However, as has been written greatly on this forum previously, the practice of relying solely on Scripture is a straw man or an extreme fringe position, as SS neither rejects the office of magisterium nor other things needed to understand Scripture (reason being one) which Scripture provides for. But SS most basically holds that Scripture alone (sola) is supreme as the only wholly inspired authority and standard for faith and practice, which the church is not, but is subject to it.
In addition, Scripture being alone as the only supreme transcendent material standard for obedience and testing and establishing truth claims is abundantly testified to in Scripture.
Essentially, these writings were progressively established as being from God like as men of God are, that being by their Heavenly qualities, attestation and conformity with what was previously established as being Divine. While the powers that be are to confirm such, Scripture shows they often did not, yet God preserved faith by raising up true men of God to reprove the magisterium. Thus the church began and continues.
it is worth noting that without Apostolic Succession, there is a lack of authentic Authority with which to settle disputes.
"Authentic" is a favorites word for RCs, as she autocratically declares herself to be so.
But it is not so that there is a lack of authentic Authority with which to settle disputes, as in principal this is done, as every church has a magisterium for its members. But what is lacking is a centralized magisterium for all Christians.
Yet which Rome does not have either, but can only claim such, while not even being able to truly chastise the EOs for their "rebellion." The NT did not have that problem, as it was led by true foundational apostles with manifest power to deal with disobedience by the spiritual rod if necessary. Those who claim to be apostles or have thier power must fit the qualifications, which Rome does not (nor do i, but do not claim to be one).
And the lack of even one command to submit to Peter to any NT church in the Pauline letters to them, nor any record of them looking to him as their supreme head (and it was James who gave the definitive sentence in Acts 15, while he is listed 2nd after John in Gal. 2, and while Paul called the elders of Ephesus to council), versus a leader sitting on even ground with others and exercising a general pastoral role, and who has no known successor, is in stark contrast to the perpetuated demigod infallible pope ruling like a Caesar that Rome invented.
You gave me a lot to chew on. Thank you for your time and dedication to the subject.
I apologize in advance for a brief response. We are in the middle of an out-of-state move.
Scripture isn’t lacking. It is God’s inspired word. It is a guidepost for all people.
Regarding authentic authority, it was given to Peter, by Jesus, and that authority has been passed down over 2000 years to priests and bishops of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Church remains intact, in spite of our leaders and our nature. All fall short in the glory of God.
Let us remember after the Ascension, their were numerous disputes over things such as circumcision, whether a person had to be a Jew before a Christian, etc. There was no canon of Scripture to look to, rather, these issues were resolved by Peter. Paul went to visit Peter, first.
Like any organization, from the family, to the military, to a church, requires a leader. The Roman Catholic Church has maintained that role since its founding by Christ himself. Jesus understood authority, as the did the centurion (...only say the word Matthew 8:6-13).
Whether Popes have been impeccable, humble, or otherwise up to the task is of no consequence. God will not allow the Church to be destroyed. See Matthew 16:19.
Your final statements about the Pope are a pretty weak straw man. You clearly don’t understand the doctrine of infallibility, nor has anyone, in their right mind, consider the Pope a demigod.
The bishops, in communion with the Supreme Pontiff, work together to lead, nourish, and preach the Gospel to the world. They aren’t perfect, but neither was Peter.
You are to be commended for your zeal. May God continue to nurture the gift of faith in your soul.