. There were many such believers around that time that were sickened by the excesses of the hierarchy and the Biblical ignorance of the clergy who barely knew what they believed anymore, nor why they believed it. There are many good articles that speak about the Reformation, its leaders, their reasons, their faith and what really happened. If you are interested in hearing more than one side, I'd be happy to give you some helpful links. Let me know. Have a good night.
Nor does the Roman Catholic Church teach this. Yes there were women disciples/followers but the Apostles were all male, God always refers to Himself in the masculine and when he took human form he came as a man. Blessed are those who find no stumbling block in Him. The Catholic Church is following the example set by Christ.
Now, this may very well have been due to the culture where women were to "keep silent" in the church and to ask their husbands questions about teachings when they got home so there was no interruption.
I have a problem with the idea that the Scriptures are merely products of their cultural milieu. It seems to imply that God did not speak for All Time or that He did not choose adequately those who wrote Scripture.
If you, instead, looked at history objectively you would know that the Reformation happened because of the growing apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church etc..
Yes. YOU are objective but I am not. Whatever. Christ recognized the corruption of the high priests in His own time and yet counseled obedience to them. He gave the authority to Peter and His Church to bind and loose on earth and He well knew how it would play out until the end of time. He set up the authority anyway. If you could manage some objectivity you would see the truth of my previous post. Protestantism is founded in rebellion. It's original sin all over again.
an act of genuine, God-loving Christians who sought to return the Church back to her Biblical roots.
A Bible given to us by the Roman Catholic Church which Martin Luther then took upon himself to edit. Pride and arrogance personified.