I am certain that St. Paul would be appalled at the greater than Peter, greater than Jesus status he has been elevated to by the Paulinists.
The chief difference between Protestants and Catholics is the matter of authority. I'm sure that 99% of Catholics and Protestants would agree on that one point. Where we have the Magisterium that relies on Scripture and Tradition and the active participation of the Holy Spirit Protestants rely only on Scripture and their own reason. While that is an admirable position with respect to constitutional law and politics it is a fools errand with respect to the Revealed Word of God.
When a Protestant encounters a difficulty or mystery that that does not make immediate sense to them they reject it and set about molding Scripture to their reason through self interpretation. When a Catholic encounters a difficulty or mystery we rightly conclude that the problem lies within our own finite and flawed capabilities and seek guidance from the teaching authority of the Church and prayer. With greater scrutiny authority is simply a catch phrase for relative humility and trust.
Pax et bonum.
RE: am certain that St. Paul would be appalled at the greater than Peter, greater than Jesus status he has been elevated to by the Paulinists.
And who has elevated Paul to greater than Jesus or greater than Peter status?
Where in my posts have shown that Paul is other than NOT INFERIOR to Peter?
All I am showing you is that it is ridiculous to use scripture to elevate Peter over all the other apostles when the indication is not there. Just as it is ridiculous to elevate Paul over the others.
Respect Peter, yes, honor him, yes, acknowledge his leadership, yes, but make him as somehow SUPREME and then on that basis, conclude that someone in Rome holds the same Supremacy? NO. That is an unwarranted stretch not supported by scripture or church history.
RE: When a Protestant encounters a difficulty or mystery that that does not make immediate sense to them they reject it and set about molding Scripture to their reason through self interpretation.
But it is not self interpretation as in we do not consult men who have studied the scripture or ignore what respected writers in the past have contributed.
No, it is prayerful, careful study, meditation and reflection, exegeting passages to make sure one gets the write meaning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We do not ignore the interpretations of church fathers, BUT WE DO NOT HOLD THEM AS INFALLIBLE.
There is nothing arrogant about it. It is simply obedience to the Lord’s command to Love Him with OUR HEARTS, SOUL and MINDS.
This principle is applied to scripture and SHOULD BE USED TO JUDGE THE TEACHINGS OF MEN (Popes included) AND ANGELS AS WELL. Scripture teaches us to do so and we must obey.