it is Paul telling you to “ stay true to tradition we taught you” and “ the pillar and foundation of truth is the church”
You think Jesuswould allow his church to go off the rails in one generation?
You have so far dodged the question on meaning.
Its clear what the disciples of John said John meant. They got it from John. He got it from Jesus.
So read ignatius to smyrneans.
The eucharist is of the real flesh valid only if presided by bishop in succession!!
How can that be without a succession?
If your eucharist is not of that form , it’s not the early church .
As a history lesson to prove it , a misunderatnsing on transubstantiationi iswhy romans thought Christian’s were cannibals! “ eating the flesh”
There are clear references to appointment of successors and that the office of “keys “ was a succession office.
Moses seat out lasted Moses In the OT
So why do you think your opinion of scripture trumps what the disciples taught.
believe what you will.
Im justifying what we believe, not asking you to join.
Why don’t you accept the gospel of James? There’s no proof it wasnt written by apostle James.
Why don’t you accept the first canon of scripture, which was outlawed by the church!! If you don’t accept the church authority.
Why don’t you accept maccabees? It was in the Septuagint Jesus quoted.
Do you get to decide your own canon Like Luther did?
Most protestant positions including non denom fall apart on cscrutiny of history. And authority to decide,
But even you were not totally held together once differences began.
There are numerous Orthodox churches, primarily divided into two main groups: Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. The Eastern Orthodox Church consists of 14 autocephalous churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, among others, while the Oriental Orthodox Churches include groups like the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Armenian Orthodox Church.
So "THE Church" had those who fell away.
There never will be agreement. It is all in the perception of what one reads .
If I ask you how you get to four.... you might say 1 +3 = 4 when I will be dogmatic that it is 2 +2 =4 and yet another might say we are both wrong... the correct answer is 10- 6 = 4.
Scripture is the only. ONLY, "WORD" that all should follow. But when even Nicodemus could not understand what Jesus was explaining how many others read an are clueless. You might say that is why you need a Pries or I might need a Minister to interpret.
That in good advice until the next Priest teaches slightly different in a sermon or Mass. Same with a Minister.
I will say this though...
I attended a (possible) healing service by a priest a couple of years ago. Saw people slain in the spirit and the entire works. (including my friend)
I also attended the year previously a healing service...by Billy Burke (Katheryn Kuhlman protégé) (have been to 2 of his) and ironically they were fairly spot on with the priests... People slain in the spirit...
I will finish with my thoughts on James. James is too works oriented for my understanding.
I hang my hat on Eph 2:8-9
Catholic Public Domain Version
8. For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not of yourselves, for it is a gift of God.
Catholic Public Domain Version
9. And this is not of works, so that no one may glory.
