The bottom line argument or disagreement is that almost all Evangelicals take the Bible literally and do not have a magisterium to interpret scripture when the verses can have different meanings to different literate and intelligent readers. Even with their “literal” readings there is often no consensus among preachers what a given verse may mean. Narrow interpretations often put evangelists in conflict with apparent scientific realities.
The Catholic Church from the beginning accepted Scripture more as a divine inspired historical narrative which also revealed God’s love and relationship with mankind. It was edited from the beginning. Most of the current Bible was assembled after much debate and prayer at gatherings in the 3rd and 4th century. The writings and documents of St. Jerome and others that would have been informative were lost at Rome in the 5th century.
It has always been the position of the Catholic Church that it was founded by Jesus Christ, who promised to be with it until the end of time. It believes that its teachings and pronouncements are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those pronouncements and teachings regarding Scripture and other spiritual matters matters are believed to be free of doctrinal error. While Bible reading is not discouraged, it is felt that misinterpretations by the reader can lead to perdition and a fall from grace. For instance the misinterpretation of the “separation of the races” and slavery references which was used by many preachers to justify slavery and racism. When those readings of the Old and New Testament are read at mass, the priest’s sermon will often explain and explore the theme of the Scriptures in the context of Catholic teaching.
Detractors and critics of the Catholic Church usually rage at the human shortcomings of the clergy at all levels. Some are repelled by the use of religious imagery and symbolism. Some have fundamental doctrinal disputes. Catholics refer to them as heretics but do not excommunicate them from the mystical body of Christ. Catholic doctrine teaches that if they are well meaning, deeply and legitimately believe their tenets, do no actual harm to others, then while they are not Catholics they have experienced what the Church calls a “baptism of desire.” However with the exception of a few Protestant sects and almost no Evangelicals, most detractict Protestants do not think Catholics can be saved.
Do you have examples of the 'often no consensus' comment above?
I have to say I was joyfully reading the comments of Roman Catholic posters for their love of the Bible and then your post kind of broke the flow.
And if, at the end of time, that presumptive position is demonstrated by the judgment of Christ to be wrong ... like the Jews since the time of Christ ... entire generations of Roman Catholics have been lost.
The bible says for Catholics to "come out of her, my people".
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
The Catholic laity are some of God's people. I think if the Catholic Church didn't allow certain lay Catholics to learn the truth then God's elect will have the time of their testimony and then the Millennium to bring these lay Catholics to salvation, and many, if not most, of these current Catholics will be saved.